You (Yes) Can be a Handywoman or Handyman

Are you, or would you like to be the handywoman (or handyman) around your home? There's no reason why you can't fill this role if you're willing to commit some time and money.

Like everything you do today, you have to invest time learning and practicing new skills to become proficient. You didn't go to school knowing how to read. It took years of practice from learning your first 100 words, to reading more complex information and learning how to organize new ideas so you can apply them.

Becoming a handyperson involves learning the basics of how your home is built, investing in quality tools and practicing until you achieve a basic skill set. You've got to read this 10 step guide!

Home maintenance and repair is pretty dry stuff, so when there's an opportunity to have some fun, I'm all for it. Knowing I own a handyman business, I get called “handyman” and people send me all sorts of handyman type stuff. A friend in real estate sent this 10 Step Guide to me and I laughed, and know you will too … as life is too short and we have to have fun along the way.

10 Step Guide For The Do-It-Yourself Handyman

… from Lynda Cadieux Ferland, Keller Williams Coastal Realty

1. If you can't find a screwdriver, use a knife. If you break off the tip, it's an improved screwdriver.

2. Try to work alone. An audience is rarely any help.

3. Above all, if what you've done is stupid, but it works, then it isn't stupid.

4. Work in the kitchen whenever you can … many fine tools are there, its warm and dry, and you are close to the refrigerator.

5. If it's electronic, get a new one…or consult a twelve year old.

6. Stay simple minded: Get a new battery; replace the bulb or fuse; see if the tank is empty; try turning the switch or just paint over it.

7. Always take credit for miracles. If you dropped the alarm clock while taking it apart and it suddenly starts working, you have healed it.

8. Regardless of what people say, kicking, pounding and throwing sometimes DOES help.

9. If something looks level, it is level … except when it's a door or window that needs to open/close.

10. If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

Stop laughing now & get to work on your first project!

… and tell us below, what project you're starting today.

Lynda Cadieux Ferland, is a licensed realtor with Keller Williams Coastal Realty. A New Hampshire native, Lynda is very active in Portsmouth where she lives, helping homeowners buy and sell single family homes on the seacoast. She can help you pick the town and neighborhoods to focus your search so you find the best home for your immediate and longer term needs. Check Lynda's website out or call her direct line, 603-234-1163.