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Most Likely Fixer Upper Mistakes
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The standard rule for
do-it-yourself projects is that they will
take twice as long and cost three times as
much as you expected. Or maybe it's take
three times as long and cost twice as much.
Either way, the reason is the same. DIYers
make mistakes. Lots of mistakes. The good
news is that you can learn a lot from mistakes.
The bad news is that mistakes always wind
up making your home improvement project more
expensive and more time-consuming than you
wanted. With that as a premise, Bankrate.com
asked home improvement experts for their
lists of the top DIY goofs, with advice on
how to avoid repeating the errors in the
future.
1. Not taking out
the required permits
This is a big issue with both Del Grande and Manfredini. Considered a bother
at best by many DIYers, permits actually serve a greater purpose than just raising
money for the government. "People in permitting offices aren't evil," notes
Manfredini. "They're there to make sure the job is done right and you don't
hurt yourself." Plus, for some jobs, such as putting in a wood stove, you
need proof of the permit or your insurance carrier won't cover it. Not sure if
your job requires a permit? Del Grande says that the rule of thumb is that you
need one for anything larger than painting and wallpapering. It doesn't hurt
to call the building department and ask.
Nothing slows down a job more than not having all the materials you need. Manfredini
notes that one reason the pros can do what they do is that they buy quality tools. "There's
always a bargain bin," he says. "It's not a wise investment. You lose
time and money."
2. Inadequate
preparation of the job site>
If you do a small addition, they'll be delivering materials. You don't want them
out of order or exposed to weather while you are working, Del Grande says. Or
worse, they could be stolen if they're not properly stored. (If you have a septic
tank, make sure you know where it is. If a supplier delivering materials in a
heavy truck drives over it, you could be looking at a cracked tank. Yuck.)
3. Skimping
on materials
Kavovit says she often sees DIYers use quarter-inch drywall for building walls.
You need at least five-eighths-inch; three-quarters-inch works well for a good
sound barrier. The same rule applies to plywood for subfloors. Go with three-quarter-inch.
It creates a much stronger floor, especially if you're installing wood floors
over them
4. Using the
wrong paint
One of the most popular DIY projects around, painting can make a place look great.
Manfredini says flat paint should be used only for ceilings. Interior paints
should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. On outdoor
decks, "sun and rain tear the heck out of the wood," he says. Clear
sealers don't block the UV rays, and they peel. Use a linseed oil-based stain;
it drives the pigment into the wood and preserves it.
5. Improper
preparation of walls for painting
A good quality paint job is 90 percent preparation, Manfredini says. Clean the
walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Ramsel recommends a coat
of primer or stain blocker if you're trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains,
peeling paint or if you're painting a lighter color over a darker color
6. Unsafe job conditions
Nothing diminishes your return on investment like a trip to the emergency room.
Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood, wear
hard hats when you're working under other people on scaffolding, and open some
windows when you're painting, staining or stripping old finishes off floors or
walls, Del Grande says. Ramsel cautions against wearing loose, hanging clothing,
especially when you're using power tools. Wear gloves when you're carrying wood,
metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage
to your floors and more importantly, the feet of people and pets.
7. Inaccuracy
Ramsel lives by the rule, 'Measure twice, cut once.' It's so important for things
such as building walls, hanging drywall or cutting baseboards, counter tops or
pipe. If you're going to err, err on the side of too long. You can always make
something shorter; you can't make it longer. Spackle can cover up to an eighth
of an inch seam, Ramsel says; if it's a quarter of an inch, the seam will pop
the spackle and show.
8. Working beyond your limits
Everybody has them. Del Grande won't work on a roof; yours might be plumbing
or electrical work. Don't stand on the top steps of ladders and don't try to
work beyond your reach.
9. Failure to get a clue
You don't want to start to learn how to do a project on your own house. If you
have a friend who is a contractor or an experienced DIYer, offer your assistance
on a project. No one will turn away free labor.
10. Failure to get a clue, part
2
If you need to remove a supporting wall, have an engineer look at it to see what
kind of beam you need to replace it. "If you have a saw in your hand and
have a question about what you're doing," Del Grande says, "stop. Follow
that little voice in your head." |
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