10 tips for handling a household project

When embarking on home maintenance projects, a positive, can-do attitude will save you money, time, frustration — even possibly injury. Bear these points in mind before you begin.

They surely don't count as tools, but the following household items are key to keeping your abode clean and well-maintained. Gather them up or purchase them now so you're ready for any job later:

•  Vacuum cleaner
• Brooms (indoor and outdoor)
• Mops
• Sponges
• Plastic spray bottles
• Scissors
• Pencils
• Wire coat hangers
• Powerful flashlight (and backup batteries)
• Bucket
• Rope
• Clean rags
• Whisk broom
• Steam iron (for such tasks as softening vinyl flooring or reviving a carpet)
• Scrap wood (remnants and shims)

• Don't let wrinkles in the plan upset you. Negativity leads to defeatism. Keep your sense of humour even when you're mired in a mess.

• Having nervous energy and rushing through a job usually lead to mistakes or injuries.

• Read all instructions carefully. Follow them to the letter.
• Collect all tools and gear that you need before you embark on your project.

• If you're replacing a shingle, you'll want to note how it fits into place. Take a photo or draw a diagram. When you put in the new piece you want it to fit just right.
• If you're replacing a faucet, for example, notice the order in which the washers, screws and other small parts are assembled and disassembled.

• If you don't have the tools or materials called for, find substitutes. If you're replacing a brick, for example, and don't have a brick jointer to shape the fresh mortar, use an ice cream stick or a spoon.
• In most cases, the world won't come to an end if you don't have just the right tool.

• Sometimes one problem masks another, and you have to stop in the middle of a job to fix the underlying problem.
• If you're patching a hole in a wall and discover a leaky pipe, fix the leak first, then return to the original job. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches later!

•  Most accidents occur when people are tired or in a hurry. Take your time, wear the proper safety equipment, know when to stop and do the job right.

•  Many jobs require more time, money and skill than homeowners plan for. Leave yourself a cushion in all three areas and you'll sidestep a lot of frustration.

•  As long as the tools and materials are out, finish up. Otherwise you'll be looking at that unpainted window trim a year from now!