I live in a 10 year old moble home that is sadly showing its age. I'm fairly handy with tools but am afraid to try some of the things that need done without someone more experienced present to keep me from making a costly mistake(or some really good directions!). I don't have money to pay a lot for someone to do the work for me, but have to do something before the situation gets too bad. Does anyone have any ideas, websites, anything? So far repairs cover everything from drywall to windows and doors...
THANKS everyone for the votes of confidence! I think I'll try to prioritize first- there are so many things needing done, I'm not sure where to start! Then I'll check out the websites and trade school ideas. We live in the middle of no where, which might complicate matters, but anything is worth trying! I've got several books, but I'm quickly finding that house construction and mobile homes are 2 different games, so I've got to learn to adapt to the differences...Bear with me if I vent somemore here the next time I find drywall in places wood should be...THanks again everyone!
there are websites for Lowes, Home Depot, HGTV, DIY....all with helpful info. Good luck.
Oh, & get those kids involved in the repairs. My sons always help!
Hello. I know Lowe's has actual classes every week on different kinds of repairs, upgrades, etc. for the Do it yourself-ers! You can call and ask them what they have for this week. Good Luck and I wish you well.
My husband used to work in construction until we moved here. He knows all phases and has helped people in the past and has helped a person he worked for who is now laid off recently without pay. I will talk to him today and see if he can give you some advice. If you give me your email address I will email you there with the answer. My email address is ____@____.com R
talk to the folks at home depot/lowe's! i have heard they're a huge help...
I don't know if you live in a mobile home park but I do and I know that the managers of the park usually have the names of maybe even some people who live in the park that could help you. Right now so many people are out of work it probably wouldn't be hard to find someone to do some handy work for cheap.
Check out home repair videos on youtube or This Old House's website.
depending on what needs to be done sometimes home depot of lowes has workshops for home imprvmnts. Also, they have books for all kinds of repairs tht give step by step instructions.
Yes, if you want to do it yourself, there are tons of online resources. You can find sites (not necessarily from stores) that will walk you through it step by step, and with photographs too.
If you're looking for help, maybe church groups, Habitat for Humanity, hm . . . I've been on the HGTV website a couple times, some of their shows will do work for people, but I'm sure the competition is great. If you work at home, maybe an SBA loan would be an option, or some stimulus funds if you are improving energy efficiency. Money might enable you to hire someone to do the jobs, or some of them. Once my Dad hired a retired plumber to do some work. It would be against the union to do the work cheaper, so he "taught" my Dad how to do the work, and they worked together. Are there any trade schools near you? Maybe they could refer you to students who will work inexpensively for experience, or someone who would instruct you informally. Word of mouth is often the best way to find people who work and are willing to do unconventional deals. Ask around, whoever you know, maybe at the hardware store, schools, etc. hth
The DIY website has a lot of great tips, and I agree with the other readers that Lowe's may be able to help. I'm not sure about your timeline, but I do know that Lowe's has a clearance aisle where you can get some really good bargains on home improvement items, if you can wait around for them. Don't be afraid to ask for help...I've found that a mom on a mission can do just about anything she need to! (except repair the roof! I'm afraid of heights!!!! anything else is fair game--and I LOVE power tools!!!!)
Another thing I thought of may or may not fit your situation. If you have a good number of friends or relatives around (or even church members or co-workers) you might be able to organize a "work-day" at your house. Invite people over, ask for help with repairs, and have a bbq to say "thanks". Grill some hot dogs, have chips or potato salad, watermelon, and some tea...it's cheap and quick, and the "party" could be a great way to get a lot of stuff done in 1 day!
Good luck!!!
