With a few simple tools, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn, most affordable DIY home repairs can be handled on your own for far less than hiring out.
Pepaw believes you don’t need a contractor for every little problem around the house. Pepaw’s DIY approach is all about keeping things safe, simple, and budget-friendly, even for complete beginners.
Start With Easy Repairs That Save Big Money
Pepaw always recommends starting small. Fixing squeaky hinges, loose screws, wobbly chairs, or dripping faucets doesn’t require much skill, just basic tools and a good tutorial. A little tightening, oiling, or replacing a worn washer can prevent bigger problems later on.
He also loves caulking and weatherstripping as beginner projects. Resealing drafty windows and gaps around doors helps keep your home insulated and your heating and cooling bills lower. It’s inexpensive, fast, and immediately noticeable.
Pepaw says, “Little fixes stop big expenses before they start.”
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Paint: The Cheapest Makeover You Can Give a Room
When you want to freshen up a space without spending much, paint is Pepaw’s go-to solution. A single gallon can transform walls, cabinets, old furniture, or even outdated décor. He recommends starting with neutral or cozy colors to brighten rooms and hide scuffs.
Pepaw always preps properly, starting with cleaning surfaces, taping edges, and using a primer when needed. These small steps make the finished job look cleaner and more professional. If you really want to stretch your budget, Pepaw buys paint during holiday sales or checks the “oops” section where stores discount mis-tinted cans.
Painting is forgiving, beginner-friendly, and satisfying—the perfect starter DIY.
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Simple Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
Pepaw doesn’t believe in filling a toolbox with gadgets you’ll never touch. He keeps it simple: a claw hammer, screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a utility knife, pliers, sandpaper, a level, a tape measure, and a cordless drill. These basics cover most small repairs, allowing you to take on new projects with confidence.
For plumbing jobs, Pepaw adds Teflon tape and an adjustable wrench. For painting, he keeps brushes, rollers, trays, and painter’s tape ready. These tools last for years and pay for themselves the first time you fix something instead of calling a pro.
Pepaw’s advice: “Buy tools once, learn to use ’em forever.”
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Upgrade Your Home With Low-Cost Improvements
Not all home improvements cost thousands. Pepaw recommends replacing outdated light fixtures, adding peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, swapping cabinet hardware, or installing new curtains to give your home a fresh look. These simple upgrades take little time and make a big visual difference.
He also loves DIY shelving for extra storage. Just a couple of brackets and a board can clear clutter in a hallway, pantry, or bathroom. Adding draft stoppers, installing dimmable bulbs, or refreshing grout lines also boost comfort and value without draining your wallet.
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Pepaw’s Bottom Line
Pepaw wants folks to know that DIY isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking small, confident steps to care for your home. When you learn simple repairs, use basic tools, and focus on affordable upgrades, you save money now and prevent bigger problems later. With each project, your confidence grows, and so does the comfort of your home.
