Are you Mr. Fixit kind of guy? or Gal? Then here’s a list of DIY books that you must have on your bookshelf. A reference set for everything from fixing a leaky faucet to making your own shelf. I have been fond of building and messing with things for a long time. Other than that, hunting for a handyman just to get a switch fixed or replacing a tap is lot more painful than doing it yourself.
But these seemingly small tasks can throw up unexpected challenges. The Do-it-Yourself books in this list will help you overcome these challenges and ensure that you complete these tasks effortlessly and safely.
1) Beginner’s Illustrated Guide to Gardening: Techniques to Help You Get Started
Author: Katie Elzer-Peters
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Cool Springs Press (February 13, 2012)
ISBN: 1591865336, 978-1591865339
While buying pots and placing them in your garden is quite easy, sowing seeds and caring for young plants takes a lot of attention and care.
Have you thought of starting a garden and growing a few vegetables of your own? Then Beginner’s Illustrated Guide to Gardening: Techniques to Help You Get Started is the perfect reference book for you. The author covers all the terms and and processes in a simple language along with illustrations so that you don’t miss a thing.
2) How to Repair Your Car (Motorbooks Workshop)
Author: by Paul Brand
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Motorbooks; 1st edition (October 15, 2006)
ISBN: 0760322732, 978-0760322734
Now, Now. Who doesn’t want to fix their own car. Maybe save a few bucks or that boring trip to the car mechanic – who knows what else will they make you fix!
Learn to make some basic checks to turn off that dreaded engine service light off. It might just be a loose fuel cap. Find out how to perform routine maintenance tasks to keep you car in optimum condition and fix small repairs like the fused bulb in your garage.
3) Plumbing Complete: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Taunton’s Complete)
Author: Rex Cauldwell
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press; Original edition (August 11, 2009)
ISBN: 1561588555, 978-1561588558
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a new water outlet in that other part of your garden? Plumbing Complete will help you install that in a step-by-step manner. Materials lists, necessary tools and precautions for an average homeowner, all are explained in a visual language.
4) 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know: How to Save Money, Solve Problems and Improve Your Home
Author: Editors Of Family Handyman
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Readers Digest (April 7, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1621452204, 978-1621452201
A collection of everyday things that you need to keep your home in shape and cut unnecessary costs. Be prepared for any contingencies including extreme weather, power cuts, or daily emergencies like keeping pests out. An excellent catch-all guide for new homeowners.
5) Beat Bed Bugs and Other Pests: Learn How to Rid Your House of the Critters
Author: Dr Roger Fogain
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: FriesenPress (May 23, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1460204123, 978-1460204122
Bed Bugs don’t usually bother you. But they can be extremely difficult to get rid of. While some other pests are more common and can make your life miserable and living conditions unhygienic. This book is a comprehensive guide on how to secure your home against these invading pests.
6) Woodworking Basics – Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship – An Integrated Approach With Hand and Power tools
Author: Peter Korn
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (September 9, 2003)
ISBN: 9781561586202, 978-1561586202
Fixing something is one thing. But building anything from scratch takes a lot more planning. One wrong cut or incorrect marking can throw the entire piece useless. The book takes a traditional approach to carpentry and begins with the basics and moves into advanced techniques in a step-by-step manner. A must-have guide for the slightly adventurous.
7) Good Housekeeping The Complete Household Handbook, Revised Edition: The Best Ways to Clean, Maintain & Organize Your Home
Author: Good Housekeeping
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Hearst; Revised edition (April 1, 2007)
ISBN: 1588165965, 978-1588165961
You may have been reading the magazine for some time or just flipped through every once in a while. You know how good they are. With this book you get all the information in one place. Go beyond fixing things when they are broken. We all need a lesson in housekeeping every now and then to keep things in order.
8) Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs 18th Edition
Hardcover: 1041 pages
Publisher: American Pharmacists Association (APhA); 18 edition (December 1, 2014)
ISBN: 1582122253, 978-1582122250
We are all guilty of self medicating one time or another. This handbook contains detailed information and may need some critical reading skills before using the information in it. But if you are bent on self medicating anyway, it can be a handy guide to understand how to look at different symptoms and the right dosage of even the most common drugs so that you do not do more harm than good.
9) Managing Your Monthly Nut: Budgeting Basics, Pruning Expenses, and Tracking Your Financial Health
Author: Crystal Stemberger
Print Length: 55 pages
Publisher: Crystal Stemberger; 1 edition (July 14, 2013)
Publication Date: July 14, 2013
ASIN: B00DY8SCA0
Like your home and body, the one other area that needs constant evaluation and fixing is your financial health. We tend to slip up every now and then and fall prey to consumerism. To keep your finances on track and get the most out of your paycheck, you need to keep a keen eye on your monthly expenses. If this is not something you have done or have no idea how to, Managing Your Monthly Nut is just the book for you.