How I Saved $1,500 in My First Year of Homeownership With These 5 DIY Skills
In my first year of homeownership, I saved one thousand five hundred dollars by learning five simple skills. I learned to unclog a drain myself, saving a one hundred fifty-dollar plumber fee. I patched a small drywall hole, saving two hundred dollars. I replaced a faulty light fixture, saving another one hundred fifty dollars. I fixed a running toilet, saving a one hundred-dollar service call. And I learned to do my own basic lawn care and mulching, saving at least nine hundred dollars for the year. These basic skills have a massive return on investment.
The “YouTube Certified” Mechanic: 10 Car Repairs You Can Absolutely Do Yourself
I became a “YouTube Certified” mechanic and saved a fortune. Ten car repairs you can easily do yourself are: changing your oil, replacing your engine and cabin air filters, changing your windshield wipers, replacing your battery, changing a headlight or taillight bulb, rotating your tires, changing your spark plugs, and even replacing your own brake pads. For each of these jobs, there is a specific, step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube for your exact make and model of car.
The $100 “Essential” Homeowner’s Toolkit That Will Save You Thousands
My one hundred-dollar essential toolkit has saved me thousands in repair calls. The kit includes a good cordless drill, a set of screwdrivers and pliers, a hammer, a tape measure, a level, an adjustable wrench, and a utility knife. With just these basic tools, I’ve been able to assemble furniture, hang pictures securely, fix leaky faucets, and tackle dozens of other small home repair projects myself. It’s the best one hundred-dollar investment any homeowner can make.
I Changed My Own Oil and Brakes. Here’s How Much I Saved.
I decided to start doing my own basic car maintenance. For my last oil change, the supplies cost me about thirty-five dollars. A local quick-lube shop would have charged eighty dollars for the same service, a savings of forty-five dollars. The bigger savings came from changing my own brake pads. The new pads and rotors cost me one hundred fifty dollars. A mechanic had quoted me six hundred dollars for the job. By investing a few hours of my time and following a YouTube tutorial, I saved a combined five hundred dollars on these two jobs alone.
The #1 Most Expensive (and Preventable) Home Maintenance Mistake
The most expensive and preventable home maintenance mistake is ignoring water issues. My neighbor noticed a small water stain on his ceiling but ignored it. A few months later, the ceiling collapsed, revealing a major, long-term roof leak that had rotted the joists. The repair cost him over ten thousand dollars. If he had addressed the small stain immediately by calling a roofer, the repair would have likely been a few hundred dollars. Regularly checking for small leaks and addressing them immediately is the key to preventing a catastrophic and costly failure.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 15 Minutes
A dripping faucet is a simple, 15-minute fix. I had a leaky bathroom faucet. I turned off the water supply using the small valves under the sink. I then used a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle. Inside, there was a small plastic cartridge. This is usually the part that fails. I took the old cartridge to my local hardware store to find an exact replacement, which cost about ten dollars. I popped the new one in, reassembled the handle, and the leak was gone.
The “Seasonal Maintenance” Checklist That Prevents Costly Disasters
My seasonal maintenance checklist prevents expensive surprises. In the spring, I clean my gutters and check my roof for any damage from the winter. I also have my HVAC system serviced. In the summer, I check for any cracks in my driveway and seal them. In the fall, I turn off my outdoor water spigots to prevent pipes from freezing. This simple, proactive checklist takes a few hours each season but has helped me catch small problems before they become costly disasters.
I Detailed My Car to Look Brand New Using $20 of Products
I make my old car look brand new with a twenty-dollar DIY detailing job. I start by giving it a thorough wash. The secret weapon is a “clay bar” kit, which costs about fifteen dollars and removes all the embedded contaminants from the paint, making it feel glass-smooth. I follow that with a simple coat of a good quality car wax. For the interior, I use a simple all-purpose cleaner and a small brush to get into all the crevices. The results are professional-grade for a tiny fraction of the cost.
How to Unclog a Drain Without Harmful Chemicals (or a Plumber)
When my shower drain was clogged, I avoided the plumber and the harsh chemicals. My first step was to use a simple, two-dollar plastic drain snake. I pushed it down the drain, and it pulled out a shocking amount of hair, which was the cause of the clog. For a kitchen sink clog, I use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, followed by a kettle of boiling water. This natural solution can often break up grease clogs. These simple, cheap methods work for 90% of household clogs.
