BE THE SPONGE
That doesn't mean soaking your friends for cash every time you get pizza. "A lot of people sand, but professionals -- and I do this, too -- use a really thick, absorbent sponge and move in circles in dried joint compound. You're graduating it on the wall and around the corner, smoothing out the patch." This method prevents accidentally sanding all the way through. "That'll also keep the dust off your computer," Pennington says. So you can keep surfing Playboy.com.
DIM TO WIN
While Pennington cautions against doing your own electrical work, he does advise that you get dimmer switches in strategic rooms. "It helps keep the lighting cool but keep the temperature hot," he deadpans.
DIG FOR TREASURE
"Women always seem to be dropping things down the sink," Pennington says. Loosen the trap assembly under the sink, using the slip joint where the sink stem goes into the P-trap. You'll need slip-joint pliers to undo the locknut that's keeping it tight. Disconnect the trap from the sink and from the pipe heading into the wall. Then dump the contents into a bucket. "Your ring or trinket will come out in the bucket," Pennington says.
FIX A LEAKY SINK
"If you have a leak on any of the joints, chances are you don't have any plumber's putty or Teflon tape to fill in the grooves where the threads are going on the nuts," Pennington says. "That gives a water-tight seal." One crucial tip when working on a sink -- make sure that the garbage disposal is turned off. "I'd put tape over the switch while you're working so nobody else turns it on," Pennington adds.
FIX A LEAKY TOILET
This repair is simple: When homeowners run the toilet, they push the shut-off valve until it stops. "That strips it out a little bit," Pennington says. "If it's wide-ass open, that causes a leak. Just kick it back a notch, and you'll fix that leak."
CHANGE A LOCK AND A DOORKNOB
"When things don't work out between you and your roommate, it's always a good idea to know how to do this," Pennington says. It's an easy job, just requiring a trip to the hardware store, although Pennington notes that if you're installing a deadbolt, you'll have to drill another hole.
MEASURE UP
Pennington offers a measuring tip if you find yourself short a tape measure in a pinch: A dollar bill is exactly six inches long. That comes in handy when you're deciding if that piece of furniture will fit in your bedroom.
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