Today’s Financial Friday is guest author Francesca Dobbyn our Executive Director.

When I bought my 1930’s townhouse 19 years ago I was really counting on my dad to help me with the “puttering” I would need to do in the house. After all, he was an engineer who loved to putter on other people’s projects, not so much his own. Unfortunately, it was also the year we found out he had developed Alzheimer’s. So I was on my own, figuring out how to fix things or make changes on my own.

We’ve all been there — something breaks, stops working, or makes that mysterious noise it’s never made before. Your first instinct? Reach for the phone and call a repair service. But here’s a little Financial Friday tip: before you pick up the phone, pick up your device and head to YouTube.

One of the greatest resources for learning HOW to fix things on your own is YouTube.

In today’s world, prices for repairs can feel sky-high, whether it’s a leaky faucet, a squeaky door, or a lawnmower that just won’t start. But here’s a tip that could save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year: before you call a repair service, check YouTube.

For tenants, there might be some minor repairs you can do, or are routine maintenance. Check with your landlord first, and keep any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re not sure check this resource CLEO for tenants rights and responsibilities.  

The first kitchen tap I replaced on my own, required 4 trips to the hardware store to get tools I didn’t yet have. I had to walk through the replacement step-by-step, and didn’t know what I needed until the next step. By the 4^th trip in 2 hours, they wanted to know what I was doing and if THEY could help. Hardware store staff are also a wealth of support and knowledge. A few years later, I was able to help my daughter change out her kitchen tap, passing along not just the knowledge of “how” but the confidence of “you can do this”.

It’s important to know what NOT to fix as well. I could replace a tap, but wasn’t sure on leaks, so I did contract with a plumber to fix a leak. I don’t know enough about electrical, and my house is old enough, I’ll never touch anything electrical. Same goes for anything natural gas, furnace oil or propane, leave that to the experts.

You might be amazed at what you can fix yourself with the help of a good video tutorial. There’s an entire online community of people who walk you step-by-step through repairs — no jargon, no judgment, and no bill at the end. One of my favourites is Dad, How Do I?, a channel started by Rob Kenney to teach practical life skills in a friendly, approachable way. He covers everything from unclogging a sink to jump-starting a car, all while making you feel like you have a patient and kind coach right beside you.

Why DIY with YouTube Works

• Free knowledge at your fingertips: Skip the repair bill and spend a few minutes watching a tutorial instead. Don’t just watch one contributor’s video, sample a few, to get a real overview of the project.
• Confidence boost: You don’t have to be “handy” to start. Many videos break the job into small, manageable steps.

How many times have I paused, rewound, rewatched, and started again during a project? Too many to count!

• Immediate results: No waiting for an appointment — you can often solve the problem the same day.
• Reusable skills: Once you learn a repair, you’ll know how to do it forever (and maybe even help a friend). – I bookmark videos that are relevant to repairs that may crop up over and over.

Tips for Success

1. Search smart: Use the make and model of the item in your search (“Whirlpool dishwasher not draining” works better than just “dishwasher broken”). – I replaced the indicator lightbulb on a car by searching for the make of the car and “replace indicator lightbulb”
2. Watch more than one video: Different creators might have different approaches — find the one that makes the most sense to you.
3. Watch the video more than once. Get a real understanding of the steps. I’m guilty of thinking I’ve gotten a handle on the project from the first few minutes, only to have to make a cuppa tea and sit and really watch the instructions a few times.
4. Check the comments: Often, viewers will share extra tips or warnings that make the job easier. Look for the “what not to do” comments too.
5. Know your limits: If a job involves electricity, gas, or structural changes, it might be safer (and ultimately cheaper) to call in a pro.

YouTube can be your free repair manual, teacher, and cheerleader all rolled into one. Before you spend big, try searching for a video — you might surprise yourself with what you can do yourself.

Francesca