Quick Repair Tasks You Can Do This WeekendA short list of small repairs can make a big difference to your home’s safety, comfort, and value — and many jobs take just an afternoon or less. This guide walks through practical, budget-friendly repair tasks you can complete over a weekend, with clear steps, tools needed, time estimates, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
1) Fix a Leaky Faucet
Time: ~30–60 minutes
Tools & materials: adjustable wrench, plumber’s grease, replacement O-rings or cartridge (specific to your faucet), screwdriver, cloth.
Steps:
- Turn off water supply under the sink and open the faucet to drain remaining water.
- Remove faucet handle (keep screws and parts organized).
- Inspect the cartridge or O-rings for wear. Replace worn O-rings or the entire cartridge.
- Reassemble, turn on water, and check for leaks. Tip: Take the old part to a hardware store to match replacements exactly.
2) Patch Small Drywall Holes
Time: 30–90 minutes (plus drying time)
Tools & materials: spackling compound or joint compound, putty knife, sandpaper (120–220 grit), primer, touch-up paint, paintbrush/roller.
Steps:
- Clean the hole and remove loose debris.
- For holes /2 inch, apply spackling with a putty knife and smooth flush with the wall. For larger holes, use a backing patch or mesh tape before applying compound.
- Let compound dry fully (follow manufacturer’s drying time), sand smooth, prime, and paint. Tip: For visible areas, slightly feather the compound beyond the hole to avoid a noticeable patch.
3) Replace a Faulty Door Hinge or Squeaky Door
Time: 15–45 minutes per hinge
Tools & materials: screwdriver or drill, replacement hinges (if needed), wood filler, touch-up paint or stain (if screw holes are stripped).
Steps:
- If the hinge is loose, tighten screws. If screws spin, remove and fill stripped holes with wooden toothpicks coated in wood glue or wood filler, let dry, trim, then reinsert screw.
- To replace a hinge, remove old hinge screws and install the new hinge in the same position. Realign the door if it sticks.
- For squeaks, spray a small amount of lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) onto hinge pins or remove the pin, coat with lubricant, and reinsert. Tip: Use longer screws into the door frame’s stud on the top hinge to better support the door’s weight.
4) Unclog a Slow Drain
Time: 15–60 minutes
Tools & materials: plunger, plumber’s snake (hand auger), bucket, gloves, possibly baking soda and vinegar.
Steps:
- Try a plunger first (create a good seal and use vigorous plunges).
- If that fails, remove the P-trap under the sink with a bucket beneath to catch water and clean out debris.
- For deeper clogs, use a plumber’s snake to break up or pull out the clog.
- To maintain drains, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar, let sit 15–30 minutes, then flush with hot water. Tip: Avoid chemical drain cleaners; they can damage pipes and are hazardous.
5) Re-caulk Bathroom Fixtures
Time: 30–90 minutes
Tools & materials: utility knife or caulk remover, caulk (silicone for tubs/showers; paintable caulk for sinks), caulk gun, painter’s tape, rubbing alcohol, rag.
Steps:
- Remove old caulk completely with a utility knife or caulk remover.
- Clean the joint area and let dry. Wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove soap residue.
- Apply painter’s tape to get straight lines. Cut caulk tip at a 45° angle and apply steady bead.
- Smooth the bead with a wet finger or caulk-smoothing tool, remove tape, and let cure per manufacturer instructions. Tip: Use 100% silicone for wet areas — it lasts longer and resists mildew.
6) Replace Light Switches or Outlet Covers (and Tighten Outlets)
Time: 15–30 minutes per device
Tools & materials: flat and Phillips screwdrivers, voltage tester, replacement outlet or switch (if needed), new cover plates.
Safety first: Turn off the circuit at the breaker and verify power is off with a tester.
Steps:
- Remove cover plate and test to ensure power is off.
- Tighten loose receptacle mounting screws. If the outlet is cracked or loose internally, replace it.
- For switches, remove the switch, note wire placement (take a photo), transfer wires to new switch, and install. Tip: If you’re uncomfortable with electrical work, hire an electrician.
7) Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Time: 30–120 minutes
Tools & materials: weatherstripping (foam tape, V-strip, or door sweep), caulk, utility knife, measuring tape.
Steps:
- Feel for drafts around windows/doors on a windy day or use a lit candle to spot air movement.
- Apply adhesive foam or V-strip weatherstripping to gaps around windows; install a door sweep at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Caulk stationary gaps where trim meets siding or masonry. Tip: Prioritize sealing before heating/cooling season to save energy.
8) Tighten Loose Cabinet Hardware and Hinges
Time: 10–30 minutes
Tools & materials: screwdriver, drill with driver bits, wood glue or longer screws for stripped holes.
Steps:
- Tighten loose handles, knobs, and hinges. Replace screws with slightly longer ones if current holes are stripped; use wood glue and toothpicks to rebuild damaged holes.
- Adjust hinge plates to align doors if necessary. Tip: Keep a small kit of commonly used screw sizes handy for quick fixes.
9) Replace HVAC Filters and Clean Vents
Time: 10–20 minutes
Tools & materials: new furnace/a/c filter (correct size), vacuum or brush for vent cleaning.
Steps:
- Turn off HVAC, remove old filter, and insert the new one with correct airflow direction indicated on the frame.
- Vacuum dust from registers and vents; remove and wash vent covers if needed. Tip: Replace standard pleated filters every 3 months (more often with pets or allergies).
10) Touch Up Paint and Minor Exterior Repairs
Time: 1–4 hours depending on scope
Tools & materials: touch-up paint, small brushes, exterior caulk, wood filler, sandpaper.
Steps:
- Sand rough spots, fill cracks or small rot areas with wood filler, prime if necessary, and paint.
- Re-caulk exterior seams to prevent water infiltration. Tip: Match paint by taking a chip to a paint store or use existing paint if you have it labeled.
Tools & Supplies — Weekend Repair Kit
- Basic screwdriver set (flat + Phillips)
- Adjustable wrench and pliers
- Hammer and tape measure
- Utility knife and putty knife
- Caulk gun and silicone caulk
- Spackling/joint compound and sandpaper
- Plunger and small hand auger
- Replacement light bulbs, outlet covers, weatherstripping
- Safety gear: gloves, eye protection, dust mask
Which Tasks to Pick First
- If you have visible water issues, fix leaks and re-caulk first to prevent damage.
- For comfort and energy savings, seal drafts and replace HVAC filters.
- For safety, tighten outlets/switches and replace cracked electrical devices.
Small weekend repairs add up — tackle a few of these, and your home will feel and function better with minimal expense.
Leave a Reply