Do it yourself
Clear steps, honest time estimates and a simple comparison with having Nova Maintenance do it for you.
Your time has value
Comparisons use our $60 hourly service rate and assume a straightforward job with normal access. Estimates include standard tools, setup and common consumables. Special materials or hidden damage may change the quote.
How to approach it
Remove loose material, apply filler in thin layers, let it dry, sand it flush, remove dust and touch up with matching paint.
The honest comparison: You may save about $60 in labour. Once you buy filler, sandpaper, a filling knife and matching paint, the saving is smaller. We can usually finish several holes during one grouped visit.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Support the door, tighten loose mounting screws, then adjust the depth, side and height screws a little at a time. Stop if the hinge, panel or screw holes are damaged.
The honest comparison: A good DIY win if the hinge only needs adjustment. If several doors are uneven, grouping them into one visit usually gives a cleaner, consistent result.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Measure the existing hole centres before buying replacements. Protect the door face, remove one handle at a time and avoid overtightening the new screws.
The honest comparison: You can save the labour if the new handles match existing holes. New drilling needs more care; one misplaced hole can cost more than the installation.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Clean the mark, lightly sand rough edges, use filler where needed, spot-prime bare material and apply matching paint with a feathered edge.
The honest comparison: DIY makes sense when you already own the exact paint. If the colour or sheen is wrong, the repair can remain obvious. You could spend that Saturday afternoon elsewhere while we finish it.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Remove the old bead without damaging surfaces, clean away residue, let the area dry, mask both edges and apply the correct sanitary sealant evenly.
The honest comparison: The visible bead is the easy part; clean removal and preparation determine whether it lasts. This is for non-structural surface sealing, not leaks or plumbing repairs.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Confirm the wall type, check for hidden services, use fixings rated for the item and wall, level the position and follow the fixing manufacturer’s load guidance.
The honest comparison: You save labour if you already have the right detector, drill, level and fixings. For a heavy item or uncertain wall, professional placement avoids an expensive hole in the wrong place.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Test a suitable cleaner on a small area, ventilate the room, never mix products, use a non-scratch pad, rinse thoroughly and dry the glass.
The honest comparison: You can absolutely do this yourself. The real question is whether saving $60–$120 is worth giving up part of your weekend and buying products you may rarely use.
Rather enjoy your weekend? Request a quote →How to approach it
Check the timber is sound, clean it, scrape loose coating, sand rough edges, protect plants and paving, then apply a suitable exterior coating in the right weather.
The honest comparison: DIY can save $120–$180 in labour, but preparation, equipment and cleanup take most of the time. If you value a free half-day more than the saving, hand it over.
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