About Fix Up First

Fix Up First is a home repair and improvement resource built for homeowners who want to save money, build skills, and make smart decisions about their home.

Every guide we publish follows a simple formula: diagnose the problem, show you how to fix it yourself, tell you exactly what it costs, and let you know when it makes more sense to hire a professional.

What We Cover

DIY Repair Guides

Step-by-step instructions for the most common home repairs, from leaky faucets to drywall patches.

Cost Breakdowns

Real numbers on what projects cost, both DIY and professional, so you can budget with confidence.

Product Reviews

Honest recommendations on tools and materials that are worth your money.

Seasonal Maintenance

Checklists and schedules to keep your home in top shape year-round.

Our Editorial Process

Research

Every guide starts with research into manufacturer specifications, current building codes, and real contractor pricing data from multiple sources.

Write & Verify

We write step-by-step instructions with safety warnings, tool lists, and realistic time estimates. All cost figures are cross-referenced against current market rates.

Review & Update

Guides are reviewed for technical accuracy before publishing and updated when pricing, codes, or best practices change.

Product Recommendations

When we recommend a product, it's because we believe it offers genuine value for homeowners. We evaluate tools and materials based on durability, ease of use, and price-to-performance ratio. Some of our links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations.

Our Commitment

Accuracy first. We'd rather say "call a pro" than give bad advice.

Real costs. No vague ranges. We give you numbers you can actually budget with.

Safety always. Every guide includes when to stop and call a licensed professional.

No fluff. Practical information you can act on today.

Who Writes Our Guides

Fix Up First content is written and reviewed by a team with backgrounds in residential construction, licensed contracting, and home inspection. Our writers have hands-on experience with the repairs they cover — not just research. Every cost guide is cross-referenced against current data from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, and regional contractor quotes before publication.

200+ guides published Covering plumbing, electrical, HVAC, exterior, flooring, and more

Contractor-verified costs Prices sourced from multiple national databases and regional quotes

Updated regularly Guides are revised when pricing, codes, or best practices change

Safety-first approach Every guide identifies permit requirements and when to call a licensed pro

The Fixup Digest

Our free newsletter delivers one actionable home maintenance tip every Sunday — plus seasonal checklists and cost updates. No spam, no fluff.

Join The Fixup Digest

One home tip every Sunday. Skip the contractor markup.