Buying a new home is exciting, albeit sometimes terrifying, adventure. There are so many things that need to be done, paperwork to be signed, and decisions to be made that by the time you’re all moved in. It’s easy to see how any new homeowner would be overwhelmed. Take the weekend off to relax with these three easy DIY‘s that double as a jumping-off point for future projects.
Clean your ducts and vents
Your HVAC system uses the ductwork to heat and cool the entire house, so cleaning out the ducts before you move in is a perfect idea if your house has been on the market for a while or is an older home. A shop vac or a regular vacuum with a very long hose attachment can be used to reach deep into the ductwork. You can also buy special tools at a home improvement store that attaches to a power drill and spin to clean every inch of your ducts and vents.
Clear Out Those Gutters
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your home. They funnel water away from your foundation, basement, or crawl space through means of tiny channels that pour into a specified place. Give your gutters a helping hand by clearing them of dead leaves and twigs so that rainwater moves through them quickly. You can do this by hand or with the help of a hose sprayer attachment.
Look for Ways to Save Money
This one is great for those weekends when you’re too tired to do any actual labor. Make a point of walking through your new home and look for small changes you can make to save money in the long run.
- Swapping out old lightbulbs for energy-efficient ones like CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps)
- Redoing the caulk in your bathroom to avoid water damage that could lead to mold
- Checking the seals around your doors and windows are all extremely easy ways to save money in the long run.
There are lots of other easy DIY projects a new homeowner can do in their spare time. These three are easy, but as they’re done, you’ll likely notice other projects around your home you can tackle. For more ideas, check out the rest of Billy Thuering’s blog posts.