3 Repairs Homeowners Should Be Able to Do and Repairs to Leave to the Pros

By Anita Ginsburg

There are some repairs that every homeowner should learn to do. There are others, though, that always need a professional's touch. Here are three types of repairs that fall into each category:

DIY: Basic Leak Repair

You'd be amazed how easy it is to fix a leaky faucet. Tightening up a few bolts or replacing a simple part can let you get the job done in a flash, saving you a great deal of money and making you feel like a home repair pro. These simple jobs should almost always be attempted first by the homeowner before looking for professional help.

Professional: Installing New Plumbing

If you're looking at installing new plumbing, though, you're going to need to get some help from a professional. Plumbing systems are incredibly complex and even a small mistake can lead to expensive consequences. While you should be able to take care of small leaks on your own, going after the big problems almost always requires calling a plumber.

DIY: Patch Repairs

There are many repairs that fall into the category of simple patch repairs. From fixing a simple hole in your drywall to replacing the locks on your doors, these are jobs that take little to no special training and that can be done by almost any homeowner. Though these jobs are small, knowing how to take care of them yourself can save you quite a bit of time and money.

Professional: Drywall Replacement

Although you can likely patch a hole yourself, you definitely shouldn't be installing drywall on your own if you don't know what you're doing. If you're looking at any kind of repair that involves major demolition and reconstruction, you'll want a professional handyman's help; doing so is the best way to ensure that you don't cause structural problems while you're trying to fix basic problems. A handyman can help with things like large drywall damage and basic carpentry.

DIY and Professional: Toilet Replacement

This is the only home repair that we're covering that could really go either way. If you're just looking to replace a toilet seat or you need to install a basic toilet, the good news is that the process is incredibly straightforward and can be done quickly. However, if you're looking at a specialized toilet or anything that involves a major plumbing change, you'll want to hire a professional.

Some repairs are easier than others. If you feel confident in your DIY skills, give a few of them a try. If you don't, though, there's no shame in getting help from your local handyman or another professional.

Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. She recommends contacting a handyman for any repairs you can’t do yourself. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.