Summary: Completing your home improvement project all by yourself might sound motivating and tempting. But it is not always the right step to take. Take a look at the mistakes you need to avoid while remodeling your home.
Not every DIY home improvement project ends up successful and cost-efficient. There are many things that can go wrong. However, many people don’t realize this when they choose the DIY option over a contractor who might contact them. Here are a few mistakes you may want to avoid if you have decided to undertake your home improvement project on your own:
Mistake #1: Paying too much for the home or choosing the wrong location
There are times when you are stung even before starting out a DIY project such as a kitchen remodel. You might have either bought the house too high or selected the wrong neighborhood, without doing much of homework. One of the main things you need to do before buying a house is check out the neighborhood and take a look at the comparable sales. Consider the resale value of your home before you buy it because even the most beautiful remodel may not give you the returns if you have bought your home wrong.
Mistake #2: Not obtaining the permit
You might think of it as an unnecessary expense; but you definitely need to obtain a permit if you are remodeling your home. All professional home improvement contractors who contact prospects know about this. There are rules and regulations you will have to comply with. There are codes you need to follow. If you don’t follow these you may end up with a remodeled home which could be tough to sell.
Mistake #3: Not having a written work plan
If you are one of those over-zealous DIYers who think that home improvement projects can be completed in a jiffy, you are in for a big surprise. Home improvement projects will take time, even if it is just a simple tiling job. If you are on a tight schedule, preparing a day-to-day calendar will help you come up with a realistic time frame that will keep you on the right track throughout.
Mistake #5: Not budgeting properly
If you go with a home improvement contractor who comes to you, the first thing you may do is ask for an estimate. This will give you the costing of each and every material that is used in your project including the charges for labor. Nevertheless, in a DIY project such a budget might go missing. As a result, you may end up spending a lot more than what you had intended to. Have a proper budget in place before starting any DIY home improvement project. Add an extra 30 percent for price increase and keep aside 15% for wastage.
Mistake #5: Tackling Jobs you may not be qualified for
There are many things in home improvement that not all can do. For instance, there is the installation of roof. Don’t do this if you are scared of heights or feel unsteady when in places of height. It is not worth risking your life for something as trivial as a remodeling project. You can always hire someone to do it for you.
Mistake #6: Not Planning for the Unexpected
Not being a professional home improvement contractor might put you at a disadvantage. You may not be prepared for the unexpected such as pest infestation, moisture problems, bad wiring, and so on. You may have to accommodate all these not-so-nice surprises in your budget before starting your home improvement project.
Mistake #7: Waiving a Home Inspection
A thorough home inspection is a must for every home improvement project. You will need to hire someone who is qualified, licensed and accredited to perform such an inspection. A couple such inspectors may even contact you directly through home improvement leads. Be there till the inspection is done. Pay attention to safety issues and get all your queries clarified.
Mistake #8: Using the Wrong Tools
Choosing appropriate tools is crucial when it comes to doing a home improvement project all by yourself. Each of these tools is designed to perform a specific function. You will have to understand this function before using the tool. Also, there are a few things you need to follow in order to practice safety:
Switch off the main breaker every time you work with electricity
Avoid standing on the top rung of the ladder. If you have to, make sure you take the necessary precautions.
Always wear goggles while using a power saw
Mistake #9: Buying Cheap Materials
If you want your quality of work to shine, you will have to say ‘No’ to cheap materials. If you think buying ceramic tiles for 50 cents per square foot is a wise decision, you might have to prepare for cracks. Go for branded stuff even if you have to pay a few dollars extra. If you are good at negotiating and have done a bit of homework, you might even stumble upon some great deals.
Mistake #10: Under Estimating the Resale Value
Two to three times more than what you spent on your home improvement plus your acquisition price – this is not DIYers like you think your house can sell for. However, this is not exactly true. Before estimating the resale value it is important that you check out the other homes in the area and see if the improvements are comparable. Find out with a realtor who might come to you. Over-improving may not help.
Hiring a professional home improvement contractor is one of the best decisions you can make before starting a home improvement project. Nevertheless, if you still want to do it all by yourself, make sure you don’t commit the mistakes listed out above.
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