Hey everyone!
I’ve been following Clark Howard for a while now for his great money-saving tips, but I was wondering — is Clark Howard into DIY home improvement? Has he recommended any specific projects for homeowners to tackle themselves?
I know he’s big on saving money and avoiding unnecessary spending, so I’m curious if he suggests doing things like painting, minor plumbing, or other small repairs yourself.
Would love to hear what others have learned from him or even tried based on his advice!
If you really have listened to Clark you would know he describes himself as “Flaky”. Can’t remember which way to turn a screwdriver! He might suggest others do their own work/repairs but he admits he can’t do it himself!
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I have to share a DIY I did recently that I’m proud of.
Back in 2021, I switched from a gas lawn mower to a corded electric mower. The new mower wasn’t perfect, but it worked well for 4 years. Plus it didn’t require gas, fuel stabilizer, a new filter/spark plug/oil change each season.
But the first time I started it this year, it started smoking, so I knew the motor was on its way out. I know nothing about trouble-shooting electric motors.
I checked with the repair shop and it was what I thought – the labor expenses make it more economical to just buy a new mower.
I went online and people were complaining about their electric mowers failing after 1 or 2 years and throwing them out.
So I figured before I throw it out, let me open it up and see if I could do anything.
I took off the cover, and the motor was there, fastened by 5 screws and 2 electrical connections. It was very simple. I was surprised how simple it was.
I found the motor online for $70 (+ tax, shipping). They didn’t have parts for inside the motor, but that’s fine because I don’t know how to troubleshoot it. I replaced the old motor, and now the mower works like it’s new! I figure if it lasts 4 years like the first one, it’s still cheaper than maintaining the gas mower I had.
It’s a shame that electric mowers are made so they are disposable, and it’s a shame we don’t do more repairs ourselves.
I didn’t know they still made corded elec mowers! Funny story, I was renting a house in Long Island with a bunch of airline employees, a “crash” pad. The landlord supplied a corded mower. A flight attendant attempted to help out and tried to mow the lawn. She managed to run over the cord and cut it! You only have one job! Not run over the cord!
Considering that Clark is very consumer friendly, I suspect he would recommend projects to which the individual has some knowledge, talent, and proclivity; and to avoid ones that match none of the above.
I do not do plumbing or electric; the first I tend to break, that latter scares me. But I’ve painted, laid tile, hung curtains and drapes, installed towel bars and similar, hung pictures; built numerous chicken pens, done major and minor tree trimming, laid sod, seeded lawns, dug garden beds, planted trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs, and many similar tasks. Oh, I’ve mowed lawns many times; sewn curtains and clothing. These days, unless it sounds like fun or will take minimal time, I prefer to hire it out.
Just tried to replace patio door rollers. Couldn’t get them out, but did manage to get the one that was stuck rolling a bit better. But having the door open to the elements for a lengthy fix, not really knowing what all was needed, and not having a replacement on hand combined to putting the door back on its tracks and calling the professionals. Door is heavy and 51 years old.
I know the trend nowadays is for battery-powered, but one battery didn’t have the time or power I needed to do my lawn, and they only get worse over time.
I learned the mowing pattern needed for the corded mower, so running it over hasn’t been a problem!
I’ve adapted pretty well to it.