The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: ejh on September 27, 2016, 02:08:34 AM
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Hey,
I really like fixing stuff on my own a around the house.
It's nice to see how things work, it saves money, and when I know how to do something right - I tend to do it better than someone else because it's my property.
However, I don't really know how to deal with complex stuff - electricity, plumbing and woodworking is currently out of my league.
I also don't always know which materials and tools to pick up and end up buying stuff I use only once.
I stumbled upon an ad for a "handyman" course. It received great reviews and the instructor seems great.
He's set up a real workshop to get hands on experience.
Do you think this is a worthwhile investment? Is this something I could turn into a side income (albeit a small one)?
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A short course isnt going to turn you into a professional. It should however equip you with the knowledge to start gaining experience safely in your own home, where you can learn from the mistakes you make.
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There are SO many videos on YouTube from professionals showing handyman how-to's. Search for the specific thing you're interested in learning that day. You could even build your own 'Handyman Training' video collection, and share it with others.
Also, set your DVR to record "This Old House", and "Ask This Old House" from PBS. Or, go on-line and watch the videos there. Neither of these are as good as hands on, but they can be very inspirational. And you're right... nothing beats hands-on tinkering.
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Home Depot usually has free classes and workshops on weekends you might want to check out.
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Not really enough info given to base a recommendation on.
What course? Given by whom? Covering what??
What are your skills and limitations?
Do you have funds to buy and room to store a variety of equipment and materials?
Do you have a way to get tools and materials from the vendor to your storage and then to a customer?
Are you able to keep your own books?
Are you able to hound people that owe you money or sell the debt at a big discount to a collection agency?
Do you need a license? Are you going to get bonded? Insured?
I'd bet a stack of elec. box knockouts that the class / instructor teaches with and recommends certain tools - that they happen to sell.
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I did a course at a local vocational school when we bought our house. It was something like 2 nights a week, 3 hours a night, for 5 weeks. We did lots of basic homeowner stuff. Patch drywall, hang ceiling fan, add a dimmer switch, rewire fluorescent ballast, disassemble and reassemble a toilet and sink, etc. It was all hands on. I think it cost $100. Totally worth it, both in what I learned and the confidence it gave me.