Owning a home is a big responsibility. Anything that a landlord used to do for you, or to keep the house safe and functioning, falls on you, and there is a lot you need to know. Here are some useful skills that you should learn before you buy your first house.
How to fix your boiler
No one is suggesting you become a qualified plumber, and with something as important as a plumber, as there are many occasions when you have to call in a professional; however, there are some things you should learn to do yourself. For example, how do you restart a boiler? If your pilot light goes out and your water is cold, you used to have to deal with an actual flame, whereas now you are more likely to be working with technology. If you know how to restart your boiler yourself, you won’t have to call an engineer to do it for you.
How to unclog a drain
It’s certainly not glamorous, but everyone should know how to unclog a drain as it is so easy for hair and debris to build up and cause issues. You might want to use a plunger, a specific cleaner designed to unclog drains, or a device marketed for this; however, there might be times when you have to get a little deeper and unscrew a pipe to find out where the blockage is. You can get drain catchers that will reduce the amount you have to unclog your plugholes, which are worth every penny.
How to get rid of unwanted pests
Whether it’s a colony of ants, a wasps nest, or a few field mice, you might find yourself with some unwanted houseguests for a while, and you’ll need to know how to get rid of them. There are a few things to consider – for example, do you want to do it in a humane way? Are the animals causing structural damage or a danger to your family? How big is the infestation? If it comes to it, you could always contact a professional, like exterminators near az, but it is useful to know how to get rid of pests on your own where possible.
How to decorate
There’s a lot more to decorating than slapping paint on the walls, and if you don’t get it right, it can look messy. It’s useful to learn how to keep the lines neat when painting, how to hang wallpaper without causing bubbles (and keeping it straight!), and what different types of tools and provisions you need for different surfaces. A good finish isn’t easy to get, but it makes a big difference!
By knowing how to do a lot of these things, you’ll be able to maintain your home more efficiently and avoid hefty bills from professionals you call in. Of course, there will always be times when you do need to call in an engineer or handyman, but in general, if you can do it yourself, safely and efficiently, it’s a lot better.