Winter DIY Home Repair Projects

by Gary Foreman

So how much could you save by doing it yourself? Let’s consider some common winter DIY interior home repair projects and see.

It’s winter. Unless you’re into snowmobiling, skiing or ice fishing, you’ll probably spend at least the next few months indoors.

That gives you a choice. You can sit around binge-watching TV or take on an interior home improvement project.

You’d be surprised how much you can save taking on a home repair or home improvement project. Many jobs are relatively easy and only require tools found in most home garages or workshops.

Safety First

With any home repair project, the usual precautions are in order.

Safety should always be your first concern. You don’t want to spend the money you’ll save on an ER visit.

Second, know your limitations. Some jobs aren’t that complicated, and most DIYers can attempt them without a problem. But some (like running new electrical circuits) can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You should also be aware of what jobs require a permit from your local authorities.

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Common Home Repair Projects and How Much You Could Potentially Save

So how much could you save by doing it yourself?

Let’s consider some common home repair/improvement projects and see.

Patching Drywall

Suppose your house has that ‘lived-in’ look. Kids and furniture have dinged a wall or two. You could hire a drywall expert to do some patching.

Let’s assume that they’d need about three hours to do a few simple repairs. You’d expect to spend between $200 and $300 for their labor.

On the other hand, you could attempt them yourself.

Most minor repairs can be fixed with drywall compound. You can find it at any hardware store or home center. Even if you need to buy some seam tape, a joint knife and a sanding sponge, you’ll come in at less than $50.

Plumbing

Another common DIY challenge is home plumbing.

Maybe it’s time to think about that drain in the downstairs sink that drips just a little. You could call in a plumber.

For simple repairs like your leak, you’ll pay between $45 and $65+ per hour plus parts. In this case, it’ll probably take an hour or two. For more complicated repairs, expect your plumber to want about $100 for the house call and $75 per hour after that.

Or you could take on the leak yourself.

Recognize that most plumbing home repairs take at least two trips to the hardware store. But if it’s a simple repair like a drain leak, you’ll save $50 by making those two trips.

Carpentry

What about carpentry projects? Those projects vary from the very simple (like replacing trim around a door) to the complex like replacing a door or window. Naturally, what you’d expect to pay a professional carpenter will depend on the job.

Most home repairs can be handled by a general carpenter who earns between $20 and $30 per hour. However, if your home has custom work or detailing that needs repair, you’ll want a finish carpenter. Their rates vary based on the type of skill required but typically start at $35 per hour and go up from there.

But maybe you don’t need a pro. The average do-it-yourselfer can do simple tasks like replacing door trim or baseboards. You might need to buy or borrow a specific saw or hammer, but the cost is minimal. More complicated tasks like replacing a door or window, including a frame, will require an experienced DIYer or a professional.

Electrical

Like carpentry, electrical work can be very simple or very complex.

Replacing an electrical outlet or switch is a job that most homeowners can handle. In most cases, you only need a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. The savings can be big. A professional electrician charges between $40 and $100 per hour, depending on the work involved.

But some jobs shouldn’t be attempted by a novice DIYer. If you need to run a new circuit to that home office you’ve been setting up, you probably should call in a pro. Failing to run it properly could cause death or a house fire.

As a general rule, most construction professionals expect to make between $200 and $300 per day. If they need a helper, add another $15 to $20 per hour for them. You can always get rates by calling around locally or checking home repair websites.

While you’re on the web, watch a few videos showing the repair you’re planning. Almost any repair you can imagine has a DIY video or two showing how it’s done.

Don’t forget that there’s another option besides doing it yourself or hiring a professional. You may be able to find a retired professional or neighbor who would be willing to help you through any rough spots. Typically, they’ll ask for much less than a full-time professional. You’ll learn something and save money at the same time.

So, what home project will you take on this winter?

Reviewed January 2024

About the Author

Gary Foreman is the former owner and editor of The Dollar Stretcher. He's the author of How to Conquer Debt No Matter How Much You Have and has been featured in MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, The Nightly Business Report, US News Money, Credit.com and CreditCards.com.