(ARA) - Gone are the days when women went from their parents' house to their married homestead without living on their own in between. Today, women not only buy their own homes, they also do their own home repairs. There are an estimated 17 million woman homeowners in the United States, and women do-it-yourselfers are the fastest growing segment of the home improvement market.

Sure, it saves money, but there is also the reward of knowing that you're self-sufficient and the satisfied feeling of a job well done. That includes everything from fixing a leaky faucet to building a deck to landscaping the backyard.

It's getting easier to find information on home projects thanks to the abundance of DIY shows on television, many geared toward women. And a visit any hardware store turns up classes and equipment tailored to women. One tool that really comes in handy for home improvement projects is one that you may not think of until you need it - a truck.

While buying a truck is more of an investment than buying a new hammer, it can help save costs on home improvement projects. And it's probably no coincidence that sales of trucks to women are on the rise. According to the Power Information Network, female buyers accounted for 21.8 percent of all compact pickup truck purchases, 14.4 percent of all heavy-duty full-size pickup truck purchases and 18.1 percent of all light-duty full-size pickup truck purchases in 2004.

Here are some smart ways to put that truck to use:

* Haul demolition away yourself - labor costs are often half (or more) of a major project cost, so you can save significantly if you haul away old wood studs, drywall and gravel yourself. Just be sure the truck's bed has a tough protective coating like a LINE-X Spray-On Truck Bedliner to handle the abuse.

* Consider cost-effective materials - at times, less expensive materials do a great job of modeling their higher priced counterparts. The difference between true wood flooring and laminate can often range up to $5 per square foot. And if you use the truck to haul it home, you can save another $50 or more in the delivery charge.

* Budget-friendly decorating - as the seasons change, so often does the inventory at the local thrift and consignment stores. You can save some extra money if you jump in that truck to pick up those decorating supplies, furniture and accessories.

* Is there a landscaping project in your future? - save on delivery charges for everything from soil to mulch to landscaping rock by hauling it yourself. Once again, you'll be glad your truck has a durable LINE-X Spray-On Truck Bedliner to protect it from damage.

If you're new to doing your own home repairs, start with simple projects and work your way up. Building a deck is not a good first project, but rewiring a lamp or patching a hole in the wall are good starters. The more projects you tackle and finish, the more confident you'll be about the next one.

If you need some guidance, call a friend or family member who has DIY experience, or visit your local hardware store for tips. And once you've mastered installing a toilet or a garbage disposal, offer to help others figure it out.

As for that truck, get it ready for the big jobs. LINE-X has over 500 locations across the United States. To find the dealer nearest you, or for more information, visit www.LINEX.com, www.GoLineX.com or call (800) 831-3232.

Courtesy of ARA Content