Building problems generally leave evidence on the surface; in general, the sooner you find and correct a problem, the less it will cost.
If you don't want to tackle a problem, plenty of specialists are willing to do it for you, particularly if the project is large enough of if you can group several repairs.
If you really must work near electric lines, ask you electric utility to install rubber insulating sheaths over the wires. Utilities hate to have customers electrocute (who's going to pay the bill?), so they may offer to same service to you that they do to professional builders.
Rip sawing is cutting with (or parallel to) the grain, and crosscutting is cutting across the grain. Rip saws have coarser teeth than crosscut saws, but either will work for occasional work. If I had to choose one hand saw for all-around rough sawing, I'd choose a rip saw. Why? it cuts faster.
When buying lumber, pass up the first few pieces in the stack and look for the good boards below them. How to distinguish good lumber? it's straight when you eyeball it from the end. It's neither twisted nor knotty. Generally, once you reach the good wood in a pile, you'll find what you need pretty quickly, but you may have to wade through a lot of junk. Don't be sheepish—sorting is a sign of lumberyard sophistication.
Insulation can save money and make the house more comfortable at the same time. Like everything else, though, it's got to be chosen and installed correctly.
A joint is a piece of framing—2-by-6 or larger—that supports a floor, a ceiling, or both.
Small repairs in most kinds of siding are easy, assuming you can reach the damage and find repair material.
Keeping an eye on your roof is one of the most effective and remunerative forms of preventive maintenance.
Deadbolts are easy to install, although you may have to buy two jumbo drill bits to put them in.
Floor squeaks should be easy to control, if you can get under the floor. Realistically, if you must work from above, you may have to leave visible evidence of your repair.
When regluing laminated counters, you've got to position the laminate right the first time. You don't get a second chance.
