Just Go Do It Yourself ...
Stuff Anyone Can Do With The Right Tools and Instructions

DIY Home Improvements | DIY Repairs

You could poll a hundred do-it-yourselfers and ask them why they choose to take on projects around the home, up to and including major renovations. I'd wager you'd get two responses, with the first being to save money on hiring a contractor and secondly because they simply don't trust anyone else working on their home. Living where I do it's difficult at best to even find a qualified contractor to do even the simplest repair. Most are sub-contracted out to large developers and barely keep up with that work load.That leaves some of us in the quandry of waiting for a date on their calendar or buckling down and taking the project on ourselves. But should you do the work yourself? The answer depends upon a number of factors, including your abilities, your collection of tools and safety gear, your time, and your inclination to roll up your sleeves. Fortunately there are hundreds of how-to videos and books available that do a great job of guiding someone step-by-step through even the most difficult tasks. Some jobs you really should leave to the professionals,unless you are a highly skilled do-it-yourselfer. These jobs may be dangerous, particularly difficult, or where a mistake can be quite costly. Some examples of these type jobs are: Extensive electrical work Major plumbing work Roofing work on a steeply-pitched (5:12) or any roof over two stories Pouring a new concrete floor or slabs Any outside work that requires scaffolding higher than two stories Skills. Be realistic about your skills. Don't try to take on work that you won't be able to finish or that may end up looking unprofessional. Avoid intricate work or work that requires a high degree of craftsmanship unless you're competent at the job. Don't forget to take into consideration your physical ability. Tools. Be aware that you'll need special tools for some jobs. You can rent tools, and you can often buy tools with what you'll save on labor, but if you don't already own the tools, you probably don't have very much experience at using them. Once again, think twice before jumping in with both feet unless you have experience with the necessary tools. Time. Don't forget to take your time into consideration. Even spare time has a value--and the value of yours is worth factoring into the equation. Although a professional repairperson can probably do the job considerably faster than you can, you actually may complete some jobs sooner by doing them yourself because you won't have to wait for professionals to show up. Are there alternatives? Break the job up. Do some of the work yourself and save the more complicated tasks for the pros. Demolition work usually can be tackled by homeowners who aren't afraid of getting a little dirty. Painting is another good way to be involved in the project and save money. But be aware that, if you set up this type of arrangement, you must stay ahead of your contractor--he or she won't want to be slowed down by the need to wait for you. Unless it's time critical or not doing the job may create the threat of injury, then take your time and plan out each step of the job. Once you have your plan proceed with the job, and if done correctly enjoy the satisfaction doing it yourself.

 

 

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