Let’s face it, home makeover TV shows make it look like expensive, or complicated home projects can be completed in under an hour. Although the reality is most projects require more time than a TV format allows, Do-It-Yourself projects are as popular as ever.
I’ll be honest, my appearance on reality television leaves me partly to blame. DIY projects are great, but there are certain projects I won’t even start without the right tools. So, I’ve put my top five list together for you to use as a guide to save your home from you!
Prepare your Subfloors
I commend all of you who have the courage to install hardwood floors on your own. Give yourself a pat on the back.
An important step in your prep before installing your hardwood floors is to prepare your subfloors. Make certain that your subfloors are flat, dry and clean. There are some subfloors that may not be compatible with your hardwood floors.
If you fail to clean, dry and provide flat subfloors, your finished floors may become susceptible to squeaking caused by a glued-down floor that loosens over time or an unstable floating floor. Trust me, that is not something that any home owner wants!
It’s important to note that other than completing a DIY project, the goal is to not have to redo your work. In the end, this will save you time and money.
Electrical Work
This one should certainly go without saying, but for the safety of all the do-it-yourselfer’s, electrical work should only be done by a certified electrician.
Electricians go through years of training and apprenticeships to master their craft; not to mention various exams to obtain their licenses.
There aren’t many DIY projects that can threaten your life, but taking on your home’s electrical work is one that stands out.
Plumbing
Unlike painting or picking out décor, plumbing is a project that has do-it-yourselfers the most apprehensive; and for good reason! Plumbing is another task that non-professionals should avoid.
A misdiagnosis can lead to further damage, which means more money out of your pockets. Although you may think you’ve temporarily solved your plumbing woes by taking it upon yourself to fix the problem, a slow leak can lead to further consequences.
Work That Requires a Permit
With the proliferation of YouTube and its many helpful videos, it’s easy to think that you can accomplish anything. But if undergoing a home project that requires a permit, such as an addition or renovation to your home, permits are a must.
It would be a shame to invest all your blood, sweat and tears into your home improvement project only to have it fail inspection; do your research and hire a licensed contractor.
Get references and check them before you hire someone qualified. They’ll know if you need a permit or not. There are plenty of projects that may appear small but still require permits. When in doubt, use this website for a frame of reference.
Don’t Skip the Tape!
Painting is simple, right? You’re not afraid to take that project on, it’s just paint. But using painter’s tape is a must! The most common reason people stay away from the green adhesive is the time it takes to meticulously tape the area. Lining your baseboards, windows and ceiling with tape may feel like an eternity, but the finish will be worth it.
If you want to save money by painting your home yourself, be sure to take the steps of a professional to ensure both straight lines and a clean finish.
Don’t let me scare you away from taking on future home improvement projects. As a designer, I often feel the urge to switch things up on my own. But don’t forget to do the necessary research beforehand to prevent further damage or putting yourself in harm’s way.
