DIY can be a slippery slope.
First, if you can go to work and make more money than you can save doing a project yourself, it can be worth hiring a professional instead. This, of course, does not apply to the person who truly enjoys taking on a home improvement project.
Secondly, determine the level of skill needed for a quality outcome. Poorly done work will come back to haunt — you’ll be looking at your “craftsmanship” every day. You’re also likely to regret it when you decide to sell your home.
I learned recently that YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. That’s right — and, with good reason. YouTube is an excellent resource for all things silly to serious, including home improvement.
These videos can help you learn the right way to do things and to see what important tools you might need. Don’t underestimate the need for special tools. From simple to fancy, they can make all the difference in the success of your project.
Prior to taking on any DIY project, it is important to consider what your skill set really is in relation to what you are considering tackling. Laying tile, for example, requires a higher level of detail and scrutiny than swapping out a light fixture.
The need for specialty tools can be as simple as a nice, angled sash brush for cutting in a clean line on your paint between the wall and ceiling, or more complex like a tile saw. Some you can rent and some you must buy, but all have a significant impact on the final result.
Doing some research and homework upfront will help you figure out what makes sense for you to DIY and what is best to hire out. Either way, you’ll be much more satisfied with the results.
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