Home Renovation: Should You Remodel or Move Out?

The question of whether you should move or do a home improvement is not always an easy one to answer. There will always be times when it’s better to renovate and improve an existing home, but there are certainly occasions when it’s best to think about selling and buying something else.

Before you make a final decision one way or the other, here are some things you should consider:

Image via: HGTV

Do You Have Room to Expand?

If your family has outgrown your house and your renovation plans revolve around adding more living space, consider carefully whether you have the available room to expand.

Some homes don’t have sufficient space in the yard to build on new rooms. Others may not be in council areas that allow an extra story to be added, especially if your home is already story.

If you don’t have the room to add extra living space, it may be time to consider selling the old home and hunting for something that suits your growing family a bit better.

Can You Re-Purpose Rooms?

Do you have rooms in your home that rarely get used? Many homes have formal dining rooms that do little more than gather dust. Others have ample attic space that doubles as convenient storage space.

If you’re thinking of selling your home and moving to something a little bigger, see if you can re-purpose any of your existing rooms first. You might turn a formal dining room into a home office. You could convert a cluttered attic space into a teenage retreat.

Wrong House, Right Neighborhood

Many people find themselves living in a house that no longer suits their needs, but they’re reluctant to move because they love the neighborhood. Of course, some people may want to remain in the same area, but can’t afford to buy a something else in that location due to increasing house prices. There are also the associated costs of selling the existing house and buying a new home to consider that eat into your available equity.

If moving to a different area isn’t an option, then it makes sense to plan renovations that allow you to upgrade your home to suit your needs.

Improving Value or Capitalizing

A good renovation can improve the value of some properties by more money than it cost to complete the project.

Of course, there are also plenty of horror stories out there of people spending tens of thousands of pounds on renovating and remodeling, only to learn that the house value hasn’t changed at all. This is known as capitalizing, or spending more money on a house than it is potentially worth.

If you’re unsure about whether your property’s value will increase after finishing your major renovations, speak to a real estate agent who is familiar with your area. Discuss your intended project and research what similar properties are selling for in the immediate area. You can learn more at Austin & Wyatt.

Image via: Home Bunch

Are You Investing in Your Home or Throwing Good Money After Bad?

Many people recognize the benefit of investing in the family home. Spending money on necessary repairs and maintenance is a long-term investment in ensuring the house is well-looked after. Likewise, spending money on upgrades can also be a good investment.

However, when you’re constantly spending money just to keep up with basic maintenance problems, it may be time to move. Imagine spending thousands of pounds on basic repairs that won’t change the size or function of the home in the end.

If your home requires significant repairs just to keep it in a livable condition and you don’t have the available time or money to keep up with it, it may be time to consider selling. After all, there are people out there with plenty of enthusiasm and motivation who would love the opportunity to purchase a home that needs renovating.

The decision of whether to move or improve is a personal one. Only you can decide whether it’s time to sell your family home and move onto something else, or whether it’s worth staying on in your existing house and working through renovations and repairs over time.

Take the time to work through the real costs of moving versus staying and renovating. Work out exactly how much you can afford to spend and check that you qualify for the finance you need. When you’ve considered all your options, you’ll be in a better position to make an informed decision.

Oliver Corrigan has turned his DIY enthusiasm and prowess into an investment strategy and enjoys sharing his thoughts with others who are considering what to do with their property to improve or move. He writes regularly for a number of property and consumer websites.

For more home remodeling tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When it comes to tackling home improvement, there are plenty of projects that are ideal for homeowners to take on themselves. Some people may dislike having strangers in their home along with the expense it requires to hire contractors. However, there are some types of projects that do demand a professional touch. The following are home improvement projects that are not typically in the realm of the do-it-yourselfer. Unless you have particular skill, you’d best leave these projects to the contractors.

