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As someone who is independent, I try to do as much around the house as I can. I don’t mean housework or laundry; I mean things like unclogging the toilet and putting up shelves. I try to stay as independent as possible to save money and so that I don’t have to be subjected to someone else’s time schedule.
But most of these require certain skills I’ve never learned. I haven’t used an electric snake, or a toilet auger. I have put up shelves which is difficult to do by yourself.
I used to change my own oil and filter until they made it so that you needed a car lift to accomplish this task. Now that I have an electric vehicle, I no longer have to worry about that.
My question to the talented group of Humble Dollar (HD) readers is this:
However, I found this interesting: 12 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never, Ever DIYhttps://www.rd.com/list/diy-home-improvement-projects/
I don’t agree with some of the items on this list. It all boils down to your training and/or skill level. All home repair or maintenance projects should be approached with a plan and ample time to complete the job.
The machine that has saved me the most money is my lawn mower. I estimate it saves me well over $1,000 each year, and a new generation electric one with two batteries saves even more. (Do your own fertilizing and weed prevention, too. It is easy once you know the calendar.) Next, a good power drill is easily the #2 tool. (Both wired and battery have their place.) I have a garage wall full of tools, but it is the knowledge of when and how to use each one that is most valuable. “The right tool for the job” is a 100% correct maxim. You won’t really need big tools like a table saw or jig saw unless woodwork is your passion. I don’t buy a new tool unless I see that the value in a particular project will pay for the tool. Even one use can make it worthwhile to buy. Over a lifetime, the basics – good quality screwdrivers, wrenches and clamps, hammers, razors and cutting tools, paint brushes, and a good selection of screws, nuts and bolts and small things like that – all prove invaluable. A level, for example, isn’t used much, but having it when you need it is essential, like hanging pictures. When you do a project, you want to see it was done carefully, instead of being reminded of your mistakes. The most important skill? Being methodical and careful, researching and planning things out, measuring carefully twice or more, and not feeling rushed. I leave electricity and plumbing to professionals – the mistakes there can be costly or even dangerous. Also, water is a home’s worst enemy. Never let a water issue go unresolved.
There are lots of “how to” videos on the internet. Watching some helped us with very simple domestic repairs. And putting together some flat-pack, ready-to-assemble furniture.
Of course having mechanically minded children and daughters/sons-in-law is the most helpful.
It’s Win-Win! We get to watch our grandkids while they do the work!
Your questions reminded me of two quotes from Bernard Baruch:
“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” – So, use the right tool. Sometimes that tool is using the phone to call the pro.
“During my eighty-seven years I have witnessed a whole succession of technological revolutions. But none of them has done away with the need for character in the individual or the ability to think.” – I have a friend that is an ER nurse who has