Common Home Repairs: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Is that crack in your wall getting bigger? Are you ignoring a leaky faucet because you're not sure if it's a big deal?
Small problems grow into expensive ones when left alone. This guide breaks down the most common home repairs, shows you which ones need fast action, and helps you decide when to call a pro.
We'll cover interior and exterior repairs. We'll explain what makes a repair urgent. And we'll give you a simple DIY vs. pro checklist. By the end, you'll know exactly what your home needs—and who to call.
At ProWorx Restoration, we've seen how small ignored repairs turn into big bills. Fixing a dripping faucet costs far less than replacing water-damaged flooring. Patching drywall early keeps moisture from sneaking in and causing mold. That's what we tell every Mesa homeowner who calls us.
Your home takes care of you. Let's make sure you know how to take care of it.
What Are the Most Common Home Repairs?
The most common home repairs include:
Drywall patching and ceiling fixes
Leaky faucet and toilet repairs
Clogged drains
Broken door handles and hinges
Cracked or peeling caulk around tubs and windows
Gutter cleaning and repair
Exterior paint touch-ups
Squeaky or damaged flooring
Electrical outlet and switch replacements
Window screen and seal repairs
Most homes need several of these repairs each year. Catching them early saves money.
What Are Home Repairs?
A home repair is fixing something broken, worn, or not working right. It brings your home back to normal.
Home repairs are different from maintenance. Maintenance prevents problems. You clean gutters so they don't clog. You change air filters so your AC runs well. Repairs fix problems that already exist.
Home repairs are also different from remodeling. Remodeling changes or upgrades your home. Fixing a leaky pipe is a repair. Replacing all your bathroom tile with new stone is a remodel.
Why does this matter? Knowing the difference helps you budget. It also helps you hire the right person. A handyman can handle many repairs. A remodel may need a licensed general contractor in Mesa.
When you call for help, use the right term. You'll get faster answers and better quotes.
Common Interior Home Repairs
Most home repairs happen inside. Here are the ones we see most often in Mesa homes.
Drywall damage
Holes from doorknobs or accidents
Cracks along seams or corners
Nail pops where fasteners push through
Plumbing problems
Leaky faucets that drip day and night
Running toilets that waste water
Clogged drains in sinks, tubs, or showers
Flooring issues
Squeaky hardwood boards
Loose or cracked tiles
Damaged laminate from moisture or wear
Door and hardware trouble
Doors that stick or won't latch
Broken handles and hinges
Interior doors that drag on carpet
Electrical fixes
Dead outlets that no longer work
Flickering lights in certain rooms
Faulty switches that need replacing
Our crews fix drywall damage almost every week. Most homeowners don't realize a small crack can signal foundation movement. We always check before patching.
Common Exterior Home Repairs
The outside of your home faces intense sun, monsoon storms, and dust every day. Mesa's heat is hard on paint, seals, and roofing. Here are the exterior repairs we handle most often.
Gutter problems
Clogs from leaves and debris
Sagging sections that pull away from the roofline
Leaks at seams and corners
Siding damage
Cracks from impact or age
Holes from pests or accidents
Rot on wood siding near the ground
Roof issues
Missing or cracked shingles
Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys
Worn seals that let water in
Paint wear
Peeling or chipping on trim and siding
Faded areas from sun exposure
Bubbling from moisture underneath
Deck and fence repairs
Loose boards that wobble or squeak
Rot at posts and rails
Staining and sealing needs
Driveway and walkway cracks
Hairline cracks that spread over time
Lifted sections from tree roots
Crumbling edges along borders
According to Utah State University Extension, for every $1 spent on maintenance, up to $100 of repairs can be avoided. Fixing these problems early protects your home's structure and curb appeal.
When exterior damage goes beyond a quick fix, a licensed general contractor in Mesa can handle multiple repairs at once.
Learn more about our team and how we serve homeowners across the Valley.
