Save yourself from numerous problems at home by memorizing these hacks.
13 Basic Home Improvement Skills DIYers Must Know
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Patching a Hole in the Wall
Is there anything more sad than having to look at a nice big hole in the wall of your beautiful home? Probably not, but don’t worry, it’s really easy to fix. Learn how to fix all of your damaged walls with our easy guide on how to fix drywall.
![painting supplies wall](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_572677831.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Painting a Room
That’s right—painting a room is not a simple as dipping a brush in a bucket and going to town. There are particular steps you should probably take before giving your space a new color. Don’t worry; taking these extra steps won’t take up a ton of time either. Here’s how to paint a room fast when you’re in a bit of a time crunch.
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Fixing Your Toilet
If you have no one running to your rescue, it’s time to start learning how to fix the toilet yourself. It’s actually a lot easier than you think! So if you are witnessing a leaky flapper, bad fill valve, or overflow pipe a the wrong height, know you can tackle the job.
![Clean and dirty furnace filters, changing furnace filter](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH03OCT_03117_004.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Replace Your Furnace Filter
You may not think of it that often, but your furnace filter should actually be checked monthly, and changed immediately if its dirty. By replacing that filter, you’ll get better heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
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Set Up Liquid Ant Bait Stations
Yes, it is tempting to squish an ant as soon as you see one. But to get rid of ants for good, you actually have to be crafty.
The best way? Set up liquid ant bait stations. Ants carry these toxic materials back to their colonies within the walls of your home, eliminating the problem. For other options, follow our guide on how to get rid of ants once and for all.
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Hang Shelves on Drywall
If you’re a new homeowner, you may be a bit skeptical to start drilling holes in your wall. But with the right tools and guidelines, you can easily hang shelves free of worry. Looking to get organized or creative with your decorating?
![pocket screws](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FH03FEB_02879_011a.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Learn How to Use Pocket Screws
Creating a tight joint for your wood doesn’t have to be a difficult project, and is actually essential if you plan on doing anymore DIY for your home. Tight joints help with simple cabinet building and require the pocket screw system. It’s very simple and very quick to do, no clamps or dowels necessary. Here’s how to use pocket screws when you’re in need of creating a wood joint.
![caulking-a-bathtub](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FH05MAR_456_07_011.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Replace Moldy Caulk
If you have moldy caulk that needs serious replacing, you’re in luck. The project is incredibly easy when it comes to how to remove caulk from a tub and how to caulk a bathtub.
![FH16JUN_HOMHAK_07](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16JUN_HOMHAK_07.jpg?fit=630%2C630)
Use Ladder Bumpers
Why scratch up the siding of your walls with the edge of a ladder when you can create bumpers instead? Find an old pair of sneakers with duct tape to the edges of your ladder, saving your walls when working on your latest DIY project.
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Organize Your Home
There are tons of simple projects that can help your organize all of your stuff in your home. From your garage to your kitchen and even your mudroom, here are 12 simple life hacks for organizing your home.
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Eliminate Drain Odor
If you have a drain that isn’t used often, it’s likely that the drain will dry out. This can be harmful thanks to sewer gas from the septic tank or the city sewer system, causing a smell that can be quite unbearable. Fix the odor by adding a quart of fresh water followed by a tablespoon of cooking oil. This will seal it and hold drain water in a trap, eliminating the smell.
![how to replace door weather stripping](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FH01OCT_02432_006.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Fix or Replace a Door
Have a door that is sticking or sagging? It’s actually pretty easy to fix, you just have to know how to tighten or fix the hinges and jambs. Or, simply replace it altogether. Here’s how to repair your door or even how to fix a loose door handle.
![unclog a kitchen sink](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FH10FEB_KITSIN_01-2.jpg?fit=600%2C600)
Unclog a Sink
Smelly, clogged up sinks are certainly not something you want to deal with in your bathroom or kitchen. Grease and garbage buildup can be easily removed in minutes with this simple guide of how to unclog a kitchen sink.