Hosting guests doesn’t have to stress you out with every creaky door and dusty shelf.
Believe it or not… most repairs guests will notice cost next to nothing and take minutes, not days. You don’t need expensive contractors or tools.
And… these repairs aren’t even that difficult.
Anyone can knock out these homeowner basics in a weekend with just a little direction.
Table of Contents
- What Are Budget-Friendly Repairs?
- Repairs Guests Actually Notice
- Budget Home Repairs Everyone Can DIY
- Know When To Call The Pros
What Are Budget-Friendly Repairs?
Maintaining your home is getting expensive.
A recent study revealed that 83% of homeowners experienced unexpected home repairs in 2024. That’s nearly double the percentage of homeowners impacted in 2023. Guess who’s paying for all of those broken things? Us.
Here’s the issue:
Host season comes. And those annoying little problems become major catastrophes. The toilet that runs. The paint chips in the hallway. The door that sticks.
But hiring home improvement tradesmen that charge £100+/hour just isn’t feasible for most families.
Fortunately… hiring a trusted local handyman is the best option for bigger projects, while other repairs can be done without assistance completely.
After all, 62% of homeowners plan to do renovations in 2024. DIY projects are most popular because they involve smaller, less expensive tasks like painting and light repair.
Smart right?
Repairs Guests Actually Notice
Paint touched up. Floors swept. Dirty dishes in the sink?
Not really.
Sure, those things help, but most guests are more interested in other details.
You know, the little repairs that cost you almost nothing.
These are things guests notice:
- Entryways. The first impression happens here.
- Bathrooms. Guests spend time alone here and notice everything.
- Common Areas. Living rooms, kitchens, and hallways get the most attention.
Simply walking through your front door as a guest will clue you in on what needs fixing.
It’s usually the small things. Squeaky doors. Scuffed baseboards. Dry, yellow caulk.
Cost you virtually nothing and take mere minutes to fix.
Budget Home Repairs Everyone Can DIY
The following repairs are ones anyone can DIY before guests arrive. Not only will they save money, but they’re also the easiest repairs to complete.
Stop Squeaky Doors And Hinges
You know how doors that screech open instantly kill the mood?
It’s super easy to fix:
- Add some WD-40 or other lubricant to each hinge pin
- Open/close the door to work the oil in
- If the hinge is still noisy, remove the pin and apply petroleum jelly
Door haunting? Nope. Time for guests. Problem solved.
Patch Walls And Other Hole Damage
Fill nail holes, scuffs, chips and any damage on walls with caulk or spackling paste.
Wall damage makes your entire house feel unkempt. For less than £10 you can buy a whole tub of spackling paste and fix damages in less than an hour.
Let it dry. Sand it down so it’s flush with the rest of the wall. Patch up any paint and voila.
Keep a little of your wall paint on hand for touch ups too. Your local hardware store should be able to match paint from a sample.
Re-Caulk Bathrooms and Kitchen
That gross, yellow caulking around your bathrooms and kitchen needs replaced ASAP.
You’ll want to:
- Remove old caulk with a utility knife and rubbing alcohol
- Apply a bead of fresh caulk
- Smooth it over with your finger (dipped in soapy water)
Caulking is inexpensive and your bathrooms will look like you hired a team of professionals.
Touch Up Interior Paint
Honestly, paint gets nicked and dinged so easily.
Run a bucket of touch up paint around the problem areas. You’d be surprised how much better your house looks with fresh paint on the scuffed areas.
Focus on:
- High traffic hallways
- Areas around light switches
- Corners and baseboards
You won’t need to repaint entire rooms or surfaces. Small touch ups are enough.
Check Lights and Walkways Outside
Don’t forget about the outside either.
Check that all of your outdoor lighting is working properly. Swap out any burnt out bulbs and consider adding some solar lights down walkways.
If you have a damaged pathway or walkway, fix any holes or damaged tiles. Safety is just as much about aesthetics.
You don’t want your guests tripping on uneven ground in the middle of the night.
Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Nobody likes a drafty house.
They make your house uncomfortable and your heater works overtime. Snag a DIY weatherstripping kit and stop cold air from coming indoors.
- Weatherstripping kits exist for doors/windows
- Purchase draft stoppers for external doors
- Use foam tape to cover any small gaps
Know When To Call The Pros
Let’s be real. You can’t DIY everything.
At some point every homeowner needs to call a handyman. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective. Other times, you simply don’t have the tools or skills to get the job done safely.
Here’s when to call:
- Electrical work that goes beyond replacing bulbs
- Any serious plumbing that isn’t a simple clogged drain
- Structural repairs (loose railing, damaged framing, etc.)
- Jobs that require permits
Save yourself a headache. Know when to DIY, and know when to call a professional handyman.
Wrap-up
Budget home repairs are actually pretty simple once you know what to focus on.
Guests notice a few key details like sticky doors, chipped paint or drafty rooms. None of those repairs should cost you more than £50 and they don’t take all that long either.
Here’s your home repair checklist:
- Stop squeaky doors
- Patch holes in walls
- Caulk bathrooms
- Touch up any paint
- Check exterior lights and walkways
- Seal drafts around windows and doors
With most homeowners planning to DIY at least one repair this year, there has never been a better time to learn these simple repairs.
The easiest DIY repairs typically have the biggest impact.
FAQs
Which home repairs should be done before guests arrive?
Focus on repairs that guests actually notice. Simple repairs like fixing squeaky doors/windows, patching walls, re-caulking bathrooms, and touching up paint will have the biggest impact.
How much do DIY home repairs cost?
Repairs can cost as little as a few pounds. Caulking, spackling paste, and oil all cost about the same. Hardware stores typically sell paint touch up kits too.
When should you call a professional handyman vs doing it yourself?
Call a professional if the repair includes anything electrical beyond changing lightbulbs. Major plumbing issues should also be taken care of by pros. Don’t risk yourself over something that shouldn’t cost much to fix.