Repairs & carpentry

Walls, doors, decks and the small jobs that never get done.

• How to Fix a Loose or Sagging Cabinet Door

  Tighten hinges, repair stripped screw holes, and adjust a door that hangs crooked, using a screwdriver and a few toothpicks.

  Beginner15 to 30 minutes

• How to Fix a Squeaky Floor

  Find what is rubbing under the floor and quiet it with screws or shims, from above or from the basement, without damaging the floor.

  Intermediate1 to 3 hours

• How to Fix a Sticking Door

  Find out why a door rubs or won't latch, and fix it with a screwdriver, a longer screw or a bit of sanding, without removing more wood than you need to.

  Beginner30 to 60 minutes

• How to Hang a Heavy Mirror or Shelf So It Stays Up

  Find the studs, pick the right anchors for the weight, and avoid the pipes and wires behind the wall, so a heavy mirror or shelf does not come down.

  Intermediate30 to 60 minutes

• Is My Deck Safe? A Homeowner's Inspection Checklist

  Check a deck for rot, loose railings and the hidden connection to your house, and learn what is safe to repair yourself and what is not.

  BeginnerAbout 1 hour

• How to Patch a Hole in Drywall

  Fix nail holes, dents and holes up to about six inches so the repair disappears, plus the checks to do before you cut or sand anything.

  Beginner1 to 2 hours of work, spread over 2 days

• How to Re-Caulk a Bathtub or Shower

  Remove old, moldy caulk and lay a clean new bead that seals the gap, with the one trick that stops it from cracking again.

  Beginner1 hour of work, plus 24 hours to cure

• How to Replace a Window Screen

  Re-screen a torn window screen in about 30 minutes with a roller tool, new mesh and spline, without buying a whole new frame.

  Beginner30 to 45 minutes

• How to Touch Up Paint So It Doesn't Show

  Match the sheen, use the right roller and feather the edges so a touch-up blends in, plus the older-house warning before you sand or scrape.

  Beginner30 to 60 minutes