What is the best way of getting into DIY? Can anyone reccommend good books out there?
Question:I have no clue on DYI, the best i can do is probably change a light bulb! I have just bought a house and I am very eager to start DIY luckily for me the house does not need any immediate repairs :)
Are there any books on DIY, preferable DIY for idots anyone can reccommend. cheers :)
Answers:
No one is a DIY idiot, smile.
The question is a good one however, and just by using the Q&A search browser, I've seen others who have suggested various resources in the form of books and web sites.
Answer number 1 has a very valid notion. The DIY field is as broad as one can imagine, considering everything categorized.
Home Depot and Lowes have a book section, as well as instructional pamphlets and weekend workshops. HGTV and PBS "This Old House" are good resources as well. A general search online for Home improvement ideas will certainly turn up many other resources, as will a trip to a local library. Even just a trip to a local "hardware" store, humbling yourself to ask for information from someone who should at least be moderately qualified, is a good beginning.
As a "newbie" start with some basics that don't require much more than eye/hand/brain coordination, similar to what you allude to...IE: Changing a light bulb. Learn the wiring of a light fixture. how to replace and repair things that can be minor inconveniences, but a nagging annoyance once broken.
I first got started in the trades out of a NEED to do, for "myself", and eventually kept at it.
Good Luck.
Steven Wolf
You won't find one definitive book of DIY. There are many, depending on what you want to repair, build, replace, etc.
DIY is simply "do-it-yourself". When you find a project you need to do but don't know how, the internet can be a great asset. You can also buy books or check them out at your library on specific repairs that you'd like to do.
My husband and I have learned to do quite a bit by trial and error, practice, various books, and of course, internet searches. It's a lot of fun.
When I built my deck, the books were usually to generic to be useful, but the set from Black & Decker were pretty good and were really step by step instructions. My wife ending up buying the entire set for me. Real good stuff it seemed to me.
I have done 4 houses and I knew nothing when I started. My best help came from home improvement centers like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Menards. Each department has a Manager that should be able to suggest proper tools, materials and directions for what you want to do.Take painting.They should be able to explain types of paint, sheen, tools needed and proper application. Some of these stores had books of directions you could look thru at the store. All had books for sale on projects.Some even had demonstration videos to buy. Don't be shy about asking questions. That's what they are there for"to answer questions and to sell you something" LOL Good Luck
DIY is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty! Popular Mech, Handyman, any mags or even encyclopedia sets you can get at the thrift store or yard sales. It's all about how much cash you can spend on these books! Pick up the instruction sheets when you or someone you know buys something.I keep all the sheets in a file folder
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