In these challenging economic times many more homeowners are finding themselves needing to save money on home improvements. Many homeowners succeed and save, many say they did not know what they were getting themselves into.
Whether to Do-it-Yourself is actually a simple question to answer if you start with honest self inquiry.
Am I really handy with repairs and decorating? Do I have the time? Do I have the skills to do a professional job? Is this going to be too time intensive relative to what I can earn doing my own work. Is this going to be fun or a drudge. Is DIY really going to save me money in the end.
Being honest at this stage will save you money and frustration. Once you have your answer – which is not going to be a black or white one – then move into planning, educating yourself, budgeting, staging, and purchasing materials.
Once you get to this point in your thinking an planning most homeowners realize that they cannot do it all. It at this point you take another moment to reflect and plan thoughtfully. Can you do it all or do you need some help. If you decide you need some help take the time to make good decisions about how much and from whom. Do you need a handyman, a general contractor, or a painter to get you project done right and on time.
So, if you are going to do it yourself, the main project you want to begin with is painting. This is a great place to do a diy project if you have the time and patience. Do yo have experience painting. If not find a good “how-to” blog or website. Imagine yourself doing what is being suggested. Are you excited.? Concerned?
The answer often depends on what needs painting. The outside of a house, or hard to reach places, has a lot more challenges than painting a bath or a key color wall in a room.
Do you know about painting products and supplies? If not “read” and learn.
Tip: Always use the best quality rollers (appropriate to pain and task), brushes, special repair tools and paint products.
Tip: Use the best quality paint. I recommend using NO VOC paint products that allow you to work without toxicity to yourself and your family. Choose a high quality product, pay a little more, and your paint will cover better, go on more smoothly, take less time to apply, clean up faster and last longer.
Good prep is key to a professional looking job. Remember that you need to: prepare walls; windows and doors; protect floors; fixtures; and cover furniture. You will need to clean, fix cracks, dings, holes, baseboards, door frames etc. as needed.
If you are already tired or concerned just reading this you have two choices: 1) be courageous and just do it, or 2) save yourself time. money and stress and get a pro to do it for you.
Video Excerpt from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIv9m16Wz4k
MY PRO HANDYMAN CAN 