Learning basic home improvement skills can be a daunting task, but with the right time and resources, you can develop confidence and tackle home maintenance projects yourself. Home Repair Lab offers resources to teach essential tools, resources, and step-by-step tutorials to help you tackle basic home repairs confidently.
One of the first skills to learn is how to make basic repairs around your home. This will help you save money while fixing and investing in any home you create on your homestead. To further your DIY education, there are several ways to learn these skills:
Home Improvement Stores: Home Improvement stores, local community centers, neighbors, online courses, YouTube tutorials, and community colleges offer programs and basic job training courses in home improvement areas. They may issue instruction manuals, highlight key parts, fix simple things, and learn what tools and materials are required.
Community Colleges: Many community colleges offer programs and basic job training courses in home improvement areas, and they may issue instruction manuals. Learn how to read instruction manuals, highlight key parts, fix simple things, and find shops that sell them.
Learning by buying a home and learning how to complete projects as they go or through an apprenticeship. Some people might learn home renovation skills through buying a home and learning how to complete projects as they go.
Joining seminars and community projects: These opportunities expose you to new techniques and methods.
In summary, learning basic home improvement skills can be a rewarding journey for both new homeowners and those looking to enhance their skills. By following these tips and resources, you can master your home, enhance your home, and save money on home improvements.
📹 10 HOME RENOVATION TIPS for DIYers & Beginners *What I Wish I Knew Before* | XO, MaCenna
After 4 months of owning a renovating a house ourselves, we have learned a few things along the way that I wish I knew before …
Why do we need to have the basic skill in repair?
The acquisition of basic repair skills can confer a number of benefits, including practical empowerment, environmental responsibility, cost reduction, increased independence, and the potential for new learning opportunities.
How big is the home repair market?
The Home Improvement Market was valued at USD 365 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 797. 8 Billion by the end of 2036, with a growth rate of over 6. 2 CAGR. The market is driven by factors such as rising consumer spending on house upgrades, rapid urbanization, and increased availability of products and services for home renovation. The World Bank reports that approximately 4. 4 billion people, or 56 percent of the world’s population, live in cities, with the urban population predicted to double by 2050. The Home Improvement Market is expected to reach USD 387. 6 Billion in 2024, with the industry size expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6. 2 CAGR between 2024-2036.
Where can I learn DIY skills?
The DIY School Courses provide a comprehensive curriculum of construction skills for individuals with minimal or no prior experience in the field. These abilities are both useful and in demand, and can be applied to a variety of professional and personal endeavors. Those already engaged in the trades can enhance their skill set without a lengthy absence from work. The courses are conducted on weekdays or over two weekends, thereby facilitating expeditious acquisition of new competencies.
What is the most expensive thing to fix in a house?
The list of the 10 most expensive home repairs includes siding, storm damage, foundation, heating and cooling equipment, sewer line repair, roof repair, driveway repair, and termite damage, which can cost thousands of dollars to replace.
How do I get started in home improvement?
Starting a home remodeling business can be a rewarding career that combines creativity and practicality. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to draft a solid business plan, choose a name and register, choose a business structure, secure necessary permits and licenses, nail down business logistics and resources, define your remodeling business brand, and market your business. By following this guide, you can turn your passion for transforming living spaces into a rewarding career, making a real difference in people’s daily lives.
How do I learn to fix things around my house?
To become a handyman, enroll in classes or workshops at hardware stores to learn various home repairs and create projects. These classes can teach you how to lay tile, patch and paint plaster, and handle other home repairs. Some even hold workshops to teach clients how to use their products.
To determine the costs of home improvement repairs, use a credible resource that outlines the costs in your area. Different home improvement fixes will have different costs depending on whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. If you choose to go professional, the overall costs will also vary with the electric rates in your area.
To get the right tools for your job, invest in the necessary tools. Simple house repairs do not require complicated instruments, so visit your local hardware store and explain your situation to get the appropriate tools.
