Home Maintenance Checklist: Don’t Miss These Essential DIY Jobs

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  June 17, 2022
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A home is a dwelling-place used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for an individual, family, household or several families in a tribe. It is often a house, apartment, or other building, or alternatively a mobile home, houseboat, yurt or any other portable shelter.

Home maintenance is a necessary evil. It’s a pain to keep up with all the chores, but it’s necessary to keep your home in good condition.

There are many different types of jobs that need to be done around the home. Cleaning, painting, and repairs are just a few of the things that need to be done.

In this article, I’ll look at the different types of jobs that need to be done around the home and how to find the right contractor for the job.

What is home maintenance

What Makes a House a Home?

A home is not just a physical structure, but a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and happy. It’s where you can be yourself, relax, and create memories with loved ones. A home is a place where you can express your personality and style through decor and design. It’s a place where you can unwind after a long day and recharge for the next.

Home Jobs and Skills

Maintaining a home requires a variety of skills and jobs, including:

  • Cleaning: Keeping a home clean and organized is essential for a comfortable living space.
  • Repairs: Fixing broken appliances, leaky faucets, and other issues that arise.
  • Landscaping: Maintaining a yard or garden can be a relaxing hobby and improve the curb appeal of your home.
  • Decorating: Adding personal touches to your home can make it feel more inviting and reflect your style.

Home as a Career Option

For those with specialized skills, a home-based business can be a lucrative career option. Some examples include:

  • Interior design: Helping others create a comfortable and stylish living space.
  • Home renovation: Transforming outdated homes into modern living spaces.
  • Landscaping: Designing and maintaining outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties.

Temporary Home Jobs

If you’re looking for temporary work, there are plenty of options for home jobs, such as:

  • House sitting: Taking care of someone’s home while they’re away.
  • Pet sitting: Caring for pets while their owners are out of town.
  • Cleaning services: Providing cleaning services for homes and businesses.

Using Social Media for Home Jobs

Social media can be a powerful tool for finding home jobs and building a business. Some ways to use social media include:

  • Showcasing your skills: Share photos of your work and projects to attract potential clients.
  • Networking: Connect with others in your industry and build relationships with potential clients.
  • Advertising: Use social media ads to reach a wider audience and promote your services.

Exploring the Range of Home Types and the Jobs They Require

  • Single-family homes: These are the most common type of homes in the US. They are standalone structures built on a lot and offer a lot of privacy.
  • Townhouses: These are attached homes that share walls with neighboring units. They are often more affordable than single-family homes and require less maintenance.
  • Condominiums: These are individual units within a larger building. They are often more affordable than single-family homes and offer amenities like a gym or a pool.
  • Apartments: These are rental units within a larger building. They are often more affordable than other types of homes and require less maintenance.

Design and Structure

  • Materials: Homes can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, brick, stone, and concrete. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks.
  • Style: Homes can be designed in a variety of styles, including colonial, Victorian, modern, and ranch. The style you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the location of the home.
  • Construction: Building a home requires a team of professionals, including carpenters, foremen, and project managers. Each person plays a crucial role in ensuring the home is built to code and on time.
  • Installing: Once the home is built, it will require the installation of various features, including windows, doors, siding, and roofing. Each installation requires a different skill set and level of expertise.
  • Maintaining: Homes require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. This can include painting, drywall repair, gutter cleaning, and roof inspections.

Buying and Selling

  • Comparing: When buying a home, it’s important to compare different options to find the one that best fits your needs and budget. This can involve looking at the size, location, and price of each home.
  • Narrowing your search: Once you’ve identified a few homes you’re interested in, it’s important to narrow down your search by visiting each home in person and assessing its condition and features.
  • Motivating your team: When selling a home, it’s important to work with a team of professionals, including real estate agents, contractors, and inspectors. Keeping everyone motivated and on track can be challenging, but it’s essential for a successful sale.

Careers in Home Improvement

  • Customer service: Many home improvement companies require customer service representatives to handle inquiries and complaints from customers.
  • Crew and team management: Foremen and project managers oversee the construction and installation of various features in a home.
  • Carpentry: Carpenters are responsible for building and installing various features in a home, including cabinets, doors, and trim.
  • Painting and finishing: Painters and finishers are responsible for adding the final touches to a home, including painting walls and installing flooring.
  • Roofing and siding: Roofers and siding installers are responsible for ensuring a home is protected from the elements.
  • Gutter installation: Gutters are an essential part of a home’s drainage system, and gutter installers are responsible for ensuring they are installed correctly.

Exploring the range of home types and the jobs they require can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remodeling a home, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and build a career in the home improvement industry.

DIY Jobs to Improve Your Home

One of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a room is by adding a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper. It’s a simple job that requires little skill and can be completed in a short amount of time. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Choose a colour or pattern that complements the room’s style and character.
  • Measure the area you want to cover to ensure you have enough paint or wallpaper.
  • Check the walls for any imperfections and remove any old wallpaper or tape before starting.
  • Apply a primer (best ones here) if necessary, then simply paint or hang the wallpaper according to the instructions on the label.

Adding a Feature Wall

If you want to create a focal point in a room, consider adding a feature wall. This can be done using wallpaper, paint, or even wood or metal panels. Here’s how:

  • Choose a wall that you want to highlight and pick a colour or material that will make it stand out.
  • Measure the area and gather the necessary materials, such as wallpaper, paint, or wood panels.
  • Apply the wallpaper or paint, or screw the wood panels onto the wall.
  • Add some artwork or a headboard to complete the look.

DIY Woodwork

If you’re handy with tools, adding some woodwork to your home can be a highly rewarding project. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Create a headboard for your bed using some basic woodworking skills and materials such as leather strips or lightweight metal.
  • Build a DIY bookshelf or a set of shelves to increase your storage space.
  • Add some character to your home by creating a wooden feature wall or a new floor.
  • Create a new headboard for your bed using some basic woodworking skills and materials such as leather strips or lightweight metal.

Small DIY Jobs with Big Impact

Not all DIY jobs need to be large or time-consuming to make a big difference in your home. Here are some small jobs that can have a big impact:

  • Replace old light fixtures with new, modern ones to increase the value of your home.
  • Add some plants or flowers to your home to bring in some fresh air and life.
  • Install new doorknobs or handles to give your doors a new look.
  • Replace old, worn-out switch plates and outlet covers with new, stylish ones.

Essential DIY Jobs

There are some DIY jobs that are essential for the upkeep and maintenance of your home. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
  • Replace air filters in your HVAC system to increase its efficiency and save money on your energy bills.
  • Fix any leaks or drips in your plumbing to prevent water damage and increase the lifespan of your pipes.
  • Inspect your roof and gutters for any damage or debris that needs to be removed.

Remember, DIY jobs can be a fun and rewarding way to increase the value and beauty of your home. Just make sure to choose the right job for your skills and budget, and always measure twice and cut once!

Conclusion

So there you have it- all the different kinds of jobs that need to be done on the home. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what you’re getting into and to have the right tools and skills to get the job done right. 

You can always hire a professional, but with these tips, you can at least get started on the right foot.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.