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