What Home Repairs Can You Do Yourself?

Doing home repairs yourself is a great way to save money and learn some new skills. But it’s important to know what projects are appropriate for the do-it-yourselfer and which ones should be left to the professionals. Here are eight common home repair jobs that you can tackle on your own.

1. Unclogging A Drain

Clogged drains are a common problem in the home. Fortunately, they’re usually easy to fix. Start by using a plunger or an auger to try and loosen the blockage. If that doesn’t work, then you can use a chemical drain cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Repairing A Leaky Faucet

Leaky faucets can be a real nuisance and if left unchecked, will waste a lot of water. Fortunately, fixing them is usually an easy job. The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then you can access the washers and O-rings to replace them as needed.

3. Replacing Electrical Switches And Outlets

Replacing electrical switches and outlets is another job that is relatively easy to do yourself. Before you begin, turn off the power at the main circuit breaker box. Then carefully remove the old switch or outlet and install the new one.

4. Repairing Drywall

Drywall damage is common in older homes and can be easily repaired with a few basic tools. Start by cutting away the damaged area with a utility knife, then use joint compound to fill in any holes or dents. Once everything has dried, sand it down and repaint if necessary.

5. Resealing Windows And Doors

Over time, the rubber seals around windows and doors can start to wear away. This will cause drafts and make it harder to keep your home warm or cool. To fix this, you should remove the old caulking with a putty knife and then apply fresh caulk to fill in any gaps.

6. Installing A Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling fan is usually a straightforward job and something most people can do themselves. Once you’ve chosen the fan, you should switch off the power to the circuit before mounting it to the ceiling. Then connect the wires from the fan to those in your wall and install any necessary light bulbs.

7. Repainting Walls And Trim

Painting is one of the easiest home improvements you can do yourself and it’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to update a room. Start by cleaning any dirt or grease off the walls and then use painter’s tape to protect moldings and trim from any drips. After that, it’s just a matter of applying the paint in thin even coats.

8. Replacing Fixtures And Hardware

Replacing outdated fixtures and hardware is another easy job that can be done by almost anyone. Just make sure to turn off the power before you begin removing any electrical items. For other items like towel bars or door handles, all you’ll need is a screwdriver and some patience to get the job done.

Overall, there are many home repair tasks that can be easily accomplished by even the most inexperienced DIYer. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can save money by doing these repairs yourself. But if the job is beyond your capabilities, it’s always best to call in a professional for help.