Describe your repair, upload photos for AI diagnosis, receive competitive bids from verified contractors, and pay only when the job is done right — with escrow protection.

How much does Fixt cost for homeowners?

Fixt is free for homeowners. You pay only for the repair work at the bid price you accept. A small 5% platform fee is included in the bid price.

How do fixers get paid?

Fixers receive payment via Stripe Connect once the homeowner verifies job completion. A 5% platform fee is deducted. Fixers pay a $29/month subscription with a 14-day free trial.

Is my payment protected?

Yes. All payments are held in escrow until you confirm the work is complete. If there is a dispute, our AI-assisted resolution team reviews the case and can issue refunds.

Free resource

Fixt DIY starter kit

One page you can print or save as PDF from your browser (Print → Destination → Save as PDF). Use it in the field or keep a copy in your toolbox.

We do not bulk-download or re-host third-party kits. Below you get Fixt originals plus links to well-known free repair hubs (iFixit, Repair Wiki, FCC/FTC, Wikibooks, Repair FAQ). Open each source in your browser — respect their licenses. For step-by-step home repairs inside Fixt, use the DIY Library or post a job for AI diagnosis and parts/fixers. Use the concierge below for a quick Fixt-written summary you can save as PDF, then explore other solutions on this page.

Fixt recommended solution

Our DIY Kit Concierge returns one short answer (a few lines). Save it as a PDF with the button below (your browser Print dialog → Save as PDF). For full guides and parts, use other solutions underneath — DIY Library, symptom matrix, and external repair hubs.

What needs fixing? (one description — no photos here)

Each click generates a fresh concise reply for the text above. For chat back-and-forth and photos, use the main Fixt AI after sign-in or post a job.

Browse DIY guides List parts (marketplace)

Safety first

Turn off breakers before electrical work; verify with a non-contact tester when unsure.
Know where your main water shutoff is before plumbing repairs.
Use eye protection and gloves when handling chemicals, glass, or insulation.
Never bypass gas appliance safeties; if you smell gas, leave and call your utility.
Stop if you feel unsafe — hire a licensed pro (Fixt can help in NY State beta for in-person bids).

Basic toolbox

Screwdrivers (flat + Phillips), adjustable wrench, pliers, utility knife, tape measure.
Level, stud finder, flashlight or headlamp, bucket and rags.
Extension cord rated for your tools; GFCI when working near water.

Job checklist

Photograph the issue before you start (helps if you need parts or a fixer later).
Read the full guide once; gather tools and materials before disassembly.
Keep screws and small parts in a tray; label photos if removing many connections.
Test carefully after repair (slow water on, one breaker at a time).

First response — common symptoms

No single sheet covers literally every home issue. This matrix gives a safe first move and a stop rule. Follow into the DIY Library for full steps, parts, and difficulty.

