DIY Guide: Best Filipino Home Repairs to Do for the New Year

The New Year is the perfect time for Filipinos, especially those in CDO and Northern Mindanao, to freshen up their household. With the holiday and rainy season ending, it’s easier to spot small problems around the house and fix them before they become a bigger issue.

Our guide will show you some common repairs that you can do to refresh your Filipino home for the 2026 new year.

Why the New Year Is the Best Time for Home Repairs

For many Filipino households, the New Year symbolizes a fresh start. Families often declutter, deep clean, and make home improvements as part of traditions believed to bring good luck. The clearer weather and the cooler January climate make outdoor and physical tasks more comfortable.

Other reasons the New Year is ideal for home repairs include:

Repainting and outdoor repairs: Clearer weather helps paint dry faster and ensures sealants or caulking set properly.
Hardware store deals: Many stores in CDO start the year with new stocks and sales, making it easier to get materials.
Preparation for the rainy season: Early repairs reduce the risk of leaks, flooding, or electrical issues when storms arrive.

Common Home Repairs in Filipino Households

Below are the most common repairs, and their required tools, in Filipino homes. These repairs take less than an hour to complete, but will be a significant improvement to your home.

1. Fixing Wall Cracks and Repainting Faded Walls

Humidity, house movement, and daily wear can cause cracks and dull paint. In older homes or those exposed to frequent rains, hairline cracks often appear near windows, doors, or corners. Addressing these issues properly can improve both the look and durability of your walls.

Tools Needed: Sandpaper, putty knife, wall putty, paint roller, paint tray, paintbrush.

Steps to repair and repaint walls:

Clean the surface to remove dirt, dust, and loose paint.
Fill small cracks with putty and let it dry completely.
Sand the patched areas until smooth.
Apply a primer to ensure better paint adhesion and longer-lasting results.
Repaint the walls with a fresh coat for improved aesthetics and protection against moisture and mold.

2. Repairing Leaky Faucets, Pipes, or Showerheads

Leaks can be costly, both environmentally and financially. Most leaks occur due to worn-out washers, loose connections, or mineral buildup around fixtures. Addressing them promptly not only saves water but also prevents slippery floors and damage to cabinets or walls.

Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, pliers, replacement washers or O-rings.

Steps to fix common leaks:

Shut off the water supply before starting any repairs.
Inspect the leaking joint to identify the cause.
Replace worn-out washers or tighten loose fittings as needed.
Use Teflon tape on connectors for plastic pipes to ensure a tighter seal.
Test the fixture to confirm the leak has been fixed.

3. Unclogging the Kitchen and Bathroom Drain

Clogs in drainage lines are common in Filipino homes, often caused by grease, hair, soap, and food debris. In CDO households, kitchen drains frequently get blocked by oil and leftover food scraps. Regular maintenance and simple DIY fixes can keep your drains flowing smoothly and reduce foul odors.

Tools Needed: Plunger, drain snake, bucket, rubber gloves.

Steps to clear common drain clogs:

Boil water or prepare a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour it down the drain to help loosen debris.
Use a plunger to dislodge clogs near the surface.
For deeper blockages, use a manual drain snake to break through stubborn debris.
Install strainers on your drains to prevent future blockages and minimize odors.

4. Tightening or replacing loose hinges, handles, and cabinet doors

Cabinet hinges can loosen over time due to wear, aging, and environmental factors like humidity. Wobbly doors and squeaky handles may be annoying, but they’re usually easy to fix with some simple DIY steps.

Tools Needed: Screwdriver set, replacement screws, oil or silicone spray.

Steps to fix loose or squeaky hinges:

Tighten loose screws or replace old, worn hinges as needed.
Lubricate squeaky hinges with oil or silicone spray.
Fix widened screw holes using wood filler or matchstick shims to ensure screws grip firmly again.
Test the doors to make sure they open and close smoothly.

5. Replacing busted light bulbs, switches, or outlets

Faulty switches, flickering bulbs, and overheating outlets often indicate outdated or worn electrical components. Handling electrical issues safely is essential to prevent accidents, and some updates can also improve energy efficiency.

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, pliers, voltage tester, replacement bulbs or switches.

Steps to manage common electrical issues:

Turn off the breaker before inspecting or working on any electrical components.
Replace old bulbs with LED variants to save on electricity, especially during hot months when fans run longer.
Inspect switches and outlets for signs of wear or damage.
Call a professional if you notice burnt smells, sparks, or loose wiring—safety comes first.

6. Sealing window and door gaps to keep out dust and heat

Homes in CDO, especially those near highways, busy streets, or rural areas, often deal with dust, hot air, and noise entering through small gaps. Sealing these openings can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient while keeping pests out.

Tools Needed: Weatherstripping tape, scissors, cutter, sealant gun.

Steps to seal gaps and improve comfort:

Apply weatherstrips to gaps in doors and windows to help maintain a cooler indoor temperature and reduce electricity costs.
Use silicone sealant around doors, aluminum window frames, and sliding windows to prevent insects from entering.
Check regularly for new gaps or wear in weatherstrips and reseal as needed.

7. Repairing roof leaks or replacing damaged roof sheets

Heavy rains and strong winds in Northern Mindanao, especially during the monsoon season, can loosen screws or push water through cracked seams. Even small leaks, if ignored, can damage ceilings, walls, and appliances. Proper maintenance can prevent bigger problems and keep your home safe.

Tools Needed: Ladder, roofing sealant, metal screws, drill, and gloves.

Steps to repair roof leaks:

Patch small holes with roofing sealant to prevent water entry.
Inspect screws and sheets for rust, bends, or looseness.
Replace seriously damaged metal sheets to ensure long-term safety.
Work with a partner and use safety gear like gloves when climbing onto the roof.
Regularly check your roof after storms to catch issues early.

8. Fixing noisy or misaligned electric fans

Electric fans are essential in Filipino homes, but dust buildup can make them noisy or cause wobbly blades. Regular cleaning helps fans run more quietly and efficiently while extending their lifespan.

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, brush or small vacuum, and lubricant spray.

Steps to clean and maintain your fan:

Disassemble the fan cage carefully.
Clean the blades thoroughly to remove dust and grime.
Remove dust from the motor housing using a brush or vacuum.
Tighten any loose screws to stabilize the fan.
Lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth rotation.
Reassemble and test the fan to confirm it runs quietly and efficiently.

Professional Tips for DIY Home Projects

Before you start your repairs, remember:

Turn off the power before working on any electrical component.
Use proper protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks.
Do not climb roofs during wet or windy weather.
Check manuals or guides before tightening plumbing or electrical parts.
Know when to call a professional, especially for major electrical, roofing, or structural concerns.

Final Thoughts

DIY projects can be part of your tradition of luck for the New Year. Repairs and maintenance do not need to be overly complicated; with the right methods, equipment, and tools, you can safely and efficiently complete your DIY projects. These small projects can lead to a more cozy, cost-efficient, and safe household.

We hope you have learnt something useful from this guide. Contact our team at Mackun Hardware if you need any assistance.

Check our wide assortment of tools, safety gear, and materials here.

For inquiries and orders you may visit or contact us:

Address: RW Building, Sergio Osmeña Street Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental 9000

Contact No. : +63 956 037 2805

Shopping cart

MH Articles