How to Become a Handyman

Looking to save cash, impress your lady while gaining confidence and new skills? These perks and more will be at your disposal once you become a handyman. Being a handyman does mean fixing things yourself when they break--but on the bright side, you won't need to call a repairman. Read on to learn how to become a handyman.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adhesives and caulk
• A simple caulking gun
• Appropriate-gauge extension cord
• Drill and drill bits
• Duct tape
• Flashlight
• Gloves
• Hammer
• Level
• Penetrating fluid like WD-40
• Portable work light/trouble light
• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver set
• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Wrench set

1. Know your limits. You can only have so many skills and do so much. Instead of risking safety or exploiting common sense when you aren't sure about handling a job, always know when to admit it is time to get an expert in to finish a task.

2. Watch TV. Improving your home improvement skills has never been easier thanks to the bounty of television shows focused on do-it-yourself projects. Tune in to learn new skills and tips filled with visual how-tos.

3. Hit the library to review how-to materials. Rather than dropping serious dollars purchasing the books online or from TV, you can get the best of the info for free with an investment of a few hours at the library here and there.

4. Attend a workshop. From painting to electrics to installing appliances and more, home retail centers such as Home Depot and Lowe's often provide free workshops and clinics to teach basics that will be essential knowledge as a handyman.

5. Build your basic toolbox. Specialty items may be required on the job now and then, but this basic set of materials will get you started by serving most home improvement purposes: adhesives and caulk, a simple caulking gun,appropriate-gauge extension cord, drill and drill bits, duct tape, flashlight, gloves, hammer, level, penetrating fluid, like WD-40, portable work light/trouble light, safety glasses, screwdriver set, stepladder, tape measure, utility knife and wrench set.

6. Help a friend. Maybe installing a new shower isn't your ideal way to spend a Saturday, but you will learn a lot. Ask questions along the way to learn all you can about a project while helping a buddy out at the same time.

7. Start small. Work on things here and there at home--especially when you have the time to dedicate to a project. You will learn more if you are focused, willing and interested.

8. Tell friends and family about your handyman endeavor, and soon you will have referrals and phone calls coming your way.

[Okie1of2]

on 6/19/2008 Good comments, I have been a handyman for many years. Experience is the best teacher, but the biggest barrier has always been doing it the first time. Once you have done it once, you can determine if you want to do it again, and/or how to do it better/ more effeciently. The key is just do it. Most of your business will come from people who just don't want to do it or are affraid to try.