Topic 'Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do' in forum 'Home Improvement'

Topic 'Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23280230 en Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:42:36 EDT Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:42:36 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23327971 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23327971 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:33:11 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23327219 said by KoolMoe:

Learn about electricity.
Always turn off the breaker, even when working on a fixture controlled by a switch, such as when replacing a standard fixture with a ceiling fan...

(I learned that one the hard way. No shock, but I shorted neutral and ground and popped the breaker.)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23327219 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:57:06 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23326975 said by dark_star:

Regarding tools, I strongly advise buying a tool when you need it, and only when you need it. Otherwise, men and tools are like women and shoes. You'll bankrupt yourself with stuff that you think you need.

The exceptions are socket, wrench, and screwdriver sets. You don't want to buy one socket, or one wrench, or one screwdriver. By all means, get a decent set of each.

As for the miscellaneous stuff both small and large, buy those only when you undertake an improvement project or repair that requires it. In many such cases, the tool will pay for itself the first time you use it, versus hiring the job to a contractor. Assuming of course that you have the skill and temperament to get professional quality results.
Ok, I have to agree with getting a tool when you need it, so you have the right tool, now here comes the pain, storing them when you do not need them...

I suggest getting a good, sturdy tool box, one that you can stand/sit on, and put all of your basic tools in there. The screwdriver set, a hammer, wrenches, tape, pencil, string, duct tape, wire, level, nails and screws should go in there, and everytime you have something to do, grab it. You should have just about everything you need, and if you find something you use, or just like to have in there (band-aids?), put it in there. Makes life easier.
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When was the last time you stabbed someone? »[signup] Diplomacy - Stab Me, Stab you]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23326975 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:06:58 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23317880 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23317880 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:59:01 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23314753 --
Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. Robert Orben
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23314753 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:12:45 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23310888
Ian]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23310888 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:37:03 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23308255 said by drew:

Tool fund... I like that.

My tools consist of: cordless screwdriver/drill of unknown origin, an off brand so I suspect walmart, a black and decker corded drill that I used to drive a drill bit that I used to drill through studs to wire my house with CAT5e, miscellaneous wrenches and sockets and a hammer (if I can find it.) heh.

I need to fix my lawn mower... not even a year old and it sputters like its about to die every 5-10 seconds..
Clogged air filter. Remove and replace and chances are it will be fine. Test it this way: Remove the filter and start it up and roll it around the pavement and see if it stalls or sputters. If it does, you nees to clean or replace the filter.
Not an absolute fix but is where I'd look first.

If it gets really bad, I hear that red Toyota Corollas burn really hot when driven accidentally into the living room in a fit of absolute panic. That would be a double claim I would assume..... :p :p *

* Kids, don't try this at home.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23308255 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:01:30 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23295237 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23295237 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:33:31 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23292765
»www.home-improvement-superstore.···p=767253

(disclamer: I dont know anything about this particular product or site, it was just the first link I came across)

Nick]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23292765 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:33:23 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23290627 said by drew:

I've got baseboard heating... any maintenance on those?
Get the dust out of them, electric mandatory, water less so.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23290627 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:25:59 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23290308 said by nunya:

There are folding / extending ladders (Little Giant knock-offs). Of course you could just get the original Little Giant.
I was looking at them the other day. They are very versatile. Other than being rather bulky when compacted, they do store down into a small space. I'm putting one on my "to get" list. I just have to wait til I can spring for the fiberglass version (I can't use aluminum).

The average homeowner should be good with a 1A aluminum ladder.
In High School I worked as a window washer. We used the Little Giant ladders and they were great, super versatile, but the knock-off ones we had were crap. The locking mechanisms didn't last and the last thing you want is a sketchy ladder. Of course this was almost 20 years ago so they might have improved since but I wouldn't bet on it.
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Greedy Old Pigs]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23290308 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:36:40 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289709 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289709 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:56:57 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289538 I was looking at them the other day. They are very versatile. Other than being rather bulky when compacted, they do store down into a small space. I'm putting one on my "to get" list. I just have to wait til I can spring for the fiberglass version (I can't use aluminum).

The average homeowner should be good with a 1A aluminum ladder.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
Nancy Pelosi - House Minority Leader 2010
Harry Reid - Senate Minority Leader 2010]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289538 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:31:56 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289443 said by scooper:

Surely you can find a Little Giant at Lowes / Home Depot ? My 24 footer is not much longer than 6 feet when it is all ready for stowage...

said by bent:

A 16' extension ladder is only 8' by 8" when you collapse it for storage. I don't know if rental places rent them out or not. I just bought one at Home depot for $130, but they have a cheaper one (less weight rating) for $69.

The only problem is getting it into my basement: around a corner, down a flight of stairs and around another corner.

