The good handyperson can see a problem - let's say, a leaky sink - assess the situation, maybe take a quick look at some stuff online, go to the nearest Lowe's, and make the problem go away. These folks may have never had a scrap of formal training in their entire lives. Yet they can fix just about anything they want to. And, in fact, they may decide to take on large remodeling projects and make the job look like something that appears on HGTV. I like to call these people fiximus anythingus rexus.
Then there's the bad handyperson. This person should never pick up a tool. They see a situation within the home that needs repair, and despite past, failed attempts at home repair resolution, they believe somewhere deep down in their clouded minds that THIS TIME it will be different...and it never is. I like to call this person nofiximus anythingus goofus.
I am the person who should NEVER pick up a tool. My wife is the kind of person that can paint or fix anything. In fact, when we first moved in to our own she wanted to knock down a wall in our master bath. I said no, but only because I was scared that I'd have to help and the house would have fallen down. But she amazes me. She, howevere, is the exception rather than the rule.
Most of us do not know how to do many of the necessary home repairs that come with home ownership. It seems as though there is always something needing to be fixed. And when you finish one job, you find out there's one more waiting. It can be very overwhelming, yes?
What if there were a class for home fix-it beginners? Wouldn't that be helpful? Well, there is!
Neighborhood Housing Services has begun a 2 night class on basic homeowner repair. I believe that it's limited to clients of the NHS, but it's still something that is available to the public. Some of the topics they cover are "particular chores" (whatever that means), cleaning out gutters, and using a stud finder. Yes, some of us need help understanding that freaky little box that seems to beep no matter where you place it. Mary Ann Anthony, a single mother of three, was taught how to use a cordless drill. She says, "No one ever let me do that." And now she knows how.
It may be worth a phone call. Or, if you are adept in the area of home repair, maybe you could start a class in your neighborhood. Just check with your HOA. You'd be surprised at how many people out there have absolutely no idea how to do the simplets of repairs.
Dustin...
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