Handyman & repairs

Doors, walls, fittings, shelves, sealants, fasteners, and the everyday repairs that keep a home working.

DoorsWallsFixturesFastenersSealants

Learn it properly

Handyman & repairs guides

3 published

01H

Handyman & repairs · 60 min setup

How to build a home maintenance plan

Inspect by season, record condition, prioritise water and safety, and turn observations into dated actions.

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02H

Handyman & repairs · 30–90 min diagnosis

How to fix a door that sticks or won't close

Read the gap pattern, test the hinges and latch, check for moisture, then make the smallest repair that matches the actual cause.

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03H

Handyman & repairs · 1–3 hours

How to stop draughts around an external door

Find the exact air path, correct the door alignment, then match a compressible perimeter seal and bottom seal to the measured gaps.

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A sound starting point

What to check first

Small repairs last when the fixing matches the load, substrate and movement. Identify what failed before replacing the visible part.

Identify the substrate

Brick, hollow block, plasterboard, timber and concrete need different anchors, drilling methods and edge distances.

Remove the cause

Loose hinges, recurring cracks and failed sealant often point to movement, moisture or inadequate support.

Know regulated limits

Do not turn a small repair into unlicensed electrical, gas, plumbing or structural work.

South Africa · Australia · New Zealand

Regional context

Fixing methods must suit local construction: solid masonry, hollow block, timber framing, light-gauge steel, plasterboard and older mixed walls behave differently. Regulated electrical, gas, structural and plumbing boundaries also vary, so confirm what a handyman may legally undertake.

Plan the work

A better project brief

Diagnose the repeated force

Ask what load, movement, impact, vibration or moisture caused the failure. Replacing the same weak fixing usually repeats the result.

Locate concealed hazards

Use plans and suitable detection before drilling. Treat uncertain walls as potentially containing services, waterproofing or hazardous material.

Make repairs maintainable

Keep valves, junctions, filters, fasteners and inspection points accessible rather than sealing future service behind a cosmetic patch.

Match the fixing to the load

Record substrate, load direction, edge distance, fixture thickness and environmental exposure. Use manufacturer capacity information and add suitable support when the base material cannot safely carry the item.

Common questions

Handyman & repairs quick answers

Why does a wall fixing keep pulling out?+

The anchor may not suit the substrate or load, the hole may be damaged, or the fixing may be too close to an edge.

Should cracked sealant be covered with more sealant?+

Usually not. Remove failed material, clean and prepare the joint, confirm movement capacity and install the correct backer and sealant.

How do I choose a reliable handyman?+

Define the exact job first, then compare relevant experience, references, insurance, written scope, materials, exclusions, timing and payment terms. Confirm that regulated electrical, gas, plumbing or structural work will be completed and certified by appropriately licensed people rather than being included informally.

Can a larger screw fix a loose hinge?+

Only if sound supporting material remains and the hinge, door and frame are aligned. Oversizing into a damaged hole can split timber or hide movement.

Why does a repaired wall crack return?+

Movement, moisture, weak joint treatment or an unstable substrate may remain. Identify the crack pattern and cause before filling it again.

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