How to avoid do-it-yourself goofs, part 1
Most of us have been there. An apparently simple home repair project, at least it looks that way. But can you really do it?
Some projects are easy enough – I call them monkey see monkey do projects. Those are the ones where you disassemble something (like a kitchen faucet) then re-assemble the new one the same way the old one came out.
But what of a more involved project? What if you need to paint, or drill a hole, or heaven forbid – use a power saw?!? Can you do it? What are the unexpected pitfalls lurking?
In this issue of my newsletter I am going to give you 5 of the 10 most common do it yourself goofs. I will give you the other five two weeks from today…
So without any further ado – the 10 most common do it yourself goofs, part I.
10 – Failure to get a clue. You don’t want to start a big project around your house without any experience whatsoever. This will sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many calls and e-mails I get from people who jump right in on a major home repair on their own house with zero experience.
Speak first with friends or neighbors who work in the field and if possible accompany them on a trip to their current work project. Or call a professional and get their opinion – for example if you are going to remove an interior wall have an engineer look at it to see what kind of beam you may need to replace it.
Generally speaking, if you have a saw in your hand and any doubt in your head, stop!
9. Working beyond your limits. Feel uncomfortable on a roof – don’t do any roofing projects. Electricity scare you? Stay out of your breaker box for repairs. Don't know a table saw from a band saw from a scroll saw? Your favorite hardware store can teach you.
Use common sense – don’t stand on the top steps of a ladder - don’t try to work beyond your reach.
8. Inaccuracy. Ever hear the phrase ‘measure twice, cut once’? Learn it! Live it!
If you are going to err – err on the side of too long. You can always trim off more, but it is very very difficult to cut a piece of that expensive counter top longer.
Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ either. You wouldn’t accept it from a contractor, so don’t accept it from yourself.
7. Unsafe job conditions. Nothing negates the savings on a do it yourself project like a nice ambulance ride and a trip through the emergency room.
You may feel like a dork, but wear safety goggles when using power tools or with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat if you are working under other people.
Have proper ventilation when working with paints and stains indoors. Stay away from loose hanging clothing around power tools. Wear gloves when working with wood or metals.
Thoroughly clean up your work area when you are finished, or better yet, as you go. If you used nails in your project, get a magnet on a pole (I think their technical name is ‘A Big Magnet on a Pole’) and pick up any dropped nails.
If you are using a power tool for the first time read and follow all directions. Again - some big box stores offer classes or other instruction in the use of the tools – take advantage of them.
6. Improper preparation. This leans mostly towards painting, where the 7 P’s of home repair apply (Proper Prior Planning Prevents P Poor Performance).
Clean walls, sand out the rough areas, and patch any holes before you paint. If you are going to paint a lighter color over a darker color perhaps a primer coat would be appropriate first.
Scrape off any chipping paints. Caulk joints and nail holes and edges before you paint.
I promise you if you skimp on this step you will have mucho regretto later.
Coming in two weeks – the top5.
Good to Know!