Properties often have a lot of building services equipment that requires regular maintenance and servicing. The first option is not always to call in a professional. There are many preventive building services jobs that every resident can do themselves. Doing things yourself can save hundreds or even thousands of euros.
Do this plumbing work regularly:
- Check your water fittings at least 2 times a year to make sure they are not leaking. Even a small leak can easily result in a big water bill.
- Clear clogged traps and wash floor drains, if you are on holiday for an extended period then on your return put plenty of hot water down the drains before using them as long periods of absence dry out the drains and make them more prone to clogging.
- Ventilation system maintenance and filter replacement 2 times a year
- Checking the functioning of drains, rainwater gutters and wells and cleaning them of leaves, etc.
Here's some electrical work you can do yourself:
- You can do electrical work yourself if you know how to do it properly and safely. Before you do anything, either turn off the main switch, remove the fuses or unplug the electrical appliance. Always make sure that no one can get back into the work area without your knowledge.
- Check the operation of smoke alarms and replace the batteries if necessary
- Inspect the surface of electrical equipment and clean it of dust
- Checking and replacing the fuses in the electrical switchboard
- Connecting interior luminaires with a luminaire connector
- Resetting the blown automatic fuse and the residual current device
- Testing the operation of a residual current device with the test button
- Changing the dimmer fuse
- Replacing the lamp bulb and igniter
- Repairing and making a single-phase extension line
- Replacing a broken single-phase connecting lead and plug of an electrical appliance
- In fixed installation, replacement of the socket with a new system-compliant socket and replacement of a defective socket - however, the installation or replacement of a socket is not permitted.
- Assembling electrical equipment for hobby activities, for example from an electronics kit, and repairing such equipment
- Installing an antenna in a detached house
- Repair of mechanical parts of electrical appliances, such as replacement of a washing machine hose - provided that the contact and water protection of the appliance is not altered
- Dismantling of electrical installations which have been reliably and completely de-energised
- Verification of the absence of voltage by means of an approved voltage detector when carrying out work permitted for a normal electricity user
- Always remember to work on electrical equipment when it is de-energised
These tips will help you avoid unnecessary locksmith visits:
- Keep the spare key in an easily accessible place so you don't get locked in
- A homeowner can install, for example, a code-locked key safe outside the house
- Install smart locks on your home doors so you're no longer locked out and don't have to hide a spare key under your doormat
- Service your locks and hinges regularly to keep them in working order
