Image Source: Unsplash

Your home and your car are probably always going to be two of the biggest assets you have at any given time. So, it only makes sense to make them a priority. Taking care of your home and your vehicle will make them withstand the test of time and can actually end up saving you a lot of money, time, and headaches in the long run.

There are plenty of benefits to performing your own maintenance checks and doing some handyman work. When you do something yourself, you’ll undoubtedly take the time to do it right and protect your investments. But there’s also a sense of pride that comes along with doing your own maintenance. You can feel as handy as Tim Allen in “Home Improvement” — but maybe with a few more safety precautions.

Some people get easily intimidated when it comes to fixing up their houses or cars, but there’s nothing to be afraid of! While some things should be handled by professionals, there are plenty of ways to take care of these important life investments on your own that will ensure they’re around for many years to come.

Home Improvement Tips You Can Do Yourself

If you want to really feel like a handyman (or woman!), there are a few key things you should know how to do in your own home. What’s the point? Well, when you know how to take care of your house, you don’t have to pay someone else to do it. Keep in mind that big projects like plumbing issues and electrical problems should be handled by a professional — you probably don’t want to deal with plumbing issues, anyway.

Nonetheless, preventative maintenance can keep things running smoothly, especially when it comes to plumbing problems. Some things to keep in mind include keeping your showerheads clean, fixing clogged drains right away, and never ignoring low water pressure. For the most part, knowing some general home repair and maintenance tips can keep your home in good order with relatively limited effort.

Minor upkeep all over the house is also easier than you might think. Plus, keeping your home in top shape can help to increase its value if you ever decide to sell it.

So, what are some of the most common home repairs you can handle yourself? The list is huge, but you can start with things like:

• Refinishing hardwood floors
• Treating your lawn
• Quieting loud cabinet doors
• Sealing loose showerheads
• Fixing your roof vents
• Weatherstripping
• Patching holes in the walls
• Fixing/cleaning smelly appliances

Sound intimidating? Don’t let these simple home maintenance tips overwhelm you. In most cases, a quick search online can give you step-by-step tutorials for most of these suggestions, and there are many other home improvement solutions you can do yourself. You can also sign up for classes that will help you with general home maintenance or even teach you how to complete specific projects. Retailers like Home Depot offer hands-on learning workshops each week, where you can learn everything from how to tile a backsplash, to installing a new toilet. They even have workshops for kids!

Vehicle Maintenance That Will Get Your Motor Runnin’

If there’s one thing that tends to intimidate people more than home maintenance, it’s vehicle maintenance. But, it can be fun and rewarding to get a little grease beneath your fingernails! Like certain home repairs, some vehicle issues should be left to a professional mechanic. If you’re having engine trouble or simply can’t figure out what’s wrong with your car, it’s better to take it to someone who can figure it out for you. However, general car maintenance can help to prolong the life of your vehicle and save you money.

If you want to keep your car running efficiently, be proactive about your maintenance. You can do everything from switching out brake fluid to changing your own oil (which can save you anywhere from $20-$55 each time). You might even be able to handle some transmission issues, like fluid leaks or overheating.

You don’t have to learn to be a mechanic to perform basic maintenance on your car. You can take a class in person or even online in order to learn more about different aspects of your vehicle and how it works.

Keeping your car clean (inside and out) can also help to keep it looking great and running smoothly for years to come. The more you make your vehicle a priority, the longer it will last. So, if you’re still driving around that hand-me-down Jeep your parents gave you in high school, congratulations on keeping it in good shape!

Choosing Between a New or Used Car

If you’re completely lost on how to fix a problem with your home or car, you should always call a professional. Sometimes, you might need to invest in something new — like a new appliance for your house if you can’t get yours to work. Or, you might even need to consider buying a new or used car.

New cars are often designed with more safety features, though it’s always important to keep the rules of the road in mind and practice safe driving, no matter what type of car you have. You might also want to look at some of the risks of untested features in newer models, like in self-driving cars. Used cars, however, could incur more maintenance costs. Educating yourself on both the risks and benefits of new vehicles can make it easier to decide if it’s time to buy new or used.

Maintaining your home and your vehicle with a little DIY knowledge doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By learning a few simple tips and tricks and not being afraid to tackle some smaller project, you’ll be Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It before you know it!