So I could easily fit a ~8' ladder in my house...if I stored it in my living room. (No outdoor storage to speak of.)

I suppose I could grab some 2"x4"s and twist and turn them to see if a ladder would fit down there. Or just knock out a couple of walls. (Hey, a project!)

I found these at Lowes:
»www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p···age=none

»www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p···age=none
--
"I love mankind. It's people I can't stand."

--L. van Pelt]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23289443 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:18:57 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23287929 said by tapeloop:

My house isn't big enough to keep a 16'+ ladder around...how easy would it be to rent one, if at all possible? Could I grab one from Lowe's or Home Depot?
A 16' extension ladder is only 8' by 8" when you collapse it for storage. I don't know if rental places rent them out or not. I just bought one at Home depot for $130, but they have a cheaper one (less weight rating) for $69.
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Greedy Old Pigs]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23287929 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:28:12 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286782 1. Pretty much everything will not last more than 20 years.
2. Electricity and heat don't mix with furry things, fuzzy things or furniture.
3. Check that plugs aren't just sticking out of outlets loosely.. do that often
4. If you have a stove with pilot lights check that sucker all the time. I hate mine, I check it every night.
5. Change alarm batteries, they have a habit of dying without warning (!)
6. Channel adjustable wrenches fix almost everything
7. The proper sized flathead fixes anything else.
8. Don't use stuff for stuff it wasn't meant for. Don't use aluminum foil to fix stuff, or newspaper as insulation XD
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VGMasters my video game forum]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286782 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:37:35 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286491 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286491 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:49:47 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286492 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286492 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:45:07 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286433 said by nunya:

The first thing every homeowner should do is realize when a project is over their heads. Know that it IS o.k. to call a professional.

I do that, adding a branch to my garage. Especially with my cities codes, cheaper in the long run to hire someone plus I know squat about that. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286433 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:37:34 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286294 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286294 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:12:23 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286274 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286274 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:37 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286220
Even if you don't have any trees that dump leaves in them, grit and stuff builds up in them. It may be as easy as hosing them out once or twice a year or actually having to scoop a grip of leaves out by hand. Unfortunately I ended up with the later and had to spend all afternoon today doing it. It actually looked like it hadn't been done for a few years. Not my fault: I just bought this, my first house, in July. I won't let them get that bad.

That also brings up ladders. You should have a 6' A ladder and a 16' extension ladder. They are both indispensable.
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Greedy Old Pigs]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23286220 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:55:27 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285897 What I'd love to see from the very knowledgeable here is a compendium of tasks that every homeowner should do on a regular basis, and even some that only need to happen every X number of years. I think we can leave stuff out like "mow the lawn" or "trim the hedges" but everything else is fair game (I'm thinking gutters on up).

The first thing every homeowner should do is realize when a project is over their heads. Know that it IS o.k. to call a professional.

I've seen people really screw up their homes by trying to do plumbing, electrical, and HVAC on their own.

I know enough about plumbing to get water from point A to point B. Sometimes it doesn't leak. I know if I call my plumber, it's not my problem. It will get done right, and I don't have to worry.

Routine maintenance is about all you really need to know to keep your house livable. General cleaning is a big chunk of it. Just inspecting the premise or appliances every once in a while is a good start.

Being able to paint, change a light switch, repair a toilet valve, etc... are all nice. But, just being able to spot a problem and get it addressed before it becomes a bigger problem is priceless.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
Nancy Pelosi - House Minority Leader 2010
Harry Reid - Senate Minority Leader 2010]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285897 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:27 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285487 --
calling a illegal alien undocumented is like calling a drug dealer a undocumented pharmacist]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285487 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:55:32 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285443 wish I only had yellowjackets. Instead I have these mutant mosquitoes that are either coming from a neighbor's yard or from the back alley. It was 40°F the other night, and yet I'm still swatting the damn things whenever I go to rake leaves...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23285443 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:48:33 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284869 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284869 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:06:14 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284856 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284856 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:03:13 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284851 said by Warzau:

said by Jeffrey:

Every 2 weeks or so I do a walk around the house - inside and out - to notice any changes.

I do this when I mow the lawn and shovel snow. Plus I take a look at the house when driving to and from. BUT always do a walk around after a severe storm, especially the roof for blow offs.
Yep, that's pretty much when I look as well. The weekly mow in the summer and the bi-monthly mowing in the beginning/end of the season are all good times to look.
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"Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy." - George Carlin]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284851 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:02:22 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284580 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284580 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:11:09 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284505 said by Jeffrey:

Every 2 weeks or so I do a walk around the house - inside and out - to notice any changes.
I do this when I mow the lawn and shovel snow. Plus I take a look at the house when driving to and from. BUT always do a walk around after a severe storm, especially the roof for blow offs.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284505 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:55:54 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284474 said by tapeloop:

And a crowbar is handy to have around in case of zombie attack.
QFT!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284474 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:49:19 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284441
Surprised no one has mentioned cleaning your refrigerator coils:
»Go clean your fridge's condenser coils

Also: with shop vacs, bigger is better when it comes to cleaning up the wet stuff. You don't want to keep emptying the thing every 2 minutes.

