You don't always have a weekend for DIY. Here are fixes that take 5 minutes or less but make your home noticeably better.
1. Tighten Door Handles
Time: 2 minutes per handle Tools: Allen key or screwdriver
That loose handle you've been ignoring for months? Usually just needs the grub screw tightening on the underside.
Impact: Immediate improvement to how the door feels. Professional touch.
2. Descale Your Showerhead
Time: 1 minute setup + waiting Tools: Plastic bag, rubber band, white vinegar
- Fill bag with vinegar
- Tie around showerhead (submerging jets)
- Leave overnight
- Remove and run water
Impact: Proper water pressure again. No more weak dribble.
3. Fix the Wobbly Toilet Seat
Time: 3 minutes Tools: Screwdriver or adjustable spanner
Find the bolts at the back of the seat. Tighten the nuts underneath. Done.
Impact: No more annoying shift when you sit down.
4. Oil Squeaky Hinges
Time: 30 seconds per hinge Tools: WD-40 or light oil
Spray into the hinge pin area (at the top). Open and close door to work it in. Wipe excess.
Impact: No more announcing your every movement to the house.
5. Bleed a Radiator
Time: 2 minutes per radiator Tools: Radiator key, cloth
Turn key anti-clockwise until you hear hissing. Close when water starts dribbling.
Impact: Radiator actually heats properly. Warmer room.
6. Rehang a Sagging Door
Time: 5 minutes Tools: Screwdriver
The top hinge is usually loose. Tighten the screws. If they spin, pull them out, insert a matchstick with a dab of glue, and redrive.
Impact: Door that closes properly without sticking.
7. Clear the Shower Drain
Time: 2 minutes Tools: Fingers (gloves optional but recommended)
Remove the drain cover, pull out the hair bundle of horror, replace cover.
Impact: Water drains properly instead of pooling around your feet.
8. Replace a Light Bulb That's Been Dead for Ages
Time: 1 minute Tools: New bulb, step stool if needed
You know the one. In the hall. That's been dead since March.
Impact: No more walking past in mild shame.
9. Tighten Cupboard Hinges
Time: 30 seconds per door Tools: Screwdriver
Kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors droop when hinge screws loosen. Just tighten them.
Impact: Doors that align properly and close flush.
10. Clean Air Vents/Grilles
Time: 3 minutes Tools: Vacuum with brush attachment
Hover over air vents, extractor grilles, and radiator grilles. You'll be horrified how much dust comes off.
Impact: Better air circulation, cleaner look.
11. Adjust a Kitchen Drawer
Time: 2 minutes Tools: Usually none (maybe screwdriver)
Modern soft-close drawers have adjustment screws at the back of the runners. If drawer's crooked or sticking, small adjustments fix it.
Impact: Drawers that work smoothly.
12. Reset Your Trip Switch
Time: 30 seconds Tools: None
If something's tripped your RCD or a circuit breaker, check what's plugged in, unplug it, then flip the switch back on.
Impact: Power back. Problem identified.
13. Re-tension Venetian Blind Cords
Time: 3 minutes Tools: None usually
Blinds that won't stay up usually have slipped cord tension. Look for the cord lock mechanism and reset it.
Impact: Blinds that actually work.
14. Touch Up a Door Edge
Time: 5 minutes Tools: Paint, small brush
That chip on the door edge everyone sees when it's open. Quick brush of matching paint.
Impact: Less shabby looking entry point.
15. Unblock a Slow Sink
Time: 3-5 minutes Tools: Plunger
Block the overflow with wet cloth, plunge vigorously. Usually shifts minor blockages.
Impact: Sink that drains properly.
The Pattern
Most of these involve:
- Tightening something loose
- Cleaning something dirty
- Lubricating something sticky
- Replacing something dead
None require skill. All make disproportionate difference to how your home feels.
Make It a Habit
5 minute Sunday sweep: Walk through your home looking for quick fixes. Handle one or two each week. Over a month, dozens of small annoyances disappear.
Bigger jobs building up? Sometimes you need more than 5 minutes. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote for a proper fix list.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
