DIY House Fixes: Your Comprehensive Home Repairs List

Your home is your sanctuary, but even the most perfect spaces require a little TLC to keep them safe, comfortable, and functional. From fixing leaky faucets to tackling mold growth issues, staying on top of home repairs can feel like a never-ending task. But here’s the good news: with a clear plan and a prioritized list of household repairs, you can save money, avoid surprises, and keep your home a safe haven for years. Set up your plan with the ultimate guide to home repairs and maintenance so you can keep everything running smoothly.

Essential Home Repairs List

Every home has its quirks, but some repairs are non-negotiable if you want to keep things running smoothly. Among the most common home repairs are everyday issues like plumbing problems and appliance failures. Here’s where to start:

Structural Repairs

Foundation Cracks

Home repair often involves addressing tiny cracks in your walls or foundation that might seem harmless now. If left unchecked, they can grow into serious structural problems. Over time, weather, moisture, and shifting ground worsen the damage. Eventually, what started as a hairline crack turns into a potential safety risk and thousands of dollars to fix. Filing them in usually requires a caulking gun and a filler material found at most home improvement stores.

Leaky Roofs and Gutters

A single water leak can lead to serious issues like expensive damage and mold growth. To prevent this, regularly inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracked tiles, or other signs of wear and tear. Handy homeowners may feel comfortable patching a few loose shingles or water-sealing loose flashing.

Additionally, clean out clogged gutters, as they can cause water to back up and seep into your home, compounding the damage. If you have underground pipes, flush regularly to check if they are still moving water away from your home and not backing it up, say, into your basement.

Wall Repairs

Cracks in your walls? Water damage from a stubborn leak? Don’t wait to fix them! Headaches like structural problems, sky-high energy bills from poor insulation, or even nasty mold growth could be lurking. Tackling wall damage early keeps your house safe and looking great. So, if it’s wet, plug that problem, and then remove the wet material or dry out the surface as quickly as possible.

Electrical System Repairs

Fixing Faulty Wiring

Flickering lights or tripped circuit breakers? These could be early warning signs of aging or improperly installed wiring in your home. Such issues might seem small initially, but they can quickly escalate if left unaddressed. Bad wiring potentially leads to overheating or electrical fires. Even newer homes may have wiring issues–like if pests in the attic or walls chewed cables. Maybe it was a shoddy install by the subcontractor. Don’t think new construction exempts you from faulty wiring.

Regular maintenance and timely inspections by a licensed electrician can help identify and fix these problems. Keeping your electrical system running smoothly. Your safety depends on it!

Updating Circuit Breakers

Many older houses have outdated circuit breakers that weren’t built to handle the electrical demands of modern living. With more people working from home, charging electric cars, and using energy-intensive appliances, these older systems can struggle to keep up. This can lead to frequent tripping, overheating, or even fire hazards. 

Upgrading to a newer, more robust circuit breaker system helps your home support today’s increased electrical demands while reducing the risk of problems. It’s a small investment that provides long-term safety for your family. A professional is best at doing this kind of repair.

Non-Functioning Outlets

Dead outlets are inconvenient and can indicate underlying wiring issues that require immediate attention. Problems like loose connections, tripped circuit breakers, or faulty wiring can all cause an outlet to lose power. Ignoring these issues could result in bigger electrical problems or even safety hazards, so addressing them promptly is important.

Plumbing Repairs

Leaky Faucets and Pipes

The constant drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet isn’t just annoying—it wastes water and money. Over time, those small drips add up to gallons of wasted water. It drives up your water bill. Plus, fixing leaks saves you money and helps conserve valuable resources.

Fixing the leak first means identifying why it’s leaking. Sometimes it’s as simple as tightening a nut or bolt or redoing the plumber’s tape. It may be more involved, like replacing a pipe section. 

Not sure if something’s leaking? Check the digital water meter and your billing history. Any drastic change to the house water supply could signal something is wrong somewhere in your system.

Clogged Drains

A blocked drain leads to water back-ups and floods that damage your house. To keep the water flowing smoothly, start with simple DIY solutions. Try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage or a snake tool to break up and remove debris further down the pipe. 

Regular maintenance, like flushing drains with hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, helps prevent future clogs and keeps your plumbing system in good shape.

Faulty Water Heaters

Don’t wait for the shock of a cold shower to remind you about your water heater. Regular maintenance keeps consistent hot water while improving energy efficiency and extending its lifespan. Follow the manual for how to flush and maintain your individual heater.

Exterior Maintenance

Roof Repairs

Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements. Keeping it in top shape is crucial. Regular roof inspections can help you spot potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Look out for missing shingles, curled or buckled shingles, and any signs of wear around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning properly, allowing water to flow away from your home. All these catch water seepage.

