10 Easy Home Repairs That Anyone Can Do

Living in an old house can be a charming experience. It can also be a lot of work. Between maintaining the exterior, keeping up with the landscaping, and dealing with occasional repairs, it’s easy to let some things slide. But there are some easy home repairs that anyone can do to help keep their home in tip-top shape – no contractor required!

Here are 10 easy home repairs that anyone can do:

1. Fix a Roof Leak.

Whether it’s from a storm or simply age, roof leaks are inevitable. But they can be easily fixed with some roofing cement and a little elbow grease. Simply apply the cement to the area around the leak and press it firmly into place. Allow it to dry completely before walking on it or adding any additional roofing materials. If you’re one of those who are afraid of heights, you can also hire a roofing contractor from Salt Lake City Utah, or elsewhere to do this repair for you.

2. Caulk Windows and Doors.

One of the best ways to keep your home energy-efficient is to make sure that all your windows and doors are properly sealed. Over time, caulking can crack and peel, leaving gaps for air to seep through. Simply remove the old caulk with a utility knife and apply a new bead of caulk around the perimeter of the window or door. Smooth it out with your finger and allow it to dry completely before closing the window or door.

3. Repair Drywall.

Drywall is notorious for developing cracks, especially in older homes. Luckily, these cracks can be easily repaired with some joint compound and a little patience. Simply apply the joint compound to the crack, smooth it out with a putty knife, and allow it to dry completely. Once it’s dry, sand it down until it’s flush with the surrounding wall and paint over it.

4. Replace a Light Fixture.

Light fixtures can be tricky to replace, but it’s a relatively easy repair that anyone can do. Simply turn off the power to the fixture at your breaker box, remove the old fixture, and install the new one in its place. Make sure to connect all the wires correctly before turning the power back on.

5. Unclog a Drain.

Clogged drains are a pain, but they’re easy to fix with some basic supplies. Start by removing the drain cover and using a plunger to try and clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake to reach further down into the drain and break up the clog.

6. Fix a leaky faucet.

Leaky faucets are not only annoying, but they can also waste a lot of water. To fix a leaky faucet, start by shutting off the water to the fixture. Then, remove the handle and unscrew the packing nut to access the valve stem. Tighten or replace the washer as needed and reassemble the faucet. Turn the water back on and test the faucet to make sure the leak is gone.

7. Replace a Doorknob.

Doorknobs are one of those things that always seem to break at the worst possible time. But replacing them is easy – even if you don’t have a lot of experience with home repairs. Simply remove the old doorknob, unscrew the plate, and install the new one in its place. Make sure to tighten all the screws before putting the new plate in place.

8. Paint a Room.

Giving a room a fresh coat of paint is a great way to freshen it up without spending a lot of money. To paint a room, start by protecting the floor and furniture with drop cloths. Then, use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to paint. Next, apply a coat of primer to the walls and allow it to dry completely. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the walls with your chosen paint color.

9. Hang Curtains.

Curtains are a great way to add some personality to a room, and they’re not as difficult to hang as you might think. To hang curtains, start by finding the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Then, use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws. Next, hold the curtain rod in place and use a screwdriver to secure it to the wall. Finally, hang the curtains on the rod and adjust them to your desired length.

10. Replace a Light Switch.

Light switches are one of those things that seem like they should be easy to replace but often stump even the most experienced DIYers. To replace a light switch, start by turning off the power to the switch at your breaker box. Then, remove the plate and unscrew the switch from the electrical box. Install the new switch in the same position and screw it into place. Finally, turn the power back on and test the switch to make sure it’s working properly.

These are just a few of the easy home repairs that anyone can do. With a little time and some basic supplies, you can fix the most common household problems without having to call a professional.