In summary, enrolling in classes or workshops can help you become more useful and efficient in your home improvement projects. Investing in the right tools is crucial for success in home improvement and can lead to a more satisfying and efficient life.
How do I learn repair skills?
Home improvement stores offer free classes on basic home repairs, while local community centers, neighbors, online courses, YouTube tutorials, community colleges, books, magazines, and websites can provide additional education. While watching DIY shows can inspire, it’s essential to get comfortable working around the house and learn basic home repair and improvement best practices. This will save time and money, as being able to handle simple tasks can save homeowners time and money.
How to learn DIY renovations?
The acquisition of knowledge and skills related to DIY home improvement can be achieved through a multitude of avenues, including home improvement stores, local community centers, neighbors, online courses, YouTube tutorials, and community colleges. Nevertheless, initiating one’s endeavors with fundamental home repair and optimal practices can prove advantageous in terms of both time and financial resources. The development of proficiency in fundamental tasks can assist homeowners in reducing the time and financial resources expended on home improvement projects.
What are top 3 skills for maintenance planner?
Maintenance planning is a highly rewarding career that involves planning and scheduling various maintenance activities to ensure the reliability and safety of equipment, systems, and processes. With their knowledge of engineering principles, preventive maintenance strategies, and organizational skills, they develop effective plans that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. They work closely with operations teams to identify areas for improvement or additional resources. With the right qualifications and experience, a maintenance planner career offers excellent job security and potential for growth within an organization.
Maintenance planners must be organized, have excellent communication skills, and have an understanding of preventive maintenance techniques. Their responsibilities help organizations remain productive and profitable while minimizing downtime due to equipment failure or other issues. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing preventive maintenance plans, ensuring proper equipment maintenance, monitoring equipment performance, and making necessary repairs or adjustments. With their expertise in maintenance planning, they can help keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
What is the skill required to become a maintenance and repair worker?
A maintenance technician must possess a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills to effectively perform their job. Proficiency in these areas allows them to handle various tasks, such as repairing machinery, fixing electrical systems, and maintaining plumbing infrastructure. Familiarity with common tools and equipment, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, multimeters, and diagnostic tools, is also crucial. Mastery of these tools, combined with technical knowledge, forms the backbone of a competent maintenance technician’s skill set.
How to learn basic maintenance skills?
Maintenance workers are property professionals who can work as independent contractors, agencies, or single landlords or property firms. They possess a wide range of skills, including basic carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical wiring, and property maintenance. To improve their skills, they can enroll in training courses, apprenticeships with experienced workers, find resources for self-directed study, and gain work experience. More experience and advanced skills may increase employment opportunities as a maintenance worker, historically known as a handyman.
Common maintenance skills include appliance installation, carpentry, basic plumbing, minor electrical wiring, maintenance, and renovation. Over time, maintenance workers can improve their skills and gain new ones through vocational training, apprenticeships, self-directed study, and continued work experience. Writing a resume that highlights necessary skill sets for applying to maintenance jobs is essential for securing employment.
📹 How To Be A Handyman Episode 1| THE HANDYMAN |
This is where It happens http://amzn.to/2CdCMOb Tool belt suspenders: http://amzn.to/2znzJSG Suspender loops: …
Hah! You just struck a chord in my brain… I worked a year after college as a “warranty superintendent” for a very large homebuilding company based in MI. We did the “customers for life” mindset… that was the first book they gave us as a matter of fact. I have a full time job as a site development project manager, but for the last 20 years, I’ve done interior remodeling and repair work, both residential and commercial, on “nights and weekends” basis and throw the extra shekels toward a retirement fund or new tools. Anyway, you’re absolutely right, it’s super important to approach the customer in a personable, friendly manner and smile… as long as you have some halfway decent actual mechanic skills, you’re golden, and most people will call you again and again. The grumpy ones that don’t respond in kind to a smiling happy demeanor – have to find a new fixer/builder. Keep up the good vid work!
