Do It Yourself Projects, commonly known as DIY, can cost a great deal less than hiring contractors. In other cases, hiring professionals maybe in order. Here are some truths and falsehoods that you should take into consideration before starting that home project.
Use Only Professional Electricians For Electrical Wiring:
True!
Electricity should only be dealt with professionally. Changing out old, outdated lighting comes with having knowledge regarding the standards and requirements that apply now and not 40 years ago. Most novices aren’t familiar with what these requirements are or the knowledge required for new wiring and the current running through them. Attempting to hook up newer lighting to old wiring can lead to problems including an electrical fire.
The truth is: spending more for a professional electrician will probably be safer and actually less expensive should you mess up.
Only Professionals Should Lay Down New Flooring:
False!
Flooring can be ready out of the box and pretty self explanatory to lay down. From tiling to sheets to panels, it’s really easy to install new floors at a great savings. There might be a few areas where some assistance might come into play. Corners can be a little difficult if you are not good at cutting the tiles or sheets to spec for a tight, clean fit. Get with a friend who has experience or visit your local home improvement store for some advice. Most flooring, today, is simple to use and come in a variety of materials and price ranges.
Removing carpet is not an easy task but with time and patience, you can do that yourself. You will need to purchase a really sharp good cutting tool. Use caution because these blades are extremely sharp and you don’t want to be rushed off to the hospital for cutting off a finger! One of the easiest ways is to cut the carpet in squares for easier removal instead of trying to drag an entire floor of carpet outside. Throw the pieces into garbage bags and be done with it.
Once the carpet and padding are removed, you need to use a crowbar to get the wooden strips with nails pulled up. Make sure you give the concrete a good cleaning, let it dry and vacuum the entire area. Find out the best way to prepare your floor for new carpet.
If you are replacing old tiling, this could be a little more difficult to do, but with a chisel and a hammer, you’re set. Once you have removed the old tiling, again clean the floor and then apply the necessary padding or adhesive and start laying down the new tiles. Again, consider your own limitations and if question, get someone who is knowledgeable to help.
Using A Primer Before Painting Is Just Good Sense:
True!
Some people believe that a primer is a waste of money but nothing could be farther from the truth. Primers are developed to prevent old paint showing through, your color fading or at some point starts chipping.
A primer should be applied with very even strokes without any interruptions. There are spray primers available, but again, if you use a spray you must spray very evenly and make sure the entire surface is well covered.
Once the primer has completely dried, apply two layers of paint. You should end up with a very professional and good looking job.
Hiring A Pool Guy Is Just A Waste Of Money:
False!
If you think a pool maintenance company is too expensive, you might want to reconsider. Buying all the materials to keep your chemical balance in check, skimming and cleaning the pump can actually end out costing more than hiring someone. Pool maintenance people know exactly how to test the water and bring it up to spec without overdoing it. These people have all the chemicals and equipment needed to get it done very quickly. Chemical balance is extremely important to ensure the water is safe for you and your family.
Are There Projects Out There That A Novice Like Me Can Do?
There are many projects that are really easy to do yourself, even if it does take a little longer to complete. Before ever starting on a project, do your homework. Weigh the pros and cons of doing it yourself. Talk with professionals at your local store and get great advice from them as well. They can tell you all the materials you will need for the project and approximately what it will cost to do it yourself. Some home improvement places offer Saturday project classes, if you are really interested in doing a specific project by yourself. If your “little voice” is nagging you, you might be over your head so look into professional help.
If you do your homework, look at the costs and decide whether you have the skills or not, you should be just fine with many DIY projects!
