9 Fixes I’ll Never Pay Someone to Do Again

There are plenty of projects worth hiring out—but not everything needs a pro. After a few overpriced service calls and some not-so-great results, I started learning how to handle certain fixes myself.

Turns out, most of them weren’t that complicated. They just took a little research and a willingness to get my hands dirty.

Now, these are the ones I’ll always do on my own. They save money, take less time than you’d think, and give you more control over your space.

Fixing a Running Toilet

It’s one of those things you put off until the noise drives you crazy—or the water bill climbs. A plumber might charge you a hundred bucks to fix it, but the actual part usually costs under $10.

Most of the time, it’s the flapper or fill valve. You can swap both in under 30 minutes with basic instructions. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s simple and saves you from calling someone for something you can easily do on your own.

Patching Drywall Holes

Paying someone to fix a few small dings or holes in the wall used to feel like the only option—until I realized how easy it actually is. A little spackle, a putty knife, and some sanding can make a hole disappear.

You don’t need to be perfect at it, especially if you’re painting over it afterward. For small-to-medium patches, it’s faster and cheaper to do it yourself, and you’ll barely be able to tell once it’s dry and painted.

Swapping Out Light Fixtures

Hiring an electrician to change out a basic light fixture is overkill in most cases. As long as the wiring is already there and the power’s off, it’s a job you can knock out in under an hour.

All you really need is a screwdriver, a ladder, and a little patience. Just make sure to turn off the breaker, double-check your connections, and follow the instructions that come with the new light.

Replacing a Faucet

A leaky or outdated faucet might feel like something you have to call in—but once you’ve done one, you’ll realize it’s totally manageable. It’s mostly just tightening and loosening nuts under the sink.

If you’ve got the tools and can handle a bit of an awkward reach, this is a DIY win. Plus, you can pick out the faucet you actually want and save a decent chunk of change in the process.

Cleaning Out Gutters

I used to dread gutter cleaning so much that I almost paid someone to do it. But once you’ve got a ladder, a pair of gloves, and a bucket, it’s really not that bad—especially if you stay on top of it.

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and foundation issues, so letting it slide is risky. Doing it yourself takes a few hours a couple of times a year and saves you the cost of hiring someone for something so basic.

Power Washing the Porch or Driveway

Paying for a pressure washing service might seem worth it—until you realize you can rent a power washer for cheap or borrow one from a neighbor. The work is pretty satisfying too.

Once you get going, it’s hard to stop. Sidewalks, siding, patio furniture—everything looks better after a wash. You don’t need any fancy experience to do it right. Just keep the wand moving and follow the instructions.

Installing Curtain Rods or Shelves

This one feels small, but it adds up fast if you’re moving or redecorating. Drilling a few holes, using a level, and anchoring into the wall correctly doesn’t require a handyman.

Once you figure out where the studs are and grab the right anchors, it’s smooth sailing. You’ll probably spend more time deciding on curtain length than actually hanging anything.

Replacing a Thermostat

Swapping out an old thermostat for a programmable one sounds intimidating, but it’s really just a matter of matching wires and following the instructions. Most newer models even come with labels to help.

Turn off the power, take your time, and you can have a new unit up and running in under an hour. It’s one of those fixes that pays for itself and doesn’t need a professional unless your setup is really old or complex.

Unclogging a Drain

Calling a plumber for a basic clog used to be my go-to. Then I realized that most sink and tub clogs are right near the top and can be cleared out with a simple drain snake or even baking soda and vinegar.

It’s gross, but it’s quick—and it saves you from paying someone to pull out hair or food scraps. If you stay ahead of it, you can keep your drains clear without the bill.

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