Introduction
1. Getting Started
The Toolbox
Hand Tools
Power Tools
Now That I Have Them, How Do I Use Them?
Caring For Your Tools
Safety First (and Always)
Picking Your Battles
Asking For Help
2. Shopping for Materials and Supplies
Wall Anchors
Caulk and Grout
Filling Holes and Cracks
Nails and Screws
Sandpaper
Adhesives and Glues
Wood
Wallboard
3. Getting the Hang of Things
Hanging a Small- or Medium-Size Picture
Hanging a Very Large Picture or Heavy Mirror
Hanging a Shelf With Brackets
Hanging a Shelf Without Brackets
Hanging Curtain or Drapery Rods
Installing Blinds
4. What About Walls?
Patching Small Holes
Patching Medium-Size Holes
Repairing Cracks and Gouges
Fixing Large Holes
5. All About Doors
Diagnosing the Problem
Solution #1: Replacing the Screws
Solution #2: Sand It Away
Solution #3: Adjusting the Strike Plate
Solution #4: Replacing a Broken or Ugly Lockset
Solution #5: Fixing Bi-Fold Doors
Solution #6: Drafty Doors
6. Painting: It’s All About the Prep
Tools of the Trade
Buying the Paint
Primer
Preparing the Room
Preparing the Walls
Painting the Ceiling
Painting the Walls
Removing the Painter’s Tape
Painting the Woodwork
Painting the Doors
Touching Up
Washing Paintbrushes
Washing Paint Rollers
7. It’s Not All Bubble Baths
Where Water Comes From and Why It’s Important to Know
Can I Fix a Leaky Faucet Myself?
Repairing a Cartridge Faucet
Repairing a Ball-Type Faucet
Getting to Know (and Fix) Your Toilet
Tightening or Replacing the Toilet Handle
Adjusting the Toilet’s Water Level
Replacing the Flapper Ball
Cleaning Your Pop-Up Drain Stopper
Fixing Your Pop-Up Drain Stopper
Replacing a Shower Head
Cleaning Your Sink Faucet Aerator
Replacing Your Sink Faucet Aerator
Removing Old Caulk
Laying a New Bead of Caulk
Repairing Grout
8. But Wait, there’s More: Non-Water-Related Bathroom Projects
Towel Bars and Toilet Paper Holders
Removing the Old Towel Bar
Installing the New Towel Bar
Rehanging a Toilet Paper Holder
Replacing Your Medicine Cabinet
Installing a Safety Grab Bar
Sprucing Up Your Old Vanity
9. Minor Carpentry Jobs
Getting Empowered with Power Tools
Circular Saws
Jig Saws
Compound Miter Saws
General Rules of Saw Use
Project Management
Building a Simple Shelf
Installing a New Handrail
Replacing Existing Window or Door Trim
Replacing a Stair Tread
Installing a Cat/Dog Door
10. Conquering Your Fear of Electricity
Electrical Circuit Road Trip
Doing Your Own Electrical Work
Replacing a Wall Outlet
Replacing a Dimmer Switch
Replacing an Interior Light Fixture
Resources
Index
