6 Handyman Skills Every Flipper Should Master

Dusty Rhodes • May 3, 2021

As a rehabber, there are some jobs that are worth knowing how to do. Relying on handymen to fix every small problem is expensive—and time-consuming. Why wait for your go-to person’s availability to open up for a tiny repair?


Or perhaps the job is too small to hire out, and you can’t find anyone who will do it. Most contractors don’t want to pick up tiny jobs. Not worth their time. Or maybe you ran out of money due to unforeseen problems. There are a number of reasons why simple repairs become suddenly (and surprisingly) not-so-simple… or just extremely expensive. That’s when it’s extremely handy to be extremely handy.


And don’t worry: Just because you’ve never picked up a hammer before doesn’t mean you can’t perfect these skills. Basic home maintenance is surprisingly simple, although it may look convoluted, complicated, or simply too-hard on first glance. No need to be muscled, either. Anyone can learn 101-level plumbing. Anyone can spackle a hole in the wall. You might even enjoy teaching your kids a few basic how-tos—you might find they enjoy painting walls or helping place tiling. (Maybe skip the electrical until they’re older, though.)


Whatever the case, here are six jobs that are worth knowing how to do. 


6 Handyman Skills Everyone Should Master


Whether you’re flipping or renting your properties—or just wanting to up your DIY skills for your own home—mastering these handyman jobs keeps everything running smoothly.

 

1. Painting


Everyone should be able to paint. Few supplies are needed—and even fewer skills. A paint roller, paint pan, and paint. Perhaps an extending handle if you are on the shorter end of the yardstick. You can paint the bulk of the wall first, then get the edges… or reverse that order, depending on your mood. Personally, I like to get the edges and corners first.


I choose not to use tape to block off edges. I learned how to “cut in” by watching videos on YouTube. (This one is my favorite.) Too many times, I would tape off the ceiling or edges, only to have the paint lift off when I removed the tape. It is really frustrating painting those edges again, and it doesn’t look nearly as good. The best way to learn how to cut in is to first watch the tutorial, then practice in the corners. They need to be painted anyway. Once you get the hand of it, painting goes really quickly.


Invest in a high-quality angled brush, about 2-1/2? wide. Smaller than that and you have to make too many trips to the paint bucket; larger than that and you start to lose control.


When the edges are done, get out your roller and start rolling. When rolling on textured walls, use a slow but steady movement. Going slower will allow the paint to settle into the deeper parts of the texture, reducing the number of coats you need to apply. A 10 x 10 room can be completed in just a couple of hours.


Pro tip: Buy quality paint. I purchased the cheapest paint I could find when painting my first house, and I ended up needing five coats to cover the color beneath. Fifteen dollars a gallon for the cheap stuff, but I needed five times as much as the high-quality, $30- to $50-a-gallon paint. Buying mis-tinted “oops” paint can save you a lot of money.


2. Basic electric


Chances are good that your new house comes complete with ugly light fixtures. Swapping them out isn’t a whole lot harder than changing light bulbs, and you certainly don’t need a contractors license to do so. Learn how to make these small changes yourself, rather than hiring an expensive electrician for a simple job. While I wouldn’t recommend a complete rewire job on your first try, updating lighting—or even installing a ceiling fan—can be done safely.


The library is full of books explaining how electrical works and outlining the how-to for any electricity-related odd jobs. YouTube is another great source of information. Even better than a book, you can find a step by step video tutorial that you can watch again and again.


I’m sure I’ll hear from the electricians on the site who will say that it is not something to be messed with. They’ve surely got stories about homeowners who burned down their houses doing their own electric. And I’m sure that has happened. So if you aren’t comfortable with doing this kind of work, have someone who is more experienced help you out.


3. Basic plumbing


Plumbers make a lot of money. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, plumbing was done with copper pipes, which had to be soldered together. This is definitely a skill I don’t recommend learning on the job. One mistake and the whole house is flooded.


But there is a new sheriff in the plumbing department, and he goes by the name of Sharkbite. I cannot tell you what sort of engineering magic goes into the Sharkbite fittings, but they have made copper pipe repair lightning fast. You literally take the pipe and shove it into the fitting. Turn the water back on and no leaks. It is ridiculous how easy it is. Of course, you will pay for the convenience—but still not as much as hiring a plumber.


