There are plenty of remodel projects that can be done by the do-it-yourselfer and there is no match for the sense of accomplishment, savings, and pride that goes with a job well done. However, one should be cautious of jumping in too quickly without proper preparation. In my previous blog, Do It Yourself Remodel Mistakes Part 1, we touched on a few do- it -yourself mistakes and now to complete the list here is just a few more caution flags before grabbing that tool belt.
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Thinking your friends are as dedicated as you are. Nothing will end a project faster than believing your work force for the entire time line is your friends. What starts out as an enthusiastic resource quickly dwindles to a reluctant ever-so-busy commodity. Don't create the expectation of your friends from the beginning and you won't be disappointed. Prepare to hire labor along the way and keep your friends as friends.
Underestimating skill and experience. Start a project with a few reasonable upgrades that coincides with skill level and work up to the more difficult endeavors. Leave the major upgrades to professionals including plumbing, electrical, roofing, and drywall in order to guarantee safety, quality, and optimal results. Take classes and network with experts until you have gained the level of confidence necessary to attempt certain projects.
Not using proper equipment. Emergency rooms are full of do-it-yourselfers that skimped on renting the proper equipment for the job. Home grown scaffolding, inadequate hand tools, and improper uses usually equates to stitches, loss time, more expense to the budget, and pain.
Going above and beyond. Research the neighborhood including contacting a Realtor to get professional advice on whether your upgrades will upscale you out of market for your area. Take into consideration what upgrades are the best return on your investment of time and money. Kitchen and baths are two of the smartest upgrades while saunas and theater rooms are more personal choices.
Have a goal in mind from the onset and keep the plan focused on that goal. If the remodel is for future sale potential then get a current market analysis from a licensed Realtor that knows your neighborhood. If the project is just for personal enjoyment then resale might not be the first concern but once again don't make the home so individualistic that it can't be sold later on. Keeping the project in line with the goal is the key to success for the weekend do-it-yourself homeowner.
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