Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Po' Folks Home Improvement - 5 Easy (And Cheap) Projects...


With the housing market and overall economy continuing to tank, more and more folks are looking to simply upgrade and repair the home they have as opposed to going off the deep end and buying a new one.  Surprisingly, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to keep your home in tiptop shape.  The secret to homeowner success is simple: find and repair small problems before they grow into larger ones.

Smaller repairs are by their very nature much less expensive.  Cost grows in direct proportion to the size of the problem.  Here are five simple home fixes that can be performed by most homeowners, usually for under thirty bucks.  They may also save you thousands of dollars in the future.
1)    
            Don’t Let It Bug You – Damage from termites or carpenter ants can have serious repercussions on your property.  These little critters make themselves known by “mud tubes” (remember breaking those open as kids to see what came out?) or damage to the wood in your home.  You should always move wood piles or any other debris away from your home to make it less of an attraction for these pesky little visitors.

2)      It’s Raining, It’s Pouring – Water damage in your home is most common in your bathroom, with the kitchen running a close second.  Damaged or cracked grout is one surefire way to allow water to get beneath your tiles and flooring, not only loosening them, but also providing an excellent breeding ground for mold.  Simply regrouting your shower or floor can go a long way towards preventing water damage issues.

3)      Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter – clean and unobstructed gutters are essential for the proper channeling of rain water down, out, and away from your home.  If downspouts are aimed the wrong direction, it only takes a couple of inexpensive attachments to correct the problem.  Trimming the vegetation around your home and keeping gutters properly cleaned are excellent methods of minimizing the risk of future costly repairs.

4)      Cover Me – Your roof is the first line of defense against rain or snow getting into your house. You should always check for loose or missing shingles, and more importantly, flashing.  When flashing deteriorates, it allows intrusion by water.  You should replace any damaged or worn out flashing and apply sealant to protect from damage.

5)      All Hands On Deck – Much like your roof, your deck is a prime target for the elements, and must withstand a rather merciless beating from sun and rain and snow all year round.  If not properly sealed, the wood can begin to break down in no time.  You can purchase an inexpensive sealant that when applied, will provide more than adequate protection for the wood construction of your decking.

Water Damage Local.com exists for the sole purpose of handling water and flood damage and its aftermath.  Our nationwide network of providers is available 24/7, and ready to handle all of your water damage problems, no matter how large.  From water removal and drying, to carpet cleaning and mold remediation, let the pros at Water Damage Local.com take care of your home or business.

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