Homeownership is rewarding, but when maintenance issues start piling up, it can feel like you're living in a haunted house—creaky floors, mysterious drafts, and endless repairs that seem to pop up out of nowhere. The good news is that with the right approach and help from TruBlue, you can tackle these common home maintenance issues fearlessly and keep your home safe, comfortable, and free from unexpected (and costly) surprises.

Adopting a proactive home maintenance mindset is essential. By addressing small issues before they turn into major repairs, you not only save time and money but also create a worry-free living environment. Here is how to handle some of the most common home repairs, with practical steps you can take to resolve them.

1. Sealing Drafty Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can cause up to 30% of energy loss in your home, leading to discomfort and higher heating and cooling bills.

How to Fix It:

• Identify the Draft: Hold your hand near the edges of windows and doors on a cold or windy day. If you feel a draft, there’s an issue.
• Seal with Weatherstripping or Caulk: Install weatherstripping around doors or caulk around window frames to seal gaps and improve energy efficiency. Caulk is ideal for stationary parts of a home like window frames, while weatherstripping works well for movable parts like doors.

By proactively sealing drafts, you can save up to 20% on energy bills annually. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making your home more efficient and less costly to maintain over time.

Tru-ProTip: Use a candle to detect drafts—if the flame flickers, it’s time to seal!

2. Patching Cracks in Walls

Small cracks in your drywall are often signs of your home settling, but ignoring them can lead to bigger issues like weakened structural integrity.

How to Fix It:

• Small Cracks: Use spackle or joint compound to fill minor cracks. After smoothing the area, sand and paint over the patch for a seamless finish.
• Larger Cracks: For bigger cracks, apply mesh tape and compound for a stronger, longer-lasting repair.

Taking care of small cracks prevents them from growing and keeps your home’s interior looking fresh. Plus, catching these early means you’re addressing potential underlying structural issues before they get worse.

Tru-ProTip: Sand the patched area lightly after it dries to ensure a smooth surface before painting.

3. Securing Handrails

Loose handrails pose serious safety hazards, especially for seniors. Without proper maintenance, they can lead to accidents and injuries.

How to Fix It:

• Tighten Screws and Bolts: Tighten all screws or bolts securely. If the screws are stripped, replace them with longer or heavier-duty screws for better stability. If the anchors in the wall are loose, replace them with stronger wall anchors.

• Reinforce the Handrail: Use wall anchors to secure handrails more effectively, especially if they’re pulling away from drywall. For wooden railings, screws can be driven into studs for maximum stability.

For families with seniors, keeping handrails secure is crucial for fall prevention. Proactive home safety measures allow seniors to age in place safely, reducing the risk of injury.

Tru-ProTip: Regularly check handrails for looseness and fix any wobbly ones before they become unsafe.

The Power of Proactive Home Care

Taking care of your home shouldn’t feel like a horror story. By staying ahead of common home repairs like sealing drafts, fixing squeaky floors, or securing handrails, you can prevent small issues from spiraling into major problems. TruBlue is here to help you maintain your home, offering comprehensive handyman services and free Senior Home Safety Assessments to ensure your living space is safe, comfortable, and worry-free.

Ready to start tackling your home maintenance list? Contact TruBlue today to schedule a home safety assessment or handyman service and enjoy peace of mind year-round.