I started doing renovations and handyman work but unfortunately my boss isn’t around all the time and he’ll work on other houses or side work, but I’d love to learn more. I’ve learned a bit of electrical, framing, done plenty of demo lol, flooring (easy), and I’d love to gain experience then get out on my own like my older brother does. He makes at least $5000 a week and doesn’t work anywhere near 40 hour work weeks, ever. I’m a single mom and would love to really learn everything! I’m ADHD so I don’t learn like others lol. Plus my boss will show me something one time and not really explain the “why” and “how” which I need to be able to retain the information. Do you have any advice? 😩 I’m desperate to gain experience and knowledge with handyman work
Your damn right. You can do anything. You gotta want it. If you dont want it bad enough you will never have it. I work 2 jobs and work for myself on the weekends. I need to boost the money I make on the weekends and I think you are helping me to get that started. Education isn’t free but I appreciate the discount
I stopped this at 7:30 for the fact that you literally told people HOW … WHEN THEY NEVER HAD A CUSTOMER!!!!!! Man I commend and bow to you on that man. Thanks for not saying spend tons of money on marketing, facebook and all the social media riff raff. You pretty much said “Get your punk ass up early in the morning and leave out of your home and start putting yourself out there and tell people about you…” Which is what I’mdoing. Been about 5 years but I’m going to get back out there. I’m only 38 so I still have plenty life left. lol Word of mouth ALWAYS wins marketing.
I am 57 years old I’ve been in construction since I was 18 what Automotive works with an electrician I put in my time and learned my trade and I must say demographics have a lot to do with it I moved up here to Minnesota from Florida triple my income this man right here had his program is spot-on and if you only know one trade you’re only going to have one trade you got to get out there and learn
I started my business a year and a half ago. It was a side business just to earn extra cash. Next Friday, 02/23/18, will be my last day with my full time job, and my business will become my full time job. I attribute my success to exactly the principles you discuss here (and a few things you’ve touched on in older articles). I’m definitely looking forward to following this series. Keep up the fine work, brother!
Stellar article! Mmm blue moon, my favorite. You are right on with every topic you discussed. I’m trying all the things you’re talking about with gaining customers except Craigslist. So far I’ve had no luck but I’m not giving up. I’ve been using thumbtack. It’s a lead generator. I want to get away from it though.
You have a very unique background and skill set in addition to being very professional and conscientious, not to mention hard working. The average “Joe” will not be able to duplicate your success, but hopefully they will pick up a lot of the good traits you demonstrate and will improve their odds of success. Great articles.
Thanks for this article. I have to comment that almost every time a handyman has come to my house, they forget to bring a needed tool and have to use one of mine (if I have it). My last project was having a utility sink installed in the garage. Well, a general contractor installed it, but he forgot to bring a drill (this is a basic tool, yes?) and had to use my drill. Why is it so difficult to bring all the basic tools to a job? Oh, and they never have a flashlight…
I own a large construction company and we use independent handyman alot to help with overwhelming amounts of small stuff. Sometimes punch list stuff. We have had good ones and bad ones over the years. But when i get out of this buisness, which is coming up i will be doing small jobs on my own, be mostly finish work, trim, kitchens, tile, etc. Not worrying about 20 employees will be nice. Love your articles. Keep them coming
Top 10 most common jobs you do? So I grew up around construction but my dad wouldn’t teach me sh$+.I have done things in my own house tho. Garbage disposal, l.v.p. flooring. Replaced my toilet. Hung my own doors, roofed houses for 10 years. I need to start a business but am worried I don’t have enough skills. Also I don’t know where the line is between contractor and handyman, so a top 10 jobs a handyman does might be a good article for you. Also I will look to see if you already made a vid like that.
When I moved into my house 3 years ago my neighbor was a contractor and he is a flipper. I met him at our open house and explained to him what my plan was for my house. I told him I wanted to fix up the house and rent it out. He never spoke to me after that point and when i saw him sell his house I figured out why. I like your article’s and I stumbled on your articles from the house extension and just the jobs you were you doing. I appreciate the article’s and keep up the good work.
