Today’s post is from Kyle at Rather Be Shopping. His site features online coupons and discounts. If you enjoy this post I hope you’ll consider subscribing to his RSS Feed. ~Nicki

photo credit: caseywest

A few weeks ago, my 3-year old daughter decided to see how much toilet paper she could stuff down our toilet. I plunged and snaked the commode for what seemed like hours, all to no avail. But I was not about to call a plumber! Instead, I researched the problem and was able to pull the toilet, remove the HUGE softball sized blockage, and put the toilet back with a new wax ring all by myself. Toilet is now good as new!

A plumber would have charged $65 just for the service call, then factor in labor costs, and I probably saved close to $100 fixing the problem myself. I am a big proponent of learning, and doing, small home repairs and maintenance yourself in order to save money. Here are a few tips for those do-it-yourselfers out there.

Seek Free Advice

While many employees at your ‘big box’ home improvement stores know very little more than how to tie an orange apron around their waist, there is always at least one expert in each department. Find out who they are and get to know them by name. They will be a great ally! Invite them to dinner, buy them a hot dog, whatever it takes. They have always given my great free advice.

Find A Great Resource Book

I have one book for the do-it-yourselfer that I carry around like a bible. It is the Readers Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself manual and it is fantastic. It has big ol’ pictures and great diagrams for those out there like me, who would prefer to look at a picture than actually have to read. Worth a look, and not very expensive.

Be A Good Neighbor

In every apartment or home that I have lived in over the years, I have always had at least one very handy neighbor. I immediately be-friend him or her and give them a cold beer! I have learned more from handy neighbors than from any book. I typically reciprocate his/her help by offering my brawn for any projects he or she may be working on at their home. Works out great, their brain for my brawn.

Please add your suggestion or tip. I look forward to any new ideas. Now in keeping with tradition, here are some of the better online coupons on my site that can hopefully help you save some money. See you next month!

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