If you’re uncomfortable with heights or unsure about the condition of your roof, consider hiring a professional to inspect and repair it. 

Siding and Trim Maintenance

Maintaining your home’s siding and trim prevents rot issues from water intrusion. Not only is it damaging, but rotten wood attracts pests.

Regularly inspect your siding for cracks, gaps, and signs of wear. Trim maintenance involves checking for and repairing or replacing damaged or rotten trim boards. You can keep your home looking its best by staying on top of these tasks.

Seasonal Home Repairs and Maintenance

Tackling repairs as the seasons change is a smart way to stay ahead of wear and tear. Seasonal changes can bring a host of challenges. The fluctuating temperatures increase moisture or dry it out; the cycle of expanding and contracting can cause gradual damage over time. 

What you need to do seasonally also depends on where you live, as each region has its quirks. For example, winter prep is much more intensive in Pennsylvania than in Florida. Here’s what to watch for every time the weather shifts:

Spring Repairs

Roof Check

Inspect roof shingles for any damage caused by winter snow, ice, or hail storms. High-wind areas, like in the Midwest and Mid-South, also benefit from checking shingles after a storm event.

Clean and inspect gutters to ensure they are free of debris and allow for proper drainage. That prevents water buildup and potential damage to your home. Run a hose through downspouts to check for proper drainage. If not, you’ll need to unclog them, too.

Exterior Check

Examine the home’s exterior paint or siding for signs of wear, such as peeling, cracking, fading, or areas where the material may be damaged or deteriorating. 

Lawn Maintenance

The warmer days encourage greener pastures–or lawns. Now is the time to clean up outside from winter and spruce up your lawn for spring growth. Cut back dead branches, add fresh mulch, and add new plants for a fresh look.

Summer Repairs

Seal Windows and Doors

Keep the cool air where it belongs—inside! Sealing up gaps around windows, doors, and other openings is an easy way to keep your home comfy, cut down on energy waste, and save on utility bills. It’s a win-win: lower costs and a greener planet. 

Service Air Conditioning Systems

When summer heatwaves roll in, your air conditioner becomes your ultimate lifesaver. Your house is an escape from the outside’s stuffy sauna, becoming a cool, refreshing retreat. The urgency of systems like air conditioning cannot be overstated during extreme heat emergencies. Reliable cooling isn’t just a luxury—it’s the key to staying comfortable and ready to take on the hottest days easily.

Deck and Patio Maintenance

Sand, seal, and repair any damage caused by winter weather to keep your surfaces looking their best. Address cracks, chips, or wear to prevent further issues and protect everything year-round. Schedule the weather sealing before those summer temperatures crank up and bake wood and concrete decks.

Fall Repairs

Chimney Cleaning

Before lighting that first cozy fire of the season, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Over time, soot, creosote, and debris can build up, increasing the risk of dangerous chimney fires. Blockages cause harmful smoke to back up into your home. A cleaning sweeps the fireplace for worry-free warm, crackling fires.

Winterizing Outdoor Faucets

Prevent frozen pipes by properly draining and shutting off outdoor faucets. Install faucet covers in cold climates. This simple DIY step helps protect your plumbing from freezing and bursting during cold temperatures. The last thing you need is water seeping from everywhere after a hard winter freeze. Broken pipes is a major repair.

Check Heating Systems

Ensure your furnace or heat pump is ready to handle the winter chill, especially if it hasn’t run in months. Regular maintenance and timely check-ups prevent unexpected breakdowns when temperatures nose dive.

Winter Repairs

Preventing Frozen Pipes

During freezing temperatures, keep water running at a slow trickle from interior faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. Additionally, insulate any exposed pipes in basements, attics, or outside walls, to provide extra protection against the cold.

Draft and Insulation Issues

Fixing drafts and adding insulation can greatly reduce your heating bill by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Sealing gaps around doors and windows also improve energy efficiency. Check attic insulation or use a temperature gauge on walls to see if the home has any cold spots that need beefing up.

Roof and Gutter Ice Removal

Remove snow or ice buildup from your roof and gutters regularly to prevent damage, cracks, or structural strain. Make sure you do so safely. A gutter warmer helps slash ice and snow build-up on the roof’s edge.

Common Household Repairs

Sometimes the smallest fixes can make a big difference in your home. Knowing how to handle a few basic repairs and doing the DIY route goes a long way in keeping your house in great shape. Here are a few common repair projects every homeowner should feel confident tackling:

Small DIY Fixes

Squeaky Doors and Loose Hinges

A little WD-40 can go a long way toward silencing those squeaks that drive you crazy. Another option to silence the squeal is graphite dust. Lubrication restores smooth, quiet movement in no time.

