As a new homeowner, you might be anxious to put your personal touch on the property. DIY mistakes are preventable by researching the proper procedures. Especially when tackling a major home renovation, preparation can make all the difference between boosting your home’s value and doing a job that you need a professional to fix. Here are some tips for getting it right the first time.
Understand The Value
The most meaningful DIY projects will satisfy a pressing need. Whether it’s renovating a dull staircase or remodeling the kitchen, consider a project that could both increase your home’s value and your future enjoyment of it. Set a realistic budget by listing out the tools and materials you’ll need. Visit a home improvement center to see what kind of costs are involved. Give some serious thought as to whether it’s worth the price, time, and effort.
Know Your Limitations
Exactly what you can do, and do well, varies according to the skillset you have. Don’t assume you can do precise carpentry or install no-leak plumbing fixtures if you don’t have experience. Even if you’re an old hand at some tasks, you may lack expertise in certain areas. Watch some how-to videos to learn the proper techniques. And don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from a friend or relative.
Document Your Work
Documenting your progress helps to ensure that you’re avoiding mistakes, or have the ability to restore things if you make one. Taking photos is the easiest way to do this. If you are looking at the wiring, plumbing, or anything else you might have trouble with after disassembly, document it with your cell phone first. You can also draw out diagrams and affix labels if it makes the situation easier to understand. In the end, you’ll have some before-and-after photos that you can share or brag about.
Stay Organized
Have everything you need ready beforehand at each stage of the work. Has it organized near to hand so you can make steady progress without hunting for what you need? Clutter not only leads to tension and frustration but can be a safety issue if you’re tripping over things. For big jobs, you might also want to lease a dumpster from a company like Tri-State Disposal or someone similar to keep the worksite clean. You can use it to dispose of your waste, and then call the dumpster company to get it when the project is finished.
When planning your DIY projects, it pays off to do your homework and have everything prepared ahead of time. If you take your time and focus on doing each step correctly, you can still get professional results.
