| May 3 @ 1:08 PM |
Home Improvements
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Makya
Posts: 1,131
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I have bought a Home Improvement For Dummies Book. I was so used to waiting around for my husband to do home repairs, that when he left, I was kinda stuck. I don't really know anything about repairing things around the house, and as such, found myself frequently calling him to come fix something.
That was a problem in itself. I would want him gone the minute he was done, and he always took it as an oppurtunity to linger. I had to stop it, so I turned to my brothers for help. They were more than happy to help as they didn't want me asking my ex for so much as a dime anyway.
Thing is, the two brothers who always got me the help are now incarcerated.
Hence the home improvement book. I am getting a set of tools today to keep in the house for any basic repairs that my book and I can handle, and have recently found a contractor whose work and prices I like for the big stuff.
So, my questions to you (especially the ladies) how handy are you around the house?
What projects have you completed, have in the works, or are about to tackle?
Today I am going to put in a new toilet and paint my bathroom.
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| May 3 @ 1:18 PM |
Home Improvements |
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TiNkErGrRrRrR
Posts: 13,792
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Learned long ago that if I didn`t learn to do something myself It wouldn`t get done..
I can do anything if I set my mind to it...doesn`t matter what it is..I can do it if I try..
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| May 3 @ 1:24 PM |
Home Improvements
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 16,241
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I'm learning....I have put together a computer desk with my 16 yr old daughters help and believe me.....I needed help! The directions were not user friendly at all, but I felt really proud when it was completed! 
I might have to get that book for myself Makya.......I need all the help I can get! 
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| May 3 @ 1:33 PM |
Home Improvements |
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capobeachguy
Posts: 3,663
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Don't forget the internet. You can find a myriad of do-it-yourself articles on the 'net using your favorite search engine.
Also, web sites such as HGTV and DIYNET have many articles as do Home Depot and Lowes.
As a last resort, you could post a question here in the forums!!! 
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| May 3 @ 1:34 PM |
Home Improvements
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Gallows_Humor
Posts: 8,063
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why does.... insert square peg "a" into round hole "b" come to mind ??
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| May 3 @ 1:44 PM |
Home Improvements |
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beckyiv42000
Posts: 12,083
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There are a few handywomen on this site (Sunny springs to mind) and a lot who will try to repair anything themselves first .. 
I do 99.99 % of my own repairs on my house and on my sisters house along with 99.99% of my own automotive repairs ...
heres a sample of what I did a few years ago ..
took out the lava rocks and put in an automated sprinkler system (front and back) put in sod and an orange tree and did some brickwork on the side of the driveway
before
paint sprinkler system grass tree brickwork == after
right now I still have work to do on my sisters backyard ... the sprinkler system is in... now just waiting till the patio cover is done (helped on that too cut 400+ wedges for the roof ) and then maybe we can put sod in eventually it will get finished ... its hard coordinating with my nephew tho
so yeah just a bit of home improvement repairs going on
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| May 3 @ 1:52 PM |
Home Improvements
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Jalon
Posts: 902
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Capo has made an excellent point! I've found plenty of online resources to help with things around the house.
I've fixed two small problems with my toilet and wired a light fixture in the dining room with online instruction!
My projects right now include painting my hallway and loads of outdoor work, which includes a drainage and regrading project. I was able to search landscaping/drainage contractors through servicemagic.com (kinda like a craigs or angies list) to find local contractors with reviews from real customers. I had also found an incredible hardwood floor refinisher through servicemagic...everyone raves about my floor when they walk in. 
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| May 3 @ 1:55 PM |
Home Improvements |
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Brass_Wolf
Posts: 681
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A simple warning when attempting home improvements. Electricity, water and disturbed allergens (asbetos, mold) have the biggest potential for causing collateral damage in a project. Approach with care.
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| May 3 @ 2:00 PM |
Home Improvements
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Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 15,360
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servicemagic...
Another satisfied customer here. Basic fixit stuff (toilets, sinks, simple plumbing, hanging shades and blinds and such) I can manage myself, but some things need a professional or at least experience that I don't have (welding springs to mind as a friend is currently doing some welding for me as I type)...if I were really smart I'd ask him to teach me but I guess I'm really not that ambitious.
