If you have dreams of reclaiming your house with a DIY project, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re part of a growing surge of homeowners who take a hands-on approach to renovations. However, you should also verse yourself in the potential mishaps that come along with these kinds of projects. Here’s a list of helpful tips that can help you avoid everything from mesothelioma claims to putting out your back while you work on your home. Afterward, you’ll be a DIY pro.
Know what permits you need. For small projects, you won’t need any permits, but if you plan to tackle a job that requires demolition or building an addition, you should check with your local planning authority to make sure you’re within the legal guidelines for building. This will include a planning permit, but you’ll also need regulation approval to make sure that your project meets safety guidelines.
Get a home inspection to find hidden dangers. Even if you’ve been in your home for a decade or more, you should get an inspection to find out what you will be facing once you begin knocking down walls and ripping out insulation. Dangers such as asbestos, faulty electrical wiring or corroded plumbing could end up multiplying the time and money that it takes you to complete your project, not to mention putting your life in danger. Hiring a contractor with experience in dealing with asbestos can be especially helpful. It may cost more than a regular contractor, but paying £1,000 now can keep your from having to hire mesothelioma lawyers later.
Make sure you have the tools the get the job done. You should find out what specialty tools, if any, you’ll need to complete your project. Trying to build when you don’t have the tools that you need could mean that your project doesn’t look the way you imagined it would by the time you finish. In addition, using the right tools is also the best way to keep yourself safe while you realise your home improvement goals.
Don’t take ‘DIY’ literally. For some projects--or for parts of some projects--you’ll need an extra set of hands to help you finish. If you’re installing cabinets, putting together a kitchen table or transporting old housing material after demolition, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It could keep you from hurting yourself or someone else.
Make your timeline flexible. This may be the most important DIY tip, and it has everything to do with planning. Before you begin your project, you should think of all the scenarios that could alter your plan, from a delay in planning permits to the discovery of an underlying problem once you begin demo work. You should also add an extra ten percent to your original budget to cover unexpected costs. Mishaps and surprises are inevitable in most DIY projects, but knowing what to do when they arise can help you pull off your home improvement project like a pro.
