DIY Home Improvements are a great way to put some equity into your home without paying to have a professional come in. Sometimes however, your money is put to better use to hire a professional to do the work.
I am one of those guys who knows his limitations. I was not raised with a hammer in my hand - honestly don't know if my dad knew how to change the oil in the car. Not his fault as his dad was not handy either. I can tell you that thanks to my father-in-law, brother-in-law and some great friends, over the years I have learned enough to be dangerous with a few different improvement jobs such as laying tiles and installing trim work. Even so, I am very cautious when contemplating a major improvement or remodel on my home.
A couple of weekends ago, after a few months (or was it a year) of prodding by my darling wife, I finally decided the time had come to install that floor in the basement. The process looked simple enough, but I was wary and almost paid to have it done. Thanks to Clif, Carol and Jake who shared not only their time but their expertise and tools we were able to knock it out in a couple of days. I must say that I am pleased with the results. Having seen many laminate floors in my time showing Clarksville TN Real Estate, I can tell you that there are many who would have been better off paying to have the job done right the first time.
You know, those floors that look like rolling hills? Edges sticking up? Gaps all over the place? The ones you walk on and think you are walking on a matress? While I am sure that many of the homeowners who listed these homes were proud of the job they did, in all actuality they did more harm than good. Know your limitations and if you are going to do the job - do it right!
Same holds true with tile jobs. Tile is a relatively cheap project, but it is back breaking, time consuming and certainly attention to detail ensuring the tile lines up, that the thin-set is not too thick under one tile and not too thin under another - oh yeah - is it the right consistency? Too many times you walk into a home that is listed on the Clarksville TN Real Estate market that has a floor that looks like what it is - a complete amateur job that needs to be torn out and redone. Folks, a person looking for a home, for the most part do not want to have to immediately replace the flooring (unless we are talking a bargain price or foreclosure). Most folks will simply move on to the next property.
There are many great DIY projects that you and your Family and take on. The above two examples are certainly doable by the 'Average Joe' but if you are going to do it (especially with friends) - don't rush, study up and above all - do it right. Remember, most professionals in these type of projects are simply guys and gals that have been doing it for a while and have learned from their mistakes.
Some other DIY projects to improve your home:
- Crown Molding
- Lighting Fixtures
- Plumbing Fixtures (unless you are me - I DON'T DO PLUMBING)
- Landscaping
- Painting (as much as I hate it)
Again, if you set out to take on a DIY project around the home:
- Do your homework - research, research, research
- Solicit the assistance of friends (Pizza and Soda go along way!)
- Take your time, but also set aside the time to get er done!
- Don't cut corners.
Here are a few websites you might find helpful in your planning and preparation:
http://www.lowes.com/cd_How+To+Library_615580068_
DIY Home Improvement projects can be the most rewarding work that you have ever done or the biggest nightmare you have ever had. The choice is really up to you - Know your limits and research research research!
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