How to Learn Basic DIY Repair Skills

Having basic DIY skills can save you money on home improvement projects, as well as on emergency repairs. With plumbers and electricians charging upwards of $50 just to walk in the front door, learning some basic maintenance skills can potentially save you hundreds -- if not thousands -- of dollars a year in home repair costs. Below are three things that I have done to learn the DIY skills needed for simple repair and improvement projects in my home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Be ready to invest in a small basic tool kit, including:
• Claw hammer
• Screwdrivers (regular and phillips)
• Cordless drill
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Duct tape

1. Ask The Experts Around You
   
   If you're a complete "Do It Yourself" novice, you'll need to start learning some basic information. The first place to look is with your friends and family. Experienced handy-persons are generally very happy to share their knowledge with others, as a way of "passing the torch" of good craftmanship. So if you know someone who is doing their own repair -- for example, fixing a window or hanging a ceiling fan -- ask if you can "help." Be ready to act as the "go-fer" (where you'll be asked to "go fer this" and "go fer that"!). Observe and ask questions as the repairs are being done. If your friend uses words you're not familiar with -- ask. (My brother and I now joke about "jack stud," which is a real term that I found pretty funny when I first learned it.)

2. Take Classes
   
   Don't be intimidated just because you are new to DIY. Look for free opportunities at home improvement stores, which will be full of other novices, too. Many Saturday morning sessions will let you learn how to cut tile, make birdhouses, and paint. There's usually no charge, and the instructors are happy to teach you these skills. It's also a chance to try out tools if you don't have any experience with them. Also, many community centers offer classes for free or at low cost in things like winterizing your home -- good skills to know,

3. Start a Home Improvement Library
   
   It's essential that you build a reference library -- even if it's just a book or two. But you don't have to break the bank to do this. Many discount stores have tables of reference books and these are a great place to find hidden treasures. Look for books that have simple steps and diagrams explaining the text. There are also often DIY books on the "sale" tables at the big books chains. And finally, don't overlook yard sales and thrift stores for good vintage (and reliable) books on home improvement.

Tips & Warnings

• Start on small projects, working your way up to the big jobs. Much of good DIY knowledge comes from past experience. The more you do, the more you'll know.
• There are many cable television shows that seem to focus more on the DIY design than on the construction side. I stick with the old standbys like "This Old House" and other PBS programs to learn the skills needed to do those terrific designs you see on HGTV.
• Always wear safety glasses and follow other safety guidelines when recommended.

Resources

• This Old House How To & Repair
• Tomboy Tools
• DIY Network Home Improvement Site
• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide

[SueJ]

on 6/1/2009 Woodsusa -- Exactly! :)

[woodsusa]

on 5/29/2009 I think EVERY woman should do this...even those married to 'Mr. Fixit'...sometimes you just don't wanna be waiting for a hero to do it for you!

[PhiMcRee]

on 5/27/2009 Excellent advice for those of us who are not so mechanically inclined