Hang a TV mount
Beginner
30–60 min
Stud finder, level, drill
Find studs, mark mount holes, level it, drill pilot holes, lag-bolt to studs (NOT just drywall anchors). Have a helper for mounting. Tilt mounts add flexibility.
Step-by-step guides for 10 home tasks that any DFW homeowner can absolutely handle. Save money, learn your home, build confidence. We'll tell you exactly when to stop and call us.
Not every job needs a handyman. There's a long list of small home tasks that take 10–60 minutes, require only basic tools, and save real money when you handle them yourself. We genuinely encourage DIY for beginner-friendly tasks — your home will run better and you'll feel more capable.
This guide covers 10 DIY projects that DFW homeowners can absolutely handle. Each lists difficulty level, time, tools, and the basic steps. If you start one and it goes sideways — call us. Better to stop and ask than to make it worse.
Stop immediately if you encounter: any work involving the gas line, electrical work in your panel or new circuits, water damage spreading to walls or ceilings, structural issues in framing, or anything that makes you feel uncertain about safety. The cost of fixing a botched DIY job almost always exceeds the cost of hiring it out from the start.
Find studs, mark mount holes, level it, drill pilot holes, lag-bolt to studs (NOT just drywall anchors). Have a helper for mounting. Tilt mounts add flexibility.
Shut off water at toilet stop. Drain tank by flushing. Detach old flapper from chain and overflow pipe. Snap new flapper in place. Reconnect chain with slight slack. Turn water on. $5 fix that solves 90% of running toilets.
Unscrew aerator at faucet tip (clockwise from below = righty-tighty looking up). Soak in vinegar to descale, or replace ($5–$15). Most faucet flow problems = aerator clog. DFW hard water guarantees this.
Apply self-adhesive mesh patch (3M or Permatex), spread joint compound over patch, feather edges, let dry, sand smooth, repeat thinner coat, sand again. Match texture (orange peel from spray can $8). Prime, then paint.
Remove all old caulk with utility knife. Clean with rubbing alcohol. Tape clean lines above and below joint. Apply silicone caulk in steady bead. Smooth with finger or tool. Remove tape immediately. Cure 24 hrs before water exposure.
Remove deadbolt from door. Remove cylinder cap. Remove pins (specific tool needed for non-SmartKey). Insert new pins matching new key. Reassemble. Test before reinstalling. $10–$25 vs. $75 locksmith.
Photograph existing wiring before removing old thermostat. Turn off HVAC at breaker. Label each wire with the terminal it came from (the included stickers help). Mount new base, connect wires per labels (W=heat, Y=cool, G=fan, R=24V power, C=common needed for most smart thermostats). Power on, configure via app.
TURN OFF BREAKER (not just switch — switch only kills hot wire). Test wires with voltage tester. Remove old fixture. Connect black-to-black, white-to-white, green/copper-to-ground. Wire nuts tight. Tuck wires in box. Mount new fixture. Test.
Remove anything from drain. Fill basin with 2" hot water. Plunge with cup plunger (not toilet plunger — different shape) for 30 sec. If unclear, disassemble P-trap under sink (have bucket — water spills) and clean by hand. Reassemble. AVOID Drano/chemical cleaners — they damage pipes and don't fix clogs.
Pressure wash fence (1500 PSI max), let dry 48 hrs minimum. Cover plants and surfaces. Apply oil-based semi-transparent stain (Cabot Australian Timber Oil, TWP) with sprayer. Back-brush within 1 minute to work into wood. Two thin coats > one thick. Dries in 24 hrs.
Most DIY projects need surprisingly few tools. Build this kit and you can handle 80% of the home tasks that come up:
| Tool | Use For | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill + bit set | Almost everything; get 18V or 20V min | $120–$200 |
| Stud finder (electronic) | Hanging anything heavy | $25–$50 |
| 4' level + 9" torpedo level | Mounting, hanging straight | $30 combined |
| Tape measure (25') | Everything | $15 |
| Putty knife (3-pack: 1", 4", 6") | Drywall patching, scraping | $15 |
| Caulk gun (steel rod) | Caulking, sealing, glue | $15 |
| Voltage tester (non-contact) | Safety check before electrical | $15 |
| Adjustable wrench (8" + 12") | Plumbing, hardware | $30 |
| Pliers set (slip-joint, needle-nose, channel-lock) | Universal grip | $30 |
| Utility knife + extra blades | Cutting caulk, drywall, anything | $10 |
| Plunger (cup + flange) | Sink + toilet (different shapes!) | $20 |
| Headlamp | Working in cabinets, attics, under sinks | $25 |
Total: $350–$500 for a complete kit that handles 80% of home repairs. Cheaper than a single contractor visit. Add as needed.
Replace your AC capacitor as a DIY job — but ONLY if you've turned off the breaker AND discharged the capacitor with an insulated screwdriver across the terminals (capacitors hold lethal charge even when power is off). $20 part, 15-min replacement, saves a $300+ service call. If this paragraph made you nervous, please don't try this — call us or an HVAC pro.
Free estimates · Flat upfront pricing · 1-year labor guarantee · Licensed & insured. Same-day quotes across Denton, Frisco, Plano & all North DFW.