With the right set of tools, a "honey-do" list can become as sweet as a slice of honeydew.
Ryan Pape, a commercial-sales specialist at Lowe's, helped us choose several tools that have been pumped up with twists that make it easier to tackle home improvement projects and maintenance.
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at pvillarreal@azstarnet.com or 573-4130.
YouTube:
The e-tool
According to Rob Scott, owner of the Tucson branch of Handyman Connection, the most powerful tool in home improvement is YouTube.
No matter how difficult the job you're attempting to tackle, there are likely several videos online posted by proud do-it-yourselfers who show you exactly how to get the job done.
"It's amazing. You can Google anything you're trying to do and you're pretty much guaranteed to find a video trying to do it," Scott said. "Search for building your own barbecue smoker and you'll find hundreds, if not thousands of demonstrations of how to do it."
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Scott recommends that even novices should try their hand at doing non-dangerous home repairs on their own before calling in a professional. You may surprise yourself by doing an effective job, and at the very least you will learn something. No matter how badly you screw up the project, it will probably cost the same amount to have a professional complete the job.
"If they do get in over their head, don't be afraid to call someone. And if they do, make sure it's a licensed contractor. Just because a lot of people out there say they're handyman or pro carpenters or tradesmen," that doesn't mean they're on the level, Scott said.
"Do your due diligence to (make sure) they are carrying a license."