People who have completed DIY projects will tell you they took at least twice as long and three times as much money as anticipated. The leading cause is that DIYers often make errors that increase the cost and duration of home renovation projects.
Here are ten specific methods to clear the most common DIY home repair errors.
1. Obtain the necessary licenses – It’s remarkable how many do-it-yourselfers forget to do this. Making sure to get the required home renovation permits is in your best interest, even if it takes time and requires dealing with the government. The personnel in the permission department will ensure that the project is completed appropriately and that you remain safe throughout.
Additionally, you’ll need to show that you have a permit for your insurance company to pay for the upgrade on specific projects. You’ll undoubtedly need a license for any job more than just painting and hanging up wallpaper. Call your neighborhood building department and inquire if you have any questions.
2. Have all the equipment and materials you’ll need on hand before you begin your project; starting work without them will cause it to take longer and prevent you from moving forward. And be careful to get high-quality tools. They are an excellent purchase.
3. Prepare the project site for material delivery. You’ll want to ensure the job site is ready to receive supplies when your suppliers bring them. While working, you don’t want your collections to be exposed to the elements, and having storage space can help deter theft.
4. Don’t cut corners when purchasing supplies; for instance, don’t create walls using 1/4-inch drywall. Use a minimum of 5/8 inch; a good sound barrier is achieved with 3/4 inch. For subfloors, use 3/4-inch plywood. It makes the floor stronger.
5. Before painting, prepare the walls by cleaning, sanding, and filling up any gaps. If you’re attempting to cover over oil-based paint, stains, or peeling paint, or if you’re painting a lighter color over a darker color, apply a layer of primer or stain blocker first.
6. Use the proper paint; ceilings should be painted flat. To be scrubbable, interior paints should have an eggshell or satin finish. Use a linseed oil base stain on outdoor decks to embed the pigment and protect the wood.
7. Be cautious while working; you don’t want to visit the hospital emergency department. Put on safety eyewear when using power tools or dealing with drywall or wood. When working on scaffolding with others, use a hard helmet, and keep some windows open when painting, staining or removing old finishes from walls or floors. Don’t use power tools when wearing loose, hanging garments. To avoid harming your beds, feet, and pets, put on gloves while moving wood, metal, or rock, and carry a nail or tool bag on your person.
8. An essential guide for any endeavor is to measure twice and cut once. If you’re going to mess up, mess up for too long. Anything can always be shortened. It cannot be extended.
9. Recognize your limitations; you won’t be proficient in everything. Don’t try chores like plumbing or electrical repair if you lack a lot of knowledge in those fields.
10. Don’t undertake a job in your own home to learn how to do it. Instead, give your help to a buddy who is an expert do-it-yourselfer or contractor. And be sure to stop and ask if you have any doubts about your actions.
With these ten guidelines, you can reduce your DIY home renovation blunders, but you probably won’t eliminate them.
