Home Safety Checklist (Part 1): 5 Hidden Hazards and Simple Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Small upgrades that prevent bigger problems — and make your home safer, smarter, and more reliable.

Many home hazards aren’t dramatic. They’re quiet, gradual — and easy to miss. But the sooner you spot them, the easier they are to fix.

This first part of our DIY home safety checklist covers five common problems that may be hiding in plain sight — and gives you clear, confidence-building solutions you can handle yourself.

How to Improve Home Safety with Simple Preventive Fixes

1. Dryer Vent Buildup

Why it matters:You clean the lint trap — that’s good. But deep inside the dryer duct, lint keeps collecting. Over time, it reduces airflow, makes your dryer overheat, and wears it out faster.

What could go wrong:

• Longer drying times and higher energy bills

• Hot air trapped inside the machine

• Increased fire risk (especially with foil vents)

How to fix it:

• Use a dryer vent cleaning brush once a year to sweep lint from inside the duct

• Replace flexible foil ducts with rigid metal ducting for better airflow and safety

• Vacuum behind and beneath the dryer — dust and lint love to settle there

Time: 30–60 minutes

Cost: ~$15–20 for a brush kit

2. Loose Stair Railings

Why it matters:A wobbly handrail might not seem urgent — until someone grabs it for balance. Loose railings are a common but often ignored home safety hazard.

What could go wrong:

• Falls and injuries

• Damage to the wall or railing brackets

• Reduced stability over time

How to fix it:

• Use a stud finder to locate wall studs

• Replace short screws with longer wood screws or lag bolts

• Add metal L-brackets for additional support if needed

• No studs? Use toggle bolts that anchor into drywall securely

Time: 1–2 hours

Tools: drill, screws, stud finder

3. Outdated Electrical Outlets Near Water

Why it matters:Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and laundry areas need GFCI-protected outlets (with “test” and “reset” buttons) to safely cut power when moisture is detected.

What could go wrong:

• Shock hazard if water contacts an unprotected outlet

• Violation of modern building codes

• Insurance issues after a flood or short circuit

How to fix it:

• Turn off the circuit at the breaker box

• Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off

• Swap standard outlets for GFCI outlets (about $15–20 each)

• If you’re not comfortable working with wiring, call a licensed electrician

Time: 20–30 minutes per outlet

Cost: ~$15 per GFCI outlet

4. Unanchored Furniture and TVs

Why it matters:Tall furniture, bookcases, and TVs can easily tip over — especially in homes with kids or pets. Anchoring is one of the simplest ways to prevent injury.

What could go wrong:

• Injuries from falling furniture

• Broken electronics

• Risk to children during play or climbing

How to fix it:

• Buy an anti-tip anchor kit (often under $20)

• Locate wall studs and drill directly into them

• Secure TVs, dressers, and bookshelves with provided brackets or straps

• Avoid attaching anything only to drywall — it won’t hold under strain

Time: 15–30 minutes per item

Cost: $10–20 per kit

5. Hidden Moisture Behind Cabinets or Under Sinks

Why it matters:Tiny plumbing leaks can quietly cause water damage, mold growth, or wood rot — long before they’re visible.

What could go wrong:

• Mold or mildew behind walls

• Warped cabinets or flooring

• Expensive repairs down the line

How to fix it:

• Check under every sink once a month for soft spots, stains, or musty smells

• Use a moisture meter (~$25) around baseboards and plumbing lines

• Add leak detectors that send alerts if they sense water

• Ensure caulking around sinks, tubs, and toilets is intact

Time: 10–15 minutes per area

Tools: flashlight, moisture meter, leak sensors (optional)

Coming Up Next: Part 2

In Part 2 of our Home Safety Checklist, you’ll learn how to:

• improve indoor air quality

• check garage door springs safely

• install carbon monoxide detectors

• test for lead paint

• upgrade lighting in high-risk zones

Need Help with Home Safety Projects?

If you're in the Chicago area or Northwest Suburbs, our licensed handyman team at Tools & Hands can help with:

• outlet and lighting upgrades

• furniture anchoring

• safety inspections

• minor repairs and more

Book Online or call for a free consultation