subject: To DIY or Not to DIY? [print this page] To DIY or Not to DIY? To DIY or Not to DIY?
A lot of homeowners really do fancy the idea of taking on the odd DIY project or two around their home. Nothing too adventurous, perhaps just installing new tile in the bathroom or adding a new cabinet or two to the kitchen.
In their minds it will not only save them some money on contractor or installer fees but give them a certain sense of satisfaction as well.
There is nothing wrong with this of course. But you should keep these basic tips in mind before you begin.
Do Your Homework
Just watching a Youtube video or reading a how to article online is really not enough for most people without DIY experience to be able to successfully complete a DIY project. Did that wobbly three minute clip really give you the insight needed to lay kitchen tile properly? The answer is probably not.
To avoid ending up with an expensive mess make sure you really do understand the use of tile spacers, which is the right grout to use, know how to cut tile properly and have the right tools for the job.
Safety First
To some people playing with all those neat power tools looks like a lot of fun. The fact is though that power tools are not toys and can be very dangerous, even lethal, in inexperienced hands. Read all of the manuals and instructions properly and make sure you follow any safety directions to the letter.
Know When to Throw in the Towel
For most people the idea of doing it themselves was born out of a desire to save money. For that reason it is important that, if things start to go wrong, you know when to admit defeat and defer to the knowledge of the professionals. If things start to go south stop and call in the pros.
For example, letting a tile installer come in and finish the job when you have realized that measuring the room out and laying it all straight is harder than it looks will cost you, but not as much as if you lay the whole floor, realize it looks like something you'd find in a funhouse and have to pay someone to come in, rip the whole thing out and then start again from scratch.
