Take Control of Your Home Repairs
Hiring a handyman for every squeak, drip, and crack adds up quickly. Many of the most common home repairs are well within reach for a beginner with a little guidance, a bit of patience, and some basic tools.
This guide walks you through five foundational DIY tasks that build skills you can reuse across countless projects.
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Step 1: Build a Basic Home Repair Toolkit
Before you tighten a screw or patch a wall, you need the right tools. You don’t need a contractor-grade setup—just a reliable starter kit.
Essential tools to get first
1. **Screwdriver set** (flathead and Phillips, multiple sizes)
2. **Claw hammer** (16 oz is a good all-purpose choice)
3. **Adjustable wrench** (for plumbing connections and bolts)
4. **Tape measure** (at least 25 ft, with clear markings)
5. **Utility knife** (for cutting drywall, caulk, boxes, and more)
6. **Stud finder** (for safe, solid mounting in walls)
7. **Cordless drill/driver** with assorted bits
8. **Level** (a 24" level covers most home tasks)
9. **Pliers** (needle-nose and slip-joint)
10. **Safety gear**: safety glasses, work gloves, dust mask
Storage and organization tip
Designate a **single repair bin or toolbox** and always return tools to it when you finish a job. This simple habit saves you huge amounts of frustration and time.
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Step 2: Fix a Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet wastes water and money, but it’s also one of the most approachable plumbing repairs.
What you’ll need
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Replacement cartridge or washers (depending on faucet type)
- Plumber’s grease
- Rag or towel
How to do it
1. **Turn off the water**: Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise. Open the faucet to relieve pressure.
2. **Plug the drain**: Use a sink plug or rag so small parts don’t fall in.
3. **Disassemble the handle**: Remove any decorative cap, unscrew the handle, and gently lift it off.
4. **Inspect the cartridge or washer**: For modern faucets, pull out the cartridge. For older ones, you may see a rubber washer and O-rings.
5. **Replace worn parts**: Take the old pieces to the hardware store to match replacements. Lightly coat O-rings with plumber’s grease.
6. **Reassemble and test**: Put everything back in reverse order, open the shutoff valves, and check for drips.
**DIY tip:** Take a photo of each stage as you disassemble so you know exactly how to put it back together.
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Step 3: Patch Nail Holes and Small Wall Dings
Small holes and dents in drywall make a home look tired. Fortunately, they’re very easy to repair.
Materials you’ll need
- Lightweight spackle or pre-mixed joint compound
- 2" putty knife
- Fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit)
- Damp sponge
- Touch-up paint and brush
Simple patching process
1. **Clean the area**: Wipe dust and loose paint with a damp cloth.
2. **Apply spackle**: Use the putty knife to press spackle into the hole or ding. Overfill slightly.
3. **Smooth it out**: Scrape away excess with the knife, leaving a thin, smooth layer.
4. **Let it dry**: Follow the dry time on the container—usually a couple of hours.
5. **Sand lightly**: Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth the patch flush with the wall.
6. **Touch up with paint**: Feather the paint slightly beyond the repaired area for a seamless look.
**DIY tip:** For larger holes (bigger than a quarter), use a self-adhesive wall repair patch before applying joint compound.
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Step 4: Silence Squeaky Doors and Cabinets
Squeaks are often nothing more than parts rubbing without lubrication. Fixing them is quick and satisfying.
What you’ll need
- Silicone spray lubricant or white lithium grease
- Rag or paper towels
- Small brush or cotton swabs
Quiet hinges in minutes
1. **Identify the source**: Slowly open and close the door to pinpoint which hinge squeaks.
2. **Apply lubricant**: Spray or dab lubricant directly onto the hinge pin and moving parts. Avoid over-spraying.
3. **Work the hinge**: Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
4. **Wipe away excess**: Clean up drips to prevent staining or attracting dust.
5. **Check cabinet hardware**: Tighten any loose screws on handles, hinges, and latches.
**DIY tip:** Skip WD-40 as a long-term solution on hinges; it’s more of a cleaner than a lasting lubricant. Silicone or lithium grease works better.
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Step 5: Upgrade Old, Drafty Weatherstripping
Improving weatherstripping around doors and windows cuts drafts and lowers energy bills with minimal tools.
Materials you’ll need
- Adhesive-backed foam or rubber weatherstripping
- Door sweep (for the bottom of doors)
- Scissors or utility knife
- Tape measure
How to weatherstrip a door
1. **Inspect existing seals**: Look for cracked, flattened, or missing weatherstripping.
2. **Remove old material**: Peel off and clean any leftover adhesive with a scraper or rag.
3. **Measure and cut new strips**: Measure each side of the door frame and cut strips to fit.
4. **Apply weatherstripping**: Peel the backing and press firmly along the door stops, ensuring a continuous seal.
5. **Install or adjust the door sweep**: Attach a new sweep at the bottom of the door or lower the existing one until it just brushes the threshold.
**DIY tip:** Close the door and stand inside on a sunny day. If you can see daylight around the frame, you need better weatherstripping.
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Step 6: Know When Not to DIY
Taking on your own repairs is empowering—but knowing your limits is just as important.
Call a professional when you’re dealing with:
- Electrical work beyond swapping fixtures or outlets
- Main plumbing lines or persistent leaks inside walls
- Structural issues (sagging floors, cracked beams, shifting foundations)
- Gas lines or appliances
If a repair feels unsafe, unclear, or requires permits you don’t understand, pause and get advice.
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Start Small, Learn Fast
You don’t need to tackle a full remodel to benefit from DIY repairs. Start with one project—fix that squeaky hinge, patch those wall dings, or finally stop that faucet drip.
Each completed task builds your skills, saves money, and makes your home more comfortable. Over time, your toolkit grows, your confidence increases, and calling a handyman becomes the exception, not the rule.