Let’s face it: even in today’s world of growing equality between the sexes, home repairs are still largely a man’s domain. It’s time to change all that. If the only tool you own is a pair of tweezers, and the last screwdriver you held was made of vodka and orange juice, then this guide is for you.
The ugly truth hit me out of the blue, and it wasn’t pretty: I was completely and utterly ignorant when it came to even the simplest household maintenance and repair. It happened when I realized that, despite having a power drill and a lovely assortment of bits, I had no idea how to use it to hang a picture. I couldn’t use a simple tool to hang a picture; whatever would I do in the event that a minor emergency such as a clogged drain should arise? The revelation left me more than slightly embarrassed at my ineptitude as a handywoman. I’m one of those girls that can whip up a soufflé, bring a languishing houseplant back to life or tell you how to spell any word in the dictionary, but ask me for a Phillips screwdriver and I go all ditzy.
I guess I’m a typical product of my traditional upbringing, where Mom did the cooking and the cleaning and Dad opened jars and fixed things. The truth is that women need not depend on men for anything – not even those traditionally “manly” household jobs. If you’re like me, don’t be ashamed – you don’t have to be DIY-challenged any longer!
Before You Begin: A Few Words of Wisdom …
No matter what type of job you’re trying to do, you should always begin by gathering all the available information about that particular task: owner’s manuals, diagrams, and instructions. Read everything thoroughly and make certain you understand what you’re about to take on before you ever start the project. It may seem time-consuming, but you’ll be sorry if you get in the middle of the job and realize you don’t really know what you’re doing. (Plus, you’ll save the embarrassment of having to call for help; that can put a real damper on the “I can do it” attitude.)
Some things are dangerous. Never attempt to do anything that could hurt you – such as messing with electrical wiring – without learning how first, and always have someone on hand who can do the job in the event that you decide you’d rather not risk it. Better safe than sorry!
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from the friendly folks at your local hardware or home improvement store. They can be valuable resources when it comes to choosing the right materials for whatever project you’ve got in mind. If you want to ensure that you’re talking to an expert, try to schedule your visit at the store’s least busy time, such as on a weekday morning; that way, the employee is probably full-time, not a part-time weekend or evening helper that may not be as experienced.