frustrated with small projects

**frugal is fun** · 06-02-2010, 04:27 PM

so this is my first time posting on the DIY thread.

I'm single (divorced) and I just bought a house last summer and I'm starting to do projects on my own which has been very liberating! I insulated my entire attic, did one hek of a job on my hedges as they were growing into the house. So more than just "cutting the hedges" was required. And I just hand dug a 24x6 garden.

However I have several small projects that I know are "simple" yet I haven't a clue how to do them or the tools required.

as an example the threshold of my garage door is rotten. I know easy fix, just a cut a board to size, seal it, take out the old put in the new. Problem: I don't have a saw.

I have a hallway and part of my kitchen that needs floor trim. Again, no saw or the motor skills to hammer in small nails without hurting myself

I have a concrete patio that is in need of repair/patching. I guess its as simple as mixing concrete and patching it however, I don't want to mess it up and 1)make it look bad, or 2) do it wrong and make it worse.

I do have friends that offer help but I feel funny becasue I know they have their own things to take care of or these "friends" want to do more than "help" me if you know what I mean.

There are a few other items that I need done that I didn't list but you get the idea. I could hire a handy man to just price all the small jobs but I feel like I should be able to do this. (this is the stubborn part of my personality coming through)

when I got divorced my ex got all his tools and I got my tools (meaning the small kitchen appliances). I now wish I went for the chop saw instead of the food processor!

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-02-2010, 05:02 PM

You can have boards cut at the store (Lowes or Home Depot). It's best to go on a week day when they aren't busy because it will take a while to get a guy back to the saw to do it.

You can glue floor trim to the wall. It will rip up the wall if you ever need to get it off, though. But, really, hammer and nails is easy, especially after some of the other things you've done.

**akolb** · 06-02-2010, 05:03 PM

if you know what size threshold you need, home improvement stores have precut/presealed ones. They will also cut things to size for free if you ask.
...at least the ones by us will!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-02-2010, 06:10 PM

Home Depot usually has workshops that you can go to to learn how to do even the little things. I'd probably invest in either some good equipment or see where you can rent it out for the length of the job.

I'm like you in that I could do it, but I am mega afraid of messing it up. I finished patching the holes with drywall compound and installed the screen on a screen door by myself, plus stripped the cabinets and repainted them. I think the more you do the small jobs, the more confidence you get.

**Russ** · 06-02-2010, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

You can have boards cut at the store (Lowes or Home Depot). It's best to go on a week day when they aren't busy because it will take a while to get a guy back to the saw to do it.

Agreed. Measure carefully and take a drawing with you to the store.

OR... find a local Mom and Pop hardware or lumber store and maybe they can help you.

You are welcome to PM me with any projects and I'll see if I can help you.

**TigerGirl1226** · 06-02-2010, 06:18 PM

I second the Home Depot workshops. My mom was single and divorced and we lived in some crappy places. She used a series of books that each covered a different subject and would look for tools at the pawn shop. She learned a lot over the years between the books and asking the pros that HD and Lowe's.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-02-2010, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

I second the Home Depot workshops. My mom was single and divorced and we lived in some crappy places. She used a series of books that each covered a different subject and would look for tools at the pawn shop. She learned a lot over the years between the books and asking the pros that HD and Lowe's.

I can't live without my 1-2-3 Book of Home Improvement that I got from Home Depot. Those books may be expensive ($29 for ours) but it's worth it... trust me. It gives you pictures and explanations, plus a list of supplies. Most people would just gawk at the project unless they have that book.

*sigh* Don't it make you wish that you could just yank Mike Holmes out of your closet to do it for you, then put him back?

**TigerGirl1226** · 06-02-2010, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

I can't live without my 1-2-3 Book of Home Improvement that I got from Home Depot. Those books may be expensive ($29 for ours) but it's worth it... trust me. It gives you pictures and explanations, plus a list of supplies. Most people would just gawk at the project unless they have that book.

*sigh* Don't it make you wish that you could just yank Mike Holmes out of your closet to do it for you, then put him back?

I just checked on eBay and you can get the books super cheap, it looks like. Hmmm, might have to get a couple myself.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-02-2010, 06:39 PM

Yeah I'd check EBay and Amazon before I got them in the store. We just happened to get ours directly from Home Depot because we were already there and it was a gift for my aunt-in-law a Christmas or two ago.

**monkeywrangler71** · 06-02-2010, 07:11 PM

A few years ago I started buying tools one at a time as I did small jobs around the house. I would always pick a job that required one tool I didn't have, then buy that one tool, research the job on the internet, and just do it. Eventually you get to the point where you have almost everything you need, and your confidence grows with every project you complete.

**krbshappy71** · 06-02-2010, 07:49 PM

My neighbor's husband lets me borrow his tools, I reciprocate with cookies for the entire family. One thing I like about this is that when I have borrowed it, I immediately have a deadline. I must do this task so I can give the tool back to him asap. I return the tool the same day.

This has saved me a bundle and only one time did it cost me. I broke a bit so I ran to home depot to replace his bit. But if it was my drill, I would have had this expense anyhow.

**frugal is fun** · 06-03-2010, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the support! Checking out pawn shops for tools is a great idea that I never thought of!

I think all of you are right, once I start doing more and more my confidence will grow and I won't be so intimidated by each project.

**arocbuild** · 10-11-2010, 12:10 AM

small projects are frustrating. But you shouldn't feel like you can't make mistakes. In fact, small projects are great practice for large future projects. Yes, buying used tools is smart if they have had light use or have been reconditioned. I am a seasonal contractor so I know.

**mamamia** · 10-11-2010, 03:53 AM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

I second the Home Depot workshops. My mom was single and divorced and we lived in some crappy places. She used a series of books that each covered a different subject and would look for tools at the pawn shop. She learned a lot over the years between the books and asking the pros that HD and Lowe's.

First of all, give yourself a "pat on the back"! There's not too many of us, man OR woman who could single handedly install insulation in an entire attic...GEESH!

But like TigerGirl's post, I did want to suggest getting hold of some GOOD home-repair books, or GOOGLE, and print from the web. For tools, remember you can always just rent them from Lowes and other rental places. We've done this with larger tools that we would probably only use once or twice, so no reason to buy at all.

You got alot to be proud of Frugal, and btw, welcome to the FV! Glad you found us!

Theresa

**Darlene** · 10-11-2010, 07:56 AM

Great ideas!
Barter with those friends of yours. In exchange for x from them you'll do something for them. Like krbshappy71 said it could be cookies, yard work, babysitting, anything you both agree on can be an even swap.
You can watch while your friend works & pick up a new skill too.