How to Choose the Best Home Projects for the Pros

Electrical Projects

Electrical work is something that is best left to certified electricians. Even though you might feel up to the challenge of swapping light fixtures, it’s a job for professionals. Of course, you should definitely call in the pros to handle any projects that require rewiring. When you want to add new electrical outlets or install a new ceiling fan, be sure to get in touch with your general contractor or a trained electrician. If you need electric work done before listing your home on the market, you can contact Geering and Colyer who can recommend professionals for the job.

Plumbing in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Water damage in your bathroom or kitchen can be insidious, so don’t attempt to tackle a plumbing job unless you happen to be a skilled plumber. Although unclogging a drain may be a DIY project, replacing pipes or fixing leaks is something you should call your plumber about. Additionally, if you are adding a new bathroom or renovating your kitchen, make sure you have a plumber who can oversee any of the plumbing tasks.

[ad#co-1]

Image via: ArkPad

Tree Removal

Although you might think that there’s nothing to chopping down a tree, you should absolutely hire a professional tree-trimming service to handle any large tree removal on your property. Even trimming should be done by the pros. If you were to suffer a mishap that allowed the tree to fall on your house or a neighbor’s home, you could be liable for damages. Be sure never to attempt this DIY project, even though you might be sorely tempted to.

Home Additions

If you need more space and want to add a new addition to your home, it’s best to contact a general contractor who can gather a team of specialists to handle the job. Tackling this as a DIY project could turn into a disaster. Think of a home addition as an investment in your home. It’s bound to add value to your property, but only if it’s achieved properly. While you may be able to add some elements yourself like panelling or even flooring, but leave the structural work to the pros for the sake of your investment and the safety of your home.

New Roof

Roofing is considered a major project, a capital project. You’ll likely have to obtain a permit when you decide to have your roof replaced. While you might feel compelled to install a roof yourself, it’s essential to hire certified roofers who are licensed to perform this work. In fact, your homeowner’s insurance isn’t likely to cover a roof that has not been installed by a certified professional.

Image via: KB Home

Installing Siding

If siding is not installed properly to your home, it can lead to damage. Moreover, the siding itself can be more easily damaged by storms or merely the seasonal changes of weather. When your home is properly sided, you’ll enjoy greater curb appeal. A poor siding job can actually detract from the value of your home.

Removing Walls

Within the walls of your home there could be pipes or wiring. Removing them could cause damage to these other aspects of your home. Moreover, if you mistakenly try to knock down a load-bearing wall, you could severely compromise the safety of your house. Contractors are highly skilled in this area and can have your home remodeled safely and efficiently.

Image via: Toll Brothers

Pool Repairs

Pools, both in-ground and above-ground models, require specialized care. You can do ten times more damage trying to repair a pool with minimum damage. When your pool needs to be repaired for whatever reason, you should call your pool service for help. Your service technician can recommend the type of repair your pool needs and then achieve the fix.

Even if you enjoy doing projects yourself, you should definitely contact professionals for the jobs listed here. For the sake of safety, be sure to contact trained contractors and professionals to handle these jobs. In the end, you’ll be glad for their skill and efficient know how.

Nicole Preston is a private property investor and has worked on a number of renovations. She likes to share her tips and ideas on what repair jobs to outsource and other relevant topics. She is a regular online contributor for a number of DIY and home websites.

For more remodeling tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Home Remodeling: Should You Hire a Professional or DIY?

Safety 

Above everything else, safety has to rule in any renovation or repair project. If there is any chance that you could compromise your own or someone else’s physical well-being along the way, give the pros a call. Remember, even if you have the right skill set for the work, you might not have the tools or manpower necessary to approach a given task safely. Additionally, your region might require specific licenses or certifications for some types of home improvement projects based on safety considerations.

Image via: Home Bunch

[ad#co-1]

Are You Physically Able to DIY?

Related to the concept of staying safe during a renovation or repair project is your physical status. Even if you’ve written the book on electrical design or spent most of your life installing cabinets and tiles, your health might stop you from pursuing your project alone. For example, you might need to get help if you have a heart condition and know the project requires a lot of heavy lifting. In the same way, medications or other treatments might limit your alertness or strength to the point where you can’t guarantee your ability to complete required tasks. Think about the health of others in your home here, too. You might not be able to work if you are busy caring for someone else.

