Top 5 Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself (And When to Call a Pro)

HomeMaintenanceTop 5 Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself (And When to Call a Pro)
/
By Fix It Handyman Services

Top 5 Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself (And When to Call a Pro)

As a professional handyman, I’m all about helping homeowners keep their homes in top shape. While some jobs definitely need a pro’s touch, there are plenty of small repairs you can tackle yourself with a bit of know-how and the right tools. In this post, I’ll share five common home repairs you can DIY—and when it’s best to pick up the phone and call someone like me.

1: Patching Small Holes in Drywall

✅ DIY-Friendly:
Tiny nail holes or minor dings from furniture? No problem. A little spackle, a putty knife, and some sandpaper are all you need. Finish with touch-up paint and it’s like it never happened.

🚫 Call a Pro When:
You’re dealing with larger holes (over 4 inches), water damage, or cracks that keep coming back. These could be signs of a deeper issue.

2. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

✅ DIY-Friendly:
A steady drip from your kitchen or bathroom faucet can often be fixed by replacing a worn-out washer or O-ring. Most hardware stores carry faucet repair kits and YouTube has plenty of tutorials.

🚫 Call a Pro When:
You’re unsure how to shut off your water supply, or if you notice corrosion, water stains under the sink, or low water pressure. Plumbing can escalate quickly if mishandled.

3. Replacing a Light Switch or Outlet Cover

✅ DIY-Friendly:
Swapping out a cracked or outdated switch plate is a simple fix—just make sure the power is off before you begin.

🚫 Call a Pro When:
You’re dealing with actual electrical work, like replacing a light switch or installing a ceiling fan. Safety first—electrical work should be handled by a licensed pro.

4. Unclogging a Slow Drain

✅ DIY-Friendly:
Hair and gunk buildup in bathroom sinks is super common. A drain snake or a simple baking soda and vinegar combo can do wonders.

🚫 Call a Pro When:
The clog is deep, recurring, or affecting multiple drains in your home. This could be a sign of a bigger plumbing problem that needs pro-level tools and expertise.

5. Touching Up Paint or Trim

✅ DIY-Friendly:
Scuffed baseboards, chipped doorframes, or dingy walls? A fresh coat of paint does wonders and is usually easy to handle on your own.

🚫 Call a Pro When:
You’re painting high ceilings, stairwells, or dealing with peeling lead-based paint in older homes. That’s when special equipment or safety precautions come into play.

Final Thoughts: Know When to DIY vs. Call a Pro

Doing small repairs yourself can save money and give you a real sense of accomplishment—but knowing your limits is just as important. When in doubt, it’s always safer and more cost-effective to bring in a pro before a small fix turns into a big problem.

Need help with something on your list? Reach out today for a free quote or to schedule a visit!

Related Posts