Do it yourself (DIY) home repairs can save homeowners hundreds if not thousands of dollars and offer an opportunity to make home improvements or renovations at the same time. However, before engaging in do-it-yourself home repairs, you need to know some basics. Whether you need to fix a leaky roof or toilet, expand a room or install an outside deck, knowing what you're doing and do it safely are keys to a successful repair. Does this Spark an idea?
Safety First
Apply common sense when approaching any DIY home improvement or repair project. Safety should always be the first priority of any do-it-yourselfer. Wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves and hard-soled and toed shoes when working with power tools.
Understand the steps involved in any DIY repair project before you start. For example, you may want to read the instructions on replace the O-ring on your leaky toilet before you take it apart. Learn how roof shingles are properly placed before getting up on the roof. Understanding your project, the time and tools involved as well as how complicated it is will help keep you, your family and your home safe.
Take Your Time
Anticipate the time necessary to complete a job, and then add another 30 minutes to an hour, just in case. Don't rush. Most faulty repairs, mistakes and accidents happen because a person is trying to rush through a project. Whether it's simply replacing the gasket on a leaky faucet or putting in a new window, give yourself enough time to dismantle the original fixture or window, clean out debris, and replace the part without feeling rushed. For example, you might not want to wait until 5:00 on a winter evening to repair your front door hinge or climb up on a icy roof to replace a loose shingle that's been loose all summer in the dark.
Proper Tools
Purchase all of the basic tools that should be part of every homeowner's DIY repair box. This will help save time and money in the long run, and ensure that you have the right tools to complete a wide variety of jobs. The basics include hammer, a variety of pliers (adjustable, needle-nose, blunt, wire cutting, monkey wrench, etc.), and a good screwdriver set that contains both flat and Philip's head screwdrivers. Also purchase a set of standard and metric wrenches. A toilet plunger and a plumbing snake also come in handy and can save money over the services of a plumber. Anything else can be purchased or rented from your local hardware or equipment rental store, based upon the type of DIY job you're tackling.
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