When things break or go wrong at home, you probably have a local handyman on speed dial to come fix them.
However, there are a lot of little mishaps around the house that you don’t need to pay anyone else to sort out for you — they’re easy enough to deal with yourself. It might feel intimidating at first, and you might worry about messing up, but with a bit of elbow grease (and maybe the help of a few YouTube tutorials), you can become a DIY maestro pretty quickly. Save your dosh and fix these things yourself — you’ll be glad you did!
1. Unclogging a drain
A clogged sink or shower drain can feel like a major hassle, but you don’t need a handyman to sort it out. Most blockages are caused by hair, soap scum, or food particles, and they’re surprisingly easy to fix. A plunger or a simple drain snake from your local hardware shop is often all you need to get the water flowing again. If you’re dealing with a tougher blockage, try pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. It’s an eco-friendly method and effective for breaking down stubborn clogs. Knowing how to handle this task yourself not only saves money but also keeps your home running smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.
2. Replacing a broken light switch
When a light switch goes bad, it’s easy to think you need to call an electrician, but replacing a broken switch is a pretty straightforward task. After turning off the power at the circuit breaker (safety first!), you can just pop off the old switch, connect the wires to a new one, and screw it back into place. This job is simple, quick, and will save you the cost of a handyman. Plus, it’s a confidence booster – knowing you can handle basic electrical work means you’re ready for small fixes down the line. You’ll be running your own DIY business in no time!
3. Filling small wall holes or cracks
You don’t need a professional to deal with small holes in the wall, like those left from picture frames or tiny cracks. A little spackling paste, a putty knife, and some sandpaper will do the trick. Once it’s all dry, a quick coat of paint is all you need to make the wall look as good as new. Learning how to do this means you don’t have to worry about those small repairs every time you rearrange your furniture. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep your space looking fresh, especially if you move often or love switching up your home decor.
4. Fixing a squeaky door
That squeaky door – you know, the one that makes a noise every time you walk through – can drive anyone crazy. Luckily, fixing it is a breeze. Most of the time, it’s just dry or dirty hinges that need attention. Grab a can of WD-40 or even some petroleum jelly, apply it to the hinges, and voila – no more squeak. It’s a quick job that makes a big difference in how comfortable your home feels. Taking the time to fix these little things yourself is a reminder of how satisfying DIY can be and how much it improves your daily life.
5. Cleaning your gutters
Gutters can fill up quickly with leaves, twigs, and other debris, leading to all kinds of problems if you don’t clean them regularly. But don’t stress – it’s not as bad as it sounds. With a sturdy ladder, a pair of gloves, and a garden trowel, you can scoop out all that muck and keep the water flowing properly. Keeping your gutters clean yourself means you avoid costly water damage and make sure your drainage system stays in good shape. It’s also a great chance to check for any damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Patching a torn window screen
Screens aren’t super common on UK windows, but magnetic ones are becoming more popular thanks to people getting sick of so many wasps and mozzies flying in over the summer months. If you’ve got a small tear in your window screen, don’t rush to buy a whole new one. With a simple screen repair kit, you can patch the hole in no time. Just cut a piece from the kit, secure it over the tear, and you’re done. It’s a fast and inexpensive fix that’ll keep your windows working well, especially in summer when you want to keep the bugs out but let the fresh air in. Learning to repair your own screens saves you money and means you don’t have to stress if one gets torn.
7. Re-caulking a bathtub or sink
Caulk around your tub or sink might crack or get mouldy over time, which can make your bathroom look worn and old. Fortunately, it’s a quick fix. With some silicone caulk, a scraper, and a steady hand, you can remove the old stuff and replace it yourself. There are some solid YouTube tutorials on this if you’re nervous (and on every other fix mentioned here, to be honest), but it’s a lot simpler than you think. Not only does fresh caulk make your bathroom look better, but it also helps prevent water damage by sealing up any gaps. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll wonder why you ever put it off!
8. Painting a room
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, and it’s one of the easiest ways to give your space a new look. Sure, it might seem a little messy at first, but with a bit of prep – like protecting your furniture with drop cloths and taping off edges – it’s a job anyone can tackle. Plus, painting yourself gives you full control over the colour and the design of your home. It’s a fun and rewarding project that not only saves you money but also lets you put your personal touch on every room.
9. Tightening loose cupboard handles
Loose cupboard handles or knobs can be frustrating, but don’t worry – they’re a quick fix. All you need is a screwdriver to tighten them up or replace them if the screws are stripped. It really is one of those simple tasks that make a huge difference in how your kitchen or bathroom feels. It’s small, but it shows that you’re paying attention to the little things that keep your home looking polished and well-maintained. Plus, it’s way less annoying, and you won’t be stressed thinking the handle will come off in your hand next time you go to open the cupboard door.
10. Installing shelves
Hanging shelves may seem like a job for a pro, but with a drill, a spirit level, and a little patience, you can do it yourself. Just mark where you want your brackets, drill the holes, and pop the shelves in place. It’s an easy way to add some extra storage and display space without having to pay someone else to do it. Plus, the satisfaction of putting them up yourself is always worth it.
11. Fixing a loose toilet seat
A wobbly toilet seat might seem like a minor issue, but it’s surprisingly easy to fix. Most toilet seats are attached with screws or bolts that just need tightening. A wrench or screwdriver is all you need to make the fix. If the hardware is worn out, replacing it is a quick and inexpensive task. Fixing this small thing yourself can make your bathroom feel more polished and is a perfect reminder that not every home repair needs to be complicated.
12. Hanging pictures or artwork
You don’t need to hire someone to hang your pictures or artwork – it’s something you can easily do yourself. Whether you’re using nails, screws, or adhesive hooks, you can put them up quickly without calling for help. For heavier pieces, a wall anchor will do the trick and keep everything secure. Taking on this task yourself lets you experiment with layouts and makes your space feel more personalised. Plus, it’s a fun way to make your home feel more like “you.”
