Before You Do Your Own Home Repair, Prepare
Lots of home repair projects, even some pretty big ones, can be done on your own if you are competent and willing to invest the time and energy. There’s a lot to be said for hiring professionals to make sure the job gets done right and to have recourse if it goes wrong, but if you just can’t resist the temptation to try it yourself first, consider the following tips to make sure you are well-prepared before a home repair or making that first cut, nail or swing of the sledgehammer.
Gather ye supplies while ye may
Did you already pour out that paint/tile mastic/concrete and then realize you don’t have a brush/spreader/trowel? Don’t get started until you’re sure you have everything you need. Make a checklist (and check it twice) of all the tools, materials and equipment you’ll need, and organize them in a logical or sequential fashion so they’ll be there when you need them. Get the right stuff, the right amount and don’t skimp on quality. Remember, you’re already saving on labor, and having too much is better than having too little. Since you’re planning ahead, you’ll have time to shop around for sales and even check local resources to see if a job site has surplus materials they are willing to let go or if another DIYer has leftover supplies they are practically willing to give away if you’ll come get them.
Measure twice, cut once
You ABSOLUTELY KNEW this phrase would pop up in an article about DIY home projects, and here it is. There’s a reason you were expecting to see this time-honored adage; it works across the board, from knowing how much to buy so you don’t overdo it or underdo it, to keeping you from making a mistake you can’t undo.
Why buy when you can rent?
Some projects require power tools and heavy equipment like tile saws, jackhammers and hammer drills. You already knew you could rent a backhoe if needed, but are you aware that much smaller tools are also available to rent from your local hardware or home improvement store? Unless you’re deadset on outfitting your garage as the most complete workshop on your block, consider renting a tool you’ll likely only need for this one job. These same rental shops likely also offer used tools for sale as well.
Need a permit, get a permit
Before you start on any project, consider whether you’ll first need to obtain any permits, zoning variances or approval from the city or your HOA. Building or renovating without a required permit can get you hit with steep fines, and it can also keep your insurer from covering you and spell doom down the road when you try to sell your home and the truth comes out about that unpermitted bedroom or work that wasn’t done to code.
Prepare the groundwork, and the ground
If you’re having a large amount of material delivered, consider where they will be dropped off. You’ll want them placed in a secure location out of the elements and easily accessible for your project. Even if the materials being delivered aren’t too heavy, the truck hauling the load may be. Take care not to let a heavy truck crack your driveway or drive over your underground septic tank, or else you’ll have another home repair project on your hands.
Know your limits
DIY is great, and you’ll be proud of what you can accomplish, but don’t mess with electricity if you don’t know what you’re doing. The same goes for plumbing and knocking down walls. Get professional help where you need it, and you can still do as much of the project on your own as you are capable of performing safely and competently.
Last but not least, safety first
Take a hint from the pros. The construction industry is the leading source of workplace accidents, and construction workers face risks daily of falling from ladders, scaffolds or other heights; getting struck by falling objects or swinging booms and cranes; getting crushed by equipment or collapsing trenches; electrocution and more. Contractors, employers and property owners can be held be liable for failing to provide safety equipment to their workers. If you don’t supply these to yourself and use them appropriately, you’ve no one but yourself to blame. Make sure you have the gloves, goggles, HEPA respirators, hard hats and other gear applicable to your project. Work in well-ventilated spaces, and wear well-fitting clothing that won’t get caught on corners or snared by power tools. Wear a tool belt or an apron with pouches to hold nails and screws. Know how to use power tools, and keep those safety guards in place. Watch out for underground and overhead power lines, and always stay grounded when working with or near electricity. Not only will these precautions help you complete this project successfully; you’ll also be around to complete the next project on your list. See you next time!
