Remodeling a home may range from some simple projects like replacing the fixtures around the house, getting some new doorknobs and pulls, and painting the walls to major projects with a significant amount of change planned for your home.
In some circumstances, you might feel tempted to perform some of those remodeling projects on your own, but it’s important to resist taking on too much at a time or trying projects that are clearly beyond the scope of your abilities.
Drawbacks to DIY Projects
As a homeowner, you can certainly build a sense of pride when it comes to caring for your home. Many families participate in home improvement projects with one another to maintain the beauty of the home. However, some DIY projects can get way out-of-hand and become monsters that take months to complete and which cost much more than the initial budget indicated.
Here are a few things that can make the DIY process more of a pain:
- Time: If you start a project and you’re not able to finish it, you might have to wait weeks or even months to complete it. Hiring a home contractor or someone with the skills to help you remodel your kitchen isn’t an instant process, and you may have to wait until your contractor has an opening in his or her schedule.
- Cost: You may not realize it, but some DIY projects can cost more than when you hire someone to complete the job. Your home improvement project may mean learning on the job, and the electrical system or roof of your house is no place to learn how to complete home renovations. A professional won’t need to complete the project more than once, which can prove less expensive in the long run.
- Convenience: You might dream of remodeling your kitchen on your own, just like one of the home improvement television stars you’ve seen on HGTV. Unfortunately, those folks usually have the support of a huge crew of professionals, and they don’t show you just how much effort goes into the project. A contractor can help you complete your project with less hassle and time spent without access to one of the important rooms of your house.
Safety Tips for DIY Projects
If you decide that the most remodeling help your home needs is some attention from a paint brush, there are a few things to remember when undertaking that sort of project. A new coat of paint can make just about any space look terrific, but simple projects like painting aren’t without their dangers if you don’t know what you’re doing.
For example, many paint jobs require the use of a ladder, and this simple tool can turn a straightforward job into a rather perilous afternoon. Beyond running a paint brush up and down a wall, here are a few things to consider about using a ladder as described by the PBS series “Hometime” in its DIY Safety section.
- Make sure the ladder’s footpads are secure on the ground. Shim them if necessary.
- Never attempt to stretch while on a ladder. If you can’t reach, move the ladder.
- Test the ladder to be sure it will not shift. If necessary, tie it off to keep it in place.
If you’re unsure of yourself on a ladder, you can always consider hiring a handyman if a full-scale contractor isn’t yet needed. Remember that you can also hire a contractor to complete the difficult tasks in a home remodeling project (like dealing with electrical connections and plumbing) and then consider some DIY projects to put the finishing touches on your renovation, update, or remodeling plan.
Let Gettum Associates Assist With Your Amazing Home Remodeling Project
Gettum Associates can help you improve your home whether you want to remodel your entire kitchen or bathroom, you want to replace your roof, or you’re looking for a whole new interior for your home. Our team of experienced and friendly home remodeling experts can help you create the home of your dreams whether your home is a 100 years old or was built just a few decades ago.
Call us at 1-317-888-5681 for more information on our services, as well as to discuss your project and how we can help. Plus, if you’re ready to get started on a renovation project, you’ll want to download our guide: Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeler in the Indianapolis Area.
