The Five Friends Louisiana Homeowners Must Have

(KTDY) - Owning a home is not easy; maintenance can be taxing, and if you aren't handy, you may do more damage than good.

When we purchased a home years ago, I had no idea how much it takes to own one. I thought all that I had to do was cut grass and maybe do some painting here and there.

Well, once things started breaking or needed to be replaced, I was just left standing there, asking myself, "Who do I call to address this?"

Luckily for me, I have some very talented friends who own their own businesses and provide services to homeowners when they don't know how to address a few things around the house. So, here are five friends you need to have if you own a home, because at some point, they'll be there for you when you need their assistance or expertise.

Let's start with someone who owns a grass-cutting service. Not every homeowner enjoys mowing their lawn, and if you have a friend who cuts grass for a living, their services can come in handy as the grass grows. Not to mention, if you have a friend who cuts your grass regularly, your yard may get preferential treatment when services are needed.

Then there's the friend who is a plumber. One of the worst feelings you can have as a homeowner is to see water running across your floors, and you don't know what to do. Well, if you have a friend who is a plumber, they will likely be there for you quickly and help avert a mess in your home. Every homeowner needs to have a "plumber friend" in their contacts.

If you live in the deep south, you cannot live without a working air conditioner. It gets hot and humid here, and it is in your best interest to have a friend who can come over at any time to fix a broken air conditioner. I can't tell you how many times my friend, who owns his own AC repair business, has saved my family and me from the heat and misery.

A friend who services AC units can also save you a lot of money, as they may even waive service fees when responding to your needs.

For those like me who can't fix much in your home, you need to have a friend who can "do iit all." Yes, I am talking about a handyman. Not only can they fix doors and hang light fixtures, but they also come in handy for putting things together for the outside. A handyman who is a close friend will save you money and time, make sure you know a good one if you own your own house...You'll thank me later.

An electrician. One thing you do not want to mess with if you own your house is electricity. Not only can it be deadly, but one mistake could burn the house down. If you don't know much about electrical currents, have your friend, a licensed electrician, address any issues you may be having. Like a plumber, they too can save you a lot of money, and could be the difference between misery and comfort when things go dark.

So, there it is, these are the five friends every homeowner needs. Let me add that while you may have to count on them one day, they may likewise need your assistance, and never forget what they may have done for you during your time of need.

Friends helping friends is a great thing.