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Save Time and Money on Home Repairs and Projects |
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Save time and money on your home repairs and projects. I do not suggest that you try to do the job of an Electrician or Plumber. I am however suggesting you consider doing some of your own home repairs and projects, like caulking a tub, shower, installing a dimmer switch or fixing a garbage disposal before you call a handyman to fix it for you.
You could save time and money instead of calling a professional for a quote to perform the work. If you are considering some larger repairs or projects in your home, you may want to tackle some of the smaller ones yourself. Many professionals have a service charge just to tell you the problem. Once the problem is diagnosed, usually you schedule another appointment to have the work completed days or weeks later.
Stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot recognize that people want to know how to do certain types of repairs and projects on their on their own. Both stores offer online and in store "do it yourself" workshops weekly.
Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/) offers tips on how to troubleshoot an electrical problem or install cabinet doors. The website offers more than 150 home improvement projects with tips and ideas. There are in store clinics and online workshops available (http://www.homedepotclinics.com/) for projects including: tips on how to manage your lawn, how to install flooring and painting.
Lowes (http://www.lowes.com/) allows you to sign up for email newsletters. They also offer tips on how to make simple toilet repair and how install a ceiling fan. Lowe's also offers in store workshops to learn how to: update your bathroom, install hardwood floors and install crown molding.
Check the web site and your local stores to know what is offered as they may vary by location, days and demand. If you do not see a topic you desire you may check at your local store to see if the topic will be available online or in the store any time in the near future.
Determine if you have the knowledge and especially the tools before you try to complete any repair or project yourself. Also determine if you are comfortable doing the work yourself. These three factors should quickly help you make a decision.
I decided to install dimmer switches in my kitchen and dining room, where there are recessed lights. I found the switches I wanted. I checked the package for the necessary parts and tools I needed. While installing the first dimmer, I ran into a problem with the lights that had double switches. Fortunately there was an 800 # for the manufacturer. I called the number and a Representative in the technical support department answered my questions within minutes.
Had I called the Electrician, I probably would have paid been charged $80 per hour for about two hours worth of work. It took me under 50 minutes to install both switches.
Below are a list of repairs and projects that you could complete on your own. Remember to consult a professional if you are unsure of the tools or how to complete a repair or project.
- Caulking - bathtubs, showers, window sills, door jambs, stringers on stairs
- Painting - rusted porch railings or mailboxes, touch up paint and front doors
- Plumbing - unclogging a toilet or drain, changing the sink or shower fixtures, resetting or unclogging a garbage disposal
- Yard Work - cutting grass, edging up around sidewalks and driveways, applying new mulch, trimming or cutting bushes and trees
- Installations - microwaves, wall shelves, blinds, tool racks and crown molding
The following websites also have tips for projects:
The next time, you have a project or repair, consider doing it yourself first. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also teach you how to complete a repair or project if necessary when a professional is not available. If you do hire a professional, having completed a project in will provide you with a better understanding of how much time the project may take.
About the Author
Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson is from Reston, Virginia and has lived in the Washington Metro Area since 1976. She earned a BA degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Limited consent to preprint or republish this report may be posted, reprinted, emailed or faxed as long as the copyright and credit reflect "Courtesy of Jennifer V-E Johnson, Reston Expert and WashMetroHomes.com Real Estate."
VA Real Estate Broker, Reston, Fairfax County - Firm License
(#0226 021519) and Individual License (#0225 083246)
Circulated by WashMetroHomes.com
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