The Truth About “Extended Auto Warranties” vs. a DIY Repair Fund
An extended auto warranty is usually a bad deal. My friend was pressured into buying a two thousand-dollar warranty for his used car. When his alternator failed, he found out that specific part wasn’t covered by his “basic” plan. Instead of a warranty, I have a “DIY Repair Fund.” I take the money I would have spent on the warranty and put it into a separate high-yield savings account. I then use this money, along with my own DIY skills, to pay for any repairs that come up.
I Repaired My Own Drywall. It Was Easier Than I Thought.
I had an ugly hole in my drywall from a doorknob. I repaired it myself for about fifteen dollars. I bought a small tub of spackle, a putty knife, and a small drywall patch kit. The patch kit has a self-adhesive mesh that you place over the hole. I then applied a few thin layers of spackle over the patch, letting it dry and sanding it smooth between each layer. After a final coat of paint, the hole was completely invisible. It was a surprisingly simple and satisfying repair.
How to Diagnose That “Weird Noise” in Your Car Using Your Phone
When my car started making a weird noise, I used my phone to diagnose it. I had a friend safely record a video of the noise while I was driving. I then went to a forum like Reddit’s r/MechanicAdvice, and I posted the video and a detailed description of when the noise happens. Within a few hours, several experienced mechanics had commented, and they all correctly diagnosed the problem as a bad wheel bearing. This allowed me to go to my mechanic with confidence and knowledge.
The Best Affordable Tools for a Beginner DIYer
For a beginner DIYer, you only need a few affordable, essential tools. The number one tool is a good cordless drill/driver. It will be used for almost every project. A basic hand tool kit with a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a tape measure is also a must-have. I would also recommend an adjustable wrench for basic plumbing and a simple stud finder for hanging heavy items. This entire starter kit can be assembled for around one hundred dollars and will empower you to tackle hundreds of projects.
I Re-Caulked My Own Bathtub and Shower. Here’s the Process.
My old shower caulk was moldy and peeling. I re-caulked it myself for about fifteen dollars. The process was simple. First, I used a utility knife and a small scraper to completely remove all the old caulk. I then cleaned the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Finally, I applied a new, clean bead of 100% silicone caulk designed for kitchens and baths. The key is to use painter’s tape to create a clean line and to smooth the bead with a wet finger for a professional finish.
How to Change Your Engine and Cabin Air Filters for $20
Changing your car’s air filters is one of the easiest and most cost-effective DIY tasks. A mechanic quoted me eighty dollars to replace my engine and cabin air filters. I went to an auto parts store and bought both filters myself for a total of twenty dollars. The engine air filter was in a simple box under the hood that just had a few clips. The cabin air filter was located behind the glove box. Following a quick YouTube tutorial, I was able to replace both filters in less than 10 minutes, saving myself sixty dollars.
The “Energy Audit” You Can Do Yourself to Lower Your Utility Bills
I did a DIY energy audit and lowered my utility bill. I went around my house with a lit candle and held it up to my windows and doors to check for drafts. I found a few drafty windows, which I sealed with a cheap window insulation film kit. I also checked the weather stripping around my exterior doors and replaced a worn-out section. I also lowered the temperature on my water heater. These simple, free or low-cost checks and fixes made a noticeable difference in my monthly energy consumption.
I Replaced a Broken Headlight and Taillight for Under $30
When my headlight went out, a repair shop quoted me seventy-five dollars to replace it. I decided to do it myself. I looked in my car’s owner’s manual to find the correct bulb type. I bought the new bulb at an auto parts store for about fifteen dollars. The manual had a simple diagram showing how to access the back of the headlight assembly. It was a simple twist-and-pull mechanism. The entire process took five minutes. It’s one of the easiest ways to save a significant amount on car repair.
How to Clean Your Gutters Safely (And Save $300)
Cleaning my gutters myself saves me a few hundred dollars every year. Safety is the top priority. I use a sturdy, well-placed extension ladder, and I always have a spotter. I wear thick work gloves. I use a simple garden trowel to scoop out all the leaves and gunk. I then use a garden hose to flush out the gutters and the downspouts to make sure they are clear. This preventative maintenance is crucial for preventing water damage to my home.
I Used a “Code Reader” to Find Out Why My Check Engine Light Was On
My check engine light came on, and instead of panicking, I used a simple tool to diagnose the problem. I bought a thirty-dollar Bluetooth “OBD-II” code reader online. It’s a small device that plugs into a port under my steering wheel. It connects to a free app on my phone. The app scanned my car’s computer and told me the exact error code, which was for a faulty gas cap. I tightened my gas cap, cleared the code, and the light went away. This simple tool saved me a one hundred-dollar diagnostic fee at a mechanic.
