Gardenarian
5-12-11, 7:59pm
My DIY skills are not the greatest. Are there any handy-persons out there who can give me some tips on how I can learn about home maintenance?
I can install light fixtures, paint, do decorating stuff like hanging blinds and drapes, and I'm fairly handy with a saw and hammer (can build a compost bin or raised bed, anyhow) - but I'm pretty helpless when it comes to plumbing, electrical, and practically everything else.
For example, we want to replace the carpet in one room with tile. The floor is not level (maybe 5 inches off) and is cement. I'd also like to replace the vinyl in the powder room and bath that adjoins that room. No idea where to begin!
Also, see my post about the swing set. I have found some galvanized pipe (the kind used for fencing) but it's not threaded, and I'm concerned that hanging weight (i.e. 2 kids) from a pole that has a join in it won't be safe. It's not the kind of stuff I can google or find in books or on youtube - because the problems are usually very specific to my situation.
I've tried too many projects on a trial and error basis - the learning curve is pretty steep!
Should I hire someone and help them out (learn by doing)? There are a lot of jobs on our 70 year old place that need taking care of, and I hate the idea of paying someone to do them all. There don't seem to be any courses offered on this sort of thing. I guess most people picked this stuff up from their parents??
I really would love to become more self sufficient! (And be able to pass ome skills down to dd.)
I can install light fixtures, paint, do decorating stuff like hanging blinds and drapes, and I'm fairly handy with a saw and hammer (can build a compost bin or raised bed, anyhow) - but I'm pretty helpless when it comes to plumbing, electrical, and practically everything else.
For example, we want to replace the carpet in one room with tile. The floor is not level (maybe 5 inches off) and is cement. I'd also like to replace the vinyl in the powder room and bath that adjoins that room. No idea where to begin!
Also, see my post about the swing set. I have found some galvanized pipe (the kind used for fencing) but it's not threaded, and I'm concerned that hanging weight (i.e. 2 kids) from a pole that has a join in it won't be safe. It's not the kind of stuff I can google or find in books or on youtube - because the problems are usually very specific to my situation.
I've tried too many projects on a trial and error basis - the learning curve is pretty steep!
Should I hire someone and help them out (learn by doing)? There are a lot of jobs on our 70 year old place that need taking care of, and I hate the idea of paying someone to do them all. There don't seem to be any courses offered on this sort of thing. I guess most people picked this stuff up from their parents??
I really would love to become more self sufficient! (And be able to pass ome skills down to dd.)