The Average Joe's Starting Guide to Home Improvement
Many people that get into home-improvement projects have no prior experience. They just jumped in, and so can
you. Read on for some tips that can help you get a better idea of how to prepare for, get started on and
successfully complete your very own home improvement project.
1. Understand and be realistic about the types of work you can do. For example, if you do not understand
anything about electrical wiring, and do not have an interest in learning about it, this is better left to a
professional or someone who has experience and a good knowledge of it. Walk through your project mentally, and
think of the worst case scenario if the project does not work out. If the worst case is something you can live
with, go for it. If the worst case is something like flooding, starting a fire, or having the ceiling cave in,
plan on bringing in some expertise to help you out.
2. Always assess your project from start to finish. There are a lot of forks in the road, and you can
certainly over-analyze. However, mapping out your project and some back-up options in case something goes
wrong is the best way to guarantee success. This also helps make sure that you have a grasp of the total
project costs and resources required before you get started.
3. Buy all of your supplies before starting your project. Go back to your mapped-out plan, and list all of the
materials and tools you will need. Buy materials in bulk to cut costs, and see if you can rent or borrow
equipment rather than buying it. New, shiny tools and machines are fun, but they are not a wise use of your
money if they are expensive, you never use them again after the project, and you could have easily borrowed or
rented.
Take the project slowly, and avoid trying to race to the finish. This will only cause you frustration,
especially if something does not go according to plan. Expect some things to work out differently than you had
planned, and prepare yourself to remain flexible and open to other options that can still get you to your
desired end result.
5. Know when it is time to quit and call in a professional. Perhaps a certain project seemed easy at first,
but has grown into a complete mess. Avoid the frustration of spending more money on different materials,
re-doing work or abandoning the project altogether. Have a list of affordable contractors or other service
providers that can help you keep your project on track if it starts to suffer.
6. If any of your friends or family has experience with the type of project you want to do, ask for their
help, or pick their brains for advice. Experience is a great teacher, and they may have valuable insights that
help you save money and avoid common home improvement project pitfalls.
A home improvement project can be exciting and fun, until you find out that you could have planned a little
better, or taken more time on each step. Start with the tips mentioned above, and you will increase your odds
of planning and carrying out a tremendously successful home improvement project while already dreaming of your
next one.
Many people that get into home-improvement projects have no prior experience. They just jumped in, and so can
you. Read on for some tips that can help you get a better idea of how to prepare for, get started on and
successfully complete your very own home improvement project.
1. Understand and be realistic about the types of work you can do. For example, if you do not understand
anything about electrical wiring, and do not have an interest in learning about it, this is better left to a
professional or someone who has experience and a good knowledge of it. Walk through your project mentally, and
think of the worst case scenario if the project does not work out. If the worst case is something you can live
with, go for it. If the worst case is something like flooding, starting a fire, or having the ceiling cave in,
plan on bringing in some expertise to help you out.
2. Always assess your project from start to finish. There are a lot of forks in the road, and you can
certainly over-analyze. However, mapping out your project and some back-up options in case something goes
wrong is the best way to guarantee success. This also helps make sure that you have a grasp of the total
project costs and resources required before you get started.
3. Buy all of your supplies before starting your project. Go back to your mapped-out plan, and list all of the
materials and tools you will need. Buy materials in bulk to cut costs, and see if you can rent or borrow
equipment rather than buying it. New, shiny tools and machines are fun, but they are not a wise use of your
money if they are expensive, you never use them again after the project, and you could have easily borrowed or
rented.
Take the project slowly, and avoid trying to race to the finish. This will only cause you frustration,
especially if something does not go according to plan. Expect some things to work out differently than you had
planned, and prepare yourself to remain flexible and open to other options that can still get you to your
desired end result.
5. Know when it is time to quit and call in a professional. Perhaps a certain project seemed easy at first,
but has grown into a complete mess. Avoid the frustration of spending more money on different materials,
re-doing work or abandoning the project altogether. Have a list of affordable contractors or other service
providers that can help you keep your project on track if it starts to suffer.
6. If any of your friends or family has experience with the type of project you want to do, ask for their
help, or pick their brains for advice. Experience is a great teacher, and they may have valuable insights that
help you save money and avoid common home improvement project pitfalls.
A home improvement project can be exciting and fun, until you find out that you could have planned a little
better, or taken more time on each step. Start with the tips mentioned above, and you will increase your odds
of planning and carrying out a tremendously successful home improvement project while already dreaming of your
next one.
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