Home maintenance is often a necessity and can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there are certain repairs that are best left to professionals.
These include plumbing work, electrical wiring and building large projects such as cabinets and decks. So if you have no previous experience in these fields, it may be best to seek an apprenticeship or take a class at a vocational school or community college.
Beginner
If you’re just starting out in home ownership, it may be time to learn a few essential home repair skills. Not only will it save you money, but learning these skills is also a great way to make your house safer.
The key is to start with easy tasks and go slow! Don’t try to tackle a project that could lead to further damage or increase the cost of fixing it.
Once they’ve learned the basics, you can introduce them to more difficult projects. Painting a room, replacing a towel rack or re-caulking a bathtub are all good places to start.
Many retailers offer classes on a variety of home repairs, often for free. Be sure to check your local store’s website or calendar for upcoming classes. These are a great way to learn about DIY home repair and can be a fun way for the whole family to get involved. Keeping your home in tip-top shape is easier and more affordable than you think!
Intermediate
Home repair skills at the intermediate level typically encompass all of the beginner’s knowledge plus some additional experience with a range of power tools. You may also have an introductory understanding of how to handle electrical and plumbing systems, which can be a boon for those who plan on remodeling their homes or for those who need to replace or upgrade an existing system.
These skills often straddle the fine line between beginner and expert, with ever-changing factors such as timing, budget, physical strength or ability to round up assistants tipping the scale in either direction. For example, removing wallpaper might be at the intermediate level, while replacing a toilet is an expert-level project. However, it’s important to note that even the most proficient do-it-yourselfer should never attempt any project he or she is not completely comfortable with, especially when safety and efficiency are paramount. The best way to ensure a successful and safe project is to enlist the assistance of professionals who are licensed in their field.
Expert
If you have the ability to perform a wide range of tasks related to home repairs and remodeling projects, you’re an expert. You may be a homeowner who has been repairing and renovating your house for years, or you’re a do-it-yourselfer who is interested in pursuing more ambitious tasks to hone your skills.
As with beginner and intermediate skill levels, expert home repair skills are characterized by the willingness to push yourself and your equipment beyond what you’ve done before. This includes projects that require the use of specialized tools or that pose safety concerns for you or your property. You can usually perform most repairs that are common for a home owner at this level, but you will need to be careful to weigh the cost of a project against the risk of injury or additional damage. If a project is too difficult for you to complete safely, it’s time to call in a professional to handle the work for you.
Self-taught
Having the skills to keep your home in tip top shape is a great way to save money and improve your quality of life. Some maintenance tasks, like changing a light bulb or installing a new sink, can be done yourself or by someone you know with a bit of practice and some basic tools. On the other hand, you may be better off hiring a professional if you’re a novice in the home improvement field. The best part is that there are many online and in-person resources aplenty to help you find the best home improvement services for your needs.