Tip 64: DIY projects to save money
Anytime you can do work yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it, you'll save money. You can get a book about home improvement- check it out free at the library or buy a used book for a couple dollars. If you can learn to troubleshoot some basic plumbing issues you can save money and resolve problems faster that waiting for someone to come to your house. Some electrical problems or problems with appliances or HVAC systems can be solved with simple troubleshooting.
Some of the larger projects I have done include installing sinks and faucets, installing a whirlpool bathtub, insulating the crawlspace and attic of my house, building a scaffolding and painting my 2 story house, and installing plumbing hook-ups for a dishwasher. It is rewarding to be able to sweat copper pipes together and install plumbing that will last a lifetime. Plastic Pex tubing is becoming popular for plumbing now, but I do not have the tools to work with that.
I once built a chicken coop with an 8 foot ceiling and salvaged windows and doors from Habitat Humanity. It had a nice poured concrete floor. This chicken coop was like a small house- my wife said that we could almost live in it. It didn’t look as nice after it had chickens in it, but it was really fun to build and cost a lot less than buying a pre-built chicken coop.
Doing things yourself saves money and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Start with a small project and build your skills.
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