Patching Drywall Holes

Easy and inexpensive, a handyman (or handywoman!) keeps spackling paste on hand for quick repairs. Spackle and paint are all you need to hide nail holes, patch small cracks, or smooth out wall imperfections. Smooth walls keep your home looking its best with minimal effort.

Unclogging Sinks and Toilets

A quick fix can save you from a costly plumber’s visit. Use a plunger, drain snake, or vinegar and baking soda.

Sealing Cracks

All it takes is time and a steady hand to re-seal the grout or silicone around seams in bathrooms and kitchens. Over time, the sealant in these spots can crack, allowing mold and mildew to grow.

More Complex Repairs

Replacing Broken Tiles or Flooring

Have a cracked tile? Replacing it keeps your rooms looking polished and well-maintained. It also prevents further problems, like moisture seeping underneath and compromising the surrounding tiles and subfloors. The job’s complexity depends on where the broken tiles are in your flooring, the size, and the number of tiles. You’ll need matching tiles and grout to do it yourself.

Fixing Malfunctioning Appliances

Is your washing machine or oven acting up? Don’t let small issues turn into broken appliances. A quick, professional repair can not only fix the issue but also extend the life of your appliance. A repair costs less than the hassle of a full replacement.

Repairing Water-Damaged Cabinets

Don’t wait—deal with water damage before it spreads to the rest of your kitchen or bathroom! Identify the cause and repair minor issues yourself or bring in a professional to handle extensive damage. Trying the wood stops the potential mold growth and swelling of wood, compromising the cabinets’ structure and use.

Flooring Maintenance

Wood Floor Care

Wood floors add warmth and elegance to any home but require regular care to maintain their beauty and longevity. Start by sweeping or vacuuming your wood floors regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches. When it’s time to mop, use a damp sponge rather than soaking the floor, as too much water can damage the wood. 

For added protection, consider applying a wood floor finish to guard against scratches and spills. Promptly clean up any spills or leaks, and use a dehumidifier to maintain a stable humidity level in your home. These simple steps can help you preserve the charm and durability of your wood floors.

Carpet Floor Care

Proper maintenance of carpet flooring keeps your home clean and extends the lifespan of your carpet. Vacuum high-traffic areas regularly to remove dirt and debris that can wear down fibers over time. Address stains immediately using appropriate cleaning solutions for the type of spill, as waiting too long can make stains harder to remove. Additionally, rotating furniture periodically can help prevent uneven wear and indentations in your carpet.

Schedule professional deep cleaning at least once a year to refresh the carpet, eliminate embedded dirt, and improve air quality in your home. Carpet with wrinkles could benefit from being stretched out. Otherwise, it becomes a trip hazard in the home.

Tile Floor Care

Maintaining tile floors is straightforward. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Mop with a gentle cleaning solution to keep tiles shiny while protecting their finish. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor the material. 

Pay attention to grout lines, as they can accumulate dirt and grime over time; a grout cleaner and a soft brush can effectively restore their appearance. Sealing the grout periodically provides additional protection against moisture and stains. 

When to Call a Professional

While DIY repairs can save money, some issues call for expertise. Here’s when to reach for your phone instead of the toolbox:

Foundation Problems

Cracks wider than a quarter-inch or shifting walls require professional assessment. Bowing walls, particularly in the basement, or horizontal cracks are also concerns. Water seepage is another red flag. Call a structural engineer if you see these.

Major Electrical Repairs

When in doubt, don’t risk it—hire a licensed electrician. Concerns include flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and warm outlets or switches.

Plumbing Problems

If you can’t unclog a drain with a plunger or snake, it’s time to call in the pros. Leaks and burst pipes also require professional help.

Extensive Mold Damage

Mold can spread rapidly and compromise your health. Know the signs of active mold growth and ways to prevent it. But if it’s too late or the mold keeps coming back, call a remediation expert.

Specialized Skills

Hiring a professional for critical repairs can sometimes cost less than fixing a botched DIY job. Weigh the skills needed before going the DIY route. Even common home repairs can go awry without the right tools and expertise.

Keeping Your Home In Tip-Top Shape

Staying on top of home repairs and maintenance isn’t just about preserving your home’s value. Well-loved and cared-for homes return the favor with years of comfortable living and safe environments. This comprehensive home repairs list addresses common issues, seasonal upkeep, and preventative maintenance. If you’re new to homeownership and this seems overwhelming, a home warranty can be a helpful safety net until you feel more comfortable doing home repairs yourself.