| Homeowners embark on do it yourself projects | | | | This is another aspect where doing your |
| everyday. Sometimes, a problem presents | | | | homework can save you time and money in the |
| itself that must be repaired immediately, | | | | long run. |
| such as a leak. Sometimes, the homeowner | | | | |
| wishes to improve the salability of his home | | | | Should you hire a professional? |
| and undertakes larger projects, such as an | | | | |
| addition to the home or remodeling the | | | | If you do decide that your home improvement |
| kitchen. Then there are those who wish to | | | | job is beyond your abilities or if the job |
| improve or update the look of their home. | | | | will require a professional, then investigate |
| Whether it's an immediate need or a major | | | | thoroughly. The news is full of stories of |
| undertaking, there are many questions to ask | | | | people being scammed by unethical contractors |
| yourself prior to initiating any project on | | | | or just folks pretending to be a contractor. |
| your own. Yes, you can save yourself a lot of | | | | Get some recommendations from your family and |
| money by doing your own home improvements, | | | | friends. This is also where those bids you |
| but any project, large or small, requires | | | | obtained will come in handy. Be wary of those |
| some pre-planning. The bigger the project, | | | | bids that are extremely high or extremely |
| the more planning is involved. After all, you | | | | low. Chances are that you are either paying |
| don't want your project to end up costing | | | | too much or perhaps you will get what you |
| twice as much as necessary because you didn't | | | | paid for in the case of a lowball figure. Ask |
| thoroughly plan for any potential | | | | for references from the contractor. |
| complications. | | | | |
| | | | Do you need a building permit? |
| Whether you're installing cabinets, building | | | | |
| a deck or adding crown molding throughout | | | | You will need to check with your city or |
| your home, a comprehensive plan will benefit | | | | county to obtain any required permits |
| the homeowner prior to initiating the | | | | depending on the type of work. Find out what |
| project. Below are some questions and | | | | work your city requires a professional to |
| considerations for the homeowner to ask | | | | complete. Find out about requirements for |
| before tearing down those walls or visiting | | | | zoning. Some work will be governed by zoning |
| the local home improvement center. | | | | or setback restrictions. This aspect of home |
| | | | improvement can take some time. Apply in |
| What is your plan? | | | | advance of the job so that you have the |
| | | | permit before your projected date to begin |
| What do you hope to accomplish? Are you | | | | the project. |
| remodeling or adding a room? Or is it a | | | | |
| simple problem that needs attended to | | | | Some final notes |
| immediately? How much do you need or want to | | | | |
| spend? Your plan should begin with setting | | | | So, you have answered all of the questions |
| some priorities. Break the project down and | | | | and you have done all of your homework. Now |
| rate the importance of each aspect. Decide on | | | | you are ready and eager to start your |
| expense and speed. Does your project require | | | | project. Here are some final considerations |
| the best quality or can you cut some corners? | | | | to help the job go smoothly. |
| For example, do you have to use plaster | | | | |
| ornamentation or can you substitute | | | | Gather the necessary tools and materials. |
| polyurethane? Do you want it done yesterday | | | | |
| or is it something with which you should take | | | | Assemble all of the necessary materials and |
| your time? | | | | tools that you will use ahead of time. Check |
| | | | and double-check to see that you have |
| Try to determine what your costs will be. Do | | | | everything that the job requires. There is |
| some homework ahead of time. Obtain bids from | | | | nothing more frustrating or time consuming |
| contractors and other professionals. This | | | | than getting into the project and then to |
| will give you a better idea for what the | | | | have to stop and run to the hardware store |
| project entails, whether or not you plan on | | | | because you ran out of finish nails or your |
| completing some or all of the work yourself. | | | | tool kit is missing a saw blade that you |
| I like to obtain at least three random bids | | | | need. Some of the tools you may require |
| for any work that I have done. Also, visit | | | | include: miter saw, drill, nailer, or a |
| the home improvement stores for an idea of | | | | router. Have your materials and fixtures |
| the costs for material and other necessities. | | | | nearby or schedule delivery to coincide with |
| After doing the research you may decide that | | | | your projected date to begin work. |
| the task is too large for you. In any case, | | | | |
| you now know how much the job will set you | | | | Coordinate the project. |
| back financially. | | | | |
| | | | If you are tearing off a roof, order the |
| Look at setting yourself a timetable for | | | | dumpster ahead of time. Meet with contractors |
| completion of your project. Most projects | | | | and other professionals as required, for any |
| will end up requiring at least twice as much | | | | larger jobs. Schedule deliveries to |
| time as you anticipate. Make allowances for | | | | coordinate with contractors scheduled. It can |
| setbacks, for delayed deliveries, for extra | | | | be a real juggling act for the homeowner. |
| work you encounter along the way to | | | | |
| completing your original project. | | | | Personal considerations. |
| | | | |
| Is this a DIY project? | | | | Take frequent breaks from the job as needed, |
| | | | especially if you find yourself becoming |
| Be realistic about your do it your self | | | | overwhelmed. Don't think of restrictions as |
| skills. If the undertaking is beyond your | | | | hindrances. Consider them helpful in sorting |
| abilities, seek professional help. Maybe you | | | | out all of the seemingly limitless |
| need a plumber or an electrician. Are you | | | | possibilities for your home improvement task. |
| qualified to handle any unforeseen problems | | | | Obtain financing ahead of time. You do not |
| which could develop? Do you know what those | | | | want to have everything ready to go with no |
| potential difficulties are? If you planned | | | | means of paying for it. Consider the design |
| ahead, you should have an idea of where you | | | | elements of your home or project. Also |
| might need to seek assistance for completing | | | | consider help with lifting heavy objects. If |
| some part of your home improvement project. | | | | you physically injure yourself, your job will |
| For example, if you are remodeling your | | | | be postponed until you have recovered. Just |
| kitchen and you are qualified to put in the | | | | something to keep in mind. |
| cabinets, but you cannot rewire the | | | | |
| electrical lines. Then you would plan for an | | | | You have plenty to consider regarding your |
| electrician to come in and complete this | | | | DIY project. Remember, this can be fun, if |
| aspect of the job. Also, some cities or | | | | you are prepared. Always remember the end |
| counties require professionals to do some | | | | result. Since you have planned for problems |
| types of work. For example, in the Fort | | | | all along the way, nothing should come out of |
| Lauderdale area, a homeowner may replace the | | | | left field to bowl you over. Revel in the |
| roof, but only the pitched part. If you have | | | | sense of accomplishment when your project, no |
| any part of your roof that is flat, it must | | | | matter how large or how small, is completed. |
| be repaired only by a licensed professional. | | | | Good luck! |