Paying someone for small household repairs feels like ”setting fire to your money”. The average homeowner spends over $1,100 (around 1 Lakh) per year on basic maintenance. Learn how to save money with DIY household repairs by following these easy, practical tips and cut down your expenses in 2025
People believe that home repairs are risky, but most tasks need interest and patience. In this article you will learn some easy and simple tricks which save your money every month. Step-by-step instructions on the repairs you’ll encounter most often.
Essential Tools to Save Money with DIY Household Repairs
Start with learning how to use basic tools and become familiar with it. You can easily learn it on youtube or other websites.
- Hammer: Driving nails, removing nails or miner demolition.
- Screwdriver set: Help to install or remove screws by rolling it.
- Adjustable Wrench: Tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
- Pliers: Used for holding objects firmly.
- Utility knife: Cut patches, open boxes.
- Tape Measure: Measuring the length or distance.
- Cordless Drill: Drilling circular holes in materials or walls.
Pro Tip: Buy repair tools from trusted brands. It could cost you a little extra but it will last-long and worth paying. Only buy what you need and build your toolbox over time.
Common Household Repairs
1. Fix a Leaky Taps:
A dripping Tap is more than annoying, It can waste a large amount of water per year .The usual culprit? A worn-out washer, which costs 300-500 Rs to replace and takes only 10 minutes to repair it.
- Steps 1: Turn off the water supply of your house.
- Steps 2: Remove the decorative cap on the handle.
- Steps 3: Unscrew the handle and expose the stem.
- Steps 4: Replace the washer with a new one.
- Steps 5: Reassemble and check for leaks.
With these simple steps you have saved your 500-1000 Rs .
2. Unclog a Sink or Drain
Clogs happen very often and you don’t need to be a master to fix it, plumber charges a lot to fix it but following some simple steps you can do it on your own. Try these methods first :
- Step 1: Firstly, bowl water and pour it in the sink.
- Step 2: Add a certain amount of baking soda and vinegar, wait for 10 minutes, then rinse with more hot water.
- Step 3: Use a drain snake for stubborn clogs.
Pro Tip: Use this method once a month to avoid blockage.
3. Wall & Paint Repairs
Holes for some hooks and miner damage images on the wall can make the paints come off. Small damage can cause your 1000-2000 Rs drain like water despite buying a DIY kit. Try these methods to fix:
- Step 1: Wash that area thoroughly.
- Step 2: Apply filler or wall putty.
- Step 3: Level that area with a putty knife.
- Step 4: Wait till it dry then use sand paper to smooth that area.
- Step 5: Prime and paint to match your wall.
4. Minor Paint Touch-Ups
Painting over damaged area or scratched area is very easy. By following these steps you can save lot of money.
- Step 1: Apply painter’s tape on the edges.
- Step 2: Apply thin coats, letting each dry.
- Step 3: Always choose a matching color.
5. Replace a Light Fixture or Switch
You don’t need to be an electrician for basic lighting jobs. By following safe online tutorials, you can replace faulty fixtures or damage switches.
- Step 1: Don’t start your repairs without turning off the main switch off circuit.
- Step 2: Remove the broken part and install the spare part following the instructions.
- Step 3: Match wires (color-coded), attach, and secure the new fixture.
When you have any doubt or make any mistake call an expert for help.
6. Fix a Blown Fuse or Reset Breaker
If lights go out, check your electrical panel. Look for flipped breakers and reset them. Replacing fuse wire is easier than you’d think – just follow online instructions and safety guidelines.
7. Stop a Running Toilet
A running toilet can create water wastage and can increase your bill. The solution? Replace the broken part inside the tank. The Kits cost around 500-1000 Rs and it is one time investment. Follow these steps :
- Step 1: Turn off the tank water valve.
- Step 2: Remove the top part of the tank.
- Step 3: Install the spare part.
- Step 4: Test the flush and check for leaks.
8. Clean Gutters
Cleaning the gutter is very important. It can cause different types of diseases, one should be responsible enough to clean their house’s gutter.
- Step 1: Remove leaves and dirt, then wash with water.
- Step 2: Make sure the drain pipes are not blocked.
9. Re-caulk Windows & Doors
Loose doors can cause heat and dust or moisture to come into the house. Remove the caulk, fill the gap and apply a fresh line.
10. Seal Drafty Doors and Windows with Weatherstripping
Sticky weatherstripping tape around doors and windows keeps the heat and cold out. It’s easy and cheap to do no tools required.
11. Renovate Small Furniture
If your chair or any small furniture is damaged or broken try to fix it. Follow these steps to fix it:
- Step 1: Take proper measurement of the seat.
- Step 2: Cut new fabric with perfect measure.
- Step 3: Fix it or stretch it.
- Step 4 Reattach.
12. Touch Up Small Appliances
If any old appliance is in working condition try to renovate it instead of throwing it away. Make sure to use paint designed for appliances and follow the instructions.
13. Fix Broken Tiles
Take out all broken parts off tiles and replace them with spares. Use tile adhesive and grout to fix them securely.
14. Repair Door Knobs or Handles
Loose knob? Doors have knobs and handles with visible screws or hidden set screws. Tighten them with a screwdriver within just 15 minutes.
Comparison Table: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
| Repair Type | DIY Cost (Materials) | Professional Cost | Skill Level | Avg. Time | Savings |
| Fix Leaky Tap | $2–10 | $150+ | Beginner | 30 min | $140+ |
| Unclog Drain | $2–25 | $100+ | Beginner | 20 min | $80+ |
| Patch Drywall Hole | $10–25 | $100–200 | Beginner | 45 min | $90+ |
| Paint Touch-Up | $10–30 | $150+ | Beginner | 1 hr | $140+ |
| Replace Fixture | $20–50 | $100+ | Beginner | 30 min | $80+ |
Myth-Busting: Are DIY Repairs Risky?
Myth: You will mess up the things and end up paying extra.
- Truth: Most people believe this is true but if you have some basic knowledge of repairs you can do it easily.
Myth :- “You need high cost tools”
- Truth: No, it’s totally a myth. You just need good-quality tools.
Myth:- You have to be an expert.
- Truth: Free online videos or DIY hacks can help you with it.
Actionable Steps to Save Money with DIY Household Repairs
- Start with small repairs to avoid trouble.
- Watch 2–3 videos on that particular repair topic to make it smooth and easy.
- Gather tools and read instructions.
- Start filming or take photographs to see your progress.
Real-Life Example
“My first DIY fix was a running toilet. I watched a five-minute video and swapped the flapper with a $12 kit. No more noise and my water bill dropped. It felt amazing to fix something myself and pocket the savings.”
FAQ:-
Q: What if one does something wrong?
Ans: It’s totally fine if you make mistakes but it doesn’t mean you won’t try.
Q: Would I never need expert help?
Ans: If something involves dangerous things like gas or electricity, call an expert for safety.
Q: How can I learn these things?
Ans: Trusted sources like Investopedia, Forbes, Online Finance Tips, Home Depot, and YouTube have excellent DIY guides.
Conclusion:
Every time when start doing these small things on your own you will start saving money which will help you in your future. Starting small and building your confidence will also help you to develop skills which stay with you life long.
Pick a simple repair from this list and tackle it this week. Share your story and savings, and inspire others by building wealth with your own hands!
