Walk into any hardware store on a Saturday morning and you’ll see dozens of homeowners buying supplies for projects they’re paying someone else to complete. The average handyman charges between $60 and $125 per hour, with minimum service fees often hitting $100 before they’ve even picked up a tool.
Here’s the reality: most common household repairs don’t require specialized skills or expensive equipment. A running toilet, a drywall hole, or a clogged drain can seem intimidating if you’ve never tackled them before, but these fixes are simpler than most people think. I’ve watched homeowners pay $200 for repairs that take 20 minutes and cost less than $15 in materials.
The problem isn’t capability—it’s confidence. Once you understand the basic steps and have the right tools on hand, you’ll wonder why you ever made that phone call in the first place.
The Real Cost of Calling a Handyman
Let’s break down what you’re actually paying for when you hire help for minor repairs. A typical service call includes a trip charge ($50-$75), hourly labor ($60-$125), and marked-up materials. For a simple toilet flapper replacement, you might pay $150-$200 total. The actual flapper costs $8 at any home center.
That’s not to say handymen don’t provide value—they absolutely do for complex projects requiring expertise. But for straightforward maintenance tasks, you’re essentially paying for someone else’s time and knowledge when both are within your reach.
By learning just seven basic repairs, the average homeowner can save $1,500-$3,000 annually. That’s money you could put toward actual upgrades or bigger renovation projects that truly require professional help.
7 DIY Home Repairs Anyone Can Master
Fixing a Running Toilet
A toilet that won’t stop running can waste 200 gallons of water daily, adding $50-$100 to your monthly water bill. The culprit is usually a worn flapper or faulty fill valve.
What you need: Replacement flapper ($8-$12), adjustable wrench, towel
The fix: Shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. Flush to empty the tank. Remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the chain and pegs. Install the new one, making sure the chain has just a little slack—too tight and it won’t seal, too loose and it won’t open fully. Turn the water back on and test.
Time investment: 15 minutes
Handyman cost: $150-$200
DIY cost: $10
If replacing the flapper doesn’t solve it, the fill valve might need adjustment or replacement. This adds another 20 minutes but still costs under $25 total.
Patching Drywall Holes
Whether from doorknob impacts, picture hangers, or furniture mishaps, drywall holes are one of the most common home repairs. Small holes (under 1 inch) are especially easy to fix.
What you need: Spackling paste or joint compound ($6), putty knife ($5), sandpaper (120-grit), paint
The fix: Clean loose debris from the hole. For nail holes, simply press spackling paste in with your finger and smooth it flush. For larger holes up to 1 inch, apply compound with a putty knife in thin layers, letting each dry before adding the next. Sand smooth once fully dry. Prime and paint to match.
For holes larger than 1 inch, you’ll need a drywall patch kit ($8-$15), but the process remains straightforward.
Time investment: 30 minutes (plus drying time)
Handyman cost: $100-$175 per hole
DIY cost: $12-$20
Replacing Cabinet Hardware
Outdated cabinet pulls and knobs can make an entire kitchen look tired. Swapping them out creates an instant visual upgrade without the cost of refacing or replacing cabinets.
What you need: New hardware, drill with bits, measuring tape, pencil
The fix: Measure your existing hole spacing—most standard pulls are 3″ or 3.75″ center-to-center. Buy hardware that matches this spacing to avoid drilling new holes. Remove old hardware from inside the cabinet. Install new pieces by threading the screw through from inside and tightening until snug (don’t overtighten or you’ll crack the cabinet face).
If you’re changing the hole pattern, fill old holes with wood filler, sand smooth, and touch up with paint before drilling new ones.
Time investment: 2-4 hours for average kitchen
Handyman cost: $200-$400
DIY cost: $50-$150 (mostly hardware)
Caulking Around Tubs and Sinks
Failed caulk allows water to seep behind fixtures, leading to mold, rot, and expensive damage. Fresh caulk creates a waterproof seal and makes bathrooms look cleaner instantly.
What you need: Caulk remover tool ($5), 100% silicone caulk ($6), caulk gun ($8), painter’s tape, rubbing alcohol
The fix: Remove old caulk completely using the remover tool—scrape until you reach bare surfaces. Clean with rubbing alcohol and let dry. Apply painter’s tape along both edges for clean lines. Cut the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. Apply steady pressure while moving the gun smoothly along the joint. Immediately smooth with a wet finger or caulk tool. Remove tape before it dries.
