Most of us want a home we feel proud of. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this season and make it a safe sanctuary – even if you’re a total do-it-yourself beginner.

1. Reseal windows, doors and foundation

A tight building envelope, without unnecessary air gaps, not only boosts the energy efficiency of your home and helps you save on utility bills, it can also help prevent water damage to your home in the event of a flood. You can purchase a caulking tool from a hardware store and get to work.

2.Test your safety equipment

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help save lives. But they can only do that if they’re in proper working order. It’s recommended that you check, test and clean them regularly. You should also replace the backup batteries a couple of times a year. You should also have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of a fire. Make sure that it’s easily accessible and that everyone in your household knows where it is located. Periodically check the pressure dial to make sure the unit is charged and inspect for any damage.

3. Prune and plan your landscaping

Outdoor spaces offer plenty of DIY opportunities, and they don’t all have to be complicated. Simply maintaining healthy plant cover and trimming trees and bushes neatly away from your home can really improve your curb appeal. This work also helps prevent damage to your home from flying branches in wind or ice storms and may help slow the path of a fire.

4. Replace your filters

Your heating and cooling system requires clean filters roughly every six to 12 months – maybe more often depending on the type of filter and other factors like pet hair and dander. Check other appliances like your clothes dryer and range hood for filters too. This simple home improvement benefits your indoor air quality and may help prevent accidental fires. Relacing a filter requires no special skills or YouTube tutorials, simply a trip to the hardware store for a fresh one. Or, if the filter is reusable, give it a good vacuum, wash and dry.

5.Learn plumbing 101

While plumbing emergencies should always be left to a professional, a simple leak in your faucet or toilet is often appropriate for a home improvement beginner. There are lots of tutorials online to walk you through the process. It’s also a good idea to replace an aging sump pump if you have one, and to add backflow valves to basement drains and toilets.
Find more ways to improve your home and prevent emergencies at getprepared.ca.

credit – newscanada.com