8 Home Repairs You Can DIY—And 8 You Should Always Hire a Pro For

When looking at a home renovation, there are more things to think about than just the cost. Know when it pays to call a professional.

When discussing maintenance and repairs, hiring a professional to do the work can often be one of the pricier components of a homeowner’s budget. Although some people choose to save money by doing the work themselves, not everyone has the abilities needed to fix their own houses – even with the aid of online tutorials.

Trying to do a home improvement project without thoroughly preparing and understanding what has to be done can result in spending more money than hiring a professional. No matter how skilled and knowledgeable you may be, it is essential to take into account the amount of time, supplies, equipment, and permits needed to complete your home renovation project.

What criteria do you use to determine whether a project should be done by yourself or an expert? We contacted a few professionals to find out.

8 Home Repairs You Can DIY

1. Fixing a Clogged Garbage Disposal

A blocked disposal can be fixed by using a special wrench that fits into the hexagonal hole located on the bottom of the disposal, when the disposal is not in use. Glovan suggests that if the attempted method fails to clear the stoppage, then it would be wise to call a professional.

2. Fixing a Leaky Kitchen or Bathroom Pipe

A do-it-yourself solution for a clogged drain pipe could be as easy as tightening the slip-nut located close to the P-Trap. If there is a visible gap in the drain pipe, it would be possible to repair it with a flexible coupling and some hose clamps that can be used for a do-it-yourself fix. Don Glovan, a franchise consultant with Mr., advises that if there is a leak from a drain pipe inside a wall, it may be best to hire a professional. Rooter Plumbing.

3. Cleaning Gutters

Sassano cautions that clogged gutters can result in water collecting around the residence, penetrating the basement, and permeating beneath the siding, which could lead to mold and decay problems. Gutters should be cleared of leaves twice a year, in the spring and autumn, in order to avoid water damage. If you have a one-level house, a flat surface around the base, and someone experienced at climbing ladders, it is possible to do the job without assistance. We suggest that this project be completed with the assistance of another person to keep the ladder steady and lend a hand.

4. Adding Chimes to Your Doorbell

If you would like to alter the noise your doorbell produces, think about supplementing your current doorbell system with chimes. Simnacher guarantees that this is a low-voltage endeavor that does not necessitate the expertise of professionals.

5. Patching a Hole in Drywall

Nearly any homeowner can patch nail holes. Covering up unattractive nail holes is a simple way to make aged drywall appear fresh. Utilize a spackle knife to pack each cavity with lightweight putty, then scrape away any excess from the walls. Allow the putty to set and then use sandpaper to make the area even and level. Then, paint the repaired spots with a primer. J.B. states that when there are bigger holes in drywall, it is best to leave the task of cutting, replacing, mudding, taping, and sanding to a professional in order to make sure the joins are not visible after being painted. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman.

6. Unplugging a Clogged Toilet

No one enjoys it, however, eventually all homeowners have the experience of a clogged toilet. Consider it a rite of passage. Having difficulties with the toilet is a source of worry due to the fact that there tends to be a sense of urgency.

The first order of business is not to panic. Switch gears and act like a sleuth to figure out if any outside item has unintentionally wound up in the toilet. Families with young kids are very likely to have bathrooms that contain a wide variety of toys. If that is what is happening, you can put on a pair of strong gloves and try to remove the item. You may also attempt to allow the water in the toilet to go back down to its usual level and then add a pail of water into the basin. The extra strain will frequently free up any clogs and help them move out of the way.

Should the first option fail, try using a plunger to unclog the toilet. Flanged plungers are the most effective option for clearing clogged toilets because they make a tight seal, thus allowing more pressure to be applied to the discharge siphon tube. Accordion style plungers are effective, too. Ensure that the suction cup is completely submerged in water before beginning to pump. Add water to the bowl if you have to.

An alternative method of removing blockages is to use a plumbing snake, or closet auger, which is a long coil of metal that can be fed through the toilet bowl and the curved pipes of the toilet to free any obstructions. Snakes can be purchased at your local home improvement store at a reasonable cost.

If the aforementioned strategies are not successful, many plumbing supply stores have compressed air or carbon dioxide cartridge delivery devices that can generate a more powerful force than a regular plunger to remove any obstructions. Plungers are cheaper than them, but it would be much less expensive to purchase them than to get a plumber.

If all else fails, you can take the toilet out of its fixture, turn it upside down, and try to access the blockage from there. The icky factor is present, but it may be more cost-effective than paying for a major plumbing repair.

Actually, most toilets are relatively easy to disconnect. Once you have undone the screws to take the tank away from the bowl, the bowl usually has bolts holding it to the floor and is placed on a wax seal. Once the screws are taken out and the sealant around the bottom is taken away, it is not difficult to detach the toilet from the flange and place it on a plastic sheet for easy access.

Put an old blanket under the tarp to stop the toilet from breaking when you place it there, and cover the drain hole to stop gas from getting out into the room. Before putting the toilet back in place, it would be wise to change out the wax seal. Getting rid of a toilet is not difficult, however, toilets are hefty, so make sure you have someone assisting you.

7. Repairing a Faucet Washer

Mending a dripping tap is one of the most widespread domestic repairs. It may seem like a minor issue, however the total of all those drips is considerable. The EPA states that a typical household squanders approximately 11,000 gallons (42 kiloliters) of water annually due to various leakages and drops. That’s not only enough water to fill a swimming pool, but it’s also money that could be spent on something more useful.

