Small Home Repairs

Safety first: This guide is for simple, non-structural repairs. For anything involving gas, major plumbing, electrical work, or structural issues, stop and call a qualified professional.

Fix a Squeaky Hinge

Open and close the door to find the squeaky hinge.
Apply a small amount of lubricant (WD-40, silicone spray, or a drop of oil) to the hinge pin.
Work the door open and closed a few times to spread it.
Wipe away any excess with a cloth.

Still squeaking? The hinge pin may need to be removed, cleaned, and lightly lubricated, or replaced if worn.

Fix a Stuck Drawer

Pull the drawer out and look for where it's catching.
Check for a loose item, a misaligned runner, or worn rollers.
Clean the tracks and runners; apply a little wax or silicone to reduce friction.
If rollers are worn or a runner is bent, replace the affected part.

Patch a Small Hole in Drywall

Clean loose debris from the hole.
Fill with spackle or joint compound using a putty knife.
Let it dry, then sand smooth (a second thin coat if needed).
Prime and paint to match.

Stop a Dripping Faucet (General Tips)

A constant drip usually comes from a worn washer or cartridge. Here's the general approach:

Turn off the water supply under the sink.
Remove the faucet handle and access the cartridge or stem.
Replace the worn washer or cartridge with a matching part.
Reassemble and turn the water back on to test.

Note: Faucet designs vary. Take photos as you disassemble, and bring the old part to a hardware store to find an exact match.

Other Easy Fixes

Problem	Quick Fix
Loose door handle	Tighten the screws; replace worn screws with slightly longer ones
Squeaky floorboard	Sprinkle talcum powder in the gaps, or drive a small trim screw through the subfloor (carefully)
Door rubs on the frame	Sand the rubbing spot or adjust the hinges slightly
Caulk around tub/sink is cracked	Remove old caulk, clean and dry, then re-apply a fresh bead
Wobbly table leg	Tighten screws, or add a small furniture shim/pad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tackling jobs beyond your skill: Know when to call a pro, especially for electrical and plumbing.
Using the wrong tools: Using a flathead as a lever damages screws and surfaces.
Ignoring the water/gas shutoff: Always know where to shut off utilities before starting a repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which home repairs should I never DIY?

Gas work, major electrical work, and significant structural or load-bearing changes should always be handled by professionals. Water heater and large plumbing jobs often need a licensed pro too.

What basic tools should I own?

A good starting kit: claw hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, pliers, tape measure, level, utility knife, and a basic drill. These cover most small repairs.

How do I know if a repair is too big for me?

If the fix involves risk of injury, fire, flooding, or structural failure — or if you're unsure how to do it safely — it's too big. There's no shame in calling a professional for the tough jobs.