10 home upgrades and repairs you can do: Clean the garage, build a doghouse – oregonlive.com

Spending more time at home these days? Wondering which improvement projects you can tackle? Or, which repairs you might want to call in a professional? Handyman expert Larry Romick of Portland-based Neil Kelly remodeling company, has some advice.

When having work done on your home, cost is usually a big factor, says Romick. Sometimes a bit of maintenance or smaller repair makes more sense. It can give you more time to save up for a necessary larger repair or full replacement.

Bottom line: Dont put off needed repairs and enjoy making improvements.

Here are 10 home upgrades and repairs you can do yourself:

Bins Trays and Boxes For Parts and Tools Storage in Shelf. Photo provided by Neil KellyGetty Images/iStockphoto

Clean the garage: This is the perfect time to organize your garage. Make sure the garage door opener or mechanism is in good working order. Use stackable bins and totes to corral unneeded items until you can hold a yard sale or donate them. Put away any tools that could cause a safety hazard, including power tools. Unplug chargers and coil up electrical cables that arent in use. Put away automobile accessories that arent in use. Dont forget to hang bicycles.

Clean gutters and roof: Always remember safety first. Do not get on a ladder or roof unless you are capable and confident, and always tie off to an approved anchor. Contact a handyman who can get the job done in a safe and effective way. Use a broom or brush to gently remove the large pieces of moss, then apply a moss deterrent. Using a pressure washer or aggressive brushing can cause more damage to the roof and shorten its life.

Close up of a man cleaning a barbecue during a picnic day. Photo provided by Neil Kelly Co.Getty Images/iStockphoto

Inspect and clean grill: Prepare for the outdoor cooking season. Clean your grill with soapy water and use a brush with brass bristles. Remove accumulated grease from lava rocks and ceramic briquettes by turning them over and ignite the burners for 10 minutes on high heat.

Inspect garden hoses for leaks: Damaged ends can be easily replaced or leaks can be repaired with parts from a hardware store.

Inspect the crawl space or basement: This is a dirty job, but someone has to do it. And this is a good example of a project you might prefer to outsource to a handyman. After a heavy rainfall, suit up to inspect your crawl space or basement for water accumulation or excessive moisture. Look for signs of water damage on the sub floor and joists beneath bathrooms, kitchen and laundry. Find and fix the leaks now or pay the price later.

Photo provided by Neil KellyGetty Images/iStockphoto

Build a doghouse: This is a fun, family project. Make sure to provide adequate roof ventilation to allow hot air to escape. Do not use pressure-treated wood in any area where your dog might chew it up. Furnish it with cute canine accessories. And dont forget a screened, enclosed catio for felines.

Wash windows: Clean windows inside and out, and use either a squeegee or newspaper to avoid streaking.

Clean window screens: If you go through all the work of washing your windows, it only makes sense to clean the window screens too. Lay them flat on a picnic table or saw horses, and scrub them with a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent solution. Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry completely.

Inspect outdoor structures for deterioration: Its important to look for signs of dry rot. A professional handyman can use a small awl tool to probe posts, railings and windowsills for soft spots and plan to replace or repair them as soon as possible.

Clean swimming pool or spa: Now is the time to inspect and service pool liners and spa filters so you and your family can enjoy them all summer long.

--As told to the Homes & Garden staff

Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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10 home upgrades and repairs you can do: Clean the garage, build a doghouse - oregonlive.com