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10 Surefire Ways to Avoid Common DIY Home Improvement Mistakes
Ask people who have completed do-it-yourself
projects and they’ll tell you that the projects took at least twice
and much time and three times the money they thought they would. The
basic reason is that DIYers usually make a lot of mistakes that end
up making home improvement projects more expensive and
time-consuming.
Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the top DIY home improvement
mistakes in the future and ensure success.
1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip
this step. Sure, it takes time, and it means you have to deal with
the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure
get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the
permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and
that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll
need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t
cover the improvement. You’ll probably need a permit for any project
larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your
local building department and ask.
2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you
start your project — starting a job without the necessary tools and
supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress. And make
sure you buy quality tools. They’re a wise investment.
3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your
suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site
is ready to accept them. You don’t want your materials exposed to
the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage
area to prevent theft.
4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4-inch
drywall for building walls. Use at at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch
works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for
sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.
5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and
patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain
blocker if you're trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains or
peeling paint, or if you're painting a lighter color over a darker
color.
6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint ceilings. Interior paints
should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub
it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the
pigment into the wood and preserve it.
7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the
emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or
working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you're working
under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you're
painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or
walls. Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using
power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when
hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your
floors, feet, and pets.
8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most important rule of
any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long.
You can always make something shorter. You can’t make it longer.
9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good
at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience at plumbing or
electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.
10. Don't start to learn how to do a project on your own house — If
you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a
friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have
any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask.
You probably won’t eliminate all of your DIY home improvement
mistakes, but you can surely reduce them with these 10 tips.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube