Things to be careful about when remodeling on your own
| CTW Features |
Going it alone in life can have its advantages. You don’t have to depend on others who can let you down. You can set your own schedule and agenda. And you call the shots, of course.
But when it comes to a home improvement project, the do-it-yourself approach can sometimes backfire if you are not cautious or prepared.
“There are a few dangers that come with DIY remodeling. First, if you are not experienced, you could end up damaging your home. Second, you could end up injuring yourself. And third, you could spend more money than you need to,” says Shaun Martin, owner/CEO of Denver Real Estate Solutions.
For instance, if you’re not skilled in carpentry or electrical work, you could easily produce inferior work or harm yourself during the project, he cautions.
“Even if you are experienced, attempting to do something beyond your aptitude level could still result in negative outcomes. And if you don’t have the right tools or materials, you might spend more money than if you had hired a professional to do the job correctly from the start,” Martin adds.
Rand Haj Hasan, an architect and spatial designer with Rand Haj Hasan Architectures, says one of the biggest no-nos she observes among DIYers is poor planning.
“When remodeling, you might lose a lot of time and even money when you have to repeat steps,” she says. “A very common DIY mistake I’ve seen is when they buy furniture before measuring and doublechecking the available space.”
Granted, DIY work has ample benefits. “There is generally a huge cost-saving, and the work is done the way you want it. It’s also done within your timeframe,” says Robert Weitz, principal and founder of RTK Environmental Group in Stamford, Conn.
You can also gain a proud sense of accomplishment from your sweat equity applied to the job.
“Plus, by doing something yourself, you should better understand how things work – so if something goes wrong in the future, it’s even faster and easier to fix,” explains Davin Eberhardt, founder of Ingleside, Ill.-based Nature of Home.
If you are determined to go it solo without hiring a pro, it’s essential to follow best practices, as recommended by the experts.
“Before attempting a project, talk to a professional about what that project will likely require,” recommends Eberhardt. “Most projects will require a permit from your local building department. Getting a permit is a good idea because it will ensure you follow safety standards and that the project follows building codes. This becomes important when selling your house – the future buyer will want to know that home improvements were done correctly.”
Avoid starting any project until you know the full scope of what you are getting into, agrees Weitz.
“One of the most common problems is disturbing toxic materials like mold, lead or asbestos. Once disturbed, they can contaminate the entire home or workplace. This is why having your home tested for environmental toxins is highly recommended prior to a renovation, especially in older homes,” he advises.
Additionally, aim to stick to basic projects within your skill set, such as painting and trim work. Leave specialized work like electrical, HVAC, plumbing and roofing to experienced professionals.
“Also, check out YouTube. Not all videos will show you the correct methods, but many will give you an idea of what a project will require,” adds Eberhardt. “Watching multiple tutorial videos will give you more information and ideas than just watching one.”
Ponder the disruption and mess your work will create, too.
“Something like drywall sanding can spread throughout an entire house if not contained, so take proper precautions,” continues Eberhardt.
Lastly, don’t get in over your head. Get assistance if you feel overwhelmed or outmatched by a project you’ve started.
“Know your strengths, but more importantly, know your weaknesses. Make sure you ask for help in areas where you are less talented, and avoid pretending you can do it all on your own,” says Haj Hasan.