Even better, supply lines can be plumbed with PEX (in most cities), which is far easier and cheaper than copper. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. In reality, if your state allows you to use PEX, it stands for Preposterously Easy X…undertaking (nothing starts with an X). We re-plumbed our entire house using a book from the library and watching YouTube videos when we needed more instruction.


Sinks leak pretty darn often, and it’s not always because your tenants screwed up. Knowing how to handle runny faucets, a funky sprinkler system, or any other basic plumbing maintenance work will save time and money.


4. Tiling


Easily the skill that has benefited us the most is tiling—and it’s unbelievably simple to do. Lay mortar down, put the tile on top. There are nuances to this process, and I highly recommend watching several YouTube videos to see how it is done before you start in on your floor.


Many Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer free tiling classes about once a month. They let you learn with their supplies, showing you the right techniques. There is no limit to how many times you can take the class, either.


My advice: Take your time and use a level. Mix small batches of mortar at first, and don’t be afraid to throw some out if you can’t use it in time.


Additionally, I recommend buying a tile saw and learning how to use it. We paid $70 for our first saw about 10 years ago. Other than replacing the blade once, we haven’t had to do a thing to it. We have used it for more than 1,900 square feet of tile, including ceramic, glass, slate, and travertine.


5. Drywall repair


While hanging drywall from scratch can be an advanced-level DIY skill—bad results can be very obvious—every real estate investor should know how to do basic drywall repair. There’s absolutely no reason to pay your contractor money to repair a hole in the drywall left by an angry tenant (or a rambunctious kid, or a failed attempt at hanging a TV). Patching drywall is simple. And, as always, YouTube is happy to guide you in the right direction.


Keep spackle stocked for the small repairs. Once you know how to quickly patch a nail hole, there’s no need to panic about tenants hanging artwork against your wishes. Bigger holes take a bit more effort, but it’s nothing a handy DIYer can’t manage. You might have to cut out the drywall and go down to the stud in a small area. (Here’s a great Home Depot tutorial.) A saw, some drywall tape, and that ever-so-helpful spackle and you’re in business.


6. Simple carpentry


No one’s expecting you to create a to-order built-in shelving. But understanding the basics of woodworking will go a long way when you want to repair or update molding, attempt a DIY flooring installation or door installation, or patch rotting boards in your properties’ patios. Consider picking up a few basic tools, like a miter saw and a basic crosscut saw.


Plus, there’s a bonus to perfecting basic carpentry: Woodworking is an enjoyable hobby with lots of uses. If you find these simple repairs enjoyable, keep practicing. Soon enough, that built-in bookshelf might be no problem at all—you might even enjoy making furniture and building full decks.




Starting a career as a real estate investor certainly doesn’t require handyman training. Perfect these six easy trade skills, though, and you’ll be able to save significant money on one-time contractor fees. Is the stove misbehaving? Dining room chandelier flickering? Electrical training might help you identify the cause and make simple light repairs.


Source:   Bigger Pockets


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

Share

How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line

By Dusty Rhodes • November 10, 2025
If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn’t you want to know about it? There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know. There’s one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive. That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference. What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out The latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through . And that’s not wildly higher than the 12% norm from 2017-2019. But it is an increase. That means roughly 1 in 7 deals today don’t make it to the closing table. But, at the same time, 6 out of 7 do. So, the majority of sellers never face this problem – and odds are, you won’t either. But you can help make it even less likely if you know how to get ahead. You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out today is financing. But that’s actually not the case. The most common deal breaker today, by far, is inspection and repair issues (see graph below):

Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now

By Dusty Rhodes • November 3, 2025
You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now. As Realtor.com says : “If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing , especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.” Because the reality is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list . And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market. Why Starting Now Matters Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you that you can’t afford to skip repairs in today’s market. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And since buyers have more to choose from, your house is going to need to look its best to stand out and get the attention it deserves. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right. And you don’t want to be left scrambling in the spring to get the work done. Because here’s the advantage you have now. If you start this year, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time. Less stress. No sense of being rushed or racing the clock. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now. And you have the time to find great contractors without blowing your budget or paying extra for rushed jobs. Get an Agent’s Advice Early To figure out what’s worth doing and what’s not in your market, you need to talk to a local agent early. That way you’re not wasting your time or money on something that won’t help your bottom line. As Realtor.com explains : “Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly. ” A skilled agent can tell you: What buyers in your local area are looking for The repairs or updates you need to do before you list How to prioritize the projects, if you can’t do them all Skilled local contractors who can help you get the work done And having that information up front is a game changer. To give you a rough idea of what may come up in that conversation, here are the most common updates agents are recommending today, according to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): 

