DIY Home Improvement: What The Pros Want You To Know
Are You Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves? You're not alone.
Many homeowners in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Dexter are rolling up their sleeves and diving into DIY home improvement projects. You've got that can-do spirit. And you're ready to tackle the project you've been dreaming about.
But before you grab that hammer, there's a lot you should know.
From painting a room to rewiring a light fixture, each project comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls.
So, here’s what the pros want you to know before you start your DIY journey.
Got Painters Tape and a Steady Hand?
Painting is a great place to start for those new to DIY projects.
It's relatively low-risk, and the worst-case scenario usually involves a bit of extra cleanup or a second coat of paint. But don't underestimate the prep work. For a successful painting project, here's a short list of how to prep:
Move or cover furniture,
Remove outlet covers, and
Tape off areas you don't want to be painted.
Remember, patience is key when waiting for paint to dry before applying a second coat.
Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty with Some Landscaping?
Next up on the DIY difficulty scale is landscaping.
This can be as simple as planting a few flowers or as complex as redesigning your entire yard. But even simple projects can go awry if you're not careful. And I’m not just talking about choosing the wrong plants for the climate, I’m talking about serious injuries.
According to Consumer Reports, every year in the US, there are at least 100 deaths and 143,000 ER-worthy injuries from common yard work projects.
So, if landscaping is the project your heart is set on, take your time and be safe.
How About Laying Down Some New Flooring?
If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, you might consider installing new flooring.
Laminate and vinyl planks have made this a more accessible DIY project, but it's still not without its challenges.
Flooring installation is time-consuming, potentially taking several days to complete, but that's no excuse for a rush job. Mistakes in installation range from, at best, costly do-overs and, at worst, serious injury from power tools. The task can be complex, especially in larger rooms or those with uneven subfloors. When in doubt, hiring a professional ensures a high-quality, long-lasting installation.
So, before you decide to DIY, consider these risks and whether you have the necessary skills and time.
Feeling Brave? Let's Talk About Plumbing.
Now we're getting into the territory where things can get tricky.
DIY plumbing repairs can easily do more harm than good. Trying to fix a deep pipe blockage could damage the pipes and cause flooding. Gas leaks are a serious risk, potentially leading to explosions or health hazards. Installing plumbing appliances, like water heaters, involves dealing with high-voltage electricity, posing a risk of injury.
In short, plumbing repairs can be complex and risky. It's often safer and more cost-effective to call in professionals to handle these issues.
The Big Leagues: Electrical Work
The top of the DIY difficulty scale is electrical work.
This is an area where even experienced DIYers should proceed with caution. Simple mistakes can lead to serious injury, house fires, and even death. Not to mention, DIY electrical work might not comply with local codes and regulations, which will cause problems during inspections if you ever decide to sell your home.
So, unless you're just swapping out a light fixture or outlet, it's best to leave the electrical work to the pros.
Are You Sure You Want to DIY?
Before you decide to DIY a home improvement project, ask yourself a few questions:
How safe is DIY, and what are the risks involved?
Which is more cost-effective: DIY or hiring a professional?
Do I have the proper tools for the project?
How much time does the project require?
Call in the Pros
If you've read this far and are feeling a bit daunted, that's okay. DIY isn't for everyone, and there's no shame in calling in the pros. That's where we come in. At Homeowner Services of Michigan, we're ready to help with your home improvement projects, big or small.
So why not give us a call? We'll make sure your home improvement project is done right, on time, and within budget. Because at HSM, we believe your dream home should be just that—a dream, not a nightmare.
Click here for a free quote and consultation.
