Amateur Handyman: Things You Should Have

If you’re a homeowner, you know how quickly you wind up becoming an amateur handyman. While big repairs and installations should always be done with the help of a professional, do-it-yourself jobs can save you money and be a source of pride. When you have the money, the skill, and the time, and you’ve repaired everything there is to be repaired (for now), it can be tempting to set your mind to thinking about what upgrades you can make to the home around you. To whet your handyman appetite, here are some things you should quickly integrate if you haven’t already.

Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can make a big difference in not only your electric bill but how cool you are inside the home. Running a ceiling fan can lower the direct feel of the temperature by as much as 10 degrees for much less cost than the equivalent change in temperature as dictated by central air conditioning. Putting up a ceiling fan is the perfect job for an amateur handyman, but you need to know what you’re doing. This is especially true because you’ll be messing with wiring and electricity, which is dangerous for the uninitiated. Bedrooms and living rooms make great places for a fan.

Hooks
Many people underestimate how valuable hooks can be in a home. They can keep you organized and they take up much less room than shelving. Obviously, there are things that can only be done with shelves, but you would be surprised how many items in your home would be better off hanging onto hooks. The garage and the kitchen are two great places to install a lot of hooks. You can get them cheaply at any hardware store and installing them is usually a breeze. The closets are another great place for hooks. Put them on the inside of doors to make a handy place to store hats and jackets for company or for your family.

Preparation
When it comes to being an amateur handyman, you need to have the right tools and mindset to tackle the numerous jobs around your house. If you’re doing a lot of wood work out in the garage or your private shop, make sure and wear proper ear protection. Many people underestimate the sheer ear damage that can occur from using loud power tools on a continual basis. The fact that many people use these tools in a closed environment only reinforces the damage. It is also important to have other safety apparel such as goggles and gloves.