| For the first time home repairer there are some basic | | | | glad that you did. |
| tips that will save him or her time and money. | | | | Fourth: Have a plan and plan ahead! If you know you |
| First: If it is electrical or plumbing seek expert advice! | | | | have to fix a water leak be aware that you might |
| Of all the repairs these two are the most disastrous | | | | have to shut off the water for several hours so |
| when something goes wrong. A simple mistake in | | | | stock up. Find out all the parts necessary to |
| plumbing can end up costing you hundreds of dollars | | | | complete the job and have them on hand before |
| to fix, while a small mistake in electrical repair could | | | | you start. |
| prove fatal, either from electrocution or fire. Rule of | | | | Fifth: Have a back up. When you are at the store |
| thumb; if you have to tear down a wall or go into an | | | | and you aren't sure if it is five 1/3 bolts, or six 1/2 |
| electrical junction box let a professional handle it. | | | | bolts then buy both quantities and sizes. Almost all |
| Second: If it is not plumbing or electrical seek expert | | | | reputable hardware stores will allow you to return |
| advice! Don't be afraid to ask! Most home | | | | merchandise with a receipt (many will even without |
| improvement stores are chock full of people who | | | | one). Nothing is more frustrating than having had the |
| have "been there and done that'! I've never met a | | | | right part in your hand and finding out you have to |
| professional who didn't want to talk about what he | | | | go back for that one little piece. |
| or she has done! Use their experience. In every job | | | | Sixth: Rent rather than buy. If you are doing a |
| there are usually little tricks that experienced people | | | | one-time bathroom project, find out if you can rent |
| know about that can make all the difference in | | | | that tile saw rather than purchase one that will end |
| installation and repair. | | | | up in the back of your garage collecting dust. |
| Third: For short term repairs use a long term solution. | | | | These are some common sense tips that, if you |
| If a hinge finally breaks on a door, when you replace | | | | keep them in mind, will translate into time spent |
| it; replace all the hinges at the same time. If one part | | | | actually working on the repair job instead of time |
| of a fixture fails then it's a good bet that a similar | | | | spent in your car back and forth to the home |
| part was stressed and may also fail. For an extra | | | | improvement store or money spent to repair your |
| $3.00 splurge and replace the other parts, you will be | | | | repair job. |