Home Upkeep: Mid-Scale Repair Projects Worth Doing

Spring is a time of change and renewal -- and a good time to perform maintenance that might keep your home in tip-top shape for years to come, saving you the expense of costly repairs. These intermediate-level projects require a modicum of skills with tools (including those of the power variety) and repair materials. They entail more than just slapping on a coat of paint, but they don't require that you rent a backhoe. The range of expenditures is wide, from a few dollars for a furnace filter to a few hundred dollars for lumber with which to revamp a deck.

Keep Water in Its Place

The outside of the home, from the gutters to the sidewalks, may require some extra care in spring. Ultimately, this kind of careful maintenance is good for your bottom line.

"You can spend a little money now, or a lot of money later," said Jay Gregg, marketing director for Orangeville, Ontario-based Pillar to Post in Canada.

Gutter cleaning is a staple of home maintenance in the spring, but it's also time to make sure the gutter system is actually depositing water next to the foundation.

John Blatchford, operations and marketing manager of ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman in Cincinnati, said you may do this the natural way -- wait for a downpour and see where the rain goes -- or you may run a garden hose through your downspouts.

If the water pools within a few feet of the house, take action. Blatchford said you'll need to apply downspout extensions, which cost about $10 each. It may take some time to attach the extensions, but labor costs would come to about $100, Blatchford said.

The outdoor walkways adjacent to the home may also need an upgrade. Blatchford said the concrete should be sloped away from the house so water won't collect near the foundation. Re-pitching the slope will likely entail calling in a professional contractor. However, if you find any cracks or gaps in the concrete, Blatchford said, fill them with silicone masonry sealant, which costs about $15.

Minor Fixes

Not every medium-size fix is work intensive. Three repair and remodeling outfits weigh in where less sweat is required.

1) Bruce Pinsler, president of Galaxie Home Remodeling in Chicago, recommends the use of ceiling fans. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly operating ceiling fan can make a room feel 4 degrees cooler, which allows you to set your thermostat higher and conserve fuel.

"In the spring they should turn clockwise to cool down the room," Pinsler said.

2) John Blatchford, operations and marketing manager of Cincinnati-based ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman, advises getting a battery backup power unit for your basement sump pump. Prices start at about $140.

"These will carry away overflow water into your basement," he said. "A battery backup can be a lifesaver and save you from thousands in water damage."

3) Jay Gregg, director of marketing for Orangeville-based Pillar to Post in Ontario, Canada, advises replacing your furnace filters in spring. It's an easy job to do yourself and it can save you about $80 in labor. Parts cost as little as $6 or as much as $100 -- if you are using a HEPA system.

Gregg also recommends replacing damaged weatherstripping around doors or windows.

"It'll cost you as little as $20," he said, "and can save a bundle in cooling and heating expenses."

Give Your Deck a Face-Lift

Thirty million to 40 million homes in the United States have outdoor decks, and all of them require steady maintenance. Mark Clement, a Philadephia-based pro contractor and host of a weekly radio show, "My Fix It Up Life," said there's a reason decks should receive attention in the spring.

"It’s the only structure that many do-it-yourselfers build -- often without permits -- and they carry the weight of you, your children and guests," he said. "And it’s entirely outside and open to the elements."

Clement advises doing what the pros call a “re-skin” instead of building a new deck.

Uneven drying and exposure to the sun, Clement said, take their tolls on decks. But if the support structure is sound, you may replace only the boards that form the floor -- a project that requires just a weekend.

Clement said the existing deck boards must be removed first.

"The secret that deck-builders use is that you only cut the first couple of (replacement) boards to fit," he said.

The next step is to place the rest of the boards and use galvanized screws to secure them. Snap a chalk line to create a straight edge and use a circular saw to trim them evenly. If you cut the boards first, you will have uneven lengths.

The easiest way to calculate the cost is to get a linear-foot price from a local lumber yard. Clement advises determining the square footage of your existing deck and the width and thickness of the current boards. Take those measurements to the retailer.

"They will help you calculate how much wood you'll need and also budget for fasteners," Clement said.

The cost for hiring a pro for a deck re-skinning -- not including materials -- would be at least $600, he said.

"It’s a super-fun project," he said, "and you can use it right away and enjoy."

After the Rain

A common springtime homeowner headache is interior water damage caused by a roof leak, which often becomes apparent because of a stained or crumbling area of ceiling.

Rusty Meador, a general contractor in Wilmington, North Carolina, said the leak must be fixed first. If the drywall is affected beyond surface damage, it must be replaced.

As a test, gently push a nail into the ceiling drywall. "If it was soaked through, it’ll be brittle and break easily," Meador said.

When you hit firm drywall with the nail, measure another 6 inches in each direction to be certain you've got it all. Use a stud finder to note the location of the joists.

You may need to cut out the damaged piece of ceiling first. To do this work safely, lay down a drop cloth, put on protective eyewear and a mask, and turn off any circuit breakers in the room. You must also build a "zip wall" of painter's plastic around the perimeter of the work area. Use masking tape to affix the plastic to the walls. Cut out the damaged piece with a reciprocating saw or a manual keyhole saw.

Meador said many hardware stores sell replacement pieces of drywall in sizes as small as 2-foot squares. Subtract a quarter inch from the width and the height so there's a gap of 1/8 inch on all sides. Use drywall screws to secure the drywall into the framing. Counter-sink the screw just enough that it’s flush, but don’t break the paper, Meador said, "because that’s what’s keeping it together." Space the screws 6 to 8 inches apart.

Next, use a drywall knife with a 6-inch or 8-inch blade to apply a 3-inch-wide path of drywall mud around the four edges of the square. Place drywall tape over all of the seams immediately. Use the knife to flatten the tape and push out the excess mud.

Let the mud dry according to package directions, then apply a second coat over and around the tape. When the second coat of mud dries, use a 120-grit sanding sponge to sand it down as smooth as possible without sanding into the tape. If you reach the tape, it will show up when you paint.

To check your work, Meador said, shine a work light on it from the side. If it looks good, use a paint roller to apply a latex primer about 6 inches beyond the drywall mud. Finish the job with a coat of paint.

Such a repair, assuming the damaged area is relatively small (under 4 feet square), will cost you about $125 in materials. Doing it yourself will save you at least $200 in labor.