With inflation hiking prices on everything from groceries to gas, the last thing you need is a contractor charging you thousands for simple DIY home repairs. The good news? You don’t have to be a handyman (or woman) to fix some of the most common issues around the house. Armed with a few tools and some patience, these seven DIY home repairs can save you hundreds, even thousands, without needing to sacrifice your weekend—or your sanity. Let’s break down what you can handle yourself and how much you’ll save by skipping the pros.

1. Fixing Leaky Faucets: A $20 Solution to a $200 Problem

Why It Matters:

You’ve heard it: drip, drip, drip. It’s not just annoying—it’s literally flushing money down the drain. Leaky faucets waste water, and it’s adding up on your water bill faster than you think. According to the EPA, fixing leaks can reduce your water bill by up to 10%. Sure, you could call a plumber, but they’ll charge you $150 to $300 for something you could handle with a wrench and a washer.

Materials Needed:

• Faucet repair kit ($10-$20)
• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber’s tape

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Turn Off the Water – First things first, locate the valve under the sink and shut off the water supply. Trust me, you don’t want an indoor waterfall.
2. Identify the Leak – Most faucet leaks are due to worn-out washers or O-rings. Unscrew the faucet handle to get to the parts that need replacing.
3. Replace the Washer – Using your wrench, remove the valve stem. Swap out the old washer with a new one from your repair kit.
4. Reassemble – Tighten everything back up, turn the water back on, and check if that annoying drip is gone.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $10-$20
Savings: $150-$300 (depending on the plumber’s rate)

2. Patch Drywall Holes Like a Pro

Why It Matters:

That small dent from moving furniture, or those bigger holes from *who knows what*, can make your home look like a neglected fixer-upper. You don’t need to pay $100+ an hour for a handyman when drywall repair is one of the easiest DIY tasks around.

Materials Needed:

• Spackle or joint compound ($5-$10)
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint to match your wall

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Prep the Area – Clean the area around the hole. For larger holes, you may need a patch, but smaller dents can be filled directly.
2. Apply Spackle – Using a putty knife, apply spackle over the hole. Smooth it out and let it dry (this could take a couple of hours, so Netflix is your friend here).
3. Sand and Repaint – Once dry, sand it down to match the surface and repaint the area. Your wall will be as good as new—without the contractor’s invoice.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $20-$40
Savings: $100+ for small repairs, $200-$400 for larger jobs

3. Re-Caulk Your Bathroom: A $10 Fix to Prevent $1,000+ in Water Damage

Why It Matters:

Cracked, moldy caulk in your bathroom is not only disgusting but can lead to water leaks, mold growth, and expensive repairs. Re-caulking is one of those small, simple tasks that can prevent major damage down the road, potentially saving you thousands.

Materials Needed:

• Caulk (silicone-based for bathrooms)
• Caulk gun
• Scraper

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Remove Old Caulk – Use a scraper or utility knife to carefully remove the old, cracked caulk. Patience is key here—you want to get rid of it all.
2. Apply New Caulk – Load your caulk gun and apply a bead along the edges where the tile meets the tub or shower. Pro tip: Use masking tape to get clean lines.
3. Smooth and Dry – Use your finger or a caulking tool to smooth the caulk. Let it dry completely before using the shower.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $10-$15
Savings: $200+ for labor, $1,000+ from preventing water damage

4. Unclogging Drains Without a Plumber’s Invoice

Why It Matters:

Clogged drains are frustrating and gross, but paying $150 for someone to snake your drain is even worse. With the right tools, you can handle most clogs yourself, and no, you don’t need to pour toxic chemicals down your pipes.

Materials Needed:

• Drain snake ($10-$20)
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Use the Drain Snake – Insert the snake into the drain and twist until you feel resistance. This is the clog. Keep twisting and pulling until the drain clears.
2. Baking Soda + Vinegar Method – Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. This works for minor clogs and freshens the drain too.
3. Avoid Chemicals – Those chemical drain cleaners might work temporarily but can actually damage your pipes over time.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $10-$20
Savings: $75-$150

5. Installing Weather Stripping: Keep the Heat In and Your Money Too

Why It Matters:

Drafty windows and doors might as well be gateways to your money flying out the window—especially during winter. Installing weather stripping is one of the easiest, most effective ways to cut down on heating and cooling bills, potentially saving up to 15% on your energy costs.

Materials Needed:

• Weather stripping
• Utility knife
• Tape measure

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Measure and Cut – Measure the areas around your doors and windows where air is seeping through. Cut the weather stripping to the appropriate lengths.
2. Apply – Peel and stick the weather stripping along the gaps. For doors, focus on the bottom sweep as well.
3. Check for Drafts – Once applied, close the doors and windows and feel around for any remaining drafts. Adjust as needed.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $15-$30
Savings: Up to 15% on energy bills

6. Fixing Running Toilets to Save on Your Water Bill

Why It Matters:

A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. That’s like flushing money away, literally. Fortunately, you can fix a running toilet with a $10 kit from your local hardware store, saving you hundreds on water bills over time.

Materials Needed:

• Toilet flapper ($5-$10)
• Replacement parts (if needed)

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Diagnose the Issue – Most running toilets have a worn-out flapper. Open the toilet tank and check if the flapper is sealing properly.
2. Replace the Flapper – Remove the old flapper and install a new one. It’s as simple as clipping it into place.
3. Test It – Flush the toilet a few times to make sure everything’s working properly.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $10-$25
Savings: $100-$200, plus water bill reductions

7. Replacing Broken Tiles: A DIY Mosaic for Under $50

Why It Matters:

Chipped or broken tiles can make your space look run-down, and if water seeps underneath, you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands. But calling a tile professional? They’ll charge you an arm and a leg. For less than $50, you can replace a broken tile and avoid water damage or further deterioration.

Materials Needed:

• Replacement tile
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Putty knife

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Remove the Broken Tile – Use a hammer and chisel to carefully break out the damaged tile. Clean the area thoroughly before installing the new one.
2. Apply Adhesive – Spread tile adhesive on the back of the new tile and press it into place. Use spacers if needed to ensure it’s level with surrounding tiles.
3. Grout and Seal – Once the adhesive dries, apply grout around the edges and wipe away any excess. Let it set, and your floor or wall looks like new.

Cost Breakdown:

Materials: $30-$50
Savings: $200-$400 in labor

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tackling DIY Repairs

Overestimating Your Abilities

Look, just because you’ve fixed a leaky faucet doesn’t mean you should be rewiring your house. Know your limits—there’s a line between DIY and needing a professional.

Skimping on Tools or Materials

Cheap materials = cheap results. Sure, you’re trying to save money, but cutting corners with poor-quality products will just lead to another repair down the road.

Ignoring Safety Precautions

Accidents happen, and they can be costly. Always follow safety protocols, especially with tools. A trip to the ER definitely won’t save you money.

Don’t just “Take it”

Inflation might be inflating your costs everywhere, but your home repairs don’t need to be one of them. With some basic tools and a little know-how, you can tackle these common issues yourself, saving hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in the process. The next time something breaks, skip the contractor, roll up your sleeves, and give DIY a try. Your wallet will thank you. And make sure to check back with 30andRich.com for more tips!