Things I Learned from Others

1. Use oil-based primer if available over latex based primer
2. When painting continues to next day, leave roller and brushes soaking in water
3. To save 'looking for a tool time' always use a work belt or bucket 
4. Sharp tools always 
5. Measure twice - cut once
6. Never use any step ladder as an outdoor ladder - use an extension-type ladder
7. Don't take chances - turn off power to any electric you work on
8. The right way to tear-down or demo a project is to remove in reverse order it was built
9. Always protect for water ingress or damage on any outdoor project
10. Most important protection against wood water damage is sealing the cut wood ends
11. Do it right, take extra time - this first time
12. One-third of a project's time is looking for tools
13. Dry-fit any repair or combination before permanently securing
14. Read instructions before assembly - you will later
15. Check YouTube before attempting new or known projects for ideas
16. Clean, organize and secure tools and area at end of work
17. Don't be dumb- always check level and plumb
18. Pilot holes save splitting wood
19. Keep a saw blade guard attached to a chop saw
20. Use a push stick when ripping wood on a table saw
21. Always buy extra material/supplies - it's an hour wasted for a missing item
22. Frustrated? Confused? Sleep on it and let it go till later/tommorrow
23. Don't forget friends - someone has done before, what you plan to do today
24. Shoe/work boot ties must be double tied to prevent loosening and tripping
    
25. Always 'mark' a cut with a straight edge or square
26. Mark a measured dimension with a sideways > or <