I do building maintenance. I call a guy about cleaning a drain and he starts walking me through doing it. I finally said “do you not want to come and do it” He said he was so busy he has more work than he can do. So I ask “How did you do that” He told me the big break was when he figured out to put his business card under the bottle of drain cleaner at stores. He said when he started his business any time he didn’t have a drain to clean he would go to any store selling drain cleaner and put his cards under the bottle. He said within a month he was swamped.
Yes you are absolutely correct sell yourself. I was a salesman many years ago and people buy because they like you. They will invite you into their home for you to do work for them because they like you. Trust is another thing to build on If they don’t trust u you will never get in. Be smart don’t smell of cigarettes make sure van tools clothes dust sheets are clean and u don’t smell bad. Be weary of working with lone women in house try to arrange time when husband is in to work especially new customers. Don’t be cheap don’t cut corners. Don’t lie. Tidy up well like you never been there better still don’t be messy. If you get stuck go out to your van and u tube how to do it. Invest in good tools and always keep them tip top. Brake it replace it. Do a freebie eg notice f door handle is squeaky give it a spray with oil let them know how smooth it is now and you did it for them. Not for payment. It’s called in sales terms a customer hug 👍👍👍
Can’t believe I haven’t seen your articles earlier. I have some framing skills just as a late teen, but have some plumbing experience, and little electrical and gas lines as well, and my wife actually recommended I start working for myself and we are in a pretty good position in life for me to give this a go, and just wanted say your article’s are very helpful and informative and even a little boost of confidence in it and just wanted to say thanks a lot for these.
I have seen a couple handymen ( or so called handymen ) that have very little skill sets on you tube that were ridiculous and should be ashamed trying to do a job and charge for it. Just by perusal some of your articles I can tell you are well versed and experienced in the trades. I have 53 years in the building trades including almost every aspect of the trades. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall and everything else being licensed in all the above also. Your website is ver informative and straight forward.
Great website, How much do you pay for your Shop/Garage. Own/rent.. reason I ask is, having a shop is So crucial.. Business cost for sure, obviously makes your work/storage etc easier. A article on your truck/trailer/shop and things you would keep or change ? Also what not to do ? You may have done these articles before, havent had a chance to look yet.. Keep it up Stud
I’m sure your advice is generally correct, but I know of one exception to the “grumpy guys starve” observation. Check out Steve Lavimoniere on YouTube. He’s an expert plumber and HVAC guy who answers the phone rough and talks rough, but seems to have plenty of work. Maybe he can get away with it because he’s in Boston but whatever the reason, he’s a workin’ man who’s workin’
Good stuff. I’m several months in now and learning alot. Your articles are always helpful. Social aspect does set me apart. Being able to talk to people and gaining their trust is priceless. As you know I’m kinda part time but EVERY day off is booked a month in advance. I work 14 out of 28 days so fairly good bit of work. Can’t wait to take this thing full time and ditch the industrial life. Thanks!
I was a hired to sweep floors and empty chip bins in a machine shop for prototype aircraft parts. I started doing odd jobs like maintenance, sharpening consumables, and constructing shelves or tool holders. Eventually started doing assembly, manual machining, and CNC operation. Pretty much just filled in whenever a department was behind or someone had to take off work. I liked the frequent change of pace. I am getting into the junk removal business and it seems like a great opportunity to upsell minior home and car maintenance and repairs since I am already on-site to give an estimate. All of the people telling me to “spend money to make money” as in ads, also happen to be the people who sell and manage the ads.
If people don’t believe there’s enough resource from online and youtube to be successful at amy specific trade or skill, they are wrong. I became a jiu-jitsu black belt in 3 years. Yes I was taking formal classes from a master. But my ability was fat tracked from online resources then practicing it. I became a successful Bowyer in 1 1/2 years, learned it from youtube. And now I sell archery bows online. Anything I’d possible with enough time and effort.
