The Best Advice for Homeowners Considering DIY Projects
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Putting your personal touch on your home can be an exciting and nerve-racking experience simultaneously. DIY projects can make a house feel more like home, and there is something satisfying about looking at a job and saying, “I did that!”
However, you can make a mess of things or even get seriously injured if you get in over your head. Below, TheMommiesReviews.com offers some great advice for deciding what projects to tackle and what you’ll be better off leaving to a pro.
Projects to Try
Paint– Painting walls is a great way to spruce up your home. With proper prep work, you can make any room look terrific. Start by preparing the wall properly, wiping the surface clean and patching any holes or cracks. Protect areas you don’t want painted carefully.
Select your supplies wisely; DIY Networks notes that using high-quality painting products can make the job easier, look more polished, and look more professional. Be sure to paint walls top to bottom. You’ll be amazed at the difference paint can make with some careful preparation and a well-chosen color!
When taking on painting projects, consider touching up the outside of your home as well. Adding a new coat of paint to your front door, flower boxes, and shutters can really spruce up your home’s exterior and add curb appeal if you’re putting it on the market.
Update cabinets– Are your bathroom and kitchen cabinets ready for a refresher? While resurfacing them is a great upgrade, you can stick with a simpler, less time consuming option that can still pack a wallop: new hardware.
You can install something completely different and even change the angle the hardware is oriented. Simply patch holes properly, sand, measure, and drill. If you aren’t sure of your skills, watch an online instructional video from Better Homes & Gardens for confidence.
Always make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll be using a drill for this project. If you decide that patching, drilling, and painting are a bit more than you want to tackle, remove the existing hardware and take it shopping with you. You can simplify your project by matching up the holes on your new hardware to the old.
Install a backsplash– If you’re craving a big kitchen upgrade but don’t have the budget or skill for a full renovation, USA Today recommends installing a new backsplash. By using peel-and-stick tile, you can make an impressive upgrade with minimal ability and little expense.
Bathroom refresher. If your bathroom is in need of a more modern look, consider replacing your shower door. Removing the existing door and installing a new one are simple and straightforward jobs as long as you stick with the same size as your previous door. If you’re feeling handy, try adding a new shower head and fixtures while you’re at it!
Refinish wood flooring. This will be a more borderline project. While many homeowners may think sanding and refinishing a wood floor will be very doable, it involves a fair amount of skill. If you aren’t experienced, consider hiring a professional to do the work or opt for a painted floor or peel-and-stick tiles.
Projects to Leave to a Professional
Some projects are definitely better off left to a professional. As Today’s Homeowner explains, sometimes projects exceed your ability unless you have special training or experience, and some jobs are downright dangerous for the layperson to attempt.
Projects such as electrical work, plumbing, and removing walls should be avoided, as well as tree removal and roofing. More extensive remodels, such as a new bathtub or shower install or a full kitchen remodel, should also be left to professionals — check online reviews to find a highly-related Dallas contractor.
DIY Proudly
Adding your own efforts to your home will make you feel great and help you take ownership over your space. Make sure that you ease into things by taking on some projects that are within your skill set. Always call a pro if you could be getting in over your head. You’ll be proud of your projects and you’ll love saying the words, “I did that!”
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
