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Jun 07, 2013
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DIY Home Improvement Fanatics – Avoiding These Costly Mishaps

When it comes to DIY enthusiasts, the majority of the problems that arise during a home improvement project come from the lack of planning before the project starts. That’s because they usually entail more, off-the- cuff decisions, resulting in more time consuming efforts. In this day in age you have a plethora of knowledge to be gained by home improvement shows, websites & online videos. You need to always keep in mind even the handiest of homeowners can make mistakes…..sometimes very costly mistakes.  Here are some of the most common mistakes and our advice on how to avoid them.

Time Needed to Complete the Project

The #1 offender when it comes to incomplete DIY projects is you allocated two weeks to complete the project, in reality, it will take two months. Don’t be naive when it comes to estimating the amount of time your project will take because you will be saving face when it comes to spouse asking why it is not done yet. Our advice is over project the amount of time needed to finish a project.

Budgeting & Costs                

Once you have figured out your cost & budget for your project add 10% onto it for the unexpected hiccups that you might not have accounted for. The worst part of a DIY project is not calculating correctly and you have to stop your project midway through because you can’t afford to finish it.  Never start a DIY project unless you are able to afford the whole thing from start to finish.

Permits? What Permits?

Many DIY’ers consider the process of getting a permit for the work you about to conduct a hassle at best and that most permitting offices are full of evil works. This is very untrue and not pulling the correct permit, or even getting one at all, could cause you more harm than good. Permits are actually a good thing protecting you and making sure that the work being performed is done correctly. As a rule of thumb regarding needing a permit, if it is anything larger than painting a room or putting up wallpaper, you should probably call your building department and inquire about one.

Overlooking Necessary Tools & Supplies

Having to make multiple trips to the local big home improvement store several times in a week, or with some DIY’ers, multiple times a day is not uncommon when you didn’t take the time to create a materials list and make sure you have the required tools to get the job done. Doing your research on the cost of buying specific tools to complete your project verses renting them could save you a lot of money. Starting your job with a guesstimate of the amount of materials you need could have you running short all day or possibly having too much one thing verses another. Take the time to draw out your project and properly measure. Many box home improvement stores have employees that are able to help you build your materials list and will try and help you not forget any add-ons you might have missed.

Working beyond Your Skill Set & Needing Extra Manpower (a.k.a. Superman Syndrome!)

We have all been there thinking, “I can do anything if I research the internet enough and watch some YouTube videos!”  Or, have you ever met someone who can do a project faster and better than anyone else on the planet? When it comes to a project on your own home working beyond your skill set could have some serious adverse effects on the outcome you initially intended. Ladder accidents send more than 164,000 people per year to the emergency room according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Deciding not to ask your family & friends for help during your project could also risk a trip to your nearest emergency room.

Reviews

We Strive for 100% Customer Satisfaction

Delivering exceptional service is our No. 1 priority. Read these happy reviews from homeowners who were blown away by their home improvement experience with Lindus Construction.

"I was very impressed that Lindus sent a safety inspector on day one and a quality inspector at the end. I did not expect this but sincerely appreciate this attention to detail. All of this demonstrates how Lindus stands by its work and differentiates Lindus from other firms. I would definitely consider Lindus for any future exterior needs."

Debbie E.
Plymouth, MN
February 27, 2024

"Over the past 18 years and 4 separate major home improvement projects, Lindus Construction has exceeded every one of our family’s expectations on each of these projects. Whenever anyone invests in home improvement, the homeowner’s concerns ultimately center on several critical factors: the ultimate quality of the final product, ease of working with the firm, honest communication and relationships, craftsmanship of the employees, timeliness, service after the sale, and of course, a manageable investment cost. We are proud to say that the Lindus team has been an outstanding partner in improving our house’s function, appearance, and market value."

Jim G.
Chanhassen, MN
February 8, 2024

"I did two big projects in 2023 with Lindus. First was removing and replacing attic insulation plus creating proper ventilation. Second was replacing roof and adding LeafGuard®. Did everything go perfectly? No but that is where a company shows its merits. All issues were resolved! I even received a check for unused supplies. I highly recommend Lindus. They are not the cheapest. You get what you pay for."

Jill D.
St. Paul, MN
December 14, 2023

"Lindus Construction is a company that provides the best possible workmanship, professionalism and customer service for each and every project. Lindus Construction is a great choice for roofing, siding, windows, doors, decking and LeafGuard® Gutter projects or any combination of those projects. Small jobs such as garden sheds to large homeowner associations with multiple buildings they are able to handle it."

Kelly P.
River Falls, WI
December 4, 2023

"We are quite pleased with the way our project went. The Lindus folks have successfully managed to instill a culture of quality and customer service in throughout the entire business, which is rare these days.  Everyone we worked with carried that same attitude of wanting to do it right and make us happy. The installation went well and we are very satisfied."

Tim M.
Minneapolis, MN
June 20, 2023

"Thorough, timely, efficient, good communicators. Excellent work, cleaned up well and took care of a few extra details without any hassle."

Carla U.
Minneapolis, MN
May 17, 2023

"Your services and products are wonderful!  (And we have used Lindus three times now). The crews were gracious and hard-working."

Alan W.
St. Paul, MN
May 11, 2023

"I would just like to compliment Randahl for excellent work and customer service skills.  Every time he was at our home, he was professional, thorough, extremely pleasant, and explained things well.  You are very lucky to have such an outstanding employee!"

Vicki F.
Blaine, MN
March 25, 2023

"Great job. Workers were friendly and cleaned up everything when they were done. They stopped to tell me they were ready to work and checked in when they were done."

Carolyn I.
Andover, MN
March 16, 2023

"This company has all ways been honest with us, took care of us and their workmanship is second to none."

Michael N.
Rosemount, MN
March 13, 2023

"Very professional, super quality work, everyone was very pleasant, would highly recommend, will continue to use Lindus for all future projects."

Chuck V.
Chaska, MN
February 18, 2023

"Service and work were excellent; thank you!"

Ron B.
Burnsville, MN
January 19, 2023

"The technician worked very efficiently and put in long hours to get the job done. Excellent work and we were very grateful."

Pam L.
Oakdale, MN
January 12, 2023

"I have used Lindus in the past and they once again, gave me excellent service. They stand behind their products and service. I have referred them to many friends."

Susan B.
St. Paul, MN
January 6, 2023

"We have had them do work at our home before and at my parents' house. They did great work!"

Sue R.
St. Croix Falls, WI
January 3, 2023

"The two young men that did the install were great.  They were personal and appeared very conscientious."

Jim H.
St. Anthony, MN
December 30, 2022

"Always polite and considerate. Last inspection was a quality control and I was impressed with him and his thorough inspection. Great job!"

Irene S.
Bloomington, MN
December 20, 2022

"We had a great experience with Lindus. The communication has been great. When I had a question I received a return email or phone call quickly. When Lindus employees were at our home, they explained what they were doing in great detail, my questions were always satisfactory answered. I will gladly continue to refer Lindus to friends and neighbors."

Roger D.
Shoreview, MN
November 29, 2022

"I highly recommend Lindus Construction. I have used them for three projects over the last few years and they are easy to contact, the people are friendly and they do very high quality work. Don’t hesitate to use Lindus for your next project."

Darrell M.
Lino Lakes, MN
June 9, 2022
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