Time investment: 45 minutes
Handyman cost: $125-$200
DIY cost: $15
Fixing a Squeaky Floor
Floor squeaks happen when subfloor separates from joists or when floorboards rub together. The fix depends on whether you have access from below.
What you need: Squeaky floor kit ($12-$20) or construction adhesive and screws
The fix for carpet: Drive special breakaway screws through carpet into the subfloor and joists below using a kit. The screw head snaps off below the carpet surface.
The fix for hardwood: From below, apply construction adhesive between the subfloor and joist, then drive screws up through the subfloor into the flooring (be careful not to penetrate the surface). From above, drive finishing nails at an angle through the board into the subfloor, countersink, and fill.
Time investment: 30-60 minutes
Handyman cost: $150-$250
DIY cost: $15-$25
Replacing Light Fixtures
Swapping a dated light fixture for a modern one transforms a room’s appearance. Despite involving electrical work, it’s one of the safest DIY projects when done properly.
What you need: New fixture, wire nuts, voltage tester ($15), screwdriver, wire strippers
The fix: Turn off power at the breaker (not just the switch). Remove the old fixture and use the voltage tester to confirm power is off—test both the black and white wires. Disconnect wires and remove the mounting bracket. Install the new bracket, connect wires (black to black, white to white, green/copper to ground), secure wire nuts, and attach the fixture.
Time investment: 30-45 minutes
Handyman cost: $125-$200 plus fixture
DIY cost: $50-$150 (mostly fixture)
Safety note: If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical, this is one to outsource.
Unclogging Slow Drains
Chemical drain cleaners rarely solve the problem and can damage pipes. Manual methods work better and cost less.
What you need: Plunger ($8), drain snake ($15-$25), bucket, pliers
The fix for sinks: Remove and clean the P-trap—place a bucket underneath, loosen the slip nuts with pliers, remove the trap, clear debris, and reassemble. If that doesn’t work, use a drain snake inserted through the drain opening or trap arm.
The fix for tubs: Remove the stopper assembly, clean accumulated hair and soap scum, then use a snake if needed.
Time investment: 20-40 minutes
Handyman cost: $150-$250
DIY cost: $10-$30
Tools Every DIYer Should Own
Building a basic tool kit costs $150-$300 but pays for itself after just two or three avoided service calls. Essential items include:
- Cordless drill/driver with bits
- Adjustable wrench and pliers set
- Hammer and nail set
- Screwdriver set (or multi-bit driver)
- Tape measure
- Level
- Utility knife
- Voltage tester
- Putty knives (2″ and 4″)
- Caulk gun
- Plunger and drain snake
Quality mid-range tools from brands like DeWalt, Ryobi, or Craftsman offer the best value for occasional DIYers. Avoid the cheapest options that break after one use, but don’t feel pressured to buy professional-grade equipment unless you’re tackling projects weekly.
When You Should Call a Professional
DIY makes sense for straightforward repairs, but some projects require licensed professionals. Call a pro for:
- Anything involving gas lines or main electrical panels
- Structural modifications or load-bearing wall changes
- Roof repairs beyond simple shingle replacement
- HVAC system repairs (not just filter changes)
- Major plumbing like sewer line issues
- Foundation work
- Situations where building permits are required
The money you save on simple repairs gives you budget for proper professional help when it truly matters. A licensed electrician, plumber, or contractor brings insurance, expertise, and code knowledge that protects your home’s value and your family’s safety.
Start Saving Money Today
The seven repairs covered here represent the most common service calls handymen receive. Master these and you’ll handle 80% of minor household issues without picking up the phone.
Start with the easiest project on this list—probably the cabinet hardware or drywall patching. Build your confidence with a quick win, then tackle something slightly more complex. Within a month, you’ll have the skills and tools to handle most common repairs.
Take an hour this weekend to assess your home. Walk through each room and note minor issues you’ve been ignoring—that running toilet, the squeaky board in the hallway, the gap in the tub caulk. Add up what you’d pay to have someone else fix them. Then invest a fraction of that amount in tools and materials, and start checking items off your list.
Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll gain the satisfaction of maintaining your home yourself.
