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Being a homeowner in California is not easy, with regular upkeep being extremely important in keeping your living space well maintained. The costs of these maintenance activities can quickly add up if you only rely on contractors to handle them for you. Despite how daunting it may be at first, you will end up saving a lot just by doing some of these yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s everything you need to know about DIY home maintenance. 

Most Essential Home Maintenance Tasks 

1. Regular Inspections 

A thorough inspection every now and then will help you catch problems that need to be addressed before they become too costly to handle. You don’t need to be a professional at this, just make sure to follow this checklist: 

• Exterior Maintenance – Regularly inspect your roof, gutters, and exterior walls, trim vegetation, and ensure outdoor lights are functioning.
• Interior Maintenance – Keep air vents clean, test smoke detectors, check for leaks, inspect windows and doors, and ensure electrical outlets and switches are safe.
• HVAC Maintenance – Change air filters, schedule professional maintenance, and keep vents and registers clean.
• Plumbing Maintenance – Look for leaks, inspect the water heater, and flush it to remove sediment.
• Appliance Maintenance – Clean refrigerator coils, dryer vents, and range hood filters to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Safety and Security – Test carbon monoxide detectors, check fire extinguishers, and maintain locks on doors and windows.
• Seasonal Maintenance – Summers in California can be tough, and making sure your house is equipped for them means conducting maintenance before the season starts. 

If you want to gain more expertise for this and pass the test on your first try, you can take a  c20 contractor’s license prep course to learn more about home maintenance and gain the skills to do it independently!

2. Caulking

Caulking is an easy and cost-friendly solution for improving energy efficiency and addressing water damage. Caulks can be used to seal any opening that lets moisture in, and you can cover up air leaks too which helps increase heating and cooling efficiency. 

To improve your caulking skills, you’ll have to understand where to place them (windows, doors, gaps) and identify which caulk type is used on which surface. Moreover, using the right techniques, such as cleaning the surface before application and placing them in continuous lines will make your caulks last long. These long lasting seals will result in you saving lots of money in the long run. 

3. Painting and Decorating

Simply painting, decorating, and furnishing can be a rewarding way to refresh your living space. By purchasing your own materials and taking the time to learn and practice these skills, you can achieve professional-looking results for cheaper. 

Start by prepping your walls by cleaning and patching any holes or cracks with plaster. Sand the patched areas to ensure a smooth finish before applying the paint. Once that is done, just apply some primer to finish the look. There are many online tutorials you can follow to brush up your skills and become an expert in no time!

4. Clear Out Gutters

Regularly cleaning your gutters prevents clogs that can lead to water overflow. Luckily, it’s a straightforward job that almost anyone can do with just a sturdy ladder, a good pair of gloves, and a garden hose. Start by positioning the ladder safely against your house, ensuring it’s stable on flat ground. 

Climb the ladder carefully and scoop out any debris buildup using a small trowel or your hands. Then, use the garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt and small particles, making sure the water flows freely through the downspouts. If you notice any blockages, you might need to gently dislodge them with a plumber’s snake or similar tool.

5.  Keep a Close Eye on Your HVAC 

Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial for energy efficiency and saving money. A mix of DIY care and professional HVAC inspections can make upkeep both easy and cost-effective. Simple tasks like changing air filters and cleaning vents, along with regular inspections, help catch problems early. 

Meanwhile, professional tune-ups can extend the life of your system and prevent expensive repairs. Keeping up with these maintenance steps ensures your HVAC runs smoothly, keeps your home comfortable, and lowers your energy bills. 

Conclusion

By applying these simple DIY tips, you can lower your bills, prolong the life of your home, and boost its value. Embrace these strategies to create a more efficient and budget-friendly living environment.