DIY home repairs can save you money and boost your confidence as a homeowner. Here are some straightforward repairs that anyone can tackle:
1. Fixing Leaky Faucets
- What You Need: Adjustable wrench, replacement washers or cartridges.
- How to Do It: Turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and replace the worn washer or cartridge. Reassemble and turn the water back on.
2. Patching Small Holes in Walls
- What You Need: Spackle or wall compound, putty knife, sandpaper, paint.
- How to Do It: Apply spackle with a putty knife to fill the hole, let it dry, sand it smooth, and paint over it to match the wall.
3. Unclogging Drains
- What You Need: Plunger, baking soda, vinegar, boiling water.
- How to Do It: Use a plunger to create suction. For tough clogs, pour baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain, let it fizz, and then flush with boiling water.
4. Changing Light Bulbs
- What You Need: New bulbs, step ladder if necessary.
- How to Do It: Ensure the fixture is off, remove the old bulb, and screw in the new one. For fluorescent lights, twist and remove the old tube, then replace with the new one.
5. Repairing Squeaky Doors
- What You Need: Lubricating oil (like WD-40) or paraffin wax.
- How to Do It: Spray the hinges with lubricant or rub paraffin wax on the hinges to eliminate squeaks.
6. Replacing Air Filters
- What You Need: New air filter (check your system’s specifications).
- How to Do It: Turn off your HVAC system, locate the filter, remove the old one, and install the new filter in the correct orientation.
7. Re-grouting Tiles
- What You Need: Grout, grout float, sponge, and water.
- How to Do It: Remove old grout with a grout saw, apply new grout with the float, and wipe excess with a damp sponge. Allow to cure as per package instructions.
8. Fixing a Running Toilet
- What You Need: Replacement flapper, wrench, and possibly a new fill valve.
- How to Do It: Check the flapper for wear and replace it. If the toilet still runs, adjust the float arm or replace the fill valve.
9. Sealing Drafty Windows and Doors
- What You Need: Weather stripping or caulk.
- How to Do It: Remove old weather stripping, clean the surface, and apply new stripping or caulk around the frame to seal gaps.
10. Touching Up Paint
- What You Need: Paint, brush or roller, painter's tape.
- How to Do It: Clean the area, tape off edges, and apply touch-up paint to blend with the surrounding area.
11. Cleaning Gutters
- What You Need: Ladder, gloves, trowel, bucket, hose.
- How to Do It: Safely use a ladder to scoop out debris with a trowel and flush the gutters with water using a hose to ensure proper drainage.
12. Replacing Door Handles
- What You Need: Screwdriver, new door handle set.
- How to Do It: Unscrew the old handle and remove it, then install the new handle according to the manufacturer's instructions.
13. Hanging Shelves
- What You Need: Shelves, brackets, level, screws, drill.
- How to Do It: Mark where you want the shelves, drill holes, attach brackets, and level the shelves before securing them in place.
Conclusion
These DIY home repairs are manageable for most homeowners and can help you maintain and improve your living space. Always remember to take safety precautions, use the right tools, and consult tutorials or guides if you’re unsure about any step. Happy repairing!
