Home Repair for Beginners

There are a lot of fixes that home owners can do themselves to save money, and learn new skills! All it takes is some time, interest, and a few good tools.

To start your home repair education we suggest that you do two things. First, read. Go to the library and borrow some books on basic construction. Flip through them and focus on what strikes your fancy. Don't forget magazines. Check out magazines like Popular Mechanics and Fine Homebuilding. Although some articles may be advanced, they are a good place to get tips on some basic skills.

Second, watch television. You can learn a lot from shows like "This Old House." In the same vein, check out YouTube on the Internet. You can find a number of excellent tutorials there on everything from hanging pictures to building the walls they hang on.

Then it's time to apply what you've learned. Start with the simple stuff. If a door sticks, adjust the hinges. If a faucet leaks, replace the washer. If your laundry room needs shelves, build them. You'll make mistakes, but they can be fixed. Pretty soon you'll be comfortable building and fixing more and more complicated things.

Now that you've taken the time, and expanded your interest - you need some tools to get the job done. Here's a list of must-have hand tools for any beginner:

Hammer: The 16-ounce rip model is the hammer suggested if you were limited to one. It's a good all-purpose hammer. The claw is straight, allowing for pulling nails or ripping into walls. Buy one that feels well balanced in your hand. Make sure the one you choose is heavy enough to drive a nail efficiently but light enough to control.

Retractable utility knife: This all-purpose cutting tool has any number of uses.

Speed square: The square (really an aluminum triangle) is used for marking 45- and 90-degree lines. Get the 7-inch version because it fits easily in a tool pouch.

Tape measure: A 25-footer with a 1-inch-wide blade is the most useful. It's long enough to measure pretty much anything and the 1-inch width allows the blade to extend up to 8 feet without buckling.

Level (or spirit level): This is a must-have for hanging pictures or for marking a plumb line as a guide to hanging wallpaper. The longer the level, the more accurate the line. A 4-foot level is a good size, with 3 feet being the minimum.

Crosscut handsaw: Before power saws there were handsaws. When you want to make a cut with optimum control, the handsaw is the tool.

Channel-lock pliers: To be used for loosening drains under the sink, among other things.

Four-in-one screwdriver: This versatile tool is a large and small flat head and Phillips head tool in one.

Adjustable crescent wrenches (6- and 14-inch): Crescent wrenches adjust to fit most nuts and bolts. The larger size gives more leverage and the smaller size fits more easily into tight places.

Basin wrench: Sooner or later you will have to change a water faucet in the kitchen or bath. When you do, this inexpensive specialty tool is used for detaching water supplies from underneath a sink.

Voltage tester: Most home electrical work should be left to the pros. But the homeowner may try some very small fixes. Before working on any electrical circuit, make sure the power is off and test it with this tool.