How can I go from DIY zero to DIY hero?

[ModernIncantations]

Learning how to change basic car fluids, spark plugs, tires was ridiculously empowering -- a big middle finger to all sleazy car repair shops and quick oil change rackets.

I long for similar, and elevated results in the field of DIY home improvement. I would satisfied at a skill level of 70% money mustache.

What resources can I use to achieve this? I am not opposed to copious reading or volunteering my time. I also have a few resources in family and friends.

[James]

Youtube is great for all things DIY...


Start with something small that doesn't take new tools and try it out. Mostly it depends most on what your particular place needs, what are some projects that you could see improving your current place?

[MrMoneyPinch]

The best way is to try and fail.  Then try again and do it better.

That's the only way I know to learn plasterwork.  It's finicky work, and the materials are cheap anyway.

There are other things which are easier to do approximately right the first time, like changing electrical sockets and light fixtures.

If you start with less-visible or less-urgent projects, you will have the possibility of doing it twice or living with a rough result.  Doing a kitchen-dining room is best left for last because of the visibility and the necessity of leaving a partially usable result every night.

[phred]

Find yourself a Habitat for Humanity project and stick yourself to it.  By the time you've worked all phases on the third such you should be good to go.  Supplement with books & YouTube as needed

[Exflyboy]

Find yourself a Habitat for Humanity project and stick yourself to it.  By the time you've worked all phases on the third such you should be good to go.  Supplement with books & YouTube as needed

Excellent idea!

[ModernIncantations]

Youtube is great for all things DIY...


Start with something small that doesn't take new tools and try it out. Mostly it depends most on what your particular place needs, what are some projects that you could see improving your current place?

Rehanging the gutters, rebuilding the back deck's railings, and installing new garage doors

[ModernIncantations]

Find yourself a Habitat for Humanity project and stick yourself to it.  By the time you've worked all phases on the third such you should be good to go.  Supplement with books & YouTube as needed

Excellent idea!

Second. As long as it's okay to ask lots of questions

[phred]

Of course.  The foreman knows he's going to be dealing with newbies

[GoldenStache]

I had a friend do the Habitat for Humanity and loved the experience.  He did it just to practice working on things.  He felt a little bad at first about not getting things just right, but slowly got better.  He finally started doing things on his house usually after he did them 2 or 3 times on a site.

[PantsOnFire]

I like the Habitat idea.  Another one is to market yourself to any of your DIY friends or family that have home projects going on.  Lots of times people won't ask for help, and folks like yourself are afraid to offer since maybe you feel like you would be getting in the way more than helping.  But truth be told, almost every job can go better with an extra pair of hands no matter how unskilled.  Maybe you are just helping with the heavy lifting, or occasionally running to the store to get another box of nails or a plumbing fitting, but that kind of help can be a godsend.  And you are soaking up know-how, and earning brownie points for when you need to ask for help on YOUR projects. 

[ModernIncantations]

I like the Habitat idea.  Another one is to market yourself to any of your DIY friends or family that have home projects going on.  Lots of times people won't ask for help, and folks like yourself are afraid to offer since maybe you feel like you would be getting in the way more than helping.  But truth be told, almost every job can go better with an extra pair of hands no matter how unskilled.  Maybe you are just helping with the heavy lifting, or occasionally running to the store to get another box of nails or a plumbing fitting, but that kind of help can be a godsend.  And you are soaking up know-how, and earning brownie points for when you need to ask for help on YOUR projects.

I like the clever use of favor debt here :)

[James]

Rehanging the gutters, rebuilding the back deck's railings, and installing new garage doors

All three are great projects to start with, you can find advice here and other places on how to deal with your particular situation. And you aren't doing things like roofing that can have huge implications for mistakes... :)


I found installing my own garage doors was a wonderful experience, it is a lot of work, but the results are a dramatic difference for all to see, and an immediate improvement in function that I use every day.

[going2ER]

Places such as Home Depot will have workshops on things like laying tiles, changing out a toilet, sink, finishing a basement, etc. You can try it out with their products at their expense and see if it is something you would want to try. Good luck.

[Greg]

Also check out your neighborhood for DIY centers.  Not sure where in Seattle you live but I know there's one in Phinney Ridge:
http://phinneycenter.org/tools/

I think they offer classes as well.