Every year, thousand of homeowners pick up their tools and go to work on their homes. Unfortunately, many are not prepared for the projects they are facing and they may end up causing more damage.
Here are the top ten mistakes that DIY'ers make when fixing or renovating their home.
1. Failing to make a budget.
Every project you do, from wallpapering to installing a new roof needs to have a budget. Set how much money you're going to spend and then stick to it. Otherwise you may find that your costs are spiraling out of control.
2. Overestimating their abilities.
We all wish we were Bob Vila, but many of us just don't have the skills necessary for some jobs. There are
times when you will need to call in a professional. Otherwise, you can end up injured, or you may irreparably damage your home.
3. Not having the right tools.
There is a tool for every job, and most homeowners have the garden variety tools necessary for every day projects. However, some home improvement projects will require special tools. Never try to make do wit substandard equipment.
4. Failing to take proper safety precautions.
If ending up in the emergency room doesn't sound like a great way to spend a weekend, it is vital to make sure that you take safety precautions for every project. From turning off the electricity to wearing safety goggles, safety must come first.
5. Failing to recognize the scope of a project.
Ripping out your cabinetry and putting new ones in sounds pretty easy, but there is a lot of work involved, especially when it come to hanging the new cabinets. Instead of getting stuck with a half done project, make sure you understand every part of the process and that you have the skills necessary to get it done.
6. Not having enough help.
There are jobs that will require more than one person. While many of us like to think we can do it ourselves, there will be times when you need assistance. Make sure that you have enough friends or family lined up for the job before you start.
7. Failing to read directions properly.
Putting together a bike without instructions is one thing. Using acid on your masonry without reading the
instructions could be fatal. Never start a project without first reading the directions for everything you will be using.
8. Using the wrong materials.
If you have ever made the mistake of using the wrong kind of paint or glue, you know how frustrating it can be. Before you begin every project, make sure that you have the exact materials you need to complete it successfully. Scrimping is not allowed in DIY.
9. Failure to get the necessary permits.
While small home improvement projects may not need a permit, most will. It is far better to err on the
side of caution and ask than it is to face a hefty fine. In the case of additions, you may even be forced to tear down what you just built. Always get the right permits before starting any project.
10. Not being careful enough.
When you're tackling a project, it's easy to want to get it done and hurry through. However, you've got to make sure to take the time that it takes. The old adage "measure twice, cut once" certainly applies here. Always make sure that you are doing everything properly, using the right materials, and measurements.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-09-10 05:50:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
How to Install Kitchen Cabinets Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let's make sure you have all the tools you'll...... -
Book Review: No-Fear Home Improvement: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do by Creative Homeowners The Creative Homeowner is one of today’s hottest resources for home improvement and this latest book produced by their editors addresses one of the biggest concerns that homeowners have. They want to start making improvements around their home, but they are too worried that they may mess something up. Considering...... -
5 Top Power Tools to Own There are a few tools that your household should certainly never be without, so let us look at the top power tools that your home should always have. When you have even just the most basic power tools around your home in your garage or in your workshop, you can...... - Tools to Have on Hand The best way to save money around the home is to tackle the home repair items yourself. Large jobs may be better suited for professionals, but there are plenty of tasks that can be tackled. The best way to be prepared is to have a well equipped tool chest. However,......
-
4 Easy Little Touches Anyone Can Do To Their Home When it comes to home renovation, many people are under the impression that it means big projects that are costly. Actually, there are many different small and inexpensive projects that can be done that will not only make your house look great, but also increase its value. Most of these......
Related Websites - Renter's Insurance: We go one better... So after working through medical insurance stuff, we've also acquired renter's insurance. Now all our bases are covered. (Yes, we already have car insurance, since we're not totally impoverished, or insane, or criminals.) Do we need renter's insurance? I think so. Mostly because paying $109.29 annually is a lot cheaper......
-
Taking DIY Disasters into Your Own Hands Watching home improvement television may inspire you to tackle your own home renovation projects, but just as quickly as you found the inspiration to get started, you will find yourself getting over your head. Every year, millions of Americans are tackling their own home remodeling projects, both large and small....... -
Three Types of Extreme Hiking /caption]If I ask you to associate a word with "hiking," what immediately pops to mind? Probably calm words like "serene," "peaceful," or "nature." But the world of exploring nature and crossing different terrain isn't only about moving quietly up hiking trails in secluded national parks. There are different types of...... -
2009 Offense Preview What To Know: With Harvin and Murphy gone, the offense is going to be missing their sure thing stars for receiving, but there is plenty of speed to be burned at running back and so the line should be able to grow into something that is terrific. The quarterback situation...... - Luxury homes see a big jump in foreclosures This is just for the Dallas-Fort Worth area but the number of foreclosures filed against $1-million-plus homes more than doubled this past year. One hundred twelve percent higher for the first six months of this year compared to last year, to be exact. As for slightly less-expensive homes, the increases......
- Hammers Air Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Planers Power Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Gloves Pads Safety Protective Gear Tools Home Improvement
- Cut-Off Tools Air Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Feathers Fly Tying Materials Tools Fly Fishing Fishing
Categories:
Handy Man, House Damage, Project
Tags:
0 comments ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment