My husband is a computer geek. Hes great at his job, but tools and repair work are just not his things. I didnt know anything about tools or making repairs either. When we bought our house and problems arose, we hired repairmen. After being overcharged and witnessing how simple some of the repairs were, I thought, I can learn how to do that.

I didnt think much more about it until our garbage disposal broke. When my husband suggested I call someone to come out and fix it, I got online instead. I went to the manufacturers website and found a troubleshooting guide. I also found a couple of step-by-step websites that told me exactly what to do. It was so much easier than I thought! When I told my husband that I fixed the garbage disposal, he was incredulous. I was so proud of my accomplishment that I then had the confidence to take on bigger projects.

I discovered that the Internet is a great source of information on how to projects. Everything I wanted to try was right there with a simple explanation. The next Valentines Day, I asked for a circular saw to make the shelves I wanted in the pantry. I was officially a repair chick.

Ive repaired plumbing, installed sinks and faucets, fixed major appliances, tiled floors, painted, wallpapered, installed carpet, and Ive even dabbled in drywall. My latest project was building our deck, which I even designed thanks to some cool software. I got help on the deck from men who I had to teach how to help me. This is all only six years after picking up my first tools!

I bought a couple of how to books specifically for women. I have to admit that I hated them both. They were terribly condescending. They said things like, This is a screwdriver. You use it to tighten screws. Its OK for women to use them. Im only exaggerating a little bit. At first, I did need some basics, but that was ridiculous. In this age of home improvement shows constantly on television, I knew enough to know what projects I wanted to try, but I didnt know how to do them. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated, too.

You have to be prepared for a bit of patronizing from certain men. When my husband is with me at the home improvement store, the male employees sometimes talk only to him, even if I ask a question. Its as though they cant imagine that a woman is capable of using power tools. The best part of learning about home improvement comes when you have to hire someone for big jobs. Youre less likely to be swindled when workmen know that youre home improvement literate. Youre also more likely to get exactly what you want because you can describe things specifically so theres no doubt.

If youre intimidated or new to the world of home improvement, start small. Fix the garbage disposal, change out the lint exhaust duct behind the dryer, or install a roll-out cabinet organizer. These are all pretty easy projects, but youll be amazed by the sense of satisfaction youll have and how empowered you feel once you discover that you can do it yourself.

Copyright 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Ian White

When one of Ian White's coworkers told him that an expensive listing in a housesitting directory hadn't paid off, Ian had an idea: Why not create a web site that could match housesitters with homeowners anywhere in the world?

At the time, it was just an idea... but when Ian found himself out of work one day after a long career as an IT professional, he decided that rather than go back to working for someone else, he would go into business for himself on the Web.

And his decision has paid off handsomely. Access2000.com.au has grown into a directory site offering matching services to five distinct and profitable niche markets. By simply duplicating his "niche-matching" efforts, Ian has seen his revenues soar to a year -- even though he only spends an hour a day running his business!