15 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do
Don’t wait until disaster strikes, learn the 15 things every homeowner needs to know, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.
Know How to Clean Appliances
Brand new appliances in your brand new home? Lucky you! Keep them in tip top shape with regular cleaning (yes, dishwashers and washers need washing too!). Running your dishwasher and washer with vinegar is a great natural option.
Clear Gutters Safely
Determined to clear gutters yourself? Ensure you do it safely with a spotter below. Installing gutter screens can also hugely reduce the amount of leaves and debris that build up. Click through for an easy how-to DIY video on installing gutter screens.
Dealing with Leftover Paint
Whether you’re storing paint for future touch ups or disposing of cans, make sure you handle leftover paint properly. This will ensure you do it a) the right way for future use or b) the safe way.
Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher
What good is that fire extinguisher hanging out in your kitchen cupboard if you don’t know how to use it? Be prepared for emergencies (knock on wood) by reading the instructions carefully and visiting Fire Prevention Canada for more information.
Know How to Change a Light Bulb
How many homeowners does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, if they know how to do it the right way. Basically, the most important thing to keep in mind is: turn off the power before you do ANYTHING.
How to Survive Extreme Winter
Anyone who survived the polar vortex knows that freezing pipes are no joke. When power is lost and the heat starts to drop, keep your faucets dripping slightly to avoid pressure and burst pipes. If temperatures drop drastically, turn off your main valve, and let the water drain completely from pipes, toilet tanks and furnaces.
Learn How to Find a Wall Stud
Hanging pictures, mirrors and shelves seems simple enough, but it’s important to know what materials you’re working with, and what tools you’ll need to do the job without ripping out your entire wall. Click through for Bryan Baeumler’s step-by-steps.
How to Paint a Room
You’d be surprised at the number of times these common painting mistakes are made. Read through our tips on how to avoid them, and you’ll have a professional-looking paint job, totally within budget.
Unclog Toilets and Sinks
Welcome to the ugly side of home ownership. Be prepared with a plunger in hand. Trust us, you won’t want to run out for one when disaster strikes.
Silence Squeaky Doors
Don’t let minor annoyances build up around your house. Address the little issues, like squeaky doors, to avoid complete disarray. Grab the WD-40, or even cooking spray in a pinch!
How to Remove a Door
When a toddler locks themselves in a room, you’ll quickly realize the importance of this skill. Use a flat head screw to wedge under the head of the door hinge pin. Gently wedge and lift the pin up. Continue with the remaining hinge pins and remove the door from the frame.
How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb
First and foremost, turn off the power. Using safety gloves, use pliers to firmly grasp the metal base of the light bulb (sitting inside the lamp socket) and gently twist counter clockwise. Sweep and vacuum any broken glass and voilà!
How to Survive a Gas Leak
Gas leaks are serious and every homeowner should be prepared for a worst case scenario. If you smell gas and you think there’s a leak, don’t: smoke or strike a match, turn on a light, use a phone or any sort of electrical appliance. Do: alert those around you, turn off the main gas valve if possible, leave the door open (as you leave) and hightail it to a neighbour’s house to call 911 and your gas company to alert them.
Change Your Furnace Filter
There are so many big things to do around the house, it’s tricky to remember all the little things too. From clearing your dryer lint, to changing your furnace filters, these little things may seem minor, but left forgotten and they’ll have disastrous effects.
Treating Carpet Stains
Spills happen, it’s how you react to them that demonstrates the kind of homeowner you are. Be prepared with brushes and stain removers (we love vinegar and baking soda as on-hand ingredients).
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