What Home Repairs Are Urgent?
Not every repair needs same-day action. But some problems can cause serious damage if you wait. Here's how to tell the difference.
Urgent – Act Now
Water leaks (interior or exterior)
Electrical problems (sparks, burning smell, tripped breakers)
Gas smells – call your utility company first
Structural cracks or sudden shifts
Broken locks or windows (security risk)
Can Wait a Few Weeks
Cosmetic drywall cracks
Squeaky doors or floors
Minor paint chips
Sticking windows
Worn caulk with no active leak
Water leaks are always urgent. According to the EPA, mold can start growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Water also weakens drywall, flooring, and framing.
Electrical issues can start fires. Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows electrical failures or malfunctions account for about 13% of home structure fires. If you see sparks, smell burning, or your breakers trip often, call a licensed electrician right away.
Gas smells are emergencies. Leave your home and call your gas company before doing anything else.
Structural cracks that appear suddenly or grow fast may signal foundation problems. A pro should inspect these within days, not weeks.
Broken locks or windows put your family at risk. Fix these as soon as possible.
When you're unsure, ask yourself: Could this get worse overnight? If yes, treat it as urgent.
DIY vs. Professional Home Repairs
Some repairs are easy to handle yourself. Others need a licensed pro. Knowing the difference saves time, money, and stress.
DIY‑Friendly
Caulking around tubs and windows
Painting touch‑ups
Replacing outlet covers and switch plates
Tightening loose door hardware
Unclogging drains with a plunger
Patching small drywall holes
Call a Professional
Electrical work beyond replacing outlets
Plumbing behind walls
Roof repairs
Structural issues
Any work that requires permits
Safety comes first. If you're not sure how to do something safely, stop and ask. A quick phone call can save you from injury or costly mistakes.
Think about time and cost. DIY saves money but takes your time. Pros cost more but finish faster. They also carry insurance, so you're protected if something goes wrong.
A recent American Home Shield survey found that 17% of homeowners who tried DIY repairs ended up damaging their home or appliances. That caused an average of $599 in extra costs. Sometimes calling a pro from the start is the smarter choice.
When to call a general contractor: If you have multiple repairs at once, a contractor can handle them all. This is faster than hiring separate specialists. It also means one point of contact and one timeline.
We tell Mesa homeowners: If you wouldn't feel safe doing it on a ladder or behind a wall, call us. That's what we're here for.
Not sure if your repair needs a pro? Talk to a licensed general contractor in Mesa for honest advice.
FAQs:
What are the most common home repairs?
The most common home repairs are drywall patching, leaky faucets, clogged drains, broken door hardware, and gutter cleaning. Most Mesa homes need several of these fixes each year. See our full list in the section above.
How do I know if a home repair is urgent?
A repair is urgent if it involves water leaks, electrical problems, gas smells, structural cracks, or broken locks. These issues can cause serious damage or safety risks if you wait. Use our urgent vs. can-wait table to help you decide.
What's the difference between home repairs and home maintenance?
Home repairs fix something that's already broken or worn. Home maintenance prevents problems before they start. Changing your AC filter is maintenance. Fixing a broken AC fan is a repair.
Do small home repairs really save money over time?
Yes. According to Utah State University Extension, for every $1 spent on maintenance and small repairs, up to $100 in future repair costs can be avoided. A $10 tube of caulk can prevent thousands in water damage.
Why hire a professional instead of DIY?
Professionals have training, tools, and insurance. They finish work faster and to code. For electrical, plumbing behind walls, roofing, and structural work, hiring a pro protects your home and your family. DIY is great for simple tasks, but some jobs need expert hands.
Ready to Get Your Home Repairs Done Right?
You don't have to tackle everything alone. Whether it's one fix or a whole list, we're here to help.
Contact us today for a free estimate. Or learn more about ProWorx Restoration and why Mesa homeowners trust us with their homes.