Symptom	First step	Guides	Stop & call a pro if…
Active drip or new ceiling stain	Bucket/tarp; photo; locate main water shutoff (street + house).	Search “water leak”	Ceiling bulging, large active flow, or electrical fixtures wet — stop, call a pro.
Slow drain or gurgling	Try plunger (sealed overflow); avoid caustic overuse; snake only if you know trap layout.	Search “clogged drain”	Sewer smell, multiple fixtures backing up — main line issue; call a pro.
No hot water	Check pilot / breaker / reset per manufacturer label; note error codes.	Search “water heater”	Gas smell, scorch marks, or flooding around heater — evacuate / shut gas / pro.
Toilet runs constantly	Remove tank lid; identify flapper/chain/fill valve; shut angle stop if overflow risk.	Search “toilet repair”	Leak at base when rocked, or sewer smell — wax seal / flange — pro.
Breaker trips when you use an outlet	Unplug devices; reset once; map what loads that circuit.	Search “electrical outlet”	Buzzing, burning smell, warm breaker panel, or immediate retrip with nothing plugged — pro.
One outlet dead; others work	Check GFCI reset chain; check breaker not half-tripped.	Search “gfci outlet”	Sparks, melted faceplate, shocks — shut breaker; pro.
Lights flicker whole-house	Note weather / heavy loads; check utility status; tighten accessible bulbs.	Search “electrical lighting”	With burning smell or sizzling — shut main if safe; pro.
No heat / weak heat	Filter, thermostat mode, power switch, condensate trap (if furnace).	Search “furnace maintenance”	CO symptoms, soot, flame rollout, or gas smell — leave; pro + utility.
AC weak or icing	Clean/replace filter; clear outdoor unit debris; check thermostat mode.	Search “air conditioner”	Large ice on refrigerant lines, hissing — sealed system; pro.
Smoke / CO alarm chirps	Replace battery; vacuum dust; replace unit if past date stamped on back.	Search “smoke detector”	CO alarm sounding without known source — evacuate, call 911 / utility.
Door sticks or won’t latch	Check hinge screws, seasonal swelling, strike plate alignment.	Search “door repair”	Frame shifting / cracks growing — structural; pro.
Drafty window	Weatherstrip, lock fully engaged, caulk exterior only if safe ladder height.	Search “window insulation”	Rotten sash / broken glass in high windows — pro.
Small drywall hole / nail pop	Patch kit / mesh; prime before paint; feather edges.	Search “drywall patch”	Large holes near electrical boxes or plumbing — pro.
Touch-up paint / scuffs	Clean; same sheen; test hidden spot; thin coats.	Search “painting touch up”	Pre-1978 dust without lead-safe plan — see EPA lead link below.
Gutter overflow / drip edge	Clear downspouts; ladder safety; extend downspouts away from foundation.	Search “gutter cleaning”	Roof edge damage, steep roof, or electrical service drip — pro.
Deck board loose / nail lift	Replace with rated exterior fasteners; check railing posts.	Search “deck repair”	Ledger flashing rot, railing wobble — pro.
Caulk failing in tub / sink	Remove failed caulk; dry fully; mold-resistant bath caulk; tape edges.	Search “caulking bathroom”	Soft wall tile, black mold behind tile — pro / remediation.
Garbage disposal hums / jams	Unplug; allen key on motor bottom; reset button; tongs only—never hands.	Search “garbage disposal”	Leaks under sink from disposal body — replace; pro if unsure.
Washer smell / slow pump	Clean gasket / trap; verify drain height; leave door ajar to dry.	Search “washing machine”	Electrical burning smell — unplug; pro.
Fridge warm / ice maker leak	Check coils dust; door seals; temp settings; water line connection.	Search “refrigerator”	Coolant smell / oil streak on fridge back — pro.
Dripping faucet	Shut angle stops; identify cartridge vs washer; photo before disassembly.	Search “faucet leak”	Valve stem breaks in wall, or unable to shut water — pro.
Low water pressure whole-house	Ask neighbors; check PRV; check filter if whole-house filter installed.	Search “water pressure”	Sudden drop with foundation cracks — pro.
Musty smell / visible mold patch	Fix moisture source first; small non-porous wipe with detergent; ventilate.	Search “mold prevention”	Large area (>10 sq ft guidance), HVAC growth, or immunocompromised home — follow EPA; consider pro.
Pest entry gaps	Steel wool + caulk small gaps; door sweeps; trim vegetation from siding.	Search “pest proofing”	Wasp nests at height, rodents in wall voids — licensed pest control.
Phone or tablet won’t charge	Try another cable/brick; gently clean lint from port (wood/plastic pick, not metal); force-restart per OEM.	Search “phone charging”	Port feels loose, smells hot, or battery swelling — stop charging; repair/recycle safely.
Phone battery dies very fast	Check battery health in settings; reduce background refresh; note new apps; calibrate after major OS update.	Search “phone battery”	Device runs hot, shuts off at high %, or case bulges — battery issue; professional battery service.
Cracked phone screen but touch still works	Tape cracks to avoid cuts; backup data; order correct digitizer/OEM-grade part; watch a teardown before opening.	Search “screen repair”	Bent frame, liquid inside, or warranty you need to keep — weigh pro repair vs DIY.
Liquid spill on laptop / keyboard	Unplug and power off immediately; drain open-side down; do not power on until fully dry (24–48h silica/rice is debatable—airflow is king).	Search “electronics water damage”	Pop, smoke, or spark when unplugging — do not reuse; pro / e-waste per safety.

Tip: after preview unlock, use Post a job + AI diagnosis for your exact photos and ZIP.

When to hire a pro

Gas lines, main electrical panels, structural changes, permits, and roof work often require a licensed contractor. Use Fixt DIY guides for maintenance you are comfortable with; use Hire a fixer when you want vetted bids (NY State beta ZIPs) or Marketplace for parts lists.

Authoritative references (external)

Open these in your browser — we link to the source sites rather than re-hosting their PDFs.

EPA — Lead-safe renovation for DIYers — Essential before sanding/cutting paint in pre-1978 homes.
EPA — Mold, moisture, and your home (printable hub) — Moisture control first; know when to bring in remediation pros.
EPA — Indoor air quality during remodeling — Dust, combustion, and ventilation planning.
CPSC — Safety education (recalls & home hazards) — Check recalls before repairing appliances; cord and tip-over safety.
NFPA — Home heating fire safety — Clearances around furnaces, space heaters, and chimneys.
Wikibooks — Home Improvements (CC BY-SA) — Community-maintained book; verify local codes against your jurisdiction.

Go deeper on Fixt

Fixt DIY Library — step-by-step guides with tools, materials, and difficulty.fixt.live/guides — DIY Library
Create a free account to post jobs, save progress, and message fixers.
fixt.live — create a free account for jobs and messaging.