When I wrote the first version of this book in 2009, the economy was in trouble and thousands of jobs in various industries were being lost every day. Unemployment across the country had surpassed nine percent and, in some communities, it had passed twelve percent.

Unemployment compensation programs were overwhelmed with applicants for help and many people had reached the end of their eligibility without a job.

Many took significant pay cuts but were glad to have something to pay their bills and avoid going under. Even some with jobs were losing their homes because their mortgage payments were no longer affordable. For many Americans, it was a bleak picture. Some working people are still struggling because of low wages, even though employment levels are much improved.

Then and now, many individuals have limited and often significant home repair skills, usually from past home ownership, which they could use to create income promptly and with little investment. Home repair and improvement was and still is a multi-billion-dollar business. The profusion of Home Depot, Lowes, and other home improvement stores across the country reflects the popularity of home repair.

Even though things have improved since then, people are still wisely choosing to stay in their homes instead of purchasing new and larger homes. This opens up a large market for anyone who has home repair and home improvement skills. Some of that work involves major, complex remodeling most often handled by professional home improvement contractors. But much of it involves small jobs that could form the basis of a profitable business for those with basic home repair skills.