Expense and Time

When you hire a professional to renovate or repair your home, hours of manual construction can add up quickly, especially if your project requires working with a crew of experts instead of just one. Doing the work yourself cuts costs, leaving you responsible for only supplies. For some individuals, this fact is the difference between scraping the project and turning it into beautiful, physical reality. On the other hand, if your schedule is filled to the brim already, or if you have a reason to finish within an unusually short timeframe, then it can be worth it to wrap up quickly with hired pros, particularly when you’re working on rooms that get lots of use, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Some individuals also are willing to pay more to try the work. They know they’ll likely have to spend a little extra to fix some mistakes along the way, but they want to gain experience for future projects.

Do you Have the Right Equipment?

Some renovations and repairs require pretty basic equipment, such as hammers, sandpaper, buckets or various pre-manufactured hardware. Others, however, take tools most people don’t have sitting around in their shed, basement or garage. For example, if you’re working on the foundation of your house or putting in piping, you might need a backhoe. Depending on your needs, you might or might not be able to rent the equipment for your project.

Image via: DIY and Mag

Security

If you’re in a small neighborhood or happen to have some connections to the construction world, you might get lucky and find a team of professionals you know and trust both in and out of business. More likely, however, hiring people to do a repair or renovation project in your home means allowing strangers onto your property. If you don’t feel comfortable exposing yourself, your friends or your possessions to people you’re not familiar with, tackling the job on your own might make more sense. Consider, too, that elements within your home, such as your security system, might make the project more complicated, as you might have to be home to grant the workers access at the proper times. All good estate agents should be able to give some basic advice on how to maintain security during the job–navigate here for related information on proper insurance coverage.

Insight

Modern renovation and repair professionals sometimes can be the best bet not only because they have more experience, but because they also stay on top of innovations happening within the building industry. They are aware, for instance, of better materials or products just coming onto the market, and they stay on top of design and regulation changes. Their insights into these areas can save you money, keep you safer and ensure that the project fits both immediate and future needs/preferences.

You have really only two choices for renovation or repair of your home–do the work yourself or hire someone. Both options can work equally well, so make the decision that’s best given your unique circumstances and budget.

For more home remodeling tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Oliver Corrigan is one of those homeowners who seems to be able to turn his hand to most DIY tasks with ease, but he understands others need more help and support, which is why he shares his tips and suggestions with an online audience. He regularly writes for a number of DIY and property websites.

5 Designers Share How to Avoid a Dream Kitchen Renovation Nightmare

Image via: Cheryl Kees Clendenon – Interior Designer, In Detail Interiors

Ensure You Aren’t Remodeling For Only Today’s Trends

“When planning a new kitchen renovation, take a good look at your family’s current lifestyle needs, rethink old habits and design the kitchen with an eye to the future.” – Susan Serra – President, Susan Serra Associates, Inc.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to only follow current trends. Unless you can afford to remodel your kitchen every year or two, steer clear of designer trends that are unconventional. Trends are always changing, and what may be popular today will not be popular tomorrow. Renovate your kitchen to suit your habits and lifestyle and you’ll never regret your decision. Often times bright colors, new materials that haven’t been tested expansively, and new technologies need a chance to have stayed the test of time in kitchens. Consider hiring a Kitchen Designer who can help you weed out today’s trends but still stay modern and classic.

Image via: Susan Serra, President, Susan Serra Associates, Inc

Prioritize Functionality in your Kitchen Remodel

In the past kitchens were considered just for their functionality. Today, they are multifunctional rooms where homeowners prepare food, entertain, the kids hang out and of course eat. Kitchens are the focal points in homes and a large part of modern households. When refurbishing your kitchen, give priority to function. The layout you choose should be determined by the way your family uses your kitchen on a daily basis. Keep in mind that you won’t renovate your kitchen again for many years to come so it is important to make it functional. Interior Designer Linda Merrill from Linda Merrill says it best, “Kitchens can be beautiful spaces, but never forget that they are workspaces first and foremost.”

