Rarely do you come across an inexpensive home improvement project, so it’s commonly alluring to tackle these jobs yourself. Unfortunately, for every DIY success story there is one or more tales of failure. And when these projects go wrong, they can often go wrong in spectacular, and expensive, fashion. Before you run and grab your toolbox, take a look at the following tips to avoid doing something you might regret.
- Plan: Generally speaking, you should spend as much time planning a project as it would take to carry out. Whenever possible, draw up a detailed plan, including measurements and materials. Making every initial effort to avoid problems will go a long way to preventing a shoddy final result. As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once”.
- Be Well Equipped: High-quality tools are expensive, for sure, but there’s usually a reason for that. Going the cheaper, low-quality route typically makes the task at hand longer and more difficult, not to mention more dangerous. Never improvise with tools unless you’re very experienced, and don’t be afraid to shell out some more money on the front end to have tools that will see you to the end of the project and well, well beyond.
- Check Legality: While small projects like adding shelving won’t cause you to hear sirens, you may be surprised just how many changes to your property require permission or regulation. Typically, anything that involves construction or may impact the public will require permits or have strict guidelines that you’ll have to follow.
- Safety First: Never take shortcuts where safety is concerned, which includes everything from wobbly ladders to tackling complex tasks you’re not well-versed in. Professionals have seen just about everything that can go wrong do so, which is why they take safety just as seriously as you should. Before you begin your project, identify any potential safety issues and deal with them first before going any further.
- Know Your Limits: While you may be particularly experienced in carpentry, that doesn’t make you equipped to lay bricks after just a quick Google search. It’s great to attempt new things, but be realistic about your abilities and ask for help when needed.
DIY projects often save money and can be a whole lot of fun, and rewarding to boot. However, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Sometimes hiring an expert really is the best choice, even if you’re spending a bit more to have the project done right.