Guest Author - Rhonda Cliett

Home improvement projects can make the cost of home ownership quite steep. While some projects do require the skill of an expert, many projects can be safely and efficiently done by the homeowner.

Being successful at home improvement projects is simply a matter of having access to the right resources, along with lots of practice. Just like any other task that you undertake, you will experience your fair share of “disasters” amongst the “successes.” Many women feel somewhat inferior when it comes to home repair projects because society has instilled upon us that our place in the home does not involve tools. However, many females are picking up the hammer and the drill and proving society wrong. So, whether it is out of necessity, or simply out of the desire to try your hand at something different, you too can be successful in home repair projects. Here are some free resources to get you started:

Do-it-Herself Workshop – Sponsored by your local Home Depot store, these workshops are designed for the female home improver. They teach everything from the basics to more complex projects. Each workshop features hands-on experience and details the tools and materials needed to complete each project. For more information, and to sign up for the next workshop, go to Home Depot now.

Home Depot Weekly Clinics – Sponsored by your local Home Depot store, these in-store weekly clinics are for everyone. They simplify complex projects with easy-to-follow instructions. Pre-registration is not required. To view the current clinics, go to Home Depot now.

Lowe’s How-to Clinics – Sponsored by your local Lowe’s, these clinics are designed to teach you how to tackle a variety of home improvement projects. For a schedule of clinics at your local Lowe’s, go to Lowe’s now.

Barbarak Online How-to Projects – Brought to you by the queen of home repair, these how-to projects will take you step-by-step through basic home enhancement and home repair projects. Go to Barbarak! now.

Ron Hazleton’s House Calls – Ron Hazleton hosts a home improvement television show that takes you on the road and across the country. He stops at homes along the way and helps folks with all sorts of projects. His website features very detailed step-by-step home repair projects and each project is complete with photos to guide you through each step. You can also print the project instructions and material list. Visit Ron Hazleton now.

Suggested Reading:

Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home

Appliance Handbook for Women

The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: With 350 Projects and 2300 Photos (Black & Decker)