Thoroughly Plan in Advance

Interior Design Consultant, Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors says, “A kitchen renovation can require more thoughtful decisions than any other room in the house, planning is key!” A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking. Before you start the project, strategize. Note down what you want it to accomplish for you and your family and guests. You can write a detailed list specifying your goals for renovating and create an idea folder that you collect kitchens, products, and architectural details you find appealing.

Image via: Michelle Cortizo – Cortizo Interiors and BLANCO.

Invest in the Best Sink

According to Interior Designer, Cheryl Kees Clendenon from In Detail Interiors, you should “Buy the best sink you can afford because you are not replacing it without replacing the countertops too!” Her words hit home because the sink is one of the most overlooked kitchen fixtures. When most homeowners refurbish their kitchens, they replace their cabinetry and countertops but forget to replace the sinks. While the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, the sink is its centerpiece. It handles most of the daily chores as it is the only workspace used to prepare meals and to clean up. Consider what type of sink will grow with your family and will help make prepping and cleaning easier than your current sink.

Image via: Cheryl Kees Clendenon, In Detail Interiors

Don’t Just Replicate your Kitchen from a Magazine

Many people find it easier to copy other kitchen designs when renovating their kitchens. But interior designer Jamie Gold, Kitchen & Bath Designer from JGKitchens, warns against it. Jamie says, “Before you renovate your kitchen, know that the latest fad you loved in a movie or magazine may not look right in your home or work well for your household.” The design you want to replicate can be out of your price range or be incompatible with your home’s structure. While interior design websites and magazines are full of ideas, the design you choose should be perfect for your space. Consider hiring a design professional who can look at your specific space and help you choose what fits your needs.

Kitchen renovation mistakes come in all sizes. Some are small and unnoticeable while others are big and visible. But they all have one thing in common: they can be avoided. If you are remodeling your kitchen and want to avoid a renovation nightmare, look to these designers’ tips to help you save money, energy, and time. Your kitchen is the heart of the home – take the time to make it right for you and your wallet.

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Designer Tiles: New Ravenna Presents Shades of Gray

[ad#co-1]

Shades of Gray

The latest designer tiles in the market are Shades of Gray, mosaic tiles designed by Sara Baldwin, the founder of New Ravenna. The beautiful tiles are made from natural stone and showcase different hues of gray (hence the name). Some of the tiles like Chevron, Penny, and Hex have a deep charcoal greystroke while others like Kasbah are comprised of two warm hues like Cashmere and Angora. The darker blue spectrum of gray is seen in Ombre Chevron. Ombre Chevron is made with Zircon, Alabaster jewel glass, and Lavastone. Kelp Forest is another captivating tile. Created from Alabaster jewel glass, its surging design is emphasized by the gray grout which demarcates each blade. Balsato Orvieto is an Italian stone dotted with mini-geodes of quartz. Each of the mosaics is handmade and assembled one piece at a time. They can be installed on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, indoors and outdoors. The glass tiles are ideal for vertical indoor surfaces.

See How Designer Sara Baldwin was Inspired

Sara Baldwin is the founder and creative director of New Ravenna. She was inspired by the color gray because it is one of the most enthralling colors of nature. She says that gray is never a sole color in the objects we use but always fuses with other tones creating elegant vibrancy. Her love for gray and natural elements can be clearly seen in these designs. She blends different features to create lovely color variations. Even the tiles with only two elements have a full spectrum of hues.

New Ravenna is one of the premier tile design and manufacturing companies in the US. The company produces glass, mosaic, and stone tiles for both residential and commercial spaces. It creates handcrafted mosaics shaped into decorative murals, fields, medallions, and borders. Tile is cut and honed, treated, or tumbled to create unique styles, vivid textures and gentle shade variations.

