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dearjuliette OP t1_j5zwuwu wrote

I’d prefer one on one learning to classes / videos

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RoverTheMonster t1_j606z5i wrote

If this is not already a thing, what a great idea for a business

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diatriose t1_j60anyd wrote

definitely check out the West Philly Tool Library, they have classes. Also depending on your neighborhood there are usually fb groups for homeowners in that area

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snake_w_arms t1_j60jspl wrote

Hire a contractor, watch what they do, ask questions, take notes.

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ringringmytacobell t1_j60kg2u wrote

I've made this comment here and IRL in the past. Maybe it's just because I personally don't "know a guy for that", but it seems like the "i know a guy for that" guys are becoming a thing of the past. I've DIY'd some things with varying success - refinishing wood floors/tile (good), drywall and moulding (ok), and plumbing (outright disaster). Would be great to have someone that straddles the line between contractor and mentor.

OP to your point I don't know if that exists outside of west philly tool library or big box store classes, but I'll be following along on this thread.

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fish_spoon t1_j60ttxo wrote

Replying to RoverTheMonster (#1,512,796)

I loathe training people. The expectation is usually that they don't want to have to pay for my services, so they expect that me "training them" (a skill I don't even claim to possess) will allow them to save money because they can do it themselves.

But I'm not going to train someone for a discount. Say I can do a job in 1hr and charge $100. To train someone else to do that job will take 2hrs, so I'm charging $200. And I'm not a trained tutor (if I was I'd charge more), so you'e only getting "elementary school substitute teacher" level instruction. After all that, you still have to do the job yourself, and a 20min task for someone with 20yrs experience could easily be a 2hr+ task for someone without experience. Plus added costs of any tools/supplies needed...

My opinion is that if you don't feel comfortable attempting something after watching a YouTube video or two, just call a professional.

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boltbrah t1_j60y6du wrote

Replying to dearjuliette (#1,511,424)

I realize this isn't what you want, but there are some great guys out there on YouTube and Instagram. Check out Jeff Thorman and This old house - they do an awesome job breaking things down and are really DIY friendly.

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Vexithan t1_j61jbj6 wrote

Replying to fish_spoon (#1,515,797)

People tend to forget that just because you can do something it doesn’t mean you can teach the thing.

My stepdad is a master carpenter and can fix literally anything he looks at no matter what it is. But watching him try to teach someone is the most painful thing in the world.

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nsweeney11 t1_j61m4cs wrote

Like what kind of stuff? I got a house 2 years ago and did some stuff. Maybe it's the same stuff?

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Little_Noodles t1_j61v93o wrote

Replying to fish_spoon (#1,515,797)

I’m medium-handy, medium/high-crafty, and have worked at the professional level as an instructor in a few fields, so I’ve been roped into doing low-level things like this for friends.

I’d never do it for a stranger, and will now only do it for friends if the task is extremely basic. I think the last thing I did was teach someone how to use a mitre saw and then let them watch, fetch stuff, and hold shit in place while I finished a project, and then did it again on a smaller scale so she could do a little more the second time and she’d have something to take home.

So, quite literally twice the work, each time taking longer than it would if done solo.

My high-crafty and high-handy friends feel almost the same way about teaching me stuff, I’m sure, though they’re happy to team up on shit that’s within my limits and show me how to elevate it just a touch.

A one-on-one situation would be very expensive, and rightfully so. You’d be paying that person’s base hourly rate, plus the fee for doing something frustrating.

But group classes at somewhere like the West Philly Tool Library that you can supplement with online tutorials once you get the basics down seems within reach.

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TylerColfax t1_j6241z6 wrote

This is going to be hard to find for reasons others stated.

Know that there is a lot you can learn from YouTube and internet resource. I have fixed a lot (and learned what I need to hire for) by watching videos. It’s honestly pretty amazing what’s out there.

Just know it’s an investment of time and can be frustrating (and rewarding). I also have picked up home improvement books that are packed with resources. Just accept it’s a slow process and it’s better to start with small projects and work your way up. This year I’m going to get ambitious and try building a closet!

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raunchy_subtitles t1_j63zidf wrote

homerenovision for many things. i wouldn't say it's always the "textbook" approach to a lot of situations, but he'll point you in a direction to get the job done & make it look good to the average eye. it's aimed towards a homeowner & not a perfectionist. he also has good videos on which tools are actually necessities etc

if you want to master drywall (good luck, that shit is wizardry), best to work through vancouver carpenter's videos for awhile & hope you have the genetic artistry to eventually pull it off

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BloodPrayer t1_j65jc5r wrote

Replying to fish_spoon (#1,515,797)

Just such an odd question IMO, I don’t want to pay someone who does it professionally but I want someone who knows how to do it to show me how. Apply that to other professions and see how strange it sounds.

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Indiana_Jawnz t1_j6cb8hs wrote

Most contractors aren't going you want you over their shoulder and half the benefit of them is you get to go to work and come back home to them being done a project.

Youtube, reddit, and a bit of figuring things out and practice is what will get you through whatever projects you want to tackle.

Most things are easier than they seem, and once you cock up a bit in the beginning you get the hang out it and can get it all done.

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