Here’s a little tip if you’re removing a complicated electrical device (or plumbing component, or whatever)– snap a photo. The digital camera has been one of my best tools for renovation. Thanks to the camera, not only do I get to share this experience with you guys, but I also journalize the adventure here AND the photos serve as a virtual reference diary.
I took this photo of a GFCI outlet that I found was defective. I have to install a new GFCI, but before I dismantled the old one, I snapped a photo of the wiring, to have a diagram so I can rewire the new device.
This saves me a bundle of time– in the past, I would have to go hunting through page after page in books, or searching the Internet or what-have-you. With the camera, I’ve got a diary of everything. I also snapped photos of the plumbing and others of the wiring, should I ever need to reference it in the future.
As a precaution– always take photos. What have you got to lose? And you might gain everything in so doing.
:) I’m a married mom of four teenage children. We live in Upstate New York. We bought an old 1855 home and acre property, over 10 years ago. We've been in the slow, agonizing process of living in the home while (trying) to renovate it. When I'm not renovating, I'm a freelance writer and blogger.
We've learned to dig a French drain, plant huge flower and vegetable gardens, wire a circuit panel, install furnace ducting, understand the enigmatic complexities of the plumbing system, and more. It's been *quite* the adventure.
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September 22, 2010
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