Don’t you just love these designer tiles?

Image via: DIY Homes

[ad#co-1]

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Tile for your Remodel

Glass tile

Most people don’t automatically think of glass when considering tiling, but if done well it can be incredibly beautiful. Glass tiles are most frequently used for kitchen backsplashes, walls, trims, and flourishes. They work well as decorative tiles because they can be stained with any number of vibrant colors that won’t fade over time. Glass tiles are also moisture-proof and extremely easy to clean and maintain, so they’re a great choice for people who want something that looks great and doesn’t need a lot of care. The only real drawbacks are that they are fairly expensive, and you don’t really want to use glass tiles for flooring because they can become a potential danger if they break under excessive weight or traffic.

Images via: Drury Designs

Porcelain tile

These clay-based tiles are more versatile than glass and can be used in for showers, walls, countertops, floors, ceilings, backsplashes, and more. That same versatility also carries over to the pricing, because it’s possible to find porcelain tile that will work within any budget. It’s also easy to clean and you can have an image screen-printed onto it to get the look you want, but there are drawbacks. First off, that image is only a façade, so if the porcelain chips, you’ll be left with the tile’s natural color. This might not be an issue except for the fact that porcelain tile is typically just white or gray. Additionally, it’s not easy to cut porcelain tiles, so you may not want it if you’re looking for rounded edges or specific custom shapes.

Ceramic tile

It can be used for everything that porcelain can be used for – at least indoors. Most people don’t like to use ceramic tile outdoors because it has a high moisture content and doesn’t do well in extreme temperatures. In short, it’s comparatively delicate. However, this very problem is also what makes ceramic tile ideal if you want customized shapes or need tiling in an area that’s shapely oddly. Ceramic tile is also one of the most budget-friendly materials out there and requires very little in the way of cleaning and maintenance, so there are definitely reasons you may want some ceramic in your remodel.

Natural stone

Where is natural stone tiling appropriate? Pretty much anywhere. Besides the areas mentioned above, many people also like to use natural stone for their baseboards, tub decks, and grill areas, as well as other outdoor areas like patios. But though stone tiles may look rugged (and great), they’re only in the middle of the pack when it comes to durability, and you’ll spend a lot more time, money, and effort maintaining them than the other options mentioned so far. They should be sealed because they are porous, and you’ll still need to clean them regularly with a non-acidic cleaner or regular soap and water.

Exotic tile

With a name like “exotic tile,” it’s probably no surprise that the materials falling under this category tend to be the most expensive ones out there. The level of durability and maintenance required vary greatly depending on the actual materials you’re using, and some of them require a lot from you. Why use exotic tiles, then? Because you can pretty much get whatever look you’re going for since the materials used are endless – mirrored glass, sea shells, and animal hide (!) just to name a few.

Want to learn even more about possible tile choices? Check out the actual infographic from Drury Designs.

For more DIY ideas for your bathroom or kitchen on Stagetecture, click here.

With the property market still in the same somewhat dire state that it’s been in for the last few years, many people are struggling to sell their current homes and move elsewhere, and those who do manage to sell their home often end up doing so at a much lower amount than they had initially expected.

One way of adding extra value to your home is to get yourself involved in a home improvement or two. Sadly, many of these projects either cost more than the value they add to your home, or simply don’t add any value at all!

With that in mind, you may begin to feel apprehensive about putting the wheels in motion for a Grand Designs-type renovation, but we are here to help! Here are a few of the best projects to see a return on your investment.

 Image via: Habachy Designs

[ad#co-1]

1 – Do Up the Kitchen

According to recent market surveys, when selling your home you can expect to see a recoup of somewhere between 60% and 120% of the amount of money you spent upgrading your kitchen. This is perhaps because a lot of people think of the kitchen as the heart of the household – they are willing to pay for a good one.