I started being a handyman 2 years ago. Found your vids few months ago. Got started on nextdoor app and been working non stop since. I dont have to advertise anymore, customers come to me. I am highly recommended on the nextdoor app. With that and word of mouth I always have work. I am o the point where I am making as much as I can. It has leveled out. I cn only handle the amount of work that one man can with never having a day off. Barely have time to do my laundry or mow my own lawn before dark. I have got to get to the next level. Need time off but want to increase my income. You seem to do it. I want to know how to slow down but at the same time increase my income. I live in California. It is possible to do this without expanding, hiring helpers? I cant find a helper with the same state of mind as me and to want to do things my way not there own so that doesn’t work but there is only one of me. I am what the people want. Even If I could keep my income steady and get time off to enjoy life would be great. Im 48, my body is feeling it. I dont have time to eat right, rest, dont see my friends hardly at all. I’m always busy. Running the whole day late because I took the time to vent, hoping you have the advise I need to better my business. I dont know where that one spot is that your email exist is why I’m doing this so every one can see.
Being super high paid handyman is not possible for most people. There is only so much market that will bear paying high premium for physical labor like handyman. I am not sure how you get very high paid jobs, but price is a big factor in if/whether a handyman is hired. My father wanted to install couple of mini splits and he contacted few handyman but they were out of his price range. Way out. So in the end, he would up installing the mini splits himself with my help. No money for handymans because they were asking too much money.
I’m a 59 year old painter in the NE Okla lakes area. My winters can be slow. I’ve come to see this as okay. I call it partial retirement and enjoy the time off. I do some advertising and have a website, the latter bringing in customers this year who moved in from the east coast. I do repair work related to painting. I occasionally get good money for my work. I call $25 to $30 / hr. good money. Travel is usually 30 minutes to an hour and is usually lake houses and small town and rural stuff. I would like something to make money on in my shop—furniture painting and restoration maybe. I used to live south of OKC and stayed busy year round and made better income. I now live lakeside and have more quality in my life. I do think I should be making more in my 33+ year business and do give higher estimates now and then. I enjoy your website and also the This Old House website. I hope to learn things but really get more relaxation out of it.
9 minutes in article. Nextdoor is not the same as Angie’s list or the other lead generating companies you mentioned. Nextdoor is for neighbors to communicate with eachother for free and if you do good work your customers will put your name out there. I get a ton of work from referrals from nextdoor and I don’t even have an account.
Business cards are going antiquated. Most of them end up in the trash or lost little after getting them. When somebody gives me a business card about a service I may need I take a picture with my phone and save it in an specific folder where I can access it later. People tend to use more the online advertising sites.
So my grandfather and I went and bought me a lot of tools. I’m still 17, I wasn’t looking for how to be a handyman as a job. I was trying to find how I can be a handyman myself or around my home. I’m not saying I’m not interested in doing it as a living, I’m just not able to do that at the moment. Anyone have any tips on how I can put my little knowledge and abundance of tools to work so that I can learn?
I did get a lot of good lead to off of Home Advisor the problem with them was I work alone myself I rarely get anybody to help me and they were sending me 7 leads a day when I would ask for Max of 3 so if I get the job or not I had to pay for all those Leads I turn my leaves off and turn it back on but by the time I realized they sent me six leads a day will it was too late turn it off to me they were just being money-hungry
I totally agree with your article. I as well have been a generator technician for a number one generator company for 20 years from perusal other people do work and anything from new construction to Michael Jordan’s mansion or Louis farrakhan’s mansion it was all different atmosphere I now run my own handyman business and I wear a button-up shirt black jeans and dress shoes the high in customers love the look it gets tips and they are okay with the what I charge. You speak of that exact same thing they pay for a service I Supply a complete service. And thank you for the articles I have learned a lot I am new to handyman work I am an auto diesel tech and electrician.25 years experience in everything.
No trolls on these comments, all here are very appreciative, as I am – you made a good article. I agree with you: many grumps in the trades. Its not easy work and sometime workers (me included) forget that its not just fixing stuff, its their home (as you say). If you are nice and competent, even if they are having a bad day which is likely since they called you, it works in your favor. Your point of offering to come immediately or that day is a biggie too.