Fix It Yourself —
Real Guides for Queensland Homes
Step-by-step repair guides written by a QBCC-licensed Queensland builder. Each guide tells you exactly what to do, what tools you need, how much it should cost — and when to call a tradie instead.
Full Weekend DIY Projects
Common Problems — Fast Answers
No full guide needed. These are the quick fixes most Queensland homes need at some point.
Squeaky door hinge
Lift hinge pin, coat with petroleum jelly or olive oil, replace pin. 2 minutes.
Dripping tap (ceramic disc)
Isolate water, unscrew handle and head, replace ceramic disc cartridge. $10–$20 from hardware store. 30 min.
Mould on bathroom ceiling
Mix 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Spray on, leave 20 min, wipe off. Repaint with mould-resistant paint after drying.
Door not latching (sticking)
Mark the door frame where the latch catches. Chisel the strike plate mortise slightly deeper, or reposition strike plate with longer screws.
Sliding door hard to open
Vacuum track first. Apply silicone spray lubricant to the track — not WD-40 (it attracts dirt). Lift door slightly to check roller height.
Shower drain slow
Pour boiling water first (dissolves soap). Then baking soda + vinegar, wait 15 min, flush. For hair blockages, use a drain snake ($5 from hardware).
What Queenslanders Can (and Can't) DIY
Queensland law is clear on what owner-occupiers can do themselves. Getting this wrong can invalidate your home insurance and QBCC warranty — so it's worth knowing.
✅ You CAN do yourself (owner-occupier, personal residence)
- ✓Re-seal showers and baths with silicone
- ✓Re-grout tiles (no waterproofing work)
- ✓Replace toilet cistern parts (fill valve, flapper, flush button)
- ✓Paint interiors and exteriors
- ✓Replace tap washers and O-rings
- ✓Fix squeaky hinges, door handles, cabinet hardware
- ✓Install shelving, picture rails, curtain rods
🔴 You CANNOT do yourself — must be licensed in QLD
- ✕Waterproofing in wet areas (AS 3740 compliance required)
- ✕Any electrical work beyond changing a lightbulb
- ✕Moving or installing new plumbing waste/supply lines
- ✕Gas work of any kind
- ✕Structural alterations (remove walls, extend rooms)
- ✕Any building work over $3,300 in labour value
Source: QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission). Always verify current rules at qbcc.qld.gov.au — regulations are updated periodically.
Bigger Than a Weekend Fix?
Chat with CoastAI first — describe or photo your space and get a realistic QLD ballpark for free. Then get up to 3 QBCC-licensed quotes with no obligation.