DIY Advice @ YPL for Y-O-U
Time to Tackle That TO DO List
Have you ever walked into a room in your home and are struck by the thought of how much you really don’t like that wallpaper? Or maybe it is the flooring that needs an update. Is this the year you finally paint an accent wall? You can tackle those home improvement projects that have been on your mind AND your to-do list for months with help from your Yorktown Public Library. We have the material you need to help you put a big red check mark by those items on your TO DO list.
Take time before you commit to a project to do a bit of research. Researching the process can help you decide if you want to go full “do it yourself” on a project or leave it to the professionals. If you choose to have a professional tackle the project, researching the subject can help you decide what questions to ask and set the tone for your expectations of the final results.
Now it’s time to browse your Yorktown Public Library’s collection and find the information you need to start your DIY project. Here are just a few of selections we have to offer.
IN THE ADULT COLLECTION:
Check out this magazine and explore such topics as do-it-yourself home improvement, repairs and remodeling with step-by- step photos and illustrations. You can read the current issue while in the library. The back issues of the magazine are available for check out. Most magazines in the collection can be checked out for 28 days.
The Complete Photo Guide to Home Improvement: Over 1,700 photos, 250 step-by-step projects by Tim Himsel
Black and Decker has compiled a book of the most popular, money-saving projects. Projects range from easy window and door replacement to full demolition and renovation projects.
Reviews of tools and step-by-step instructions for a variety of projects fill the pages of this book.
DIY Home Repairs 100 Fix-It-Yourself Projects by Sarah Beeny
An easy-to-use home improvement guide for homeowners of every skill level. Learn how to tackle household issues on your own.
The Complete Photo Guide to Outdoor Building: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects presented by Black and Decker
Now is the time to get outside and beautify your yard with the projects in this book.
IN THE DVD COLLECTION:
Installing Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops with Tom Law- Master carpenter
Tom Law shows his techniques for smooth and accurate cabinet installation. In this DVD, he covers all the basics of installation, including shimming to level cabinets, installing hardware and adjusting the fit of drawers and doors.
ON THE LIBBY APP:
10- Minute Home Improvement: 100’s of Fast Ways to Increase the Value of your Home by Skye Alexander
This eBook offers suggestions on projects you can complete in 10 minutes, including trimming the scrubs, painting your front door and replacing your mailbox.
Home Repair Wisdom & Know-How: Timeless Techniques to Fix, Maintain and Improve Your Home by Fine Homebuilding Magazine
This eBook’s topics include fixing a leaky faucet, roof repair, fixing small and large appliances and much more.
Update Your House: 100 DIY Repairs and Improvements for Under $100 by Phillip Schmitt-
If you are looking for ideas to make your home more livable, this eBook is for you.
Landscaping for Dummies by Teri Chace
Create an eye-catching outdoor oasis with this no-nonsense guide.
With any DIY project, keep this advice in mind:
• Safety First!
Take all necessary safety precautions and follow all safety instructions on the materials you are using
• Write Down Your Plans
What do you want to accomplish? What is the start and end date? Tracking your plans keeps you on track and makes sure you don’t forget some minor part of the project.
• Measurements and Materials
Write down all measurements and materials you will need for the project. Having this list of information all together may be all that stands between you and multiple trips to the big box store on a Saturday afternoon!
You can also enjoy home improvements without ever wielding a hammer!
How? Visit your Yorktown Public Library and check out these books and DVDs with a home repair theme--or are at least home repair adjacent!
IN THE ADULT COLLECTION:
The Dead Cat Bounce: (Home Repair is Homicide Mystery Book Series #1) by Sarah Graves
Dead cat bounce n. Stock market jargon for a small, temporary rise in a stock's trading price after a sharp drop. Since she bought her rambling old fixer-upper of a house, Jacobia Tiptree has gotten used to finding things broken. However, her latest problem isn't so easily repaired. Along with the rotting floor joists and sagging support beams, there's the little matter of the dead man in Jake's storeroom, an ice pick firmly planted in his cranium.
Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayers
Francis enters a wondrous new world when she begins restoring an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. There were unexpected treasures at every turn.
IN THE DVD COLLECTION:
A construction manager (Michael Keaton) takes part in a cloning experiment. His three clones each end up having a definitive personality trait, confusing his life and disorienting his wife.
Money Pitt starring Tom Hanks
Young lovers Walter (Tom Hanks) and Anna (Shelley Long) are house-sitting the New York City apartment owned by Max (Alexander Godunov), Anna's ex-husband, who suddenly decides to toss them out. Needing a new home, they settle on buying a country estate outside the city, which is available for a suspiciously low price. It soon becomes apparent why, as doors fall off their hinges, staircases come tumbling down and a bathtub falls through the floor. The couple's relationship suffers similarly.
Watch as design and remodeling pros, Chip and Joanna Gaines, help homebuyers purchase the worst house on the block and make it beautiful.
What home improvement project will you tackle first? Whatever you decide to do, remember to stay safe, have fun and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!