10 Simple Home Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know
Owning a home is like being the captain of a ship: it’s exciting, full of potential, and occasionally, something leaks. While it’s tempting to call a pro for every creak, drip, and wobble, there are plenty of simple fixes you can handle yourself—and doing so can save you time, money, and a bit of your sanity. Let’s dive into 10 repairs every homeowner should master.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
Ah, the infamous drip-drip-drip. It’s like nature’s version of a lie detector, except it’s testing your patience instead of your honesty.
The Fix:
- Turn off the water supply. (Trust us, this is step one.)
- Remove the handle to access the valve.
- Replace the washer or O-ring—it’s usually a small, inexpensive fix.
Pro Tip: If you’re spending more than $10 on parts, you’re probably buying things you don’t need. Save those for a plumber.
2. Patching Small Holes in Drywall
We’ve all been there: a little too enthusiastic with rearranging furniture, and suddenly, your wall looks like it lost a fistfight.
The Fix:
- Sand around the hole to remove rough edges.
- Apply a drywall patch or mesh tape over the hole.
- Spread joint compound evenly, let it dry, then sand smooth.
- Paint over it to make it disappear like magic (or at least close enough).
Pro Tip: Don’t match paint by memory. The color you think your wall is and what it actually is might be as different as beige and “eggshell dreams.”
3. Tightening Loose Cabinet Hinges
Cabinets have one job: open and close. If yours are auditioning for “Cabinet Wobble 2024,” it’s time to tighten things up.
The Fix:
- Grab a screwdriver.
- Tighten the screws on the hinges.
- For stripped holes, insert a toothpick with glue into the hole, break it off, and then re-screw.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-tightening, or you’ll end up with a new problem: cracked wood.
4. Unclogging a Sink Drain
A slow-draining sink isn’t just annoying—it’s gross. Save yourself the headache (and the plumber’s bill).
The Fix:
- Remove the sink stopper and clear visible debris.
- Use a plumbing snake to remove deeper clogs.
- Pour boiling water down the drain to clear grease.
Pro Tip: Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They work, but they’re harsh on your pipes and the environment.
5. Fixing Squeaky Door Hinges
Few things are as ominous as a door that squeaks like it’s auditioning for a horror movie.
The Fix:
- Apply lubricant (like WD-40) to the hinge pins.
- Move the door back and forth to work it in.
- If that doesn’t work, remove the pins, clean them, and apply grease.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-lubricating—otherwise, you’ll trade squeaks for oil stains.
6. Sealing Drafty Windows
That little breeze coming through your closed window isn’t a feature; it’s a problem.
The Fix:
- Apply weatherstripping around the frame.
- Use a clear caulk to seal gaps.
- Add thermal window film for extra insulation in the winter.
Pro Tip: Draft snakes (yes, that’s a thing) are great for quick fixes and surprisingly fun to shop for.
7. Replacing a Faulty Light Switch
A light switch that doesn’t work is more annoying than the friend who insists “it’s probably just the bulb.”
The Fix:
- Turn off power to the switch at the breaker box.
- Remove the switch plate and old switch.
- Install a new switch, ensuring wires are securely connected.
Pro Tip: If wiring diagrams make your eyes glaze over, call a professional. Electricity doesn’t forgive mistakes.
8. Cleaning Out Gutters
Clogged gutters are like ticking time bombs for your foundation.
The Fix:
- Use a sturdy ladder and gloves to remove debris.
- Rinse with a hose to ensure water flows freely.
- Install gutter guards to reduce future clogs.
Pro Tip: Clean gutters in the fall and spring. It’s not glamorous, but neither is water damage.
9. Hanging Pictures Like a Pro
Crooked frames are charming in haunted houses, not your living room.
The Fix:
- Use a level to mark where the frame should hang.
- Install the proper hook for your wall type (anchors for drywall, nails for studs).
- Use adhesive strips for lightweight frames.
Pro Tip: Step back and admire your work—it’s okay to feel smug about a perfectly hung picture.
10. Replacing a Broken Tile
A single cracked tile can ruin the aesthetic of an entire room. Fix it quickly and easily.
The Fix:
- Remove the grout around the tile with a grout saw.
- Carefully break and remove the damaged tile.
- Apply tile adhesive, place the new tile, and re-grout.
Pro Tip: Save extra tiles from your original project—you’ll thank yourself later.
Conclusion
Mastering these 10 repairs won’t turn you into a professional handyman, but it will save you from unnecessary frustration and expense. For everything else, Little Hammer Handyman LLC is just a call away. From patching walls to fixing gutters, we’ve got you covered—so you can focus on enjoying your home, not fixing it.
Contact us today to schedule your next repair!