New Home, Dont know much about typical repairs?

Question

We just bought a home and I was wondring if anyone knows of any good books for the handyman of the house. Im no Bob Villa but I want to be able to handle the fixable things that come with home ownership to save money

Answer 1

Aside from experience, if I was you, I'd go to the LIBRARY, thats right, I said it, LIBRARY!!!!

Yeah yeah yeah, I know, tons of books tons of books. Actually think about it. You go there, look up books on home repairs, etc... check em out. Figure out which ones you wanna BUY, then go to yer local Lowes, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc... and buy the book. Taa Daa now its yers to keep.

Also, you got cable or satellite right? Watch these two channels DIY and HGTV. A wealth of knowledge,a nd if you got a DVR or Tivo... well... hey all the better. Get it?

Another thing you can do is to go to www.DIYnet.com or www.HGTV.com tons of ideas and episodes you can look up, especially when it comes to home repair. I feel like DIY has a show on at least once a week about what to do around yer house each season.

Best of luck....

Answer 2

The internet is my favorite source of home repair advice. I like DIY network's website and HGTV. I like Bob Villa's and a site called Your New House. You will enjoy repairing and maintaining your home. Not only will you save money, but you will have pride of ownership. Just do some research before taking on a major project and don't worry too much if you make a mistake. My biggest headaches always come with plumbing repairs. If I could add one thing - try to ask around and find a good electrician, plumber and heating/ac repairman before you need one. Ask your neighbors who they would recommend. These repairmen will come in handy if you have an emergency and you will have piece of mind knowing you can trust them to do a good job and not rip you off

Answer 3

All good answers! I would add that HGTVPro.com is an excellent site for builders and other tradespeople, that the average person can usually find helpful. Reading from a book is fine, but if you're more visually oriented, then the "kits" (mini-videos) at DIY.com are very helpful...or a book w/more pictures. For just everyday problems, posting here, or on the forums at HGTV.com can be quite helpful. Also, ask friends and relatives who are used to fixing things.

Answer 4

when we wbought our first home, besides calling my father-in-law everytime something went wrong, we didn't have aclue what to do. the internet can be an amazing resource. i also bought a 1-2-3 series home repair book at home depot that is excellent; has easy to follow instructions; tool list; and a lot more info. it was only $15. there is whole line of books like this, for electrical, plumbing, etc. good luck and don' t be intimidated! (i've pasted a link to a tiling book on the home depot site so you can see what they look like.)

Answer 5

There are several good websites such as diy.net that have instuctions on how to do simple to complex repairs. I have found the local Home Depot or Lowes to be the best source of free information. They have flyers and usually someone that can tell you how to do the work you just have to find them and ask. They also carry many home improvement books.

Answer 6

the handyman club of america has a good series of home help books.

Answer 7

They sell a lot of do it your self books at LOWES, HOME DEPOT; etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 8

There are some great websites that'll be helpful to you.

http://www.doityourself.com/
http://www.howstuffworks.com/index.htm
http://www.bobvila.com/
http://www.hgtv.com/
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/pg_index.jsp?CNTTYPE=NAVIGATION&CNTKEY=pg_index.jsp&m=1174679618234