Walls & ceilings repair guides

Yes, patching drywall is a safe DIY job. Before cutting, check for wires and pipes behind the wall and turn off power to nearby outlets. In homes built before the 1980s, test for asbestos in joint compound before sanding.

Yes, fixing a few nail pops is an easy, safe job. Check for wires and pipes before driving screws, use a stable ladder for ceilings, and test for asbestos in older homes before sanding. Widespread cracking or a sagging ceiling needs a professional.

Covering a dry, stable stain is a safe DIY job. Finding the leak is the real work, and a sagging, bulging or dripping ceiling is a stop sign: keep people away and get help, because wet ceiling boards can collapse.

Yes, most peeling paint is a safe DIY fix, but in homes built before 1978 (US) or older homes elsewhere the paint may contain lead. Test before you scrape or sand, and never dry-sand paint that might contain lead.

Small patches of surface mold are safe to clean yourself with gloves, eye protection, a mask and good ventilation. Large areas, mold behind walls, or anyone with health symptoms means calling a professional.

Cleaning and tightening a bathroom fan is safe with the power off at the breaker, not just the wall switch. Replacing a motor with a plug-in connector is a manageable DIY job, but new wiring or a whole new fan in the ceiling may be better left to an electrician.