Every homeowner eventually faces minor repairs that do not warrant calling a professional. Learning to fix doors, windows, and cabinets yourself will save you time and money while giving you a sense of accomplishment. This article covers the most common home repairs in these three categories, providing step-by-step instructions for each.

Let us start with doors. A door that sticks and does not close properly is one of the most common annoyances. The problem is often that the door has sagged or that the hinges have become loose. Start by checking the hinge screws. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver. If the screws are stripped, replace them with longer screws that will bite deeper into the door frame. This often corrects the sag. If the door still sticks, you will need to sand the edge of the door where it is catching. Mark the binding area with a pencil, close the door, and the paint will transfer to the door edge. Remove the door, sand the marked area with 80-grit sandpaper, and rehang it.

A door that squeaks is another common issue. The cause is usually friction at the hinge pin. Remove the hinge pin, clean it, and coat it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a dry lubricant. Reinsert the pin. The squeak should disappear. If the door rattles in its frame, the strike plate may need adjustment. The strike plate is the metal piece on the door frame that the latch engages. If the latch does not engage fully, the strike plate is either misaligned or too far inward. You can adjust it by filing the strike plate opening with a metal file.

Now, let us move to windows. A window that is difficult to open or close is often caused by paint buildup or a misaligned track. For double-hung windows, clean the tracks thoroughly. Remove any debris or old paint. Apply a silicone spray lubricant to the tracks. If the window is wood, you may need to use a utility knife to score the paint along the seam between the sash and the frame. This prevents the paint from sealing the window shut. If the window is still sticky, you can sand the edges of the sash with 100-grit sandpaper.

A drafty window is a common source of energy loss. The simplest solution is to apply weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of the sash. You can use adhesive-backed foam tape or V-strip weatherstripping. The tape is easy to install and creates a seal that blocks drafts. For a more permanent solution, you can apply a bead of caulk along the exterior of the window frame where the frame meets the siding. This prevents air from entering around the frame.

Broken window glass is another common repair. Remove the broken glass carefully, wearing gloves. Remove the old glazing putty and the small metal points that hold the glass. Measure the opening and have a new pane cut at a hardware store. Install the new pane with fresh glazing putty, press it in place, and secure it with new points. Apply a second layer of putty on top of the glass, smooth it with a putty knife, and let it cure. This is a straightforward process.

Now, let us address cabinets. Loose cabinet doors are a frequent problem. The hinges may have come loose. Tighten all the hinge screws. If the screws have stripped, use toothpicks and wood glue. Dip the toothpicks in wood glue, insert them into the stripped screw holes, and snap them off flush. Let the glue dry, then drive the screw back in. The toothpicks provide new material for the screw to bite into. A cabinet door that is misaligned can be adjusted by loosening the hinge screws and moving the door slightly before retightening.

A broken drawer slide is another common cabinet issue. Drawer slides are mounted on the sides of the drawer and the cabinet. If a slide breaks, you can replace it with a new slide of the same size. Remove the drawer, unscrew the old slide, and install the new one. Center the drawer in the opening and mark the location of the new slide on the cabinet. Attach the slide to the cabinet, then attach the mating slide to the drawer. This is a simple swap.

If a cabinet door has a damaged veneer or a deep scratch, you can repair it with a wood filler. Apply the filler to the damage, let it dry, and sand it flush. Then, touch up the area with a stain marker that matches the color of the cabinet. Finish it with a clear coat of shellac or lacquer to protect the repaired area.

A cabinet that is not level can cause doors to swing open on their own. Shim the cabinet to level it. Place wooden shims under the base of the cabinet. Tap them in until the cabinet is level. Then, cut the shims flush with the base and attach the cabinet to the wall for stability.

These simple repairs will keep your home in good condition and prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Start with the repair that is most pressing and work your way through the list.