Whether you move to a fixer upper in Seattle or to a new home in Nashville, your new home comes with a pretty to-do list. Calling a contractor or professional may save you time and stress, but it will leave a dent in your budget. You’ll be surprised at how many DIY home repairs you can do yourself with a few tools. Once you settle into your new home, there are 13 simple repairs that you can tackle yourself. ”
1. List a small hole in the wall of your house
Tools you need:
Spit out a patty knife paint
If your previous owner of your home fitted a TV or hanging photograph or decoration, it could be that some small nail holes were left behind. A little spackle, putty knife and some touch-up paint are everything you need to make your wall look brand new. For wider drywall damage, patching may be necessary with joint compounds.
2. Fix any worn paint
Tools you need:
Paint small brush or roller painter tape
Small scratches and tips on the paint can be easily fixed, but they make a huge difference to the exterior of the home. If necessary, keep a small can of matching paint on hand. For a seamless blend, use a small brush or roller. This will make the walls look fresh without completely repainting.
3. Fix leaky faucets
Tools you need:
Driver wrench O-ring or washer
Leaky faucets are not only annoying, but can also contribute to higher water bills. Most leaks can be fixed by replacing the washing machine or O-ring.
4. Replace worn peeling of doors and windows
Tools you need:
Weather stripping utility knife or scissors tape measure screwdriver
While weather peeling around doors and windows can go a long way when it comes to insulating your home, worn strips can guide drafts and raise energy bills. Replace old weather strips with new strips to improve comfort and lower utility bills. This is a simple DIY home repair that doesn’t require much time or tools.
5. I’ll repair the running toilet
Tools you need:
Replacement flapper plier towel
Continuously running toilets may be noticed when you move in first, but you need to deal with them quickly and avoid running your bills without wasting water. Often, the perpetrator is a worn-out flapper that needs to be replaced. To fix this, turn off the water supply, replace it with a new flapper (which can be found in the hardware store) and revert the water back. The problem will be resolved in just a few minutes
6. Tighten the handle and hinges of the loose cabinet
Tools you need:
New screws or handles on the screwdriver (if necessary)
The loose cabinet knobs and handles are easy to overlook, but they are easy to fix. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws, or replace the screws if they come off. You can also replace the old hardware to give it a more modern look. This small change will refresh your kitchen and bathroom without invasive overhauls or modifications.
7. Unclose the Thrustrain
Tools you need:
Baking soda vinegar hot water for drained snakes
Calling a plumber when you have drainage issues in your home might be appealing, but the solution may actually be within reach. Before calling a professional, clean up your bathroom and kitchen and drain it yourself. Often, a drainage snake or a simple baking soda and Vitger mix will do the trick.
8. Stop the door from creaking
Tools you need:
WD-40 or Petroleum Jelly Driver Rug
No one likes the creaking doors in their homes, but it’s surprisingly easy to fix. Spray a bit of WD-40 or apply oil jelly to the hinge and shake the door back and forth to work. If that doesn’t finish the job, try tightening the screws on the door hinge. This quick repair will instantly make your home feel quiet and more refined.
9. Replace burnt-out bulbs with LEDs
Tools you need:
LED bulb step stool or ladder
Proper lighting can change any home. Replacing the old bulbs of the LEDs will save you money and brighten up all your rooms. Whether it’s warm lighting in a cozy space or cool lighting for your kitchen or bathroom, choose the light bulb that matches the light tone you want. LEDs last much longer than traditional bulbs. This means there will be less trips to the ladder. This is one of the easiest DIY energy upgrades you can do.
10. Check and replace the air filter
Tools you need:
New air filter driver
While many DIY home projects are obvious to the naked eye, new air filters are easy to overlook. Replacing the filter will improve the air quality of your home while keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Most filters slide immediately from the panels of the furnace or wall unit. Please check the size before purchasing a replacement. You should change the filter every 1-3 months depending on how you use it and whether you have a pet. This is a simple habit that can provide major health and comfort benefits.
11. Screamy wooden floor of silence
Tools you need:
Talcum powder or powdered graphite broom cloth
Hardwood flooring adds character to any home, while creaking flooring can make your home old and tiring. Luckily there’s a simple fix. Sprinkle some talcum powder or powdered graphite between the board and sweep into the cracks. This helps lubricate the wood so that the floorboards don’t rub against each other loudly. It’s a simple trick that brings peace and tranquility to your home.
12. Clean the dryer vent
Tools you need:
Vacuum (with hose attachment) Dryer vent brush screwdriver
Lint buildup in dryer vents is a major fire hazard, so this task should be prioritized immediately after moving. Remove the vent hose and remove any lint using a vacuum or vent brush. Make sure the outer vents are also clear. This will improve the efficiency of your dryer and help you keep your home safe.
13. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Tools you need:
Step stool replacement battery
Safety should always come first. Press and hold the button until the alarm sounds to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detector. If the alarm does not sound, it is time to change the battery. Replace the battery at least once a year and replace the detector for 10 years. It’s a 5-minute job that dramatically improves the safety of your home.
