Your home can be your greatest joy, or a source of work and worry, depending on whether you look after it or let it go until every job becomes a major operation. Whichever it turns out to be, it is probably the largest single investment you will ever make so on that ground alone, home improvement is worth same careful thought.

But where to begin? In our home repair and maintenance web side you may find the answer and you will find a round up of valuable information covering many, many aspects of maintaining repairing and improving your home by do it yourself.

From unblocking a drain, to planting a lawn, understanding your vacuum cleaner and what nail to use for what repair job - you will find all here in simple, direct easy to follow form.

There is also a guide to what NOT to do yourself. Let's face it, some job are not only unwise for the handyman to tackle, many are also illegal. For example, you cannot legally do electrical, plumbing or gas fitting tasks unless you have recognized professional qualification. Far from being a restriction, these rules are designed to keep you from possibly blowing yourself up, and taking your neighbors along for the ride.

Same subject, such as bricklaying, are just too comprehensive to include in anything but the most basic details. In such improvement, we suggest you start with the information given here then follow up with more specialized books on the subject that interest you. Most are available on your local library shelf or at your local bookstore.

The best way to stay on top of home maintenance is to work to a calendar and have jobs you do each season. They can be as obvious as checking the heating system before winter or simple a matter of convenience, like scheduling indoor tasks for cold weather when you can’t work outdoors. Here is the run down of some regular improvement jobs and the best season to do them. Add your own special chores to the list and tack it up on the workshop wall as a quick easy remainder.

Spring

• Check brickwork and masonry around the house. Repair any cracks and holes.
• Check roof for winter damage. Check gutters and repair any rust or leaks you find.
• Check insect screens and prepare any holes.
• Carry out any necessary outside painting before it gets too hot.
• Maintain trees and shrubs. Replant any bare loan areas.
• Service lawnmower and garden tools.

Summer

• Do interior painting while you can leave doors and windows wide open.
• Check garden for insect pests and eradicate as necessary.
• Maintain garden sprinkler system.
• Step up swimming pool care. Chemical is vital during hot weather when pool is in constant use.

Autumn

• Prepare for winter ahead!
• Check for heating system. Stock up on spare filters if you need them.
• Lubricate necessary heater components (remember to turn of power supply first).
• Check for loose tiles and check flashing for leaks.
• Clean gutter and down piping of leaves and debris.
• Check caulking around windows etc.
• Clean and store away garden tools, outdoor furniture. Prepare pool for winter. .

Winter

• Prepare any cracks or holes in internal walls.
• Do inside jobs such as wall paneling or tiling a ceiling.
• Maintain heating system - keep filters clean and system lubricated as instructed by the manufacturer.
• Check for condensation problems. Improve ventilation if necessary.
• Repair broken tools and appliances while you are confined indoors.
• Check swimming pool for algae etc. and keep up chemical maintenance on a winter schedule.
  
  
  
  
  

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