21 Skills You Need to Learn If You’re Buying a House

It’s a bit of a letdown that when you get the keys to your new home, they don’t come with a manual. No quick-start guide, no troubleshooting tips—just you and your new house, trying to figure out what switch does what.

But that’s where I come in! Consider this your go-to guide for those “Now what?” moments around the house. From fixing a leaky faucet to dealing with a power outage, we’ve got the practical advice you need to manage your home like a pro.

Downed Power Lines

If you ever come across a downed power line, keep your distance. Always treat them as if they’re live and dangerous, because even a seemingly harmless voltage can be deadly. Residential lines typically carry around 7,200 volts, and even a disconnected phone line can pack a punch.

Don’t try to be a hero by handling it yourself. Instead, stay at least 30 feet away, keep others back, and immediately call your electrical provider or 911 to report the hazard. Your safety is the priority, so let the professionals handle the risk.

Flip the Right Breaker

Next time you’re installing that dimmer switch, avoid the confusion of a poorly labeled breaker box. Forget the old pencil and paper chart—go modern with a fine-tip permanent marker right on the metal next to each switch.

Here’s a tip: have a buddy help you identify which switches control which outlets. They can plug in lamps and communicate via cell phone which areas lose power as you test each breaker.

Be precise in your labeling (“living room east wall,” “kitchen outlets—except fridge”), so future projects are a breeze.

Talk to Your New Neighbors

Getting on good terms with your new neighbors is smart, especially before life happens—like pets wandering over or kids being kids. Why not welcome them with something nice like a homemade coffee cake or an invite to a local event? Friendly relations can make everyday life smoother and keep your community ties strong.

Brighten Up Your Grout

Stained grout can make even the cleanest rooms look dingy. But don’t worry, you don’t need to replace it to get that fresh, clean look back. Instead, try using a steam cleaner.

It’s a simple and effective way to lift those stubborn stains from the grout lines. Just glide the steam cleaner along the grout, and you’ll see the dirt lift away. It’s a quick fix that can dramatically brighten your tiled areas.

Fix That Loose Screw

Got a screw that keeps loosening? It’s a pretty common issue but an easy fix. Instead of just tightening it back up, you need to secure it properly to ensure it stays in place.

One way to do this is to remove the screw and fill the hole with a bit of wood glue and a matchstick or toothpick. Once the glue dries, reinsert the screw. This fills in the gaps and gives the screw something to grip onto, keeping everything tight and secure.

Finding the Right Handyman

Looking for a reliable handyman? Skip the ads and head straight to your local hardware store. The staff there will probably know who’s regularly picking up supplies for professional jobs and can give you a solid lead.

Another great source is the maintenance staff at public buildings like schools or town halls—many times, they freelance. Always check their references and confirm they have the necessary licenses and insurance, or that your homeowner’s insurance covers their work.

This ensures you’re hiring someone trustworthy and avoids potential issues down the line.

Get a Plumber to Help You During a Holiday

Caught in a plumbing pinch right before the holidays? Knowing what motivates your plumber can be a lifesaver when you need urgent help.

While some might respond well to something like homemade cookies, it’s also wise to have a relationship with a 24-hour plumber for those unavoidable emergencies.

Remember, a rapid response comes at a premium, often 20% more than normal rates. However, many issues can wait until normal hours if you know how to shut off your water main—something your plumber can walk you through over the phone.

Manual Override for Your Electric Garage Door

Ever notice that red cord hanging from your garage door opener? It’s not just for decoration. When the power goes out, simply pull on this cord to disengage the opener’s chain drive. This manual override allows you to slide the garage door open by hand, so you’re not stuck inside.

Spot Asbestos in Your Home

If your home was built before the 1970s, it’s smart to be on the lookout for asbestos, which was commonly used in insulation and other building materials. Asbestos can look like plaster that’s been applied by hand and can be found around pipes, boilers, and in attics.

If you suspect you’ve found asbestos, don’t touch or disturb it. The best course of action is to call a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to handle it safely.

