Would you learn some new skills like plumbing to save you cash?

Discussion in Home & Garden started by Denis Hard • Apr 30, 2014.

  1. Denis Hard

    Denis HardWell-Known Member

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    It's not just plumbing, it could be anything that you could need someone to 'help you' with if you don't how it's done. I know a farmer learned so many skills that if any of his machinery breaks down he doesn't need to call anyone to get the repairs or maintenance done. I think something like that could help you save a lot [of cash] at home.

    Your thoughts, guys?
     
  2. prettycolors

    prettycolorsActive Member

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    My father used to do all the repairs around the house by himself and I had to help him by handing the tools. Needless to say, I learned a lot about home repairs and most times I don't have to pay for a specialist (for example, electricity is something I try not to 'play' with). Another great way to learn about repairs is to help friends that need a hand. Last year I installed the floors at a friend's house and this year I'm gonna use the knowledge I gathered to do the same in my flat.
     
  3. Denis Hard

    Denis HardWell-Known Member

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    That sounds like something doable. But wouldn't you have to help quite a number of neighbors before you become an expert at doing something?

    By the way, I heard of someone who spent so much in a hospital that he could accurately prescribe the right medicine if you told him how you felt. So I suppose watching others do stuff can also help you learn how to do it?
     
  4. jneanz

    jneanzActive Member

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    Since plumbing can mean touching rats and other vermin, my choice would be basic auto repair. I know how to change some fluids but if I could learn how to change a tire and other stuff, I know that would save some of my pennies. The thing I will need to learn is how to mow a lawn properly.
     
  5. Lostvalleyguy

    LostvalleyguyActive Member

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    My family (My father, myself and my brother) recently built an addition on a cabin. The work included a bathroom and electrical as well as all the basic construction jobs. Between the three of us, we had all the expertise we needed and none of us have ever worked in the construction industry. It is worth learning the basics of these skill as most homeowners will have to make repairs at some point. Having grown up with a cabin where help is impossible to come by, you have to learn these maintenance things. Living in the city, it is easy to call a plumber or an electrician but it is nice to be able to pop out to the hardware store and have the repair done in a few hours rather than having to wait and shell out a lot of money.
     
  6. Jessi

    Jessi<a href="http://www.quirkycookery.com">QuirkyCooke

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    Yes!

    My mom taught me a fair bit when I was growing up, so I'm used to learning how to do some things myself to avoid having to call a plumber, electrician, mechanic, etc.

    That being said, there are some things that I simply don't WANT to do and the convenience of having someone else do it is worth it to me. For example, I know how to change my own car oil. I'm glad I have the skill, but to be honest, for the time it would take for me to do it myself and the necessary effort, etc.... I'd rather spend take it to a shop for 20 bucks and be done. It's the trade-off cost for me that's worth it.
     
  7. J3NN4

    J3NN4Member

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    A huge way to save money on home repairs is to watch YouTube tutorials on it. It's totally free to watch them, and you'll only be paying the price of whatever you need to replace. A lot of things seem really daunting, but aren't once you realize how they work.

    We needed a new bathroom counter/cabinet, and it was going to be around $1000 to have someone come do it. Spent a few days watching tutorials and reading up on how to do it correctly, and we had them installed over the weekend, only paying what the materials cost.

    Only thing I'd say don't skimp out on, or try to do yourself, is electrical work. It's too dangerous, and there's a reason people have to be certified to do it. Electrocuting yourself or having your house burn down because of an electrical fire isn't worth the money you'd save.