I am a new homeowner who has very little knowledge of how to maintain
my first home. I would like to get started with the easier tasks on my
wife's honey do list, but I first need to get some tools. Can you help
me with some advice on getting started? — signed, honey doesn't have a
clue in Portland.
A: Dear, "Honey doesn't have a clue ..."
While most forays into the land of home repair do not pose imminent
danger, ironically, the real stumbling block seems to lie neither in
the tools, per se, nor in the average person's ability to work with
them effectively. The problem appears to stem from the language
barrier that separates those conversant with "all things handy" from
the rest of the population. But now that you've decided to plunge into
this brave new world, here's a little inside information to cheer you
on: Half of any repair problem is already solved when you know the
right tool to use. (Naturally, knowing how to use it is the other half
of the equation!)
The importance of equipping yourself with a working knowledge of the
local dialect prior to storming the fortress (i.e., the local hardware
store) cannot be overstated.
Follow this plan:
1. Designate a special area in which to store your tools. Although
this doesn't have to be a very large space — whether in the basement,
garage or another part of your home — make sure to keep everything
neat and orderly, with easy access.
2. Buy tools you will grow into, not out of. As with most other
long-term material investments, it doesn't pay to cut corners when
shopping for tools. So, if you think the Good Wrench Fairy is smiling
down on you because you've come across six for the price of one,
you're probably just blinded by the glare of half a dozen shiny yet
inferior wrenches.
3. Shop wisely. Although you can conceivably get all you need at a
variety of electrical supply, plumbing supply and building supply mega
stores, the advantage to shopping at your local hardware store
(especially for the beginner) is that the employees are usually
well-versed in just about everything related to your needs.
4. Be sure to save all service manuals and receipts. In addition to
making returns, such records are very handy when it comes to
establishing the length of a warranty and the date of a purchase, as
well as for ordering specific replacement parts.
5. Keep sharp and well-adjusted. The tools, that is.
And always remember to inquire at the time and place of purchase where
maintenance services can be had. Next week, I will write about the
basic tools you should start with.
Kaile Warren is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise
Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national
home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV
and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working
he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd,
Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to
editor@themaineswitch.com