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June 29th, 2010 5:21 AM

Problems like squeaky stairs, oil stains on the garage floor or nail pops in the ceiling can be quick turn offs for buyers.  These not need be turn offs and can simply be corrected.  Lynda Lyday addresses these and other common household problems in The Homeowner's Manual. 

• Oil Stains on the floor:  First sprinkle cat litter on the surface oil to absorb.  Clear away and make a paste of hot water mixed with laundry detergent.  Use a soft brush to scrub the area with the paste.  Hose with water and let dry.  If this fails try Spray & Wash or oven cleaner.

• Leaky Faucets: Typically a faucet leaks because the rubber washer or o-ring seal has failed.  Most faucets can easily be fixed.  Talk to your hardware store person and they will tell you what you need to make the 10 minute repair.  Total cost about $1.00. 

• Nail Pops: A "nail pop" is when the nail that holds the drywall to the stud pops through the face of the drywall.  This is cause by settling or movement cause by wind or heat expansion and contraction.  Over time the nail pushes out - "pops".  The fix is simple.  Pound the nail back through the drywall then use a drywall screw inserted just above the nail pop that you pounded back.  This will prevent it from happening again.  Finish off with spackle and paint.  Total time: 15 minutes / Cost $10.00.

• Squeaky stairs:  Usually caused by the "treads" (the part of the step you walk on) coming loose.  If you can access below the staircase then attach an L-bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer - the part of the stair that runs diagonally up the wall.  If you can't access from below then you can re-screw them from above by screwing through the carpet.  Be careful not to snag the carpet when screwing.  Direct the screws at an angle through the tread towards the stringer. 

Problems like squeaky stairs, oil stains on the garage floor or nail pops in the ceiling can be quick turn offs for buyers.  These not need be turn offs and can simply be corrected.  Lynda Lyday addresses these and other common household problems in The Homeowner's Manual  . 

• Oil Stains on the floor:  First sprinkle cat litter on the surface oil to absorb.  Clear away and make a paste of hot water mixed with laundry detergent.  Use a soft brush to scrub the area with the paste.  Hose with water and let dry.  If this fails try Spray & Wash or oven cleaner.

• Leaky Faucets: Typically a faucet leaks because the rubber washer or o-ring seal has failed.  Most faucets can easily be fixed.  Talk to your hardware store person and they will tell you what you need to make the 10 minute repair.  Total cost about $1.00. 

• Nail Pops: A "nail pop" is when the nail that holds the drywall to the stud pops through the face of the drywall.  This is cause by settling or movement cause by wind or heat expansion and contraction.  Over time the nail pushes out - "pops".  The fix is simple.  Pound the nail back through the drywall then use a drywall screw inserted just above the nail pop that you pounded back.  This will prevent it from happening again.  Finish off with spackel and paint.  Total time: 15 minutes / Cost $10.00.

• Squeaky stairs:  Usually caused by the "treads" (the part of the step you walk on) coming loose.  If you can access below the staircase then attach an L-bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer - the part of the stair that runs diagonally up the wall.  If you can't access from below then you can re-screw them from above by screwing through the carpet.  Be careful not to snag the carpet when screwing.  Direct the screws at an angle through the tread towards the stringer. 

Posted by Tom Studebaker on June 29th, 2010 5:21 AM
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