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.