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  • Writer's pictureLifetime Quality Roofing

How To Learn Helpful Handy Skills For Your Home

Updated: Jul 18

In today's world, being handy around the house is a valuable skill. It can save you money on repairs and maintenance, and it can also be a great way to bond with your family and friends. Becoming a handyperson isn't easy, but there are many things that you can learn along the way. Here are some tips to help you get started:


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Getting Started

1. Start with the basics. If you're new to being handy, it's important to start with the basics. Learn how to use a hammer, screwdriver, and drill. These are essential tools that you'll need for most projects. It’s also helpful to invest in these basic tools if you don’t have any. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use them, even for simple tasks, like changing out batteries. Mr Fixit DIY has a helpful list of some basic tools.


2. Read instructions carefully. Whenever you're starting a new DIY home project, be sure to read the instructions carefully. This will help you avoid making mistakes and will make the home project go more smoothly. If the instructions seem unclear, chances are that they were unclear for other people as well. Call the manufacturer for clarification, or look for an online forum to see how others solved the problem.


3. Take your time. Don't rush through DIY projects. Rushing can lead to mistakes, and it can also be dangerous. Most DIY projects fail due to rushing. Always follow the rule “measure twice, cut once.” It’s also best to start out with small DIY projects rather than jumping head first into big ones. Practical and Fine gives a list of some small home projects to tackle.


4. Ask for help. If you're not sure how to do something, don't be afraid to ask for help. There's no shame in admitting that you need assistance. Family, friends, and neighbors are good sources of information. If you aren’t comfortable seeking out someone you know for help, then check online. There are videos for everything on YouTube, and they can be a helpful tool in visualizing what needs to be done.


5. Practice makes perfect. The more you work on handy projects, the better you'll become at them. So, don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get the hang of it. You should start practicing now by doing some simple tasks around your home. This will help you learn how to work with tools and materials. It's also a good idea to practice on things that aren't too expensive so you won't break anything.


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Build Confidence


When it comes to DIY home projects, many of us lack the confidence to get started. We may be worried about making mistakes, not knowing what we are doing, or just not having the time to complete the home project. Whatever the reason, a lack of confidence can hold us back from tackling important home improvement projects. Here are a few tips to help you increase confidence when working on DIY projects around the house:


1. Do your research. Before starting any DIY project, it is important to do your research. Read articles, watch videos, or talk to someone who has experience with the project you are trying to complete. This will help you understand the steps involved and give you the confidence you need to get started.


2. Take your time. Rushing into a DIY project can lead to mistakes and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Take your time and work at a pace that is comfortable for you. This will help you avoid making mistakes and will allow you to enjoy the process. Just remember that not everything has to be done all at once and to go at your own pace. Nothing harms confidence more than trying once and failing, so just remember that learning any new skill takes time.


3. Ask for help. There is no shame in admitting that you need help. If you are feeling stuck, reach out to a friend or family member who can offer assistance. Having someone to help you will not only increase your confidence but will also help you get the job done faster. Connecting with others can help put in perspective that we all don’t have the answers right away. Chances are whoever you reach out to has been in your position before.


4. Break the DIY project into smaller tasks. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the size of the DIY project, break it down into smaller tasks. Completing one small task at a time will make the DIY project feel more manageable and will help you stay focused. Don’t be afraid to write it out and check off each task you complete.


5. Reward yourself. After you complete a task, take a few minutes to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you feel good about your progress and will give you the motivation to keep going. If you’re comfortable in doing so, then share your accomplishments with others. Connecting with others over your DIY projects can be fulfilling and confidence boosting.


Increasing confidence when working on DIY home projects is important for getting the job done right. By taking the time to do your research, asking for help, and breaking the DIY project down into smaller tasks, you can increase your confidence and get the job done.

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to any decision we make and home repair is no different. Weighing the pros and cons of whether to tackle a home repair project on your own or hire a professional can help you decide what is best for you, your home, and your wallet. Read this article by PlyGem for an in depth look at how to decide whether to DIY or call a professional.


Pros:

1. You can save money. Labor is usually the most expensive part of any home repair project. If you are able to do the work yourself, you can save a significant amount of money. Plus, little issues tend to accrue, like a broken faucet or light. The more you can take care of yourself, the less you have to hire somebody to come out.


2. You have control over the DIY project. When you are the one doing the work, you can control the quality and the timeline. You don’t have to worry about whether the work will be done to your standards or if it will be finished on time.


3. You can learn new skills. Many people enjoy the challenge of learning new skills. Tackling a home repair project on your own can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. It can also give you a way to connect with others that are doing the same DIY projects.


4. You can take your time. There is no rush when you are working on a DIY project by yourself. If you need to take a break, you can. You can also work on the DIY project when it is convenient for you.


Cons:

1. You may not have the experience or expertise. Home repair projects can be complicated. If you don’t have the experience or expertise, you may not be able to do the job correctly. This could end up costing you more money in the long run.


2. You could end up injuring yourself. Home repair projects can be dangerous. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could end up injuring yourself or someone else. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re using dangerous tools and need specific safety wear.


3. You could damage your home. If you make a mistake while working on a home repair project, you could end up damaging your home. This could decrease the value of your home or make it more difficult to sell in the future. Professionals go through training in order to understand the ins and outs of the job. They’ll be better prepared for anything that pops up.


4. You could end up taking longer than expected. Home repair projects often take longer than we anticipate. If you are working on a home project by yourself, you may not be able to finish it as quickly as you had hoped. Besides, when hiring a professional, you can just kick back and relax.


Young hands and older hands lovingly hold a little blue house with four windows against a neutral background

Should I DIY?

More than ever, being able to do things around the house is a valuable skill. With the high cost of living, it’s never been more important to be able to save money where you can. Many people are surprised to find that they can save hundreds of dollars each year simply by learning how to do things themselves. So if you’ve been wanting to learn how to be handy, there’s no time like the present. Get started today and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can learn.


For big home projects, like roof repair, it’s always better to have a professional come out. With little home projects, fixing DIY repairs have smaller costs, but big home project mistakes will cost you big time. It’s also just safer to hire a professional for this kind of work. If you live in Columbus, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Dallas, TX, or Tampa, FL, then call Lifetime Quality Roofing for a free roof inspection today!


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