Don’t go overboard and spend a fortune, and don’t make the kitchen significantly fancier than the rest of the house – this dissonance will only put people off your property. Simply upgrade what you already have (preferably with more energy efficient models) and you should be golden.

2 – Add a Bathroom

This may not be suitable for everyone, but if your property only has the one bathroom, you can gain a significant return on your investment by adding a second one – anywhere between 80% and 130%!

If you don’t think you have the space for an extra bathroom, take a look around your home for any underused rooms. Closets or under-stair areas can be good for a simple toilet, whereas a study usually gives enough room for a shower.

Image via: Knight Construction Design

3 – Invest in Decking

Outdoor spaces are becoming ever more popular, so a cheap way of adding extra value to your home is to simply add a deck. This instantly makes the garden more appealing, and is much cheaper than tacking on a conservatory.

You can put it together yourself to save on money, but unless you’re experienced you may find it worthwhile to hire a contractor – it’s not an easy job. Don’t splash out on expensive built-in seating; instead, buy some wicker furniture – it looks nicer and is a lot cheaper.

4 – A Lick of Paint

By far the easiest way of adding value to your home – as well as the method that will bring back the biggest percentage return – doing some basic updates is quick and easy. Give any tired-looking rooms a fresh coat of paint, fix up any small problems like scratched furnishings and leaky taps, and make sure each room gets a lot of light.

These things are just basic maintenance, but you’d be surprised how many people are put off a property by something as simple as a worn out paint job.

Tom Rokins is a freelance blogger working in the UK. This article was written on behalf of WPHomes; click here for more information about affordable housing.

For more ways to add value to your home, click here.

Working a DIY project on weekends is definitely worthwhile. It doesn’t really matter how much efforts you exerted to complete each task. But what matters the most is the joy and fulfillment that it brings after completion. It’s always a different feeling to see something you did than the one you bought.

Any project, big or small, should be something to be proud of. However, DIY projects are not always finished as you desire. There are possibilities of wasted time and money for whatever reason.

Image via: My Luscious Life

[ad#co-1]

To prevent any undesirable output to happen, here are a few questions to consider before doing a weekend DIY project:

Do you have the right tools?

Needless to say, having the right tools for any project is important for safety and efficiency. There’s a great possibility of having trouble in the assembly. This will result into an unstable project or unwanted result. Also, improper tools can lead to accident and damage to parts or materials.

Do you have buffer funds for unforeseen expenses?

A lot of DIY projects don’t have the complete list of materials. More often than not, small items that are available at home are not in the list such as pins, markers, paper for patterns and the like. But not all homes have these readily available. The unexpected increase in the price of the materials especially when the demand is high can also affect your budget.

Image via: Afflante

Do you think the project is safe?

In anything you do, safety should be on top priority. You have to know your limitations and knowledge in doing each task. It will help if you can assess skills in handling the tools and following the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask for an expert to assist and guide you, if you’re not sure about a certain task.

These are just some questions to consider before doing a weekend DIY project. Consider these questions seriously to avoid a setback.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/considering-a-diy-project-answer-these-questions-first/feed/ 0 45856 https://stagetecture.com/how-to-bring-creative-color-into-your-kids-room/ https://stagetecture.com/how-to-bring-creative-color-into-your-kids-room/#respond Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:43:51 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=42748  Entry #2116, February 17, 2013

A  child’s bedroom is a wonderful space to play around with color. However, parents often cannot resist the temptation of creating a mess by littering the space with oversized posters, incorporating a host of clashing furniture items, or painting the walls with lots of contrasting, bold colors.

Image via: Rock Paper Hammer

[ad#co-1]

Red for Brightness

If you think of using a bright color, red will come in the first position of the list. While an exaggeration of this color can ruin the decor, a subtler tone can make the setting welcoming in a moment. A darker red offset on one wall of the room with printed fabrics on the window or on the bed can create a warm atmosphere. You can lighten up the dark tone by adding lots of toys and fun things.