How to Patch a Leaky Roof (A Temporary Fix That Can Save You)
After a storm, I noticed a small leak in my roof. To prevent further damage before a roofer could come, I did a temporary patch myself. I located the source of the leak, which was around a vent pipe. I went to the hardware store and bought a tube of roofing cement and a small trowel. I carefully went up on the roof and applied a generous amount of the cement around the base of the pipe, sealing the crack. This cheap, temporary fix saved me from a much more expensive interior water damage repair.
The Best Affordable Pressure Washers for Home Use
For home use, you don’t need a gas-powered pressure washer. The best affordable option is an electric model from a brand like Sun Joe or Ryobi. I bought an electric pressure washer for about one hundred fifty dollars. It’s powerful enough to clean my driveway, my patio, and the siding on my house. It’s also much quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain than a gas model. For the average homeowner, an electric pressure washer is the perfect, affordable tool for outdoor cleaning tasks.
I Restored My Foggy Headlights for $15
My car’s headlights were yellow and foggy, which was a safety issue. Instead of paying a detailer one hundred dollars to restore them, I bought a fifteen-dollar headlight restoration kit from an auto parts store. The kit came with several different grits of sandpaper, a polishing compound, and a UV sealant. I followed the instructions, which involved a multi-step sanding and polishing process. It took about an hour of work, but the result was crystal-clear headlights that looked brand new.
How to Maintain Your Lawn Mower and HVAC Unit
Simple maintenance can make your expensive home equipment last much longer. For my lawn mower, at the beginning of each season, I change the oil, replace the spark plug, and clean the air filter. This keeps the engine running smoothly. For my HVAC unit, I change the furnace filter every three months. I also gently hose down the outdoor condenser unit once a year to clear away any dirt and debris. These simple, DIY tasks ensure efficiency and can prevent very costly repair calls.
I Replaced My Car’s Battery Myself. A Step-by-Step Guide.
My car battery died, and instead of calling for roadside assistance, I replaced it myself. First, I bought a new battery from an auto parts store, making sure it was the correct size for my car. At home, I used a simple wrench to disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. I removed the old battery, cleaned the terminals with a wire brush, and then placed the new battery in. I connected the positive terminal first, then the negative. The whole process took 15 minutes and saved me over one hundred dollars.
How to Fix a Running Toilet in 5 Minutes
A running toilet is a common problem that wastes a huge amount of water. The fix is usually incredibly simple and cheap. The most common culprit is a faulty flapper—the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. I bought a replacement flapper at the hardware store for about five dollars. I turned off the water to the toilet, flushed it to drain the tank, and then simply unhooked the old flapper and hooked on the new one. The entire repair took less than five minutes.
The Best Free Online Manuals for Your Car and Appliances
When I need to repair my car or an appliance, my first stop is the internet. I can almost always find a free PDF of the official factory service manual for my exact car model by doing a simple online search. For appliances, a website called ManualsLib has a huge database of free manuals for everything from my dishwasher to my microwave. These manuals provide detailed diagrams and troubleshooting guides that are invaluable for any DIY repair.
I Installed My Own Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can save you money on your utility bills, and you can install it yourself. I bought a Google Nest thermostat. The installation process was surprisingly easy. I first turned off the power to my HVAC system at the breaker. I then took a picture of the wiring on my old thermostat before I disconnected it. The new thermostat’s instructions had a clear, step-by-step guide for connecting the wires. The whole process took about 20 minutes, and it saved me a one hundred fifty-dollar installation fee.
How to Test Your Car’s Battery and Alternator at Home
You can test your car’s battery and alternator at home with a simple, ten-dollar tool called a multimeter. To test the battery, with the car off, I touch the multimeter’s probes to the battery terminals. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts. To test the alternator, I start the car and test it again. The reading should jump up to around 14 volts, which indicates that the alternator is properly charging the battery. This simple test can help you diagnose electrical problems before you get stranded.
The Best Affordable Shop Vacs and Their Many Uses
An affordable shop vac is one of the most versatile tools a homeowner can own. I bought a small, five-gallon model for about sixty dollars. It’s my go-to for cleaning up messy DIY projects in my garage. It’s also fantastic for deep cleaning my car’s interior. Its most useful, unexpected purpose has been as a powerful tool for unclogging drains. I can create a seal around the drain and use the shop vac’s powerful suction to pull out stubborn clogs.
