Home repairs often seem like a never-ending money pit. However, what if we told you there are clever, cost-effective solutions that can actually work. You don’t need to invest all your life’s savings onto each tiny fix your house demands.
Often, small tweaks here and there or certain techniques can help you fix issues that arise within your home’s structure. These don’t necessarily require you to empty your pockets. Let’s get right into it!
1. Avoiding a Massive Repainting Project
Have your walls recently started to look chipped and lackluster? Walls take a solid beating over time, often due to weather. Scuffs, stains, and tiny holes can make your space look worn out.
However, ask any homeowner and they’d tell you that repainting often costs an arm and a leg. Instead, there are a few tips and tricks you could try out;
- Try spot cleaning with a melamine sponge. These act like magic erasers, working wonders on stains.
- A simple baking soda and water solution can remove scuffs.
- For deeper marks, you can also use a paint touch-up kit. All you need to do is dab a small amount of matching paint on affected areas.
- For larger imperfections (nail holes or small dents) you could mix baking soda and white glue to create a homemade spackle. This dries quickly, sands smoothly, and is quite durable!
2. Fixing Leaky Faucets without Plumbers
A faucet that keeps dripping is annoying to say the least. On top of that, it wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. What if you tried to fix this issue on your own before you ended up calling over a plumber? Here are some things you can try first;
- Consider replacing the worn washer or O-ring inside the faucet handle (it will only cost a few cents to replace).
- Try turning off the water supply, removing the handle with a screwdriver, and checking for any visible cracks or worn-down rubber. In case it is the washer, you can take it to the hardware store for a replacement.
- For low pressure caused by mineral buildup you can soak the aerator in vinegar overnight and that should clear it right up!
3. DIY Floor Repairs that Last
Are your hardwood floors considerably scratched? Don’t worry! You don’t need to refinish everything. Here are a few tips you could try out first;
- Try rubbing a bit of walnut or coconut oil on minor scratches. This allows them to blend into the wood.
- If you notice deeper gouges, mix wood glue with sawdust (all the better if you get it from your actual floor) to create the perfect color match that can be used to fill in the holes. Once dry, you can lightly sand and seal it.
- If you come across cracked or chipped tiles, don’t replace them immediately. Consider using epoxy filler or nail polish in a matching color to seal small chips.
- For larger cracks in the floor, remove the broken tile using a heat gun and chisel and replace it with a leftover tile or a close match. Focusing on the small section that is broken will save time and money compared to retiling the entire floor.
4. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Don’t have the budget to replace windows and doors that have gotten faulty over time? No problem! You might not have to spend a lot of money, but we do suggest you do something about it since drafty windows and doors can quickly add to your heating and cooling bills.
Instead of spending a lot of money replacing them entirely, you can use weatherstripping, caulk, or even bubble wrap to seal the gaps. You can easily find adhesive backed weatherstrips in the market, and they work especially well for doors. Moreover, a simple tube of silicone caulk seals cracks all around windows.
For even more budget friendly window repairs you can use clear bubble wrap. Start by lightly misting the glass with water, then press the bubble wrap against it and it is going to stay in place, sealing in the warmth during winter. You could also use thermal curtains or DIY draft stoppers made from old socks filled with rice or sand, which is greatly effective at blocking cold air.
5. Gutter Maintenance Hacks
Clogged gutters often lead to leaky roofs, a damaged foundation, and expensive fixes. Instead of leaning on professionals every time a small problem arises, consider using a leaf blower or a vacuum attachment to remove as much of the debris as you can.
Don’t have either? That’s not a problem. You can also use a plastic bottle. Simply cut it in half and use it to scoop out the mess in the gutter.
To prevent your gutters from clogging, install DIY gutter guards using an inexpensive mesh screen or zip-tied wire fencing. These solutions are bound to keep leaves out. They also are pretty effective if your goal is to allow rainwater to flow freely since that saves you from the annual cleanup, or worse, damaged gutter.
6. Budget Friendly Roof Patch Up
Roof repairs are costly for sure, especially if you have postponed maintenance for a while. Minor damage is often easily fixable, and you don’t require much professional assistance with that.
If you notice a small leak, you can use roofing sealant or waterproof tape. They cost a fraction of what a professional roofer would charge. Additionally, if you also have missing shingles, you can contact a nearby home improvement store to check if they stock individual replacements. If that doesn’t work, try asking around if a roofing company has any extras from a previous job.
In a pinch, you could apply a thick layer of asphalt sealant under a loose shingle and press down on it. But remember, this is a temporary fix and won’t last for long.
7. Squeaky Doors and Floors
Noticed an annoying squeak in your doors or floorboards recently? You don’t need a contractor to fix it. If it is a door hinge you can apply a little cooking spray, petroleum jelly, or even a bar of soap. That should do the trick.
For floors, try sprinkling baby powder or powdered granite between the floorboards. Sweep it in to reduce friction. Once that is done, it should eliminate the noise.
Smart Repairs Save Big Bucks
These fixes don’t work all the time. If you keep trying to DIY it and it keeps pestering you every week, perhaps it is time to reach out to professional residential roofers. Ask them to come in for an inspection since a reliable roofer will be able to let you know if the issue is an easy fix.
Worried about the costs? Consider researching and gathering a couple of quotes before you settle. That way, you get the most budget friendly option!