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| May 3 @ 2:03 PM |
Home Improvements |
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signme
Posts: 9,605
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When I had my first mobile home, a friend and I skirted it with tin. Then I pulled up the carpeting in the middle bedroom and put tile down as it was going to be the litter box room for the cats. Later, when I was ready to sell that mobile, I repainted the living room and kitchen and tore up the living room carpeting and put a really pretty tile down. Almost made me want to stay! I moved into my mom's mobile after she died. Tore up the carpeting in the middle bedroom again and tiled it for the litter box room. I recovered the ramp myself with indoor/outdoor carpet. I've recovered a cat tree that a friend's husband made for my cats. I don't do so well with plumbing though, so usually have to call a plumber. I love anything to do with the yard.
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| May 3 @ 2:06 PM |
Home Improvements
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katydid438
Posts: 6,787
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I usually hire people for heavy or high work (laying patio stones/trimming trees) I own a lot of tools and try to fix what I can myself.
Mayka,,,actually thinking about replacing the toilet myself,,,have been googling instuctions.
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| May 3 @ 2:09 PM |
Home Improvements |
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kattsmeow
Posts: 21,280
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I have to say, it is the lifting part I have the biggest problem with. Some where, some how I have damaged either my arms, or shoulders. I even have a hard time raising my arms above my head to clean the blinds.
Other wise, give me a hammer, ( or butterknife) and a couple of wrenches and I can do the small stuff.
I have drained a water heater and put new elements in it, I have fixed small problems on my cars, ( the older ones that is) and drains.
Leaky faucets, and all that.
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| May 3 @ 2:13 PM |
Home Improvements
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 16,241
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I have unclogged sinks by takng all the pipes apart, hung blinds and am learning more things as I go. Sometimes i get frustrated but I try and keep trying.....I especially am having fun doing the yard work, pruning, etc. But then I love to learn new things... 
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| May 3 @ 2:23 PM |
Home Improvements |
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Jalon
Posts: 902
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D'oh! I forgot all about hanging blinds! I'm an expert now but recommend a really powerful drill for that project! They don't make wood like my window frames anymore! 
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| May 3 @ 2:29 PM |
Home Improvements
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signme
Posts: 9,605
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Oh right, I've done the blinds and curtains also. I have my own small electric drill and other tools. I've also put together bookcases, stools and helped put my computer desk together (the guy I was dating then did most of it, plus set up the computer for me). I've varnished wood furniture, but I really like the unpainted wood look for some reason, so usually just spray a clear acryllic on those pieces to keep the unpainted look. I've also done caulking and temporarily fixed a crack in one of my windows. (Evenutually I'll have to get it replaced but so far so good.)
And I invented a long-handled pooper scooper to use after my hip surgeries! It's wonderful what you can do with dowel sticks and duct tape!! 
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| May 3 @ 3:00 PM |
Home Improvements |
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Jalon
Posts: 902
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Ug! Caulking! I need to do it again! I used clear as my shower is tiled with darker stone tiles and I just don't think it's as sturdy. 
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| May 3 @ 3:21 PM |
Home Improvements
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Loreli
Posts: 20,319
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I do simple home repairs, gardening. But I started learning finish carpentry from my ex and became anamored with the nail gun 
However....table saw cutting angles on stair edges....no way!
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| May 3 @ 3:31 PM |
Home Improvements |
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 16,241
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Ohhhhhh......I want an "electric" drill
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| May 3 @ 3:35 PM |
Home Improvements
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Makya
Posts: 1,131
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I can do caulking, hang sheet rock, do the spackling and things like that. Lor, I hate that loud a*s nail gun, and my baby is terrified of it
But working on pipes and electric, never did it before.
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| May 3 @ 3:36 PM |
Home Improvements |
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Silvertongue62
Posts: 6,932
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Call me! I'll walk you through just about anything in your home. I'm not a cheapskate or anything I just like doing things myself. For me its relaxing to fix broke stuff. From the roof to the basement I enjoy it as long as I have time.
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