And a crowbar is handy to have around in case of zombie attack.
--
"I love mankind. It's people I can't stand."

--L. van Pelt]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284441 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:43:16 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284281 said by dark_star:

Regarding tools, I strongly advise buying a tool when you need it, and only when you need it.
That is good advice, but what fun are home improvement projects if you cannot use it as an excuse to buy a new tool.

My wife and I built our home back in the early 1980's. It never ceases to amaze me that I have significantly more tools now then back then. :)

Another general purpose tool I'd add to your list is an air compressor and a small portable air tank. Compressed air is incredibly useful.

/tom]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284281 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:08:20 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284224 said by Jeffrey:

Every 2 weeks or so I do a walk around the house - inside and out - to notice any changes.
This is probably the most important thing you can do - get familar with your house and what "looks normal". I don't necessarily think every 2 weeks is necessary (maybe at first until that familar factor is set), but certainly a regular inspection schedule so you catch small problems before they become large problems.

You will eventually grow to know your house well enough that when something "smells funny" you'll know it as well - hot, miswired electric has a distinctive smell.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284224 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:59:44 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284216 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284216 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:57:25 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284057
The exceptions are socket, wrench, and screwdriver sets. You don't want to buy one socket, or one wrench, or one screwdriver. By all means, get a decent set of each.

As for the miscellaneous stuff both small and large, buy those only when you undertake an improvement project or repair that requires it. In many such cases, the tool will pay for itself the first time you use it, versus hiring the job to a contractor. Assuming of course that you have the skill and temperament to get professional quality results.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23284057 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:28:58 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283264 Might I suggest a new sticky thread titled "Suggested DIY maintenance for the non-handy homeowner" (or something like that). The thread could be closed and list the tasks and chores without the extraneous comments.
Just a suggestion...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283264 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:48:19 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283247
i know what i am getting myself for x-mas :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283247 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:42:54 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283245
of course everyone's criteria of which tools fall into which category is dependant on what you want to do (a person who likes to woodwork is going to want a better router than me-- i think i have used mine once)

you get the point hopefully. you can always buy better ones later if you have extra cash. by following this strategy i have almost all the tools that i could think of needing and i didn't have to wait years to acquire them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283245 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:41:44 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283188 said by plumb :

I don't think I've ever seen a house or commercial building WITHOUT an inside shut-off... you must be mistaken
we do not have those in washington state (at least west of the cascades)...

out of all the dozen or so that i have either lived in or been in the crawlspace all but two or three had ONLY a main house shutoff. It does not get that cold here and a insulator that goes on the outside is sufficient, which the OP should get (the cheap styrofoam ones are fine).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283188 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:20:03 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283174 said by tschmidt:

said by drew:

I've got baseboard heating... any maintenance on those?

Probably want to vacuum them before the heating season and remove any dust bunnies. Changing filters is a good idea. If you have a humidifier check it and renew element if needed. There aren't any filters in a baseboard heating system!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23283174 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:16:23 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282621 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282621 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:09:31 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282579 A circular saw is very cool to have, if not a little...scary.
But maybe not really needed for a couple years til you're comfortable breaking down a wall, or tearing up the leaking bathroom floor, or building a basic planting table for the wife instead of spending $100 on one.

Don't underestimate the need for safety glasses.

I like the portability of my 19v cordless drill/screwdriver and it has good torque, but when the battery dies, or totally dies (won't hold a charge), a corded one is a godsend. I wish I could find my old B&D corded drill...

Socket wrenches = A+...but I bet the next you'll need them, you'll need metric, or will be missing the proper sized socket. I think I have a mix of three different sets now.

An adapter to put sockets on your power drill will be very handy (or at least I'm finding that to be true with the automotive work).

WD40 is even cooler than expanding foam.
KM
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Don't Lie - Be Kind - Realize your Potential]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282579 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:51:06 EDT Re: Tasks the Average Homeowner Should Do http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282559 said by KoolMoe:

Just remember, it never stops. One problem finally resolved, guarantee you'll have another in a year's time. Have a house fund.
KM
Excellent idea about having a house fund. Definitely want to save some money for major projects in the future that may not be a DIY. So true, if one thing breaks then gets fixed, something else is just around the corner to get broken :(.
--
Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. Robert Orben
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Tasks-the-Average-Homeowner-Should-Do-23282559 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:44:59 EDT