Seven repairs all homeowners should know how to fix

Key Insights

• Learn how to complete home repairs with these tips and tutorials!
• Keep essential supplies like WD-40 and white vinegar in your home to make simple fixes even more convenient.
• Maintain your property so it’s more livable for you – and to help get a better return on investment when you do sell.

Why shell out unnecessary money when you can learn to complete simple home fixes yourself? If you’re hoping to lower your home expenses, it’s time to pick up your toolkit. Here we’re sharing seven common home fixes that every homeowner should be able to do on their own – and the tips and tricks to succeed.

1. Troublesome doors

Creaky and sticky doors are more annoying than they are functional. Luckily, a little door maintenance can go a long way to make your doors open smoothly. Before calling for a repair, try the following:

• Tighten all screws.
• Replace old hinges.
• Add lubricant (like WD-40) to your doors.

While you’re at it, inspect all the features of your door. It may be time to replace your door hardware if they’re showing signs of aging, such as worn-down locks, old knobs or deteriorating metal.

2. Cracked tile

Broken bathroom tile is a little more complicated task to fix, but it can be easily achieved if you have extra matching tiles on hand. If your bathroom tiles are breaking, gather these tools to complete your replacement:

• Grout saw
• Hammer
• Chisel

Before you get started, follow this basic tutorial outlining how to replace a cracked tile.

3. Deteriorating showerheads

Mineral deposits and sediment can accumulate on your showerhead over time, causing blocked or impaired water flow. If you’re noticing that your shower head is deteriorating, try the following:

• First, remove any offending buildup by spraying and scrubbing your showerhead with distilled white vinegar.
• If your shower head is still giving you problems, head to your hardware store for specific replacement parts.
• You may also find that replacing the entire showerhead is the best option, if yours is beyond repair. This tutorial walks you through that process.

4. Outdated light fixtures

A modern light fixture can spruce up any room. Rather than calling a contractor to replace your previous fixture with an updated version, homeowners can complete this repair themselves at a fraction of the cost. Watch this video tutorial on replacing outdated light fixtures to learn how. To complete this repair safely, you’ll want to:

• Gather a screwdriver, circuit tester and pliers.
• Turn off the power from the circuit box prior to disconnecting any wires.
• Brush up on the color-pairing of wires.
• Recruit a second set of hands to help.

5. Furnace filter replacements

Replacing furnace filters may seem like a daunting task. But when it comes down to it, changing the furnace filter is nothing to worry about. Plus, each unit requires routine furnace maintenance in order to function properly.

Check your owner’s manual for specific directions on replacing the filters on your exact furnace unit. This video provides an easy-to-follow overview on furnace filter replacement, too.

6. Leaky faucets

A dripping faucet can run up your water bill and lead to other major plumbing issues. Tighten up your faucet with this simple how-to guide and the following tools:

• Drain plug
• Wrench
• Screwdriver

When fixing your leaky faucet, remember to keep track of your tools and faucet parts. You’ll want to be careful not to lose anything important down the drain.

7. Damaged walls

Wall dings, scratches and small holes are easy do-it-yourself fixes. Plus, spackling a hole will make you feel like you have superpowers! Here’s how to complete the task:

• Fill the damaged area with spackle.
• Sand until the spackled area is smooth with the wall.
• Paint the fix to match the rest of the wall.

Grab your tools!

Whether you’re moving forward, with a fixer-upper property or repairing minor dings in your home, be sure to keep these tips in your back pocket. With this knowledge and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to completing any simple home repair.

Reach out to Edina Realty or your REALTOR® today for extra guidance and homeowner tips. If you’re planning to sell, our agents can help you spruce up your home before it goes on the market.