I Repaired My Own Window Screen for $10
My window screen had a large tear in it. Instead of replacing the whole screen, I repaired it myself for about ten dollars. I bought a small roll of replacement screen mesh and a cheap tool called a spline roller from the hardware store. I removed the old, torn screen and the rubber spline that held it in place. I then laid the new screen over the frame and used the spline roller tool to push the rubber spline back into the channel, which holds the new screen tightly in place.
How to Keep Your Appliances Running Longer with Simple Maintenance
Simple maintenance can double the life of your appliances. For my dishwasher, I regularly clean the filter at the bottom to ensure it drains properly. For my refrigerator, I vacuum the condenser coils on the back once a year to help the motor run more efficiently. For my washing machine, I occasionally run an empty cycle with some vinegar to clean out any buildup. These free, simple tasks prevent wear and tear and can save you from having to buy new appliances.
I Replaced My Own Windshield Wipers in Under 5 Minutes
Replacing windshield wipers is a simple, five-minute task that can save you money. The auto parts store will often charge you a fee to install them. I bought a new pair of wipers for about thirty dollars. Most wiper arms have a simple tab or button that you press to release the old blade. The new blade then just clicks into place. It’s an incredibly easy piece of maintenance that ensures you have good visibility in the rain, which is a crucial safety factor.
How to Properly Winterize Your Home and Car
Winterizing my home and car is an essential, affordable annual ritual. For my home, I use a window insulation kit on my drafty, old windows. I also make sure to disconnect my garden hoses and turn off the outdoor water supply to prevent pipes from freezing. For my car, I check the antifreeze levels and the tread on my tires. I also make sure my emergency kit is stocked with an extra blanket. These simple steps can prevent very costly winter-related damage.
I Fixed Squeaky Floors and Doors for Free
I eliminated the annoying squeaks in my house for free. For a squeaky door hinge, I simply sprayed a little bit of WD-40 into the hinge. The squeak was gone instantly. For a squeaky floorboard, I used a simple trick: I sprinkled a little bit of baby powder into the cracks between the boards. I then worked the powder down into the crack. This lubricates the wood and stops the rubbing that causes the squeak.
The Best Affordable Workbenches and Garage Organization Systems
For an affordable workbench, the best option is often to build your own. I built a large, sturdy workbench in my garage using a few 2x4s and a sheet of plywood. The total cost was about sixty dollars, and it’s much more solid than a similarly priced, pre-made workbench. For garage organization, I use simple, affordable shelving units from a big-box store. I also use a cheap pegboard system on the wall to keep all my most-used tools organized and accessible.
I Rotated My Own Tires. Was It Worth the Hassle?
I rotated my own tires to save the thirty-dollar fee at a tire shop. The process involved jacking up the car, securing it with jack stands for safety, and then moving the wheels in the correct pattern. It was a bit of a hassle and took about an hour. For me, the savings were not quite worth the time and effort. However, for someone who enjoys working on their car and has the right tools, it’s a straightforward way to save a little money and extend the life of your tires.
How to Sharpen Your Own Lawn Mower Blades
A sharp lawn mower blade gives a cleaner cut and is healthier for your grass. Instead of paying someone to sharpen my blade, I do it myself. I first disconnect the spark plug for safety. I then remove the blade from the bottom of the mower. I secure the blade in a vise and use a simple metal file to sharpen the cutting edge, making sure to maintain the original angle. It’s a simple task that improves my mower’s performance and saves me a trip to the repair shop.
I Installed a Garbage Disposal Myself
My old garbage disposal broke, and I installed the new one myself. A plumber would have charged a few hundred dollars. The new disposal cost about one hundred dollars. The installation was mostly a plumbing job. I turned off the power, disconnected the old unit from the sink drain and the dishwasher hose, and then installed the new one in the reverse order. It was a bit of a messy job, but by following a detailed online tutorial, I was able to do it successfully and save a lot of money.
The Best Affordable Safety Gear for DIY Projects
Safety gear is the one area you should not skimp on, but it can still be affordable. For any DIY project, my non-negotiable safety gear includes a good pair of safety glasses, some durable work gloves, and a dust mask. For projects involving loud tools, a simple pair of foam earplugs is essential. This entire basic safety kit can be purchased for under thirty dollars and is the most important investment you can make to protect yourself from injury.
I Used a “Stud Finder” to Hang Heavy Things Securely
A stud finder is a cheap tool that prevents expensive disasters. I wanted to hang a large, heavy mirror. If I had just put a nail in the drywall, it would have eventually fallen and shattered. I used a ten-dollar stud finder to locate the solid wood studs behind the drywall. I then drove a long, heavy-duty screw directly into the stud. This ensures that the mirror is securely anchored to the frame of the house. It’s an essential tool for hanging anything heavy.