Dig a Hole Safely

Planning to do some digging around your yard? Before you put that shovel into the ground, make sure you’re not going to hit any buried utility lines. A quick call to 811 will get your local utilities to come out and mark any hidden lines for free. This step is a must to avoid serious accidents, like cutting a power line, which can be expensive and dangerous.

Climb Ladders Like a Pro

When you’re using a ladder for home projects, safety should always come first. Make sure your ladder is on stable ground and always extend it at least three feet over the edge of your roof or working surface for secure anchoring. Check that the rung locks are firmly in place before you climb.

Remember, never stand on the top rung—keeping your balance is key to avoiding falls and ensuring not just your safety, but also that of anyone around you.

DIY Hardwiring Light Fixtures

Feeling handy? Learning to hardwire light fixtures can be a big money-saver and a rewarding DIY skill. Start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.

You’ll need some basic tools like wire strippers, screwdrivers, and a voltage tester. Follow a detailed guide or video tutorial to connect the wires correctly—white to white (neutral), black to black (hot), and green or bare to the ground screw.

Spot Termites Early

Termites are sneaky little critters that can wreak havoc on your home before you even know they’re there. Learning how to identify signs of termites is crucial to prevent costly damage.

Check areas with exposed wood, like crawlspaces and wood framing, for any telltale signs of them, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood that sounds hollow when you tap it. Catching them early can save you a massive headache and a lot of money down the road.

Drill Through Tile Without Cracks

Drilling through tile can be nerve-wracking—no one wants to deal with the mess or expense of cracked tiles. To avoid that rookie mistake, start by placing a piece of painter’s tape over the tile where you want to drill. This helps prevent the drill bit from slipping.

Then, use a carbide-tipped drill bit and start at a low speed to gently pierce the tile’s glaze. Once you’ve made your initial mark, you can gradually increase the speed and pressure.

Locate a Stud Without Gadgets

Ready to mount that new TV or hang a heavy picture frame? First, you’ll need to find a stud in your wall to ensure everything stays securely in place. While a stud finder is handy, knowing how to find a stud manually is a great skill.

Start by knocking on the wall and listening for a solid sound or use the 16-inch rule—once you find one stud, others should be spaced 16 inches apart.

Dispose of Old Paint Responsibly

Got leftover paint? Throwing it in the trash isn’t just bad for the environment—it could be illegal, depending on where you live.

To properly dispose of paint, first, check if it’s latex or oil-based. Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of with your regular trash once it’s solid.

For oil-based paints, take them to a hazardous waste collection site.

Tackle an Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is everyone’s nightmare, but don’t let this plumbing mishap turn into a full-blown emergency. If you see the water rising, act fast: Remove the lid from the toilet tank and lift the float. This will stop the water flow and buy you some time to address the clog.

Master the Fire Extinguisher

Knowing where your fire extinguisher is might give you peace of mind, but can you use it if the moment calls for it? Many people freeze up and don’t know what to do with it once they have it.

Spend a little time to familiarize yourself with the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

Learn to Unlock Doors

Ever had a door in your house accidentally get locked from the inside? It’s a common enough headache, especially for parents. Instead of calling a locksmith every time, learning how to pick the lock on interior doors can be a handy skill. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can save both time and money.

Unclog That Sink Yourself

If you’ve got a sink that’s backing up, you might be tempted to reach for a bottle of drain cleaner. But when that doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

Clogged drains are just part of home life, and being able to handle one yourself can save you a call to the plumber. It’s all about getting familiar with your pipes and maybe using a plunger or a plumber’s snake to get things flowing smoothly again.

Stop That Drip: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet often means money trickling down your drain along with the water, not to mention the annoying drip, drip, drip sound. Most of the time, the culprit is a worn-out washer inside the faucet handle.

With a few basic tools—like a wrench and a screwdriver—you can swap out the washer yourself. Learning this can keep your water bill in check and save you the cost of hiring a plumber for such a simple fix.