If you wish to mend a dripping tap without professional help, the process may be relatively straightforward, depending on the model of tap you possess. Start by shutting off the water to the faucet. There’s usually a shutoff valve somewhere nearby. You can always turn off the water supply to the whole house for a period of time and then turn it back on again. The cutoff for the residence is usually located in either a basement or a laundry room.

Compression-type faucets are quite widespread, so we’ll take a look at how to substitute the washers on that type of faucet. Attempt to identify the maker of your faucet if you are uncertain of the type. It might be located on the knob or the body of the faucet. A lot of producers have websites where you can discover your faucet and get info concerning replacement components and comparable versions.

8. Applying Caulk

The gap between your bathtub, shower or sink and the wall, or the space between the outer ring of your toilet and the ground, can be filled with a strip of rubber-like material called caulk. A barrier is formed to keep floors and walls from getting wet from moisture. The adhesive properties of the material mean it can be applied quickly and simply in a single action. With time, the caulk used in a home may lose its color or be damaged, which can lead to water problems and the growth of mold.

The most difficult aspect of putting in caulk is taking away the remainder from the preceding substance. It is necessary to take the time to thoroughly remove the old caulk before applying the new bead, or it won’t adhere properly. Thus, proper preparation is essential. In the past, one had to scrape off caulk with a razor blade and it took some time to get rid of it completely. At present, there are several available options that can make older caulk more pliable and simpler to get rid of. Using a putty knife, one can easily remove the treated caulk residue. Once the old sealant has been removed, use paint thinner to clean the area and make sure that it is completely dry before continuing. Now you are all set to proceed with the setup process.

It takes a bit of practice to be able to use a caulk gun or normal tube of caulk. It’s akin to attempting to draw a line that is perfectly straight with a tube of toothpaste. You have some choices here, though. It is not expensive to purchase caulk, so you should get extra and try it out on a sheet of plywood first. Make sure you cut the point of the caulk cap on a slant and with a large enough diameter that it can fit in the widest space in your project.

If you feel insecure about your caulking skills, there are products available that can assist you. All you need to do is unroll the caulk strip and press it into the desired spot. They strip away the creativity of the job, but if you need to finish quickly and have a typical setup, then this is a pretty reliable option.

8 You Should Always Hire a Pro For

1. Hanging Wallpaper

The difficulty of putting up wallpaper is making sure it’s even on the wall and the designs are aligned correctly. It typically requires two people. Occasionally, bubbling will occur, so a strip of paper must be taken out and a fresh strip put in. This could lead to an insufficient amount of wallpaper, requiring more to be ordered. Tina Nokes, the owner of Five Star Painting of Loudoun, VA, remarks that while the individual can decide if they are willing to take the risks of doing the job themselves, employing a professional ensures the project will be completed without any issues.

2. Painting the Exterior of Your Home

Covering the outside of a house with paint is a huge task. Most residences necessitate all the trim, the soffits, the rake boards, and in some cases, all of the siding too. This necessitates making frequent use of tall ladders and occasionally stepping onto the rooftop. Before attempting an exterior job, homeowners should take safety precautions into account. It is advisable to employ an expert with experience and the right tools when using Five Star Painting.

3. Removing Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings are increasingly being taken out, yet it is an incredibly untidy task. Initially, the popcorn needs to be coated and made pliable with a softening agent. Then, a blade must be used to scrape all of the surface area. While scraping, it is unavoidable to cause indentations and openings on the surface. The divots and indentations must be fixed by applying a compound that will require time to dry before it can be sanded down to create a smooth surface. In conclusion, all surfaces should be prepared and covered with two layers of paint. The work is overhead and requires ladders. It is advised to employ a specialist for this kind of task in order to avoid the frustration and possibly poor results, according to Nokes.

4. Installing a Light Fixture

Electrical repairs and installations are expensive. Spending a few minutes to look into and comprehend your electrical system can equip you with the necessary knowledge to complete certain electrical projects on your own. When fitting a light fixture, a homeowner can complete low voltage projects with minimal risk of causing structural or physical damage. Keith Simnacher, owner of Mr., advises that if you are not sure of your expertise or the project is more than 50 volts, it is best to bring in a specialist. Electric of Austin.

5. Installing a Ceiling Fan

Putting up a ceiling fan is not overly complicated, but it could require a few hours to do depending on your familiarity with home improvement projects and the size of the fan. Simnacher suggests that if you are not confident working on a ladder, you should employ a professional for the job.

6. Installing Molding

Not all homeowners possess the ability to utilize a power saw, or the aptitude to cut and safely mount crown molding while standing on a ladder. The readings must be precise and the cuts must fit together perfectly. Sassano suggests that this task should be handled by an expert unless you possess a great deal of know-how in the do-it-yourself arena.

7. Replacing a Door

Investing in a new door can help make a room feel brighter and can lessening energy expenses, yet it is preferable to use these savings to guarantee the installation is carried out properly. Sassanoor suggests that a professional should manage any big changes to a door, such as converting two windows into an entrance for attractive French or sliding glass doors.

8. Fixing a Sticking Window

A variety of explanations may account for why a window is hard to open. It could be a accumulation of dirt and rubbish in the window frame. Issues in the base of your residence can lead to windows to become off-kilter and become stuck. On occasion, a window is painted and then closed before the paint has had the chance to fully dry, which causes the window to become stuck shut. Excess moisture in the air can lead to doors and windows becoming swollen and stuck in the frame. Repairing a jammed window may involve taking the window out and could necessitate the use of a belt sander or planer. If you do not have a lot of experience with home repairs and lack the knowledge to use the necessary tools properly, it is best to hire a professional.