3 Tips to Help Avoid DIY Disasters
Do you picture yourself as the lone, brave scout who dares to take on that one task all others fear? Have you been dying to find a project that will help you set free your inner rugged superhero? Are you secretly convinced that upon completion of your project, you will be getting an offer to host your very own home improvement show?
If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, stop everything you’re doing. As your 13-year-old neighbor says, chillax. Before you channel your inner Tim Allen, take these three pre-DIY tips to heart:
Tip 1: Figure Out Who Will Benefit
If you woke up at 3 a.m. with a fully formed picture of your remodeled kitchen etched onto your brain, resist the urge to run to the home improvement store to make your half-formed dream a reality. Before you take that giant step, make sure you know why you’re doing this project. Are you planning to sell your house in the near future or is this remodeling being done for you? Perhaps even more importantly, have you gotten buy-in from the other people in your home who will be affected, particularly your partner, spouse or children? Here’s a simple rule to live by: If it’s worth doing, it can wait until everyone is at least somewhat comfortable with the prospect of a large-scale renovation project.
Tip 2: Count Your Pennies
Another reason to curb your enthusiasm, at least for a bit, is that you need to get your financial house in order. A budget is an absolutely essential part of any DIY project. Constructing it will mean that you need to understand all facets of your renovation to some extent in order to outline the costs. Don’t forget to give yourself a little extra cushion when you are figuring out how much money you’ll need to spend, as unforeseen problems and needs almost always arise.
Tip 3: Make Sure Your Expectations Are Realistic
Even superheroes get help sometimes. Superman had Lois Lane, Tim Allen had Al. So don’t be ashamed to ask questions and get information from people who have expertise in the various elements of the DIY project you’re looking to undertake. Before you start ripping things apart, ask someone you trust who is knowledgeable about the ins and outs whether your plan makes sense. Wouldn’t you rather have a fatal flaw exposed before you start dismantling or demolishing, or after? Getting this type of input can also give you valuable information you may have never anticipated. For example, does your renovation project require any inspections or approvals from your town or city?
Words To Live By
Before you start ripping things apart, ask someone you trust who is knowledgeable about the ins and outs whether your plan makes sense. Wouldn’t you rather have a fatal flaw exposed before you start dismantling or demolishing, or after? Getting this type of input can also give you valuable information you may have never anticipated. For example, does your renovation project require any inspections or approvals from your town or city?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being gung-ho about your big idea. All we suggest is that you don’t demolish now and ask questions later. Taking that approach is sure to set the stage for problems down the line. Furthermore, being overly impulsive might lead some of your closest friends and family to think you’re just a tiny bit crazy.
Planning any renovations? Drop us a line in the comments and let us know how they turn out.
