10 Home Repairs You Should Never Pay For

Some home repairs just aren’t worth calling a pro for—especially when they’re quick, inexpensive, and easy enough to knock out with a free afternoon and a little confidence. You don’t need a contractor for every cracked tile or squeaky hinge. Most of this stuff is well within reach, even if you’re not particularly handy. Here are 10 simple fixes that’ll save you money and maybe even give you that oddly satisfying “I fixed it myself” feeling.

Fixing a Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet can crank up your water bill, but it’s usually not a big deal to fix. Most of the time, it’s just a worn-out flapper or a loose chain inside the tank.

You can find all the parts you need at the hardware store for under $15. Replacing the flapper takes maybe five minutes. No plumber needed—just turn off the water, swap the part, and you’re done.

Patching Small Holes in Drywall

Don’t hire someone just to patch a few nail holes or minor dents. This is as basic as it gets for DIY repairs. A little spackle and a putty knife are all you need.

Let it dry, give it a light sanding, and slap on some touch-up paint. Done right, you won’t even remember where the hole was. It’s the kind of job that takes longer to clean up than it does to finish.

Replacing a Light Switch

If a light switch stops working or feels loose, you can usually handle that yourself. Just be sure to turn off the power at the breaker box before you touch anything.

With a screwdriver and a new switch (usually $5 or less), you can swap it out in about ten minutes. It’s a simple wiring job—black to black, white to white—and way cheaper than hiring an electrician for a basic fix.

Unclogging a Drain

Unless you’ve got a serious backup, there’s no reason to pay someone to clear a clogged sink or tub. Nine times out of ten, it’s hair or gunk you can pull out with a cheap plastic drain snake.

Skip the chemicals and the plumber bill. If you can stomach the mess, this is a 10-minute job. Just pull the junk out, rinse the drain, and call it good.

Fixing a Door That Won’t Latch

Doors that won’t stay shut usually just need a little realignment. Sometimes it’s the strike plate, other times it’s a sagging hinge. Either way, you don’t need a handyman.

Tighten the screws, maybe shim the hinge with a little cardboard, and test the latch. It’s one of those fixes that sounds more intimidating than it actually is.

Replacing a Showerhead

A dripping or crusty showerhead can be replaced in minutes. You don’t need a plumber—just an adjustable wrench and a little plumber’s tape.

Unscrew the old one, wrap the threads with tape, and screw on the new head. That’s it. It’s also a good excuse to upgrade to something nicer while you’re at it.

Touching Up Paint

Paying someone for a paint touch-up job is like hiring a chef to microwave your leftovers. If you’ve got the original paint—or something close—you can take care of it yourself.

Use a small roller or brush and feather out the edges. No need to repaint the whole wall. Just keep it light and even, and no one will ever notice.

Replacing Weatherstripping

Old or cracked weatherstripping around doors and windows can make your house drafty. Swapping it out is easy and doesn’t require a pro.

Peel off the old stuff, clean the surface, and stick on the new strip. It’s an easy weekend project that can actually save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Tightening Loose Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors that sag or swing open on their own are usually just loose hinges. No need to replace anything—just grab a screwdriver and tighten things up.

If the screws won’t grip, use a few toothpicks and some wood glue to fill the hole before reinstalling. It’s a 10-minute fix that keeps your kitchen from looking run-down.

Fixing Squeaky Floorboards

That annoying creak in your floor doesn’t mean you need to rip up the boards. It’s often just a loose spot rubbing against a joist, and you can usually fix it with a few screws.

If you’ve got carpet, there are special kits that let you screw through it without damage. For hardwood, try powdered graphite or talc in the seam. Either way, it beats paying someone to tiptoe around your house.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.