Owning a home is one of life’s biggest joys — right up there with a good cup of coffee and your favorite playlist on a Saturday morning. But let’s be real: homes need care. They don’t come with a “set it and forget it” button.

Before you panic about your DIY skills (or lack thereof), I’ve got good news: you don’t need to be Chip Gaines to handle the basics. Here are 10 home repairs every homeowner should know how to do themselves — simple, satisfying, and wallet-saving.

1️⃣ Stop a Running Toilet

That constant trickling sound isn’t just annoying — it’s money going down the drain. Usually, a new flapper or a quick chain adjustment in the tank fixes it. Five minutes, one YouTube video, done.

2️⃣ Unclog a Drain

Skip the harsh chemicals. Try a plunger or a $5 drain snake first. You’ll feel like a superhero when that water finally swirls away.

3️⃣ Patch a Nail Hole

Got walls that look like they’ve been through a dart competition? A dab of spackle, a quick sand, and a touch of paint — good as new.

4️⃣ Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

The lights went out in one room? Don’t panic. Head to your breaker box and look for the switch that’s halfway between “on” and “off.” Flip it fully off, then back on again. Boom — power restored.

5️⃣ Change a Furnace Filter

It takes less than two minutes, costs less than a latte, and keeps your HVAC running efficiently. Set a reminder every 3 months and thank yourself later.

6️⃣ Silence a Squeaky Door

A little WD-40 (or even cooking spray in a pinch) will hush that haunted-house vibe instantly. Bonus: no more waking the whole house when you go for a midnight snack.

7️⃣ Fix a Leaky Faucet

That “drip… drip… drip…” sound isn’t background noise — it’s your water bill climbing. Usually, it’s just a worn-out washer or cartridge you can swap in under 15 minutes.

8️⃣ Clean Your Gutters

No one wants to do this one, but clogged gutters lead to water damage and foundation issues. Grab gloves, a ladder, and a trash bag — or if heights aren’t your thing, scroll down to my CTA 👇

9️⃣ Re-Caulk a Bathtub or Sink

Old caulk gets grimy and cracked. Remove the old stuff, apply a fresh bead, and smooth it out with your finger (or an ice cube). It’s like giving your bathroom a mini facelift.

🔟 Replace a Light Fixture

Turn off the breaker first (safety first, folks!). Then swap that dated “boob light” for something modern. It’s one of the easiest and most satisfying updates you can make.

💡 The Bottom Line

Homeownership isn’t just about mowing the lawn and paying the mortgage. It’s about knowing your home — how it works, what it needs, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

If DIY isn’t your thing or you’d rather keep your weekends drama-free, I’ve got you covered.
👉 Call me anytime for trusted local contractor recommendations — from plumbers to painters to that one guy who can fix anything.

You handle the living, I’ll handle the helping. 💪🏡

📞 Liz Rytel-Mudroncik
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Connections
🌐 relizstate.com
📱 219.670.3704