Doing your own home repairs can be intimidating to the novice do-it-yourselfer. However, with a little planning, some help from friends and the willingness to see the project through, you can start and finish that do-it-yourself repair project you now face.
Before you begin
Many people skip taking on a do-it-yourself project because they don’t feel in control of the process and fear the unknown. The key to making sure you’re comfortable with a project from start to finish is preparation. A plan will not only help you avoid the headaches of work delays and material shortages, but it also will save you time and money in the long run.
When creating your project plan, start by taking down all the particulars of your project. This includes measurements, necessary materials, and time needed. For instance, say your bathroom sink seems to have sprung a leak. First, investigate whether the plumbing can be repaired, or must be replaced. From there, you can decide if you can buy just a few supplies (plumber’s tape and a wrench), or you need a complete set of replacement parts (pipes with a p-trap, plumber’s tape and a wrench).
Make sure you allow for damaged materials and time overage in your plan. Usually, this means adding 10% to your material amount and time estimates.
Once you have the basics, you can begin to research costs. Search the internet or your local home improvement store for average prices of materials. You should also consider how you will dispose of any demolition debris and any associated costs.
You should then compare your estimates with your budget. If you need to cut costs to meet budgetary requirements, look into alternative sources of materials. For instance, you can search online auction sites, salvage yards and the local paper for used or usable (but still decent) building materials.
For simple repairs (such as the aforementioned sink plumbing) you will need minimal planning. In fact, you can cut down on the time you spend in the planning stages considerably. Larger fixes (such as replacing a leaky roof) will need a lot more advanced thought to make the project go smoothly. Make sure you double-check your plan if it involves spending a lot of money and time. You don’t want to waste either.
If you aren’t sure about a certain technique, you need to use on your project, seek out expert advice before you start. Home improvement stores, technical colleges and other schools offer workshops on everything from building a stud wall to tile installation. You can also find tons of help online, particularly from web sites aimed at do-it-yourselfers. Books and magazines also offer a great outlet of knowledge. Check your local bookstore or your library’s home improvement section.
It’s also helpful to find a handy buddy or several friends who have a way with tools. Maybe Roger has experience with plumbing, while Mary can patch a hole in drywall. Tap your friends’ knowledge to boost your confidence, and make sure you do the job right. It’s best to see if they can lend a hand before you actually get started.
Starting the project
Assemble everything you need for the project before you start. This includes all materials and help, if you need it.
If you must do any demolition prior to repair, make sure you can do it safely. Wear goggles, closed-toe shoes, long-sleeves and pants to keep you safe. If there will be dust, purchase and wear a mask. If the dust or air could contain harmful substances (i.e. lead in paint), choose a respirator instead.
Once everything stands at-the-ready, you can begin your project in earnest. Be forewarned: many first-time do-it-yourselfers underestimate both the time and money necessary for a project.
Working on the repair
As you work through your project, it helps to remember to take your time. Our society has a tendency to breed impatience, and home repair sometimes requires a lot of it. So, take a deep breath if you find yourself getting frustrated. Drop the project, and walk away if you start to become overwhelmed. Take a break, and come back to it when you are ready. This is another reason why you included extra time in your plan.
To help keep you on track, check your plan from time to time. This will help you see how far you’ve come and how much longer you have to go until you finish.
Dealing with the unexpected
Hopefully your plan contains everything you need to do your repair project. However, being a neophyte do-it-yourselfer, you may not have anticipated all of your needs.
If you run out of materials, drop by the home improvement store for more. Remember, when dealing with paint or tiles, it may be hard to get an exact match. Check for a lot number on tiles, and bring any leftover bits of paint so you can get a comparable shade.
If you find yourself lacking in an unforeseen needed skill, call your experienced friends, an expert, or hop on the internet for quick advice. It’ll be worth it to take the time to learn what you need to do, even in mid-repair. If you forge ahead without information, you could end up being disappointed with the results. Why not make your first repair the best it can be so that you come back with the skill and confidence for more projects?
Finishing your project
Sometimes the hardest step in a project isn’t starting, it’s continuing until the end. To stay motivated, keep the vision of the finished product in your mind. Once you hammer in that last nail or paint that final bit of trim, you’ll be glad you kept plugging away at it.
Enjoy!
After the paint dries and the sawdust settles, there’s no doubt you’ll be glad you took on your first home repair project. Above all, the best part about doing repairs yourself is the satisfaction of saying, “I did this!”
