Housing...Inside and Out

January 16, 1998
Home Repair and Maintenance - You Can Do It!

Your home is probably the single largest investment you have ever made. To provide a healthy, safe environment, and to protect your investment, you should pay attention to home maintenance and repair. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done.

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that more than 3,000 components are used in constructing a house. To many, maintaining these home systems and components is bewildering and bothersome. Yet, systematic attention to the condition of your property and early correction of defects can save both time and money, not to mention aggravation. Furthermore, a national study reported that more than half - 53 percent - of home repair projects could be done by most do-it-yourselfers.

If you need more encouragement, consider the following:

  • Maintenance and home repairs help ensure the integrity of the structure and utility systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, water and gas). 
  • Repair and maintenance update the home's structure to current standards. 
  • Repair and maintenance maintain or increase the operational efficiency of systems, such as heating. 
  • Repair and maintenance maintain the visual appeal of the property.
  • Repair and maintenance decrease the need for costly major rehabilitation or new home construction. 
  • Repair and maintenance decrease hazard potential due to:
    1. outdated utility systems
    2. moisture and rot
    3. structural deterioration
    4. poor or inadequate construction.

Interesting sites to contact include Hometime - How To Information on Home Improvement, Construction, Remodeling and Repair and Home Improvement How-To's


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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