Time's Up: 9 Things to Repair in Your Home Before It's Too Late

A small crack in any type of concrete can quickly become a large crevice that could lead to a potentially hazardous situation, especially in winter. If water seeps in, it could freeze and expand, widening the hole and possibly compromising the structural integrity of an entire section of concrete. Repair cracks with a quick-setting filler or mortar mix to prolong the life of your sidewalks, steps, or patios, and to prevent this tiny gap from growing into a huge repair bill. 

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Wobbly railings along your porch, deck, or steps are a sign that there's a weak connection between one or more of the posts and the frame. The fix is easy; simply tighten screws or lag bolts in places that don't feel sturdy. Whatever you do, though, don't ignore them. Eventually the loose rail will give in, and you'll be left with a broken section of the structure—and those repairs will be more costly and time-consuming to deal with than merely tuning up a few shaky sections.

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If you notice a water spot on your ceiling, don't ignore it. While it's obvious you may have a leak somewhere, the cause is not always as obvious—you could be dealing with something much worse than a loose shingle or condensation. Consider enlisting a roofing contractor at the first sign of trouble to get a clear picture of exactly what's going on instead of brushing it off or trying to decipher the problem yourself. 

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Houses “settle” over time, and in some cases, small cracks can appear in the foundation. If you find one or more cracks, don't neglect them; fill them immediately while they are still small and on the surface, and before water and ice damage can occur and cause real structural problems. Quick-set mortar mix or cement makes an effective patching material, and most can be applied and smoothed with a hand trowel.

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Repair holes, tears, or punctures in door and window screens as soon as you spot them. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that you'll have to replace the entire screen sooner than necessary. Small holes can be sealed with clear nail polish or shellac, while slightly larger holes can be patched with either a kit or by simply cutting a piece of screen about an inch larger than the hole and gluing it in place. 

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If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!