DIY Home Repairs: How to Tackle Common Issues on a Budget
Save money and boost your confidence with these 10 budget-friendly DIY home repair tips. From leaky faucets to paint refreshes, start fixing today!
Owning a home comes with countless joys—and a never-ending to-do list. Whether it's a leaky faucet or a sticky door, small household problems can quickly add up in repair costs. But with the right tools and a little know-how, many fixes are simpler (and cheaper) than you might think.
This DIY guide will help you identify common home repairs you can confidently handle yourself—without hiring a pro or draining your savings.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
Tools needed: Adjustable wrench, screwdriver, replacement washers or cartridge
Cost: ~$5–$20
A dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers or O-rings.
Turn off the water supply, then disassemble the faucet handle.
Replace the damaged part, reassemble, and test.
If unsure of the parts, bring the old ones to a hardware store.
2. Patching Small Drywall Holes
Tools needed: Spackle or joint compound, putty knife, sandpaper
Cost: ~$10–$15
Holes from nails, screws, or door handles are easy to patch:
Clean the hole, apply spackle with a putty knife, and let it dry.
Sand until smooth, then touch up with matching paint.
For holes larger than 2 inches, use a mesh patch for added support.
3. Unclogging a Slow Drain
Tools needed: Plunger, drain snake, or baking soda & vinegar
Cost: ~$0–$15
Before calling a plumber, try one of these:
Use a plunger or drain snake to clear physical blockages.
Or, pour baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water, to break up grime naturally.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes over time.
4. Fixing Squeaky Doors and Hinges
Tools needed: Lubricant (WD-40 or petroleum jelly), screwdriver
Cost: <$5
Sick of creaky doors?
Remove the hinge pins, apply lubricant, and reinsert.
Still squeaking? Tighten the screws or replace stripped ones with longer, sturdier options.
5. Replacing a Light Fixture
Tools needed: Screwdriver, wire connectors, voltage tester
Cost: ~$20–$60
Swapping outdated light fixtures is an easy upgrade:
Turn off power at the breaker.
Remove the old fixture, then match the wires (black to black, white to white, ground to ground).
Secure and test before final mounting.
Note: If unsure about electrical work, consult a licensed electrician.
6. Recaulking Bathtubs or Sinks
Tools needed: Caulk gun, utility knife, silicone caulk
Cost: ~$10–$20
Peeling or moldy caulk can lead to leaks and water damage.
Scrape away old caulk, clean the area, and let it dry completely.
Apply a smooth bead of fresh caulk, using painter’s tape as a guide if needed.
Let it cure for at least 24 hours before using.
7. Repairing a Running Toilet
Tools needed: Replacement flapper or fill valve, adjustable wrench
Cost: ~$5–$25
If your toilet won’t stop running, it’s usually a worn flapper or faulty fill valve.
Turn off water, flush to empty the tank, then inspect the internal parts.
Replacements are cheap and often clip right into place—no plumber required.
8. Refreshing Walls with Paint
Tools needed: Paint, brushes or rollers, painter’s tape
Cost: ~$30–$60/room
Scuffed, outdated walls? A fresh coat of paint can transform a room:
Clean surfaces and tape edges for clean lines.
Use primer if painting over a dark or glossy color.
Apply two coats and let dry thoroughly between them.
9. Tightening Loose Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Tools needed: Screwdriver, wood glue or filler (optional)
Cost: <$5
Loose hinges and handles make cabinets look worn.
Tighten all screws and realign hardware.
If screws won’t hold, fill holes with wood filler, let dry, then re-drill.
10. Weatherstripping Drafty Doors & Windows
Tools needed: Weatherstripping, scissors, tape measure
Cost: ~$10–$25
Improving your home's insulation doesn’t have to be expensive.
Remove old weatherstripping.
Measure and cut new strips to fit around doors and windows.
Peel and stick or tack in place, depending on the type.
Final Thoughts
With a little effort and minimal investment, you can tackle many common household issues yourself. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also feel empowered as a homeowner. Just remember: know your limits. If a job involves electrical wiring, gas, or major plumbing—don’t hesitate to call a professional.