How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Opener
When my garage door opener stopped working, the first thing I did was check the simple things. I checked the batteries in the remote. I then checked the “safety eyes”—the small sensors near the bottom of the door—to make sure they were aligned and clean. This is the most common cause of a malfunctioning garage door. By simply wiping off a cobweb from one of the sensors, I was able to fix the problem myself for free and avoid an expensive service call.
I Cleaned My Car’s Upholstery to Look New
My car’s cloth seats had a few stains. I cleaned them myself using a simple, homemade solution. I mixed some warm water, a little bit of laundry detergent, and a splash of white vinegar in a spray bottle. I sprayed the solution on the seats, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrubbed the stains with a stiff brush. I used a wet/dry shop vac to suck up all the dirty water. The seats looked almost brand new, and the process was much cheaper than a professional upholstery cleaning.
The “Know When to Call a Pro” Guide for DIYers
My “know when to call a pro” guide is simple. I will tackle most basic plumbing and electrical work, like replacing a faucet or a light fixture. However, if a project involves moving pipes or running new wiring, I call a professional. I will do basic roof patching, but for a full roof replacement, I call a pro. The rule of thumb is if a mistake could cause a major safety issue (like a fire or a major flood) or requires a permit, it’s worth the money to hire a licensed and insured professional.
I Touched Up Scratches on My Car’s Paint
I got a few minor scratches on my car door. Instead of an expensive body shop repair, I touched them up myself. I went to the dealership and bought a small “touch-up paint” pen that perfectly matched my car’s paint code. I carefully cleaned the scratch and then used the pen to apply a few thin layers of paint. It’s not a perfect, invisible repair, but from a few feet away, the scratch is no longer noticeable. It’s a great, affordable solution for minor cosmetic blemishes.
How to Insulate Your Attic for Big Energy Savings
Insulating my attic was one of the best DIY projects I’ve done. I first checked my existing insulation levels. I then went to a home improvement store and bought several rolls of unfaced fiberglass insulation. Wearing full protective gear—a mask, gloves, and long sleeves—I simply rolled out the new insulation on top of the old insulation, running it perpendicular to the joists. The project cost a few hundred dollars but has significantly lowered my heating and cooling bills, and it will pay for itself in just a few years.
I Replaced an Electrical Outlet Safely
I replaced an old, discolored electrical outlet with a new one. The most important step was safety. I went to my breaker box and turned off the power to that specific room. I used a voltage tester to confirm that the power was off. I then unscrewed the old outlet, took a picture of the wiring, and connected the new outlet in the exact same way. This simple, ten-dollar upgrade made the room look much more modern, but it’s a job that should only be done if you are 100% confident in your ability to work safely with electricity.
The Best Affordable Tool Rental Programs (Home Depot, etc.)
For a big project that requires a specialized, expensive tool, renting is the smartest option. I needed a large tile saw to redo my bathroom floor. A new saw would have cost over five hundred dollars. I rented one from my local Home Depot for about sixty dollars a day. This allowed me to use a professional-grade tool to get the job done right, without the huge expense and storage hassle of owning it. For any tool you will only use once or twice, renting is always the most affordable choice.
I Fixed a Jammed Garbage Disposal with an Allen Wrench
My garbage disposal was humming but not spinning, which meant it was jammed. I fixed it myself for free. First, I made sure the power was off. Then, I looked at the very bottom of the garbage disposal unit under the sink. There is a small hexagonal hole in the center. I used an Allen wrench that came with the unit (or any standard Allen wrench) and inserted it into the hole. I was then able to manually turn the motor back and forth to dislodge the jam.
How to Tune Up Your Bicycle at Home
You can do a basic bicycle tune-up at home with a few simple tools. I start by cleaning the chain and gears thoroughly with a degreaser. I then apply a fresh coat of bike chain lubricant. I check my brake pads for wear and adjust them so they make even contact with the wheel rim. I also make sure my tires are inflated to the correct pressure. This simple, free tune-up makes my bike ride smoother, quieter, and safer.
The One DIY Skill That Has the Highest ROI
The one DIY skill with the highest return on investment (ROI) is learning to do your own painting. A professional painter can charge thousands of dollars to paint the interior of a house. For a few hundred dollars in paint and supplies, you can achieve the same result yourself. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of a space and can significantly increase your home’s value if you are selling. No other DIY skill provides such a dramatic and valuable transformation for such a low cost.