Home Maintenance and Repair
Homeownership comes with a substantial degree of responsibility—not only the responsibility of paying for this considerable investment, but that of keeping it in working order. Much like your car, your home will come with its own specific set of needs and peculiarities. The Web sites we recommend in this guide can help you keep your home running properly and teach you how to fix some of the glitches that may turn up from time to time.
Expand All Guide SectionsNecessary Home Repairs and Maintenance
Taking some time to do a little research now about your home’s maintenance needs could save ... read more »
Do-It-Yourself Home Repair
If you’ve got the time and the skills necessary to complete a home repair project yourself, you’ll likely save a little money that otherwise would have been spent on hiring a contractor to do the job. Unless the job you’re doing is a relatively simple one, it might be a good idea to turn to some trustworthy sites on the Web to make sure you fully understand the particulars of performing a home repair project yourself.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you ask for advice on a message board, remember that the responses you’ll find there might not be from an expert. Take any suggestions you receive with the appropriate grain of salt.
- Many Web sites that sell tools and parts for home repair also post instructions for various repair projects.
- Don’t forget to check the Web sites of other well-known hardware stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot for repair parts and tools.
- If the repairs necessary for your home appear that they may be extensive enough to require a remodel, see our findingDulcinea Home Remodeling Web Guide for more assistance.
Dulcinea's Picks
For DIY Web sites …
Ace Hardware
takes a step-by-step approach in teaching you how to perform various DIY projects in your home. From the ceilings to the floors, this site is sure to have several projects to keep you busy. Start with the fundamentals and learn how to select and use nails and screws properly (believe it or not, all nails and screws are not created equal).
For specific maintenance and repair projects …
Minwax
has a how-to section where you can learn the basics of wood finishing, how to create an antique finish on a piece of wood furniture, and even how to perform “wood first aid” on damaged and aged wood surfaces.
The National Ag Safety Database
explains how to dry out and repair flood-damaged ceilings, walls and floors.
The National Association of Home Builders
explains how to care for your carpet to prevent and clean any discolored spots.
For forums and message boards that discuss home repair …
DoItYourself.com
hosts a home improvement message board where moderators with particular expertise answer questions about home improvement projects. Read the message threads to see if your question has already been answered, or register for free and post a question of your own.
HouseRepairTalk.com
is an online community of do-it-yourselfers who want to talk about their home repair projects. To get the full benefit of this site, take advantage of the free registration, which allows you to post messages and eliminates a majority of the ads you’d otherwise have to wade through.
For tools and parts …
Homefixitparts.com
is an online hardware store with an old-time feeling. Search through the clearly labeled “bins” on the left just like shoppers did years ago to find the parts you want; several parts are from the original manufacturer. The site has the added advantage of telling you how much the shipping and handling fees will be before check out—no waiting until you’ve submitted all your credit card information.
RepairClinic.com
is a source for appliance parts and free repair advice on fixing equipment like dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and more. Order from the site’s extensive inventory of repair parts, read about how an appliance works, e-mail a “RepairGuru” with questions, or browse a list of commonly asked questions about your problem appliance (click on an appliance under the “Repair Help” section to find these options.
Hometime.com
is the Web site for the TV show with the same name. The site provides a list of product manufacturers the show has worked with. Select the type of product you’re looking for and then the manufacturer name; you’ll get contact information including a phone number and company Web address.
The HGTV Pro MarketPlace
sells many of the tools and products used on the popular TV station. Search for tools and equipment by category (listed on the left of the page), or see what others are buying in the “Popular Searches” section.
Barbara K
sells home repair tools for women. Designed by a single working mother, this site and the tools sold here are meant to empower even the least-handy women to become self-reliant. Look for some how-to projects, including instructions for performing repairs to the interior and exterior of your home. Barbara K tools are also sold in other stores, catalogs and Web sites.
Hiring a Contractor for Home Repairs
Whether you’re too busy or lack the skills required to complete a home repair yourself, you ... read more »
Cost of Home Improvement/Home Maintenance
The cost of home repairs can be hard to estimate with much precision, but we’ve rounded up ... read more »
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