7 Common Home Repairs You Can Easily Do Yourself
Your home is one of the most expensive things you'll ever pay for, so whether you're renting or buying, you should take good care of it. While you'll probably be tempted to call a professional when something breaks, you can take care of a lot of problems yourself.
Most of these home repairs can be done with little to no experience. However, always be sure to do research on anything you don't understand, particularly if you're dealing with electricity, which can be extremely hazardous. Also, if you don't already have a tool kit of your own, this wouldn't be a bad time to start building our essential toolbox. Here are some common problems you may be able to do yourself. Click the links for how to tutorials. 1. Fix or Replace a Broken Toilet Lever
Tools/materials you'll need:
Adjustable wrench
Replacement toilet lever kit (if broken)
2. Unclog a Toilet Drain
Tools/materials you'll need:
Toilet plunger
Toilet auger
Clearing a Clogged Toilet | HowStuffWorks 3. Fix a Leaky Kitchen or Bathroom Pipe
Tools/materials you'll need:
Bucket
Replacement P-trap or washer
How to Repair a Leaking Sink P-Trap | eHow 4. Clear a Jammed Garbage Disposal
Tools/materials you'll need:
Wooden dowel
Pliers
Allen wrench
Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting | About.com 5. Replace a Light Switch
Tools/materials you'll need:
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Replacement light switch
How to Replace a Light Switch | For Dummies 6. Patch a Hole in Drywall
Tools/materials you'll need:
Putty knife
Spackle/joint compound
Drywall
Drywall tape
1x1 wood board.
Electric drill
Wood screws
How to Repair Holes in Drywall | WikiHow 7. Loosen Up a Stuck Window
Tools/materials you'll need:
Putty knife/pizza cutter
WD-40 or other lubricant
Cleaning supplies
Rag
Unstick a Window | My Home Ideas resource: lifehacker.com
