(Photo : Nathan Fertig via Unsplash)

As a homeowner, you need to carefully maintain your home to keep it in the best condition. A house comes with many responsibilities, but not all tasks require calling a handyperson. You can facilitate some maintenance tasks on your own and save a bit of cash. Here are a few basic repair and upkeep skills every homeowner needs to be a better home keeper. These skills come in handy during home improvement projects, upgrading, or simply keeping everything in top condition.

Caring for your hardwood floor

Today, many homes feature hardwood floors. A hardwood floor has a unique aesthetic appeal and is durable as long as you keep it in good condition. When cleaning your hardwood floor, always use cleaning products designed for hardwood and avoid other harsh cleaning agents. Avoid using too much water or cleaning solution on the floor as moisture is the number one enemy for wood. Vacuum regularly with a quality machine to avoid scratching the surface and use a moist cloth to clean up spills.

Making simple wood fixes

Hanging wood shelves, building wood boxes, a wooden tray, or a wooden seat are a few DIY skills a homeowner can use to upgrade their home.Simple woodworking projects are easy to do if you have the right tools, including a drill or hammer, screws, nails or glue, and the wood, of course. Many homeowners prefer using wood glue when joining wood pieces togetherbecause it's quick and easy to use. Additionally, you can find many step-by-step woodworking guides online.

Unclogging the sink

Every homeowner has experienced a clogged sink at some point in life. But what do you do when your sink clogs in the middle of the night, and you can't seem to find a plumber? Thankfully you can use chemical drain cleaners, but you should be careful as some chemicals can corrode parts of your sink. A simple alternative is to pour hot water in the sink or always keep a plunger on hand to push the water down the sink. Another quick fix is to unscrew the pipe under the sink but ensure you place a bucket beneath it then make sure to screw it back tightly again after clearing the blockage.

Replacing a faucet

Replacing a faucet may seem like a tough job, but it is not. The only thing that needs special attention is making sure that the new fixture fits the holes in the sink. Ensure you shut off the water beforehand, then use the manufacturer's guide to replace the faucet. Also, taking a picture before working underneath the sink can help you know how to put everything back together.

Filling gaps with a caulk gun

Weatherproofing your exteriors or filling interior gaps using a caulk gun is pretty straightforward. The most important thing is to pull back the plunger, insert the plastic tube and cut the plastic applicator ata 45degrees angle to slow the caulk flow. Applying a lighter touch on the trigger also helps control the sealant much better.

Pressure washing

Knowing how to pressure wash your exteriors helps remove all the grime stuck on the paint. Thorough cleaning using a pressure washer can remove years' worth of debris. The most important thing is to avoid stripping paint or damaging siding. To achieve that, avoid pointing the hose at 90degrees, take your time, and your walls will be sparkless in no time.

Creating a raised gardening bed

A kitchen garden is ideal for growing organic vegetables, herbs, and even fruits andcan save many trips to the grocery store. However, many homeowners fail to start a garden because of poor topsoil. You can create a raised garden using a treated wooden frame and by digging a trench a few inches deep to accommodate it. Fill your raised bed with compost and manure to create the ultimate soil type for your vegetables and herbs.

Removing grout stains

Grout is a typical stain left on newly tiled floors. To scrub it clean, spray warm water and scrub it with a hard-bristled brush. If the stains seem tough, pour some baking soda and water paste and sprinkle with a mixture of vinegar and water to create a cleansing foam. When the foam dissipates, scrub and rinse your tiles.