Oh, the joys of homeownership… In most cases, you have your own personal parking, a backyard to host cookouts, and the ability to own a pet without paying a ridiculous monthly “pet fee.” And although those are some of the joys of homeownership, it can’t go without saying that there are also some woes that come with it as well… things like home repairs.

When you make the decision to buy a house, you’re assuming total responsibility for it, including the maintenance and upkeep of it. For major repairs, you’ll, of course, need to call your local handyman to do the work for you. But for minor repairs, it will do you a great bit of justice to make those repairs on your own.

It’s also important to know when to call a professional as well. Most states have rules and regulations that all contractors must meet. For example, to work as a dwelling contractor in the state of Wisconsin, a qualifier certification is required. If a contractor can’t provide proof of that when asked, they’re probably working as an unlicensed contractor.

Hopefully, you never have to encounter such things but your likelihood of it will be greatly reduced if you know how to at least take care of the minor repairs. This will not only help you recognize legitimate contractors when you actually do need them but it will prevent you from putting off home repairs that get worse with time. 


Take a look at some basic home repairs every homeowner should be equipped to know how to do.

Unclog a Drain

To unclog a drain, there’s no need to call a plumber or use chemical products to unclog it. A simple plunger or snake will usually do the trick. Also note, if it’s a sink that needs unclogging and you use a plunger, buy a separate plunger from the one you use in the toilet.

Turn Off the Main Water Line to Your Home

In the event your home has a severe water leak, shutting off the main water line to your home is going to be the savior of your home, preventing further damage. Knowing its exact location is going to prove very helpful when a real emergency occurs. This is also something important to know when other repairs involving water are needed.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters of your home is what helps protect your home from foundation damage as it redirects rainwater away from your home. But if those gutters get filled with debris like leaves and branches, it can cause your home’s fascia board to rot.

Now, as important as it is to keep your gutters clean, it’s even more important to understand the importance of safety when cleaning the gutters of your home, and it’s more so in reference to ladder safety. Ladders are the number one cause of falls with DIY and home improvement projects. Making sure the ladder is secure, wearing the right kind of shoes, and stepping on each step are all parts of ensuring you’re using a ladder safely.

If you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder or are afraid of heights, you will want to call a professional gutter cleaning service.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

For proper insulation and repairing minor leaks, every homeowner should know how to caulk cracks and gaps in the walls or around windows and doors. Sometimes these cracks are so tiny that you can barely see them. But it’s a safe bet that air and water can easily find those cracks. Not fixing these minor issues can lead to more serious issues like mold, and can even run your electric bill through the roof because the air you’re using to warm or cool your home isn’t being properly circulated through the home.

There are a variety of different kits you can use ranging from epoxy kits to water-based solutions. Learning how to fix these issues will save you a hefty bill from a specialty contractor.

There’s no need to call a handyman every time something goes haywire in your home. By learning how to do some of the basic home repairs, you’ll save yourself the hassle and money of hiring professional services for easy fixes you can do on your own.