How to Move Out After Selling a House

By Dusty Rhodes • October 13, 2025
From the first coat of paint you used to freshen up your house’s trim to the stress of wrangling your way to a deal, you’ve been through a lot in that place. Now you’ve made it to the final hurdle of selling a home: moving out! Don’t worry, this is the easy part… but you want to do it right. Here’s how to get through the last leg of your journey without any bumps along the way. How to move out on time Once the paperwork is signed at closing, the buyers will officially own the house—and you won’t. That means that, technically, if you or your stuff is still there after the close, “the buyer could evict you,” says Joshua Jarvis , founder of Jarvis Team Realty in Duluth, GA. So make sure to have your exit strategy in place! Still, most buyers will understand if you need a bit more time and have a legitimate reason—like if you can’t move until the weekend due to your work schedule. Just be sure to discuss these issues as soon as possible before the close, so your buyers can plan accordingly. Decide what to leave behind To make sure you’re leaving behind everything the buyer wanted—and that you agreed to—double-check the closing documents . There should be an itemized list of what comes with the house . And even if the buyers didn’t formally request them, it’s just good form to leave certain types of things behind. Such as? “Generally speaking, you should leave anything that’s bolted to the wall,” says Jarvis. “Some homeowners want to take their fans and blinds to the next home, but generally if it’s screwed in, it stays.” Also, if you and the buyers agreed to transfer any services—such as alarm monitoring or pest control —be sure to set that up before you go. Leave the buyers a detailed note in the house, or ask your agent to get in touch with theirs to make sure the transfer goes smoothly. If you do inadvertently take an item that the buyers had requested, they have the right to ask for it back—and they could potentially sue you in civil court for the cost of a replacement. So, when in doubt, feel free to check with the buyers before you grab and go. But don’t leave anything else behind Just as important as what you leave behind is what you don’t. Your buyers have a right to move into a home that’s been cleared of furniture and other movable items they didn’t expressly request. “Some folks leave all kinds of unwanted clothes, furniture, paint cans, and other items, thinking they are helping the buyers,” Jarvis says. If you truly think your buyers might love to have your old planting pots or kiddie equipment, go ahead and ask—but please don’t assume they’ll welcome your leftovers. Even if you’re careful, you might forget something—at which point the buyers may contact their agent to get it back to you, but they also have the legal right to just keep or get rid of it. So double-check areas (e.g., the attic, garage, basement, storage shed, kitchen, and bathroom drawers) where people commonly overlook items. Clean up It’s common courtesy to leave the place not only clear of your possessions but also clean. However, that doesn’t mean you have to leave it immaculate. “Generally, you shouldn’t have to pay to have it deep cleaned,” Jarvis says. In most cases, a simple broom-clean will do. That means wiping down the countertops, cleaning out drawers, sweeping or vacuuming all the floors, and giving the bathroom and kitchen appliances a once-over so the new owners aren’t grossed out when they arrive. Are you forgetting anything? Before you close the door for the last time, run through a quick checklist. Did you eyeball every room for stray items? Have you forwarded your mail and turned off the utilities? Is the water running in the jacuzzi? We all get in a bit of a rush even in the best planned moves, but you won’t be able to get back in, so it can’t hurt to do a final run-through before you move out. Once you’re ready, it’s time to leave. You can drop a line to your real estate agent to let them know you’re out, although it’s usually a courtesy more than a necessity. If you’re feeling truly gracious, feel free to leave a note, card, or bottle of bubbly congratulating the people who’ve inherited your former home. Given all the fond memories you’ve built between those walls, wouldn’t it be nice to start the home’s new owners off on the right foot? And buy yourself some Champagne, too. Make it the good stuff—you’ve earned it.