Advertisement
The thought of planning home renovations – no matter the size – is both an exciting and daunting prospect.
On one hand you’re getting ready for some major change, but not knowing where to start or getting overpriced quotes from professionals can have you scouring the internet for quick DIY tutorials.
While yes, sometimes DIY is the better – and cheaper – route, there are some projects that can turn dangerous fast if they’re not performed by an expert.
That’s why it’s important that you stay up to date with all the Do’s and Don’t of DIY home projects.
Do Your Research
Always, always, do your research. Figure out what type of tools and equipment are required for your venture, and ensure that you’re certified and capable of handling them. If the project is usually carried out by professionals with schooling and years of experience, hiring an expert should be your next step.
Once you’ve triple checked that it’s safe for you to carry on with your project, looking at product reviews of tools and other material needed is a good basis of where to start.
However, it’s also essential to find reviews that are legitimate. Just like the professionals at Workshopedia.com say including “A product with the best overall performance, the best low-cost option, and the best option overall” is what makes a well rounded review. That’s something you should take into consideration when researching for your own DIY’s.
Don’t Touch Hydro
One of the biggest mistakes someone in the midst of a DIY project can make is messing with the electrical, gas, or plumbing of their home.
Your newest YouTube guru might make it look easy but the hard truth is – it’s not. Your home reno can quickly turn into a trip to the hospital due to electrocution or a call to your local emergency service department for a house fire.
The bottom line is messing with hydro without any formal experience will almost always result in severe damage to either yourself or your home.
Of course unclogging the sink, or changing the air vent are harmless everyday projects that can be done by a standard home owner. That just means it’s even more vital that you do your research and use your best judgement.
Do Install Hardware
We’re not saying you as the homeowner has no control over what goes down in your house. It’s appropriate to make small appliance changes to things like:
- Light fixtures
- Cabinets
- Doorbells
- Water taps
- Doors and Door Handles
Just be sure you followed through with the instructions that come with the appliance and anything professionals at the store recommended to you on your way out.
If you come to the conclusion that you may not be able to properly install these appliances after attempting, bring in a professional – or even a friend!
Do Paint
Just like installing light hardware, painting is 100 percent okay to handle on your own. In fact, painting your home yourself is often encouraged. You can head to your local hardware store and pick out the perfect colors for your space.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for error. Make sure to research the proper brushes you should be using and stroke techniques to get your desired look.
Of course, if painting isn’t something you’re comfortable with, or the project you have in mind is a little more artistic than you think you’re capable of, there are always professionals in the field ready to work and deliver results.
Don’t Take Down Walls
You can paint your walls but please – don’t attempt to knock them down yourself. We all know the longed open concept house looks like it’s only a wall away but without the help of a professional we have no idea what lies inside that wall.
The wall may act as a beam keeping your whole house up or even have electrical and plumping running through it. A licensed contractor should be hired to acquire the proper permits and analyze the structural components for a safe renovation.
Be Safe
We offered you a look into the Do’s and Don’ts of DIY’s, and now it’s time for you to head out and safely get your dream renovation done.
Whether you’ve deduced you can get the job done yourself or have just discovered you may need a professional – always do your research and figure out what the best plan for you and your home is.
Remember to never overestimate your abilities, and always ask for assistance if you need it. Happy DIY-ing!