October 31st, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
Why do so many home improvement projects end in disaster? According to Amy Johnson, the author of What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You, it’s due to the fact that homeowners simply don’t have access to the right tools, knowledge and planning abilities that the pro’s do. Her basic premise is that home owners will spend 90% of their time actually working on a project, and 10% planning it, while the opposite is true of professionals.
This theory forms the book and allows homeowners rare insight into the mind of a contractor and how to put this theory to good use, no matter what size project you’ll be working on. By focusing more on planning and by taking the time to handle problems before they actually occur, Johnston feels that homeowners will be able to tackle even huge renovation projects with less hassle. And you know what? She’s absolutely right.
Each chapter contains an important lesson or two on how to take a home renovation from start to finish. Whether you’ll be doing the work on your own, or hiring a contractor, the author takes you through each necessary step to save time and money. From the original design phase, to how to oversee workers and how to stay on budget, Johnston offers some real world advice that can be put to immediate use.
The sections on cost estimates, budgeting and dealing with plan specifications are essential reading and should be gone over at least twice, and then once more during the actual renovation phase. Simply by reading this section you can easily save thousands of dollars on your home renovations. There are insights in here that are commonly only known to contractors, but now everyone can benefit from them right now.
The sections on handling permits and town officials should be required reading for anyone that is planning on improving their home and it offers some great tips on how to get the right permits, how to get through inspections and how to save money on the entire process, start to finish. If you have a zoning commission that is not known for their friendliness, this section should be very beneficial in helping you overcome those obstacles and keep on with your project.
If you are planning on undertaking a major renovation to your home, or you are just doing some weekend projects, this book is an incredibly valuable resource that is more than worth the cover price. You’ll be saving not only time, but also money, by putting the tips in this book to good use. It’s the ideal gift for anyone that enjoys DIY projects, and especially to those that are considering buying a home to fix up or that need to tackle some serious projects. We highly recommend this book and found it to be one of the few resources in this genre that absolutely anyone can benefit from.
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September 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, House Damage, Project
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.
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June 27th, 2008 — Book Review, Project, Renovate
George Nash’s book, Renovating Old Houses - Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes is a wonderful resource for those of us that are living in aging homes. If you’re trying to recapture your home’s fading glory or you just need some tips on how to easily fix common issues in older homes, this is a terrific resource that is well worth the purchase price.
Before Nash gets into the actual projects, he provides the reader with some different philosophies and mindsets when it comes to renovating older homes. There are definitely purists out there that will only use old materials and techniques to fix up their homes, while there are those who will use new materials and change them so that they fit the character of the house. You’ll be able to use this section to determine which techniques and materials you should be using for your home as well as some useful workarounds if you can’t match something perfectly.
It should be noted here that there is definitely a difference between renovating and remodeling. When you’re renovating, you’re preserving the heritage of the home - remodeling is usually associated with modernization. While there is nothing wrong with remodeling, this book focuses mainly on keeping with a home’s original traditions and renovating it for restoration purposes.
Part of the best part of this book is that it is useful even for those who aren’t quite ready to tackle their own home improvement projects, but are interested in buying an older home for the purpose of fixing it up. Older homes are usually much cheaper, but there are some warning signs that you’ll need to look out for when buying it. Nash gives some great hints on how to get an inspection and how to find an older home that won’t turn into a money pit.
After the preliminaries are out of the way, Nash gets down to business with ten chapters that cover some of the most common renovations you can try with an older home. The best part of these chapters are definitely the color photos which make it easy to see what the project entails and how your house will look when you’ve completed the projects. Again, if you’re a fan of old homes, but not really handy, you’ll still get plenty of enjoyment out of the book for the pictures alone.
Necessary things such as handling cellars that are frequently breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Older homes tend to have issues with this, especially in humid climates, but you’ll get plenty of information to help you fix these issues quickly. You’ll also learn about fixing little things, like rotting window sills and how to replace the windows with newer and more efficient windows without losing the original charm of the older windows.
Sewage systems are also covered and this is very important for any older home. You’ll need to know how to bring everything up to code, from water lines to sewage lines and this book will walk you through everything you could ever want to know about fixing up an old home the right way.
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June 3rd, 2008 — Handy Man, Safety
Whenever you’re fixing anything around your home, it’s easy to let clutter take over and pretty soon, your workspace is not only crowded, but it’s potentially unsafe. The key to doing things yourself the right way is safety. Let’s go over some tips on how to keep your work area safe.
1. Ban the kids and/or family.
Kids and home improvement projects rarely mix. Create a zone where they cannot enter and enforce it. Too many heartbreaking accidents occur as a result of failing to enforce these guidelines. Be strict - it’s better than reaping the consequences. Family members may need to keep away too, especially if they are the type that cause mini-disasters wherever they go.
2. Remove all flammable objects.
If you’re working with a torch or anything that involves flame, you will need to remove all flammable objects from the area. This includes rags soaked with flammable chemicals, dry materials, paper towels or basically anything that could catch fire. It’s a lot better to be safe than sorry! Remove any chemicals that are flammable before you turn on that torch.
3. Always make sure you have enough air flow.
Solvents and paints can be dangerous when used in close spaces. Never, ever work in an area that does not have a window or some source of ventilation. If necessary, put an exhaust fan in the room so that the fumes are not going right to your brain. It’s no fun working when you’re destroying your brain with harmful chemicals.
4. Check all equipment before turning it on.
Cords get frayed, wires get crossed and tools age. Check all cords and wires before you plug them in. If you’re working in an area that has standing water or actually any water, make sure that you are using the proper electrical equipment that will trip the breaker if the tool comes into contact with water.
5. Always, always turn off the power before attempting any repair.
It is so easy to make excuses and take shortcuts when it comes to turning off the power. Yes, it’s inconvenient to trot down and flip the breaker. It’s a lot more inconvenient to get fried. Accidents are called accidents because they happen without any warning. Too many people are electrocuted every year simply because they were lazy and didn’t turn off the power. Always triple check that whatever you are fixing is not connected to a live source of power.
6. Protect your eyes.
Again, this is an area where a lot of us skimp. Goggles are annoying and they get in the way, but they are absolutely necessary. You’ll feel a lot less inconvenienced if you can avoid having a shard of glass in your eye. Remember, you only get two eyes - protect them! This includes work that involves any flying particles, dust or sparks.
7. Be smart.
Most accidents are preventable. Take the time to do things the right away and don’t cut corners. It could save a life!
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