Image via: Richard Leo Johnson

Yellow for Fun

Yellow is a great, fun color for both boys and girls. This color is available in many shades. So, you can create either a soft or a bold room depending on your kid’s preference. Using a combination of bold and soft yellow pastel shades will present a menagerie of colors without becoming overbearing. On the other hand, a bright yellow shade can be toned down by applying light and neutral colors to the rest of the room.

Gorgeous Black & White

Black and white is the two colors that parents dislike to use in their kid’s room. They think that white will get dirty easily and cannot be exploited for creating a fun theme. On the other hand, parents loathe black thinking that it will create a murky, gloomy room for their kid. However, you can think of a combination of black and white. Black or ash can serve as an excellent backdrop for color artwork and other bright colored accessories.

Image via: Nia Home

Color Varieties for Liveliness

The atmosphere of the kid’s room can be made funnier by incorporating a few different complementing colors into the décor scheme. Adopting a block style will be a great option for combining different colors. Use different blocks of color in storage, desk, and cabinets. A rug on the floor, a painting on the wall, or a photo frame on the desk can serve as a block of bold hue. You can also put big blocks of color across the room including a block of green on the storage, yellow on the bed, and orange on the self while leaving the rest of the space in light colors.

Image via: Digs Digs

Choosing a too bold theme for your kid’s bedroom would be a mistake. Though bright and bold colors reflect the liveliness of kids’ nature, you have to create a combination of subtler accents and bold hues so that your child can be relaxed and alive at the same time.

For more kids’ rooms ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve never had any desire to learn the art of plumbing. And yet, when you’re scratching your head, mystified about the cause of your leaky faucet, your clogged toilet, or the water stain that seems to have appeared on your basement ceiling, you might wish you had picked up a home repair guide at some point and studied common plumbing issues. Luckily, it’s never too late to learn something new. And your ability to troubleshoot problems with your pipes could let you know when an issue is something that you can handle, thus saving money that you might have otherwise spent on a professional plumber, although you can also tell when you’re in over your head. So here are a few tips and tricks that should help you to get a handle on your home plumbing and troubleshoot any common issues that could arise.

Image via: FINNE

[ad#co-1]

Most common problems with plumbing

The first thing you’ll need to do is become aware of the most common problems you’re likely to face where your plumbing is concerned, and there are a few. For example, you may find that the toilets and drains in your home seem to get clogged frequently. Or you might suffer from leaky faucets. You could also have issues with the hot water in your home, as in it doesn’t get hot enough or it turns cold before you’ve finished a short shower. Leaky pipes and water stains are also a problem, especially in older homes. However, an awareness of common issues that could pop up will give you a starting point when it comes to learning to diagnose and perhaps even fix or prevent some problems on your own.

Fixing drains, clogged pipes , and toilets

As for what to do once you’ve discovered an issue, there are a couple of options. An old-school home repair guide may suit some homeowners just fine, but if you’re looking for a little help from modern sources, you can’t go wrong by hopping on the internet to troubleshoot and find instructions and video tutorials, often from professional plumbers, that will help you to figure out what’s causing the problem and find a solution. Clogged toilets and drains, for example, may need nothing more than a plunger or some Drano to fix. Then again, you may need to start flushing more frequently to prevent the toilet from backing up, or snaking the drains on a regular basis to remove hair clogs.

Image via: Schmitt Company

Leaky faucets are often a quick fix, as well, since the most common cause is a rubber ring that has deteriorated (they’re cheap and easy to replace in most cases). As for hot water issues, you might just need to turn up the temperature on your water heater (although you shouldn’t go above 120? Fahrenheit if you want to avoid scalding) or flush the tank to remove a buildup of debris. Of course, you could be facing more serious issues, in which case you might contact Aqua Plumbing & Air or another local vendor to provide you with a professional opinion and some expert assistance. But if you can troubleshoot a plumbing issue on your own you may find that you can also address it without too much fuss or expense. In the long run, this could save you a ton of money.

For more plumbing and maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.