Whether you find yourself single, divorced, partnered with someone uninterested in home upkeep, or a recent homeowner in Chico, being resourceful and budget-conscious is key. While you may not aspire to be a home maintenance expert, having the knowledge to handle common tasks can lead to substantial savings over time.
Embrace the opportunity to learn, as the Experts are here to guide you. Begin by mastering what we’ve dubbed “the essential twelve” list of home maintenance skills every proactive woman should know, along with the reasons why each skill matters:
- Familiarize Yourself with Gas Shut-Off Understanding how to shut off the gas supply quickly can be crucial in emergencies such as natural disasters or gas leaks.
- Identify and Understand Your Electrical Panel A properly labeled electrical panel helps in swiftly locating and managing electrical circuits. Seek professional help if the panel is poorly labeled or shows signs of disrepair.
- Know How to Reset Circuit Breakers Being able to reset tripped breakers is essential to quickly restore electrical power during outages or overloaded circuits.
- Learn to Shut Off the Main Water Supply Knowing how to stop the water flow at the main valve can prevent extensive water damage in case of burst pipes.
- Master Toilet Leak Detection and Repair Detecting and fixing toilet leaks promptly can prevent significant water wastage and potential damage.
- Inspect and Replace Air Filters Regularly checking and replacing air filters ensures optimal performance of HVAC systems and helps maintain energy efficiency.
- Adjust Water Heater Temperature Setting the water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit balances comfort, safety, and energy savings.
- Apply Caulk and Weather Stripping Proper sealing of doors and windows with caulk and weather stripping prevents air leaks and reduces energy costs.
- Perform Basic Maintenance on Kitchen and Laundry Appliances Understanding the maintenance needs of appliances ensures their longevity and efficient operation.
- Use a Stud Finder Identifying studs in walls using a stud finder facilitates secure mounting of heavy items like pictures, mirrors, and shelves.
- Properly Hang Pictures, Mirrors, and Shelves Once studs are located, using appropriate tools ensures secure and level installation of wall fixtures.
- Conduct Painting Touch-Ups Keeping paint cans labeled and readily available simplifies touch-up tasks and allows for easy correction of mistakes.
Mistakes are inevitable in the learning process of home maintenance. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Should you encounter challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Experts – your reliable partners in home upkeep.