House maintenance/repair classes or books (new home, landscaping, to buy)

[Sepulgeek]

Hopefully, I'll be a homeowner at the end of September. My house should be done by then in Moss Creek. Anyone have any suggested for classes to take or a good series of books to read that cover household maintenance and repairs? I would rather be able to do alot of stuff myself instead of paying someone. I dont want to be an expert electrician or plumber but knowing the basic can save me tons of money. Anyone ever take classes at the local home depot or lowes. Are they helpful?

[flexysteve]

One of the best resources I've used so far have been tv shows on HGTV and DIY. My favorite one for actually fixing things and what not are Holmes on Homes (8am SAT HGTV, I believe). The first time you watch it you might be confused. He talks fast but he explains things to his crew and you can pick it up if you pay attention. I've had times working on things when I have a moment like "Oh yeah, Mike mentioned this." It's not the plain old "paint accent walls" type of show.

For books and whatnot, it depends on the job. I suggest getting separate ones based on the job at hand, not a one size fits all book or set. Some books for electrical might be great but the plumbing one by the same people might stink.

And whatever you do, and Holmes on Homes with emphasize this, make it right. Do it once, don't try to cut costs or corners and be done with it. So many DIYers give us other DIYers a bad name because of the 1/2 assed job they do.

I'd suggest learning ASAP before closing on the home, so you can be knowledgeable about any errors they make. Just because it's a new home doesn't mean they built it right.

[Sepulgeek]

I love Holmes on Homes. Its made me scared to buy a house! :P

I have an inspector, who has done our framing inspection, doing our finished house inspection. I watch some of the other shows too. I'll probably head to Lowes or Home Depot and check out some books. DIY network has a good website too. There is some brickwork in the backyard that I may have done. I may read up on doing it myself instead of someone else doing it for me.

[brokensky]

At one time, some of the community colleges offered seminars and short classes (self-enrichment type classes) on such things as DIY brickwork, making minor home repairs, landscaping, etc. I would check and see what the community colleges around the area are offering.

Over the years, I have built up a library on DIY projects. Some of my stuff is from magazines - some are actual "handyman" type books.

I have found that Oxmoor Publishing often has really good books and magazines. You can often find their publications at such places as Lowes, but you can also order online. Here is a link to get you familiar w/ their products. I have gotten plans for things such as decks, pergolas, outdoor swings, etc. from their publications - Plus hundred of ideas that were helpful . . .

Home Improvement, Decorating and Organizing Books - OxmoorHouse.com

[flexysteve]

I'm great at the mechanics behind making things work but I stink at being creative. I use online like HGTVs Rate my Space to get ideas and sadly for me it usually ends up turning into copying what some designer did on tv.

I don't get the whole accent piece and throw pillows thing either.

[brokensky]

Originally Posted by flexysteve

I'm great at the mechanics behind making things work but I stink at being creative. I use online like HGTVs Rate my Space to get ideas and sadly for me it usually ends up turning into copying what some designer did on tv.

I don't get the whole accent piece and throw pillows thing either.

If something looks good, no reason not to copy it! Sounds like you are very wise for figuring out ways to compensate for a talent you don't naturally have - and don't feel bad - few people are good at these things! Decorating takes many different skills - including an eye for color.

Nothing wrong w/ seeing how the pros do it - and emulating that.

[Sepulgeek]

Originally Posted by anifani821

If something looks good, no reason not to copy it! Sounds like you are very wise for figuring out ways to compensate for a talent you don't naturally have - and don't feel bad - few people are good at these things! Decorating takes many different skills - including an eye for color.

Nothing wrong w/ seeing how the pros do it - and emulating that.

Same thing here. I am not very artsy so I copy alot of what people do. I see no problem in it either.