The Home Repair Starter Kit: Fixes Anyone Can Do
A dripping tap, a squeaky door, a picture that needs hanging — these are small problems that many people call (and pay) a handyman to fix. But most of them take 10 minutes and basic tools. This lesson covers the fixes every person should know.
The Basic Toolkit
Every household should have:
- Hammer: A 450g (16oz) claw hammer covers most jobs. The claw end removes nails.
- Screwdrivers: One Phillips (cross-head) and one flat-head in medium size.
- Adjustable wrench: One that adjusts to different nut sizes.
- Pliers: For gripping, bending, and pulling.
- Tape measure: 5m retractable tape.
- Level: For hanging things straight.
- Utility knife: For cutting cardboard, tape, and other materials.
- Torch: For seeing into dark spaces.
- Duct tape and WD-40: The two universal fixers. "If it moves and shouldn't: duct tape. If it doesn't move and should: WD-40."
Total cost: $50-80. This toolkit will handle 90% of household repairs.
Five Fixes Everyone Should Know
1. Hang a Picture
Mark the spot. Check for wires/pipes (knock — hollow means safe for a nail). If plasterboard: use a wall plug for heavy items. If brick: drill a hole, insert a wall plug, screw in a hook.
2. Unblock a Drain
Before calling a plumber: try a plunger (seal the overflow hole with a wet cloth first). If that fails: pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain. Wait 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.
3. Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
When power goes out in one area: go to the switchboard. Find the tripped switch (it'll be in the middle position). Push it fully off, then back on. If it trips again immediately, there's a fault — call an electrician.
4. Stop a Running Toilet
A toilet that keeps running wastes thousands of litres of water per year. Usually caused by a worn flush valve seal. Open the cistern lid. If jiggling the flush lever stops it, the flapper/seal needs replacing ($5 part, 10-minute job).
5. Tighten a Loose Screw
If a screw won't tighten (hole is stripped): remove the screw, push a matchstick or toothpick into the hole, break it flush, re-insert the screw. The extra material gives the screw something to grip.
Tonight's Question
"What small repairs around our house have we been ignoring? Let's make a list and fix one this weekend."
Fix-It Weekend
- Walk through the house together. List every small repair needed (loose handles, dripping taps, squeaky hinges, etc.).
- Rank by difficulty: easy, medium, hard.
- This weekend, tackle the easy ones together.
- Watch a YouTube tutorial for each repair before starting.
- Celebrate each fix. Take before and after photos.
- Keep a "household repair log" — track what you fixed and how.
Go Further
- Website: YouTube channels like "Dad, How Do I?" — practical repair tutorials by a dad who helps people who never learned.
- Course: Many Bunnings stores offer free DIY workshops.
- Book: The Complete DIY Manual (Reader's Digest) — comprehensive home repair reference.
- Question: Why aren't basic home repair skills taught in school?
What We Simplified
- Some repairs require professionals. Electrical work (beyond resetting a breaker), gas appliance repair, structural work, and plumbing beyond basic fixes should be done by licensed tradespeople. Safety first.
- Rental properties have limitations. Renters may need landlord permission for repairs and are often not responsible for maintenance.
- Tools are an investment. $50-80 for a basic toolkit is worthwhile but may not be in every family's budget. Start with what you can afford.
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