Home improvement television is a great tool. So many weekend warriors have come out of their shells thanks to the huge variety of television programming. Any day, at any hour, you can surf dozens of programs to find a project or some great advice on exactly what you need. Ours is an amazing time for “Do-It-Yourself-ers.”
Contractors are a wonderful tool that we in the design world can’t live without. They take the brunt of the poor press when it comes to home remodeling. But do your research, and you’ll find the very best. Hire a reputable, licensed contractor, and be willing to pay for it. Check out references and take a walk through some of their work.
Don’t overlook one of the most handy tools—the “handy” guy or gal who can fix what needs fixing! Let’s face it, some of us are simply too busy to fix that fence, change out that old chandelier or fix the toilet. Those handy folks ride in and save the day so easily!
Toolbox Tips
• It’s important to take care of your tools, so the first thing you need is a toolbox. You’ll find many to choose from that are very reasonable. I like the classic red metal one.
• Buy one tool at a time. A prepackaged set will get you off to a good start, but then you’re also buying things that you’ll probably never use.
• Always handle a tool first—you need something with a good weight and feel for you.
• Consider tools that have more than one use, like a four-in-one screwdriver.
• Never mind the fancy handles. Focus on function.
• It’s important to invest in quality if you want tools to be around a long time. Tools that bend or break will slow you down and might cause damage.
• Keep your tools nice, dry, and tidy—they will last forever.
Toolbox Must-Haves
10-ounce hammer
Four-in-one screwdriver
Long-nose and slip-joint pliers
8-inch adjustable wrench
Utility knife
9-inch level
25-foot extension cord
Flashlights
25-foot tape measure
Colored duct tape
Cordless power drill (when you can afford one)
Toolbox Nice-to-Haves
Sturdy ladder
Plunger
Assorted sizes of nails
Picture hangers
Work gloves
Super Glue
White school glue
Expert Tools of the Trade
Sometimes it is best to just leave it to the professionals. If you or someone in your household isn’t quite as handy as you thought, I’ve got some advice on outsourcing the job to a pro, rather than spending lots of wasted time (and frustration) doing a botched job.
Surveys show that the average American household has approximately 22 items on their to-do list. Rather than wasting time playing phone tag with the plumber, electrician and carpenter, get all your needs met by hiring a professional handyman service.
Tips for Hiring a Handyman Service
• All employees of the company should be pre-screened (this includes drug screening and background checks). They also should wear photo identification.
• Don’t use a company that subcontracts work. These services often lack consistency and quality control.
• Be sure that your handyman service has insurance and that their workers are bonded.
• Ask for references and actually contact them! See if you can contact people who have been serviced in your neighborhood.
• Great customer service is a sign of a good, professional handyman service. You should be able to speak directly to a knowledgeable individual, who will provide you with detailed scheduling and billing information. They should also provide you with information about the company’s satisfaction guarantee. A follow-up is not essential, but it is a sign of an exceptional service.
• Your handyman service should provide you with a confirmed appointment and follow through.
• Use a company that has community connections, such as being a member of the Better Business Bureau, and is respected in the community.
• Even though it might take just a bit longer to find a great handyman service, you save yourself a lot of extra phone calls and hassle in the end. In the future, you can continue to rely on this trusted service for all of your home needs and hopefully whittle away at that lengthy to-do list with just a little help.
What are you waiting for?
Change Your Home, Change the World™
www.mollandersonhome.com