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In a previous article, I discussed learning repair skills by 1) trying to make repairs as you find them and using your investment repair top house as a “practice” house; and, 2) taking community college classes in the construction trades.
Two other ways to learn repair skills are to: 1) reflect on past experiences and people who were good role models, and 2) build your own reference library of repair books.
1.) Reflecting on the Past
After becoming more involved in the repair work on my investment homes, I remembered how my father had taught me so much by example. I remember seeing him build screened-in porches on several houses we had lived in. I was too young to help much at the time, or to appreciate what he was doing. Looking back, I realize that it took a strong desire to learn the basics and a sense of self-confidence to build it. He had no formal construction training, and he didn’t have reference books like I did, but he learned by looking at other porches that had been built in the neighborhood and by talking to people.
I also have a friend who has made a career of living frugally. He does virtually all of his own home repair and auto repair work. If he gets stuck, he goes to the library and looks for books to help him. It helps that he has experience teaching vocational education. We’ve helped each other with home repair projects over the years, and he’s a trusted source for practical advice when I need help.
There may be people around you who can teach you a lot about home repair. This is the type of person who can be an invaluable resource to you. Make sure you take them out for lunch once in a while.
2.) Build a Library of Home Repair Books
I like to wander the bookstore areas at used bookstores looking for good buys. I buy a book as soon as I see it if I know it contains valuable information. If you wait to buy the book, you may return later to find the book you wanted is missing. The price you pay will literally be a drop in the bucket compared to the money you will save. I have books on just about every possible repair topic, including electrical wiring, plumbing, flooring, you name it. Some books offer information on a wide variety of repairs. Reader’s Digest Do-it-yourself manual and Better Home and Gardens Complete Guide to Home RepairsThey are good books to start with. From there, you may need to go to a more electrical or plumbing focused book. Books from The Home Depot are generally good options to include in your library. I have several.
When a book isn’t enough, you can usually get some great advice on specific jobs at hardware stores, like Ace Hardware. And you can often get great advice on tough repairs by doing a Google search.