If you are like me and my family, your home is filled with all sorts of gadgets, tablets, phones, speakers and portable video game systems (just to a name a few.) And all those gadgets need a place to charge. But, there are only so many ports on the cable box and I know I can never find enough charging cubes. So with the help of the DIYZ app, I did something about it.
My plan was to install a new electrical outlet that has two USB ports, which would add to our capabilities to keep all of our devices charged. I read the step-by-step instructions, watched the video several times, picked up my supplies, drank a large caffeinated beverage and was ready to go. Confession time; I am not handy. Not handy at all. Doing repairs around the house gives me anxiety. I worry I will mess things up beyond my own abilities and then I have to make a call to a friend, or worse, a professional. Also, working with electricity scares me. I could burn down my house or electrocute myself, or both! These options seemed pretty likely, but I liked the idea of charging my iPhone from an outlet in the wall, so I gave it my best shot.
I went into the basement and flipped off the circuit that corresponded with where I was going to do the install. Since all the lights were out, I used a battery powered lantern to show me the way. The step-by-step instructions were spot on, until I came to an instruction that looked nothing like my project. There weren't three wires and the outlet fixture wouldn't come out. I decided to use the video-chat feature and speak with one of the DIYZ Pro Advisors. He was super honest with me and suggested I use another outlet, since from how I described it, the outlet fixture was very old and may be difficult to remove. The last thing I wanted was difficult. So I cleaned up my work area and moved on to a spot with much better light and went to work. Once again, I cut the circuit and used the voltage tester. This was much better.
Sweat was rolling down my brow as I twisted the wires around new fixture. The white wire, which should not have been dangerous, was still making me worry. When I came to the black wire, I called my wife and put her on speaker, just in case something bad happened. Within a few minutes, everything was secured. I got the power back up and checked it out. My tablet started charging instantly. Wahoo! Nothing makes you feel more accomplished than conquering a fear.
In addition to being inept at home repairs, I don't really know my way under the hood of my car. Sure, I can add wiper fluid, or jump start a battery, but anything more advanced than that…not so much. Recently, one of my headlights burnt out, which is dangerous – especially when you have to drive at night to work. Luckily, the DIYZ app also shows you how to do minor car maintenance too! So, after buying a ten-dollar light bulb, it only took me five minutes to install it. Good as new. Without the app, I wouldn't have had the courage to do it myself.
I never felt talked down to watching the instructional videos. I also really liked that you could order recommended tools and materials through Amazon.
The DIYZ app really empowered me to do these simple DIY projects for myself. In the past I would hire a professional or let it go and pray that it wouldn't get any worse. During the process, I discovered that I can change an outlet, or a car headlight, but there are things that I can’t just fix. For example, the very old electrical system that is powering our home. I’ll still be saving that job for a professional!
The app is free to download for both Android and Apple iOS devices. Better yet, the video-chat feature is also free, but only for a limited time.
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