{"id":3610,"date":"2020-01-07T17:32:43","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T22:32:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.greatflorida.com\/?p=3610"},"modified":"2026-05-12T20:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T00:32:14","slug":"common-home-repairs-you-can-do-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2020\/common-home-repairs-you-can-do-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A new year brings along fresh motivation to get your house in order. You might even be ready to tackle that list of repairs around the house. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can save a lot of money if you use a little elbow grease for small fixes at home,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dustyns\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" =_blank>Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"GreatFlorida Insurance (opens in a new tab)\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s leading independent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"homeowners insurance (opens in a new tab)\">homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n<p>Below are some common household repairs along with instructions<br \/>\nfor DIY.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hanging Curtains<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Curtains can transform the look of a room and even help with energy efficiency. Start by measuring correctly and determine how you want your curtains to hang. Be sure they are long enough to touch the floor, you can even move the rod up the wall if necessary. Use curtains twice the width of the window so they look full. Iron or steam the curtains before hanging. When choosing hardware, consider the weight of the drapes. The weight of your curtains will determine if you need extra support and added hardware.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3623 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-696x696.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-1068x1068.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-420x420.jpg 420w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-696x696.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-1068x1068.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1-8-420x420.jpg 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/doors\/repair\/how-to-repair-a-sliding-door\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/doors\/repair\/how-to-repair-a-sliding-door\/<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Stuck sliding door<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your sliding door is stuck, it could be debris clogging the track. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/home\/how-to\/g1813\/9-things-to-fix-around-the-house-before-they-get-worse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"Popular Mechanics (opens in a new tab)\">Popular Mechanics<\/a> gives directions on how to fix the problem yourself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStart by removing the door from the track. The removal process<br \/>\ncan vary by door, but typically, it requires removing the screws at the top and<br \/>\nbottom rails, then pulling off the stile cover that keeps the door panels from<br \/>\nlifting out. Then lift up the door and pull the bottom toward you to remove it<br \/>\nfrom the track.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s a good idea to have a helper since the door is heavy. Lay<br \/>\nthe door flat and look at the wheels along the bottom. If they&#8217;re broken,<br \/>\nyou&#8217;ll need to replace them. Otherwise, clean the wheels, door bottom, and door<br \/>\ntrack with warm, soapy water. Wipe everything dry, then replace the door. Spray<br \/>\nsilicone lubricant on the track, then slide the door back and forth a few times<br \/>\nto spread out the lubricant across the track.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Patching a hole in drywall<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To cover up unwanted picture holes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisoldhouse.com\/ideas\/52-diy-fixes-annoying-home-ailments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"This Old House (opens in a new tab)\">This Old House<\/a> recommends, \u201cOverfill holes with a lightweight patching compound. Once dry, smooth with a damp sponge.\u201d This leaves no damage to the wall paint like sandpaper.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Install a smart switch<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;\u201cMost electrical work should be left to the professionals,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dustyns\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" =_blank>Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"GreatFlorida Insurance (opens in a new tab)\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"homeowners insurance  (opens in a new tab)\">homeowners insurance <\/a>agency.<\/p>\n<p>However, for easy projects like installing a smart switch such as<br \/>\nWeMo, it is an easy DIY. Start by turning off the circuit breaker. Remove the<br \/>\nfaceplate covering the switch. Next, remove the switch from the wall. You will<br \/>\nsee two wires connected to screws on the switch. Disconnect the wires and attach<br \/>\nthen to the new switch.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fix a running toilet<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lift off the lid to the back of the toilet, reattach the chain if necessary. If that is not the problem, you can buy a toilet rebuild kit from a hardware or big box store. These kits contain easy directions to follow.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"GreatFlorida Insurance (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\" target=\"_blank\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a> offers <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"homeowners insurance (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\">homeowners insurance<\/a> to keep your home in top condition. Contact us today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-521 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-300x37.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-150x19.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-696x86.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 728px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 728\/90;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-300x37.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-150x19.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GoggleImage_Home_H_1-696x86.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><figcaption> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new year brings along fresh motivation to get your house in order. You might even be ready to tackle that list of repairs around the house. \u201cYou can save a lot of money if you use a little elbow grease for small fixes at home,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1219,"featured_media":3622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,3,4,1,7,8,82,9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3610","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-homeowners-insurance","8":"category-auto-insurance","9":"category-boat-insurance","10":"category-floridainsurance","11":"category-motorcycle-insurance","12":"category-renters-insurance","13":"category-rv-insurance","14":"category-umbrella-insurance"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3610"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14155,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610\/revisions\/14155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}