Repair Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
Article reposted from National Association of Realtors
Owning a home comes with its fair share of joys and responsibilities, and knowing how to handle basic repairs can save you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, patching up a wall, or tackling a squeaky floorboard, having a few essential repair skills in your toolkit is a must for every homeowner. In this blog from Stuart Martin, we’ll explore practical repair tips that empower you to maintain your home with confidence—because a little know-how goes a long way in keeping your space comfortable and functional.

1. Fix a leaky toilet.
Running toilets not only rob sleep, they waste water and jack up your bill. Here’s how to change a flapper — the usual suspect — and solve other likely problems.
Related: How to Fix a Sweaty Toilet
2. Repair drywall holes.
The hardest part of drywall repair is making the patch flush with the existing wall. A “pumpkin patch” is an easy repair that cuts down on sanding.
Related: Another Clever Way to Fix Drywall — with Makeup Sponges!
3. Adjust cabinet doors.
Changes in humidity can make cabinet doors rub, refuse to close, or just look cockeyed. Adjusting them is easy and generally requires only a screwdriver.
4. Open a stuck window.
Windows stick when paint, dust, or moisture builds. Use a utility knife (or a pizza cutter) to remove old paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood sash. If high humidity is making windows hard to move, run a humidifier that sucks moisture out of air.
Related: Save Money with Window Repair Tips