Every home needs repair at some point— drains get clogged, faucets drip, and windows crack. And so, every homeowner should have at least some of the basic skills necessary to do common fixes.

You might be surprised that many problems can be remedied with a simple toolkit and a bit of rudimentary know-how—and without relying on a professional, saving you much money over the years. Of course, even if you never plan to fix anything yourself, you’ll benefit from knowing what each repair entails so you can determine if the work is being done correctly, efficiently, and cost effectively.

As the owner of several homes with complex operating systems, I can offer you this advice: When you notice something is wrong, or beginning to falter, you should address the problem immediately. Ignoring things invariably results in more extensive (and expensive) repairs. Equally important: Rather than waiting for problems to arise, take simple steps to prevent them from cropping up in the first place. And if you haven’t done so already, familize yourself with your home’s mechanicals, including water shut-off valves and circuit breakers.

Follow the step-by-step instructions in this chapter to become self-sufficient, self-confident, and knowledgeable about what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.