10 Easy DIY Home Repairs to Save Money and Time
Welcome to my blog, where I will be sharing some easy DIY home repairs that can save you a lot of money and time. As someone who loves hands-on approaches to fixing things, I know how daunting home repairs can seem. But with this guide, you can tackle them with a bit of confidence and breeze into the next phase of your life. 🛠️
1. Fixing a leaky faucet
A leaky faucet might not seem like a big deal until your water bill arrives, and you realize that you have been wasting valuable resources and money. Luckily, this is an easy fix that requires a few tools such as a wrench, screwdriver, and some replacement parts. For someone just starting, you might want to start by taking the faucet apart and identifying the component that is broken. This can be done by following instructions from a guide or YouTube video. After getting the necessary parts, reassemble the faucet and test for leaks. That’s it! You just saved some bucks! 🚰
2. Patching drywall holes
If you are like me, then accidentally putting a hole in your wall is something that happens quite often. The good news is that these pesky holes are easy to fix, even without calling a handyman. Gather some spackling paste, a trowel, and sandpaper. Fill the hole with the spackling paste, and use the trowel to smooth it out. After it dries up, sand it down until it’s even with the rest of the wall and repaint it. Your walls will look brand new! 🏠
3. Cleaning gutters
Blocked gutters can cause leaks and damage to your house’s foundation, which is why cleaning your gutters twice a year is important. Your preferred tools can be a ladder, gloves, and a scoop. While on the ladder, remove debris and rinse the gutter with a hose to flush out any dirt and avoid clogs.
4. Maintaining your air conditioning unit
Your air conditioning unit is an integral part of your home, especially during sweltering months. By doing routine maintenance such as changing the air filter frequently, you keep your system running effectively with minimal strain, and save money on energy bills. Additionally, regular cleaning of the coils and evaporator can help your system last longer. Keeping your AC unit running optimally will save you from having to resort to expensive repairs. 🌡️
5. Repairing a running toilet
A running toilet is just as bad as a leaky faucet in terms of wasting water and money. Some parts of your toilet like the flapper valve or the fill valve might need to be replaced. These parts are inexpensive and readily available at any hardware store. Additionally, check the fill valve for signs of wear, as some parts (like the intricate spring within the valve) can wear down over time.
6. Unclogging a slow drain
A slow drain is not only irritating but also unsanitary and, if not fixed quickly, can cause more severe damage. A DIY technique that can help unclog drains is using a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. First, pour water down the drain, then add baking soda and vinegar. After a few minutes, add more hot water to flush the drain. Then voila! Your drain is unclogged.
7. Fixing a squeaky door
Squeaky doors are a nuisance for you and anyone else sleeping in your house. The simplest way to fix this is by lubricating the hinges with WD-40 or any other lubricant of your choice. Simply remove any dirt or debris that might be blocking the door’s mobility, apply the spray and voila! The door is moving as silently as ever. 🚪
8. Replacing a light fixture
A new light fixture can brighten up any room and save energy. It’s an easy task that requires just a few electrical tools such as pliers, dimmer switch, and a screwdriver. Remember, before replacing the fixture, turn off the power supply to avoid any electrical shocks. Remove the old fixture, install the new one, and turn on the power to admire your handiwork. 💡
9. Replacing weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps keep your home warm during the winter and cool during summer. Replacing worn-out weather-stripping can be done with a few tools such as scissors and a pry bar. Measure the gap between the door and frame, cut the weatherstripping material to size, and use a pry bar to remove the old stripping and put the new one in place. You will be saving on heating bills in no time. 🌡️
10. Inspecting exterior caulking
Over time, weatherstripping and caulking on windows and doors can deteriorate, leading to drafts and energy loss. In cases where the caulking is cracked, remove the old one with a scraper and apply new caulking in its place. This can improve your home’s insulation, reduce energy waste and save you money.
And there you have it! 10 easy DIY home repairs that can save you money, time and keep your home in top shape. Don’t forget to share your experience with us below.👇