Six Tips to Doing Your Own Home Repairs While Saving Money and Building Self Worth
I moved from an apartment to a house and the house didn’t come with a washer and dryer. All I had was my Kenmore convertible washer which had seen better days. It was time for a new washer and a dryer too. The problem was that the faucet hookups in the washer-dryer area of my new home were foreign to me. It looked like a part or parts were missing. Yet, I suspected that it wasn’t a complicated repair and I didn’t want to call a plumber, knowing their costly fees.
I took a photo of the faucets and brought it to my local Menards, known for it’s do-it-yourself supplies. I showed my photo to the salesman, and we agreed that it looked like one of the faucets needed a turn handle. He ushered me over to the bin with handles, I happily picked one out and was looking forward to successfully fixing this issue myself.
It was a pretty red handle but it still didn’t do the trick. Something else was missing but I didn’t know what. Stumped, I called a plumber and this cost over $100.
When it came time to install a new central air conditioner after the old one died one hot summer, I called a HVAC company and they installed a new one for a pretty penny. In the process of examining the ductwork in my house, one of the men noticed the loud sound coming from the large vent near the kitchen. He asked me about it and I told him that when I had my furnace replaced years ago, they were supposed to supply me with a new vent screen to eliminate the noise problem. Even though I followed up with them, they never got back to me. I tried finding one on my own but when it got to be a hassle, I gave up. On the spot, he took out his needle-nose pliers and began adjusting the vent slots, opening them up gently, one by one. I was amazed at how easily he corrected the problem. I had withstood the loud, irritating noise from that vent for years. I was mad at myself for not figuring out that simple solution myself and I vowed then and there to not let any home repair intimidate me again.
Here Are My Tips
1. Let there be light! My washer faucets were in a dark area and even though taking photos of them helped, more and better light would have helped me figure out what the problem was. Make sure you can see clearly with plenty of light.
2. Go to more than one hardware/do-it-yourself store. I gave up after just going to one store with my washer/faucet problem. I have since found two other stores nearby with very helpful salesmen who have helped me find parts to repair other problems. Don’t throw in the towel too soon.
3. Check the library. Your library shelves do-it-yourself books that can be very helpful. Even if they don’t completely resolve your particular issue, they can help you understand the problem better.
4. Search online. You’d be surprised what instructional help you can find online regarding home repairs. I fixed my toilet reading instructions from an online website!
5. Don’t be too gentle. I guess being a woman I’m afraid I’m going to break something. Don’t be afraid. Sometimes you need brute strength to fix repairs around the house. I speak from experience. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my brute strength that solved an issue, it was another call to a plumber.
6. Exhaust all possibilities. I had a kitchen sink faucet that dripped. I learned from my research that it was a simple repair: it needed a new, cheap, washer. However, I could not remove the faucet handle to get to the old washer. I tried everything to remove it (or so I thought): hot water, vinegar, a hammer. Nothing I did worked. So, I called a plumber. He tried various ways and nothing worked until he took out a blowtorch! I didn’t feel so bad when I saw that he had to bring out the “big guns”! Surprisingly, I didn’t need a new faucet after it was blowtorched! It was still shiny and unharmed. Review Tip #5.
It Isn’t Just About the Money
Everyone is trying to save money these days, but these tips are more than just a way to save money. Making home repairs yourself is self-esteem boosting. I get a high that lasts when I tackle a home repair and fix it myself. Don’t underestimate your own resourcefulness. The happiness I get from doing my own repairs, not to mention the pride I feel, is worth more than money. Try it and see for yourself.
