Homeowner needs help! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

JohnnyRock · 09-24-2003, 12:51 PM

Hi,

I am one of the least handy people in the world. I grew up in an apartment and had supers to handle all the little--and big--things.

Now I own a house in the Burbs and want to do some stuff around the house [tired of paying for pros for everyhing]. I realize that there are some jobs I'll never be able to handle but, what are some of the best reference books, sites, etc. to help a loser like me learn how to handle the small-to-medium jobs [like ceiling fan installation, small driveway repair, etc.] or even learn where to start?

Thanks!!!

troit · 09-24-2003, 12:56 PM

try www.hgtv.com or www.diynet.com and simply comduct a search for the project you'd like to try.

fhqwhgads · 09-24-2003, 01:18 PM

The Home Depot repair book is pretty good. It's called Home Improvement 1-2-3. It covers a lot of simple repairs/builds. Good luck...

mtsgsd · 09-25-2003, 07:40 AM

black and decker has a good series too. In fact, I'd say that the B&D books are better because there are separate books for each subject, yielding better detail. Still, I've had a use for both.

LewisCouch · 09-25-2003, 08:02 AM

I am not a proponent of Home Depot (I prefer Lowes), however, they do offer seminars on many different aspects of home improvement. Also, there is no better way to learn than just diving in. For instance, installing a ceiling fan requires few skills, just common sense, the correct hardware and the ability to follow directions. Good luck, you are embarking on what at times will seem a never ending journey.

jbrooks544 · 09-26-2003, 06:03 AM

I don' t like him too much but the site is ok

bobvila.com

to to "ask a question" and go to the "fix it forum" for great advise.

Also, the site has some decent references and how to videos, etc.

Not a plug - I just participate in the forum there, since I'm an ex-carpenter/builder/cabinet maker/etc.

Don't try to takle something that if you screw it up you will REDUCE the value of your house and then need pros to come in and fix it. Like kitchen.

JohnnyRock · 09-26-2003, 06:57 AM

Thanks, everyone, for the great tips.

And jbrooks544, don't worry, I'm not trying anything too big at all. I'll always defer to a pro when a job seems too big.

[

mtsgsd · 09-26-2003, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbrooks544
Don't try to takle something that if you screw it up you will REDUCE the value of your house and then need pros to come in and fix it.

Or you could do like the former owners of my house did and just cover it up. They tried to sand the hardwood floors and screwed it up real bad in two ways: first they put divots everywhere, and generally made it worse, and then after deciding to lay carpet, they screwed down the hardwood floor with drywall screws to take squeeks out. Everywhere.

At least I'm able to fix it myself.

Modo · 09-29-2003, 02:28 PM

  There are good books out there from Lowes, Home Depot and Menards but before I bought anything I'd go to the public library and look at what there is. There is a wealth of free information at librarys. Then you could buy a book if you still need to. I've learned everything from masonary/brick laying to house wiring from library books, free.

edmos1 · 10-02-2003, 08:17 AM

Good info, I am recently in a new house, and while little handy had landlords take care of most things.
Thanks

Dano069 · 10-02-2003, 09:01 AM

Time-Life used to have a series of home repair books. They were quite good and didn't techno-speak you to death. They helped me repair my first house. Don't know if they're still available though.

JohnnyRock · 10-02-2003, 12:27 PM

I remember the commercials for those time-life books...I will check into them too. Thanks!

alaskaguy · 10-15-2003, 11:56 AM

lowes.com has some good how to instructions on their site.

viejo gringo · 10-20-2003, 08:15 PM

Most of the time it just comes down to good common sence...
and don't be afraid to try----just remember

You can fix everything but a broken heart...and those
you just have to kiss and make it feel better..

09-24-2003, 12:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
JohnnyRock Addict Location: Taxachussetts	Homeowner needs help! Hi, I am one of the least handy people in the world. I grew up in an apartment and had supers to handle all the little--and big--things. Now I own a house in the Burbs and want to do some stuff around the house [tired of paying for pros for everyhing]. I realize that there are some jobs I'll never be able to handle but, what are some of the best reference books, sites, etc. to help a loser like me learn how to handle the small-to-medium jobs [like ceiling fan installation, small driveway repair, etc.] or even learn where to start? Thanks!!! __________________ Not only do I not know the answer...I don't even know what the question is!!!

09-24-2003, 12:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
troit Transfer Agent Location: NYC	try www.hgtv.com or www.diynet.com and simply comduct a search for the project you'd like to try. __________________ I've yet to dephile myself...

09-25-2003, 08:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
LewisCouch Insane Location: Pacific NW	I am not a proponent of Home Depot (I prefer Lowes), however, they do offer seminars on many different aspects of home improvement. Also, there is no better way to learn than just diving in. For instance, installing a ceiling fan requires few skills, just common sense, the correct hardware and the ability to follow directions. Good luck, you are embarking on what at times will seem a never ending journey. __________________ "The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk." -- Massimo d'Azeglio

09-26-2003, 06:57 AM	#7 (permalink)
JohnnyRock Addict Location: Taxachussetts	Thanks, everyone, for the great tips. And jbrooks544, don't worry, I'm not trying anything too big at all. I'll always defer to a pro when a job seems too big. [ __________________ Not only do I not know the answer...I don't even know what the question is!!!

10-02-2003, 09:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
Dano069 is Nucking Futs! Location: On the edge of sanity	Time-Life Time-Life used to have a series of home repair books. They were quite good and didn't techno-speak you to death. They helped me repair my first house. Don't know if they're still available though. __________________ I may look attentive, but I'm taking peeks down your blouse faster than the human eye can follow.

09-24-2003, 01:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	The Home Depot repair book is pretty good. It's called Home Improvement 1-2-3. It covers a lot of simple repairs/builds. Good luck...

09-25-2003, 07:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
mtsgsd Addict Location: Wisconsin, USA	black and decker has a good series too. In fact, I'd say that the B&D books are better because there are separate books for each subject, yielding better detail. Still, I've had a use for both.

09-26-2003, 06:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
jbrooks544 Addict	I don' t like him too much but the site is ok bobvila.com to to "ask a question" and go to the "fix it forum" for great advise. Also, the site has some decent references and how to videos, etc. Not a plug - I just participate in the forum there, since I'm an ex-carpenter/builder/cabinet maker/etc. Don't try to takle something that if you screw it up you will REDUCE the value of your house and then need pros to come in and fix it. Like kitchen.

09-29-2003, 02:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Modo delusional Location: USA half way between East and West	There are good books out there from Lowes, Home Depot and Menards but before I bought anything I'd go to the public library and look at what there is. There is a wealth of free information at librarys. Then you could buy a book if you still need to. I've learned everything from masonary/brick laying to house wiring from library books, free.

10-02-2003, 08:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
edmos1 Daddy Location: Right next door to Hell	Good info, I am recently in a new house, and while little handy had landlords take care of most things. Thanks

10-02-2003, 12:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
JohnnyRock Addict Location: Taxachussetts	I remember the commercials for those time-life books...I will check into them too. Thanks! __________________ Not only do I not know the answer...I don't even know what the question is!!!

10-15-2003, 11:56 AM	#13 (permalink)
alaskaguy Upright Location: anchorage, alaska us	lowes.com has some good how to instructions on their site.

10-20-2003, 08:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
viejo gringo Registered User Location: Deep South Texas	Most of the time it just comes down to good common sence... and don't be afraid to try----just remember You can fix everything but a broken heart...and those you just have to kiss and make it feel better..