4 guides
Outdoor fixes that protect the rest of the house
Gutters, decks, fences and roofs. The outside of the house keeps water away from everything inside, so these small jobs prevent the big, expensive ones.
Where to start: Clean the gutters every spring and fall so rain goes where it should. Replace a cracked deck board before someone trips on it, and square up a sagging gate. A single missing shingle on a low roof is a manageable fix. Anything steep or high is a job for a roofer.
What are you dealing with?
Exterior
Clean gutters and downspouts safely
Moderate2–4 hrs$0–40
Exterior
Replace a cracked or loose deck board
Moderate1–2 hrs$20–60
Exterior
Fix a loose fence board or sagging gate
Easy30–60 min$10–30
Exterior
Replace a damaged roof shingle
Hard1 hr$10–30
Common questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Twice a year for most homes, in late spring and after the leaves drop in fall. More often if you have pine trees nearby.
Is it safe to replace a roof shingle myself?
Only on a low, single-story roof with a gentle pitch, on a dry day, with a well-footed ladder. Otherwise, hire a roofer.
Looking for something else? Browse all guides or see emergency steps.