When you’re a homeowner, it definitely pays to be handy. When I use that term, I don’t mean that you should know all the ins and outs of construction, repair work and building science, but rather that it helps a great deal to at least know some basics.
Years ago, I came up with an idea that I’m sure many others have had, and it paid off in dividends. Recognizing that there was a good bit I didn’t know about building and making repairs, I struck a deal with two friends of mine who jointly owned a reputable contracting business. I offered to provide them with free help on jobs I wanted to learn more about in exchange for their education and expertise along the way. It was a win-win: they got a free helping hand, while I got a free education on jobs I wasn’t yet completely confident doing on my own. Needless to say, they gladly accepted my offer.
I didn’t accompany them on every job since I was already pretty “handy,” but I did tag along any time they were tackling a project that I had little or no experience with. Fortunately, they were excellent teachers and took the time to explain things as we worked and ensured I had a solid understanding.
While some people seem to have a natural talent for building and repair work, no one becomes handy without a good deal of training, trial and error and dedication along the way. If you’ve grown up learning the ropes you are certainly at an advantage; but if you’re like most people and enter homeownership with a low skill level and need to call in expensive professionals for every little job, you would certainly benefit from learning some basic home repair and maintenance skills. Not only will you develop a strong sense of pride; you’ll also save a lot of money!
You may know a good contractor who would be happy to strike a deal with you similar to the one I struck with my friends. If not, even videos on websites like YouTube can be very helpful in today’s technology driven age. There are how-to videos for virtually everything you could imagine. Still, nothing can replace the value of actual hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced professional.
If you’re a homeowner, consider taking action to improve your skill level with maintaining your home. Reach out to others for guidance, watch videos, read articles, and do whatever else you can to become as handy as possible. You’ll find that it’s easier than you think, and the sense of pride and financial savings you’ll experience will be well worth the time you invest.
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