The Homeowner's Guide to Handyman & Carpenter Services

Whether you need a small repair or you’re planning a major renovation, finding a reliable professional is important. Read on for helpful tips on hiring the right handyman or carpenter for your next home improvement project.

What to Know at Each Step of Your Project

FAQs for Home Repair Companies

Get answers to frequently asked questions about handyman and carpenter services.

Glossary of Terms for Handyman and Carpenter Services

Here are some key home repair company terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your home repair experience from beginning to end.

Top Service Requests of Home Repair Companies

Handymen and home repair service companies provide all types of home repair services. The following are the most familiar requests from local home repair companies.

How to Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal

by Gifford Teeple, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

The Diamond Certified Resource Handyman & Carpenter Services Blog

8 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Here’s a guide to some common home repairs that you can handle yourself, with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how.

Posted By Matthew Solis

Tackling home repairs on your own can be a rewarding way to save money and keep your living space in top condition. Here’s a guide to some common home repairs that you can handle yourself, with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how:

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
Leaky faucets can increase water bills and cause water damage. Most leaks can be fixed by replacing the washer or cartridge inside the faucet handle. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet and replace the damaged part.

2. Unclogging Drains
Clogged drains in sinks, showers, and bathtubs are common and can often be cleared without calling a plumber. Use a plunger first, and if that doesn’t work, try a plumber's snake to reach deeper clogs. Chemical drain cleaners are available but should be used sparingly as they can damage some pipe materials.

3. Patching Drywall
Small holes in drywall, such as those left by nails or screws, are simple to fix. All you need is some spackle, a putty knife, sandpaper and paint to match your wall. Apply the spackle, smooth it with the putty knife, sand it down once dry and touch up the area with paint.

4. Replacing a Toilet Flapper
This repair involves shutting off the water, draining the tank and replacing the flapper, which you can find at any hardware store. It’s a simple swap that can save a lot of water.

5. Repairing Squeaky Doors
Squeaky doors can be easily fixed by applying lubricant to the hinges. Use a silicone-based spray or WD-40. Spray the lubricant onto the hinge and move the door back and forth to work it in. Wipe away any excess to prevent drips.

6. Replacing Weatherstripping
Damaged or old weatherstripping around doors and windows can lead to drafts and increased energy bills. Remove the old
weatherstripping, clean the surface and apply new adhesive-backed foam or rubber strips to seal gaps.

7. Touching Up Paint
Scuffs and scratches on walls can be covered up with a bit of touch-up painting. Clean the area with a damp cloth, lightly sand if necessary, and apply matching paint with a small brush or roller.

8. Fixing Loose Tiles
Loose floor or wall tiles can be reattached without the need for a complete overhaul. Remove the tile, clean off the old adhesive, apply new adhesive and reset the tile. Apply new grout around
the tile once the adhesive is set.

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Diamond Certified Expert Contributors Handyman & Carpenter Services

Gifford Teeple

Owner

A Reliable Handyman

Gifford Teeple: Positively Reliable

EL CERRITO — One of the most common plumbing problems in the kitchen is a clogged or jammed garbage disposal. You may assume this requires the assistance of a plumber, but in many cases, you can easily resolve the problem yourself. First, check if the disposal merely needs to be reset by pressing the red “reset” button at the bottom of the unit and testing it again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to manually “unjam” it. Most people don’t realize that garbage disposals come with tools that are specifically designed to unblock jams. Usually, this tool is located in a small compartment beneath the unit. However, if you’ve lost your tool, Read more

Robert Kaljian

Owner

Kaljian Construction Inc.

Robert Kaljian: A Natural Builder

CONCORD — When buying products and materials for a home remodeling project, most homeowners assume they should go to their local home improvement stores. In reality, when it comes to remodeling, home improvement stores are more like convenience stores. Since they have a lot of everything, you’re getting the convenience of one-stop shopping. However, convenience doesn’t equal quality, and this is certainly the case with products sold at home improvement stores. If you’re looking for quality, it’s better to do your shopping at specialty stores—outlets that specialize in specific kinds of fixtures, appliances and materials. For example, a plumbing supply store provides toilets, sink/shower fixtures, water heaters and other plumbing products. Since specialty stores focus on specific product types, Read more

Steve Spratt

President

HPS Palo Alto, Inc.

Steve Spratt: A Passion for Preservation

PALO ALTO — A lot of homeowners are unaware that their houses, whether new or old, won’t last forever. They don’t seem to realize that nearly every component of the home (and there are thousands) has a finite shelf life. Eventually, these components will wear out, get old and fail, while in other cases they may just fall out of fashion. Small items that fail aren’t usually a big deal…if you can catch them early and attend to them right away. Big components that fail are another matter. Plumbing, water heaters, roofing, gutters, windows, doors, siding, and foundations that wear out and fail can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. I recommend learning the ages and expected lifespans of the various key parts of your home. Read more

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8 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Here’s a guide to some common home repairs that you can handle yourself, with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how.

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