How to Keep Up with Home Repairs with a Busy Schedule

Taking care of your home on a regular basis is challenging enough. But when home repairs are needed, and you are constantly busy, you may need to think about some alternative ways of getting things fixed. The following tips may help.

Set Aside Time for Minor Repairs

If you have some basic handyman skills, you may be able to find time for simple repairs. Fixing a drippy faucet or installing a garbage disposal might not take much time or effort, especially if you have had some previous training or experience. Of course, you’ll need the proper tools and parts, but if you can get everything needed, you could schedule one day a month as your catchup day for home repairs, leaving you plenty of time to do other things during the rest of the month.

However, if you are unfamiliar with the steps to correct a minor problem, you could spend considerable time trying to figure out how to do it. Assess each problem before tackling it.

Farm Out the Big Jobs

If you know right away something major needs fixed, or if you have tried working on what you expected to be a minor issue, and it turned out to be much more difficult, hire professionals to do the work. Instead of trying to repair or install a furnace or whole-house air conditioner yourself, for example, let expert HVAC technicians handle the task. They can save you time and probably reduce your frustration.

Trade Services with Your Neighbors

If you are good with plumbing while your neighbor is a licensed electrician, trade services when needed. Both of you will probably charge a lower rate than you would for an unknown customer. Helping each other is a great way to control costs and help each other out, building trust and camaraderie.

Schedule Routine Home Inspections

Unless your home’s utility systems are fairly new, it is a good idea to have the equipment checked on a regular basis. This may be every year or two or as recommended by the utility industry. Keeping your HVAC services, plumbing, and electrical systems in good working order will help to prevent problems that require costly repairs. If a service technician finds a problem during the evaluation, it can probably be taken care of on the spot to save time and money.

Keeping your home in good working order can be challenging, especially if you lead a busy life. Consider options like these to get the necessary repairs done without driving yourself crazy or broke.

By Lizzie Weakley