The Internet Does Have Its Plusses

You hear a lot about the negatives about the onternet. I will be the first to admit these definitely exist. However, it can both also be very useful. As first time homeowner, I have really appreciated the wealth of information available for a variety of home maintenance and repair. Here is a list of a few things I have used the online resources to learn to do:

1. Paint multiple rooms in my house. I had never painted anything before. I am very pleased with the results.

2. Repair a tub that would not hold water. This Old House has an excellent video that was extremely helpful. 

3. Fix a stopper that had come detached from the lift rod.

4. Replace that same faucet later when the spout broke at the base.

5. Diagnose and repair water dripping from the freezer compartment of my refrigerator.

6. Replace a faulty toilet flapper that was leaking into bowl.

7. Diagnose and repair a leak from the bottom of the tank on another toilet. This video was my go to. 

It is very confidence building to be able do to these tasks on my own. A piece of advice: always watch more than one person's video on doing a task. That will help you make sure the advice is correct, and you may learn different tricks and tips from each person. 

Another Instance of "The Right Tool Makes All the Difference"

 Last week I had another instance of the right tool making all the difference. I am having some people over in couple weeks, and my windows were looking pretty gross. When the sun would shine in, you would see how dirty there were. Some lovely birds had also decided they needed to use a couple of them as a bathroom. I had mentioned this upcoming task to my mom, and when she was at my house recently she said "Your windows really do need cleaned." Thanks Mom.

Once I decided to undertake this task, I knew I wanted a tool to assist. I bought this squeegee from Walmart, and Sunday before last I got to work. Wow, did it make life much easier and faster. I have a one story house, and I was able to clean all the windows without using a ladder. In addition, since I have casement style windows, I could do the insides and outsides with the windows in the open position. It is amazing how much of a difference it makes. I sometimes just gaze out the windows and admire how nice they look. I would highly advise procuring a similar tool for the next time you clean your windows.