The next time you have a project around your house that needs doing, think of me.
I`m a long way from being a great handyman around my house. Every time I think I`ve done something well, another project pops up to humble me.
But I`ve gotten to a point where I can build a few things and fix a few things. And I have enough understanding of most things around a house so that, even if I end up hiring a professional to do the work, I`m a pretty good judge of what needs to be done and whether the pro is doing it right.
All this hasn`t come easily. It has taken me a long time even to become a little versatile. I didn`t inherit mechanical abilities from my father. He always seemed to be able to build and fix everything in our house when I was growing up. My brother inherited all those abilities.
When they weren`t near enough anymore to come over and fix something-it`s been about 14 years-that`s when I started trying to become handy around the house.
Actually, my reason for becoming a do-it-yourselfer was more than just being far away from family help. Years ago I couldn`t afford to have it done. I suspect a lot of men and women become do-it-yourselfers for the same reasons.
That`s why I want you to think of me when you are facing a housework list that seems to go on forever, and you don`t consider yourself up to the tasks. If I can learn, anyone can.
Here are a few suggestions for getting started:
– If you have a particular project in mind, go to a library, bookstore, home center or hardware store and find one of those softcover books on it. Don`t be afraid if there are pages and pages of details; there will be basic instructions and information. Start with that.
– Another means of obtaining information about specific projects is a videotape. Home centers and bookstores usually have how-to tapes.
– There are classes in building and fixing things offered by community colleges and a few home centers and lumberyards. A few dollars for your enrollment fee and a few hours in class could save you a lot of money.
– The next time you have a professional in to work on something around your house, don`t hesitate to ask questions that will help you understand what`s going on.
– If you find a hardware store or home center with a few knowledgeable people, ask questions about materials, tools and how to work on a particular project.
– Study your television guide and find out when the how-to shows are on. Begin watching, maybe even taping them. Among the shows you may find helpful are ”Hometime,” ”This Old House,” ”The New Yankee Workshop,” ”Home”
and ”Make Yourself at Home.”
– The next time you are around a residential construction site and there is someone working on plumbing, electrical jobs or whatever, take notice of what`s going on. Sometimes you can learn a lot just by watching someone work. If the house has been framed and there is plumbing and electrical work showing, do a little observing.
– Just do it. Don`t be afraid to start a project. How are you ever going to become handy if you don`t try? –
