A few days ago, I heard a constant dripping sound from the toilet and considered calling a handyman. It's just a phone call away, but when you ask for a quote, the service fee can often be overwhelming.

The hourly rate for a handyman typically ranges from $50 to $125, with independent workers charging between $50 and $80, while those affiliated with companies charge around $75 to $125. Even for a simple repair, the average project cost is about $406, so if you hand over every little task, your wallet can get thin quickly.

Moreover, emergency calls late at night or on weekends can cost between $120 and $200 per hour. If you take care of things in advance when you have the time, you can reduce the chances of incurring these emergency fees.

However, there are many tasks that can be done with just one tool. Today, I've compiled ten repairs you can try at home before calling a handyman.

The most common task is replacing the toilet flapper. The part itself costs between $12 and $30, but if you call someone to fix it, it can run close to $150. It's a simple job that can be done by hand without any tools, so even a beginner can finish it in about 10 minutes.

Fixing cracked caulking in the bathtub or shower stall, which may also have mold, is another task you can do yourself. If you hire a handyman, it will cost between $85 and $175, but if you buy a caulking gun and a tube of silicone, the material cost is much lower. You just need to scrape off the old caulking with a cutter and apply the new one, so even if you're not handy, it's manageable.

If your drain is clogged, please don't call someone right away. Calling a plumber to clear a drain can cost between $75 and $550, and if the toilet is clogged, it can be between $100 and $275. Most of the time, you can resolve it by trying a plunger or a drain snake first.

In winter, if cold air is coming through the gaps in your door, simply replacing the weather stripping will solve the problem. What could be a few dollars in materials can end up costing more if you call someone.

If a switch or outlet cover is broken, you can replace it by just removing two screws. However, if you need to work with the wiring, that's a different story, so you should be cautious in that area.

If your showerhead has mineral buildup and the water flow is weak, soaking it in vinegar and rinsing it off can make it like new again. Surprisingly, many issues can be resolved just by cleaning without needing to replace parts.

Small holes or nail marks in the wall can be filled with a bit of spackle and sanded down, making them virtually invisible. It's actually a loss to leave these minor repairs to someone else.

If your screen is torn, you can easily patch it with a screen repair kit. If you're just covering a hole rather than replacing the entire screen, it takes less than ten minutes.

If a door is squeaking or the handle is loose, simply oiling the hinges and tightening the screws will fix it. It's unusual to call someone for these kinds of issues.

If dust accumulates on the coils at the back of your refrigerator, it can increase your electricity bill and reduce cooling efficiency, but you can just vacuum it out. The same goes for air conditioner filters, which can be changed regularly without needing a professional.

It may take a bit longer if you're doing it for the first time, and even if you fail, the only money you lose is for materials, which isn't a huge burden. Nowadays, there are plenty of repair videos available, so it's not too hard to learn on your own.

Of course, I'm not saying you should do everything yourself. Tasks like rewiring electrical systems, working on gas lines, or repairing roof structures are different matters. It's ultimately safer and can save you money to leave these jobs to certified professionals.

I usually try to open my toolbox first, and only pick up the phone when I really can't handle it. I feel it's a bit wasteful to leave things I can do with my hands to someone else.