by Alyce Rocco

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

If you are a woman that's never done a home repair or renovation the first thing you need to do is get a toolbox. You don't need to go to a hardware store to buy tools. Ready made tool kits are available on the shelves of any mass marketing store, such as Target. The next step is to learn how to use them. You don't need to know the difference between a Phillips head screwdriver and standard square head one. But you need to know you don't use a flat head screw driver on a cross-slotted screw. It is possible, but you risk damaging the screw and the screwdriver. Knowing how to wield a hammer or use a ratchet head screwdriver will make your jobs easier.

Tip: When purchasing a ready filled toolbox or buying tools by the piece, think quality. You might save money now, by buying lower priced tools, but you will save more money in the long run by purchasing quality made tools that were made to last.

In addition to obtaining a tool box, investing in a "Do-it-Yourself" book is a wise purchase. If you're on a tight budget visit the local library and you'll find many books about home repairs and renovations. A good place to learn about tools and home repairs is online via the Internet. Places like Ace Hardware, provide illustrated step-by-step instructions and tips to make the jobs easier.

Back in Junior High School the boys were given mandatory Cooking and Sewing classes. As a young adult I often wondered why the girls weren't given mandatory Wood shop and Metal Shop courses. My husband wasn't the home repair kind of a guy and so I learned how to make simple repairs myself, using the trial and error method. One way I learned how to do simple repairs like changing a sink faucet washer was watching the repair men who came in to do the jobs. They seemed to love sharing details about the repairs, teaching me how to do them myself and offering tips to make the jobs easier.

I also learned by doing. I took vinyl covered kitchen chairs with tears or rips apart to reupholster them. I learned to use wood putty and sandpaper to repairs nicks in wood. A different type of putty is available to fill picture holes on walls. Instructions on using products are on the containers. One of the easiest renovations I have made was to kitchen cabinets. I cover them with woodgrain contact paper. It is an expensive, easy way to give your kitchen a new look.

Tip: Remove drawer and door handles by unscrewing them from inside the drawer or cabinet. After covering the outer side, it is easy to poke a hole and reattach the handles. If budget allows, you'll find a wide variety of replacements at places like Home Depot.

Not all men are the Mr.-Fix-It-Type, but I've found that if you ask a man that enjoys home repairs and renovations for advice, they will happily give you tips on how to do the job. Three valuable tips I have learned from men when doing it myself have been:

#1 Measure twice and cut once.
#2 If an electrical appliance isn't working, check to be sure it is plugged into the socket.
#3 Do not be afraid to try a repair. If you screw up, you can always call a repair person later.

Happy fixing!

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