10 Repairs You Can Make Around The House For Under $10
Home maintenance doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Many common household issues can be fixed with inexpensive materials and basic tools you might already own. These budget-friendly repairs save you money on professional services and empower you to take control of your living space. Whether you’re a renter looking to get your deposit back or a homeowner maintaining your investment, these affordable fixes will help you address problems before they become costly disasters.
1. Patch Drywall Holes
Small wall holes from picture hangers or doorknob impacts are easy to repair. Purchase spackling paste ($3-5) and a small putty knife ($2-3). Clean the whole area, apply spackling with the knife, smooth it flush with the wall, and let it dry. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, then touch up with matching paint. This simple repair immediately improves your home’s appearance and prevents further wall damage.
2. Fix Running Toilets
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. Replace the flapper valve for around $5 at any hardware store. Turn off the water supply, flush to empty the tank, disconnect the old flapper, and install the new one following the package instructions. This quick fix saves water and reduces utility bills significantly.
3. Unclog Slow Drains
Before calling a plumber, try a homemade drain cleaner. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda ($1-2) down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar ($1-2). Cover with a wet cloth and wait 30 minutes. Flush with hot water. A drain snake ($5-8) can physically remove hair and debris for tougher clogs. Regular maintenance prevents expensive plumbing emergencies.
4. Reseal Bathroom Grout
Cracked or missing grout invites moisture behind tiles, potentially causing serious water damage. Purchase a small tube of grout ($5-7) that matches your existing color. Clean the area thoroughly, apply new grout with your finger (wearing gloves) or a small applicator, wipe excess with a damp sponge, and let it cure according to package directions. This repair prevents costly tile replacement and mold remediation.
5. Fix Squeaky Door Hinges
That annoying squeak is easily silenced with household lubricants. WD-40 ($5-7) works well, but cooking spray or petroleum jelly are even cheaper alternatives. Apply to the hinge pins, then open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant. For persistent squeaks, remove the pins, clean them, apply lubricant, and reinstall for squeak-free operation.
6. Repair Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet wastes water and creates an irritating noise. Most leaks result from worn-out washers or O-rings, which cost less than $2 at hardware stores. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet (taking photos as you go to remember the order), replace the damaged parts, and reassemble. This repair saves water and prevents sink damage from constant moisture.
7. Restore Scratched Wood Furniture
Hide scratches in wood furniture with materials from your pantry. Rub a walnut, pecan, or coffee grounds along the grain for light scratches. For deeper scratches, make a paste with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil, apply to the scratch, let sit for 24 hours, then buff with a soft cloth. Commercial touch-up markers ($3-8) also work well for matching specific wood tones.
8. Replace Damaged Caulk
Deteriorated caulk around sinks, tubs, and windows allows water infiltration that can cause structural damage. Remove old caulk with a utility knife or caulk removal tool, clean thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, and apply new silicone or latex caulk ($4-6). Use painter’s tape for clean lines and smooth the bead with a wet finger for a professional finish.
9. Fix Loose Cabinet Hardware
Wobbly knobs and handles make cabinets look shabby and function poorly. Tighten existing hardware with a screwdriver or replace damaged pieces entirely. Basic cabinet knobs cost $1-3 each at discount stores. For stripped screw holes, insert wooden toothpicks with wood glue into the hole, break off excess, let dry, then reinstall the screw for a secure fit.
10. Repair Window Screens
Torn screens allow insects inside while compromising your home’s appearance. Screen repair kits ($5-8) include patches and adhesive for small holes. You’ll need screen material ($5-7 per foot) and spline ($2-3) for larger tears. Cut a patch slightly larger than the damaged area, secure with spline using a spline roller tool, and trim excess with a utility knife. Functional screens improve comfort without expensive replacements.
DIY Success Starts With Small Victories
Home repairs don’t require professional training or expensive tools—just a willingness to learn and patience to complete the job properly. These under-$10 fixes build confidence for tackling larger projects while maintaining your home’s value and functionality. By addressing minor issues promptly, you prevent them from developing into major expenses. The satisfaction of solving problems yourself is a bonus that makes home maintenance rewarding rather than burdensome.
Have you completed any budget-friendly home repairs? What was your most satisfying DIY fix, and how much did you save by doing it yourself?
Read More
Saving Money on Auto Repairs: Your Comprehensive Guide
Stop Wasting Money on Towing: Here’s How Changing Your Own Tire Pays Off
Travis Campbell is a digital marketer/developer with over 10 years of experience and a writer for over 6 years. He holds a degree in E-commerce and likes to share life advice he’s learned over the years. Travis loves spending time on the golf course or at the gym when he’s not working.