10 Tips To Prevent Common DIY Home Improvement Mistakes
Most people who have completed DIY projects on their own will tell you that they spent twice or thrice the amount that they had initially estimated they will spend.
The major cause is that DIYers normally make many mistakes that increase the cost of their home improvement endeavors and consume a lot of time.
These are 10 guaranteed ways to prevent the most common DIY home improvement mistakes in future projects.
Get the required permits, it’s quite surprising that most DIYers overlook this important step.
Yes, this process is time-consuming. Aargh! Do not even mention the bureaucratic government process! However, it is to your advantage to ensure that you have the necessary permits required for home improvement.
The officials in the permits office will ensure that the project is undertaken correctly and that you are protected from harm. Besides, for some improvements, you must provide a permit as evidence, otherwise, your insurance provider will not cover the project.
Most likely, any project larger than painting or wallpapering will need a permit. In case you’re uncertain, contact your local building office to inquire.
Buy and assemble all the materials and tools you will require in your project before commencing the work.
Starting without all the supplies and equipment will only slow down your project. Also, only purchase tools of good quality.
It is the best investment you can make. For example, if you are woodworking then you would be best placed to check out some woodworking tools, but if you are going to be welding, you might want to consider some type of welding machine for your home.
Reserve adequate space for material deliveries.
When your supplier brings in materials, the job site must be prepared to receive them. You want your materials to be safe from the harsh weather and in a protected storage area so that they aren’t stolen.
Avoid cutting corners with the materials you are using.
For instance, using a 1/4-inch drywall to build a wall. Instead, utilize 5/8-inch, or a 3/4-inch which is an effective sound barrier. For sub-floors, lay 3/4-inch plywood. They are much stronger for a floor.
Before painting, ready the walls by cleaning them, sanding them, and patching any holes that exist.
Apply a stain blocker or a coat of primer on peeling paint or stains, oil-based paint, or when applying a light paint color on a darker paint surface.
Pick the right kind of paint.
Interior paints must have a satin or eggshell finish to be able to scrub it. In outdoor decks, apply a linseed-oil type of stain to seep the pigment in the wood and protect it.
Focus on your safety while working, you don’t want to be involved in an accident.
Use safety goggles while working with wood or drywall or when operating any other power tools.
When working below others on scaffolding, wear hard headgear, and open doors and windows when you are staining or painting, or removing old finishes from walls or floors.
Avoid wearing loose, hanging clothes, especially when working with power tools.
When hammering, or carrying rock, metal, or wood remember to put on your gloves, also, have a tool or nail pouch to avoid damaging your floors or harming yourself and your pets.
Check out our post on solar power here!
Probably the top rule in DIY projects: Measure twice and cut once.
If you are going to err, do so with a longer cut. It is always possible to reduce the length later. However, a shorter cut has no fix.
No one is going to be completely excellent in everything, understand your limits.
If you have little knowledge and experience in electrical or plumbing work, don’t take on such projects.
Don’t use your house project as your learning experience.
Instead, volunteer to help a friend who is experienced, in their DIY projects, or if possible help a contractor. As you undertake the project, ask questions on anything you don’t understand, so that you improve your skills.
Completely eliminating all DIY project mistakes is almost impossible, but by following the above top 10 tips you can reduce them.
