The Do-it-yourself industry continues to expand as our economy and over-all spending decreases. It makes sense when we need to tighten our belts, to consider doing things ourselves rather than outsourcing them.
On the other hand, the DIY industry is here to stay; plenty of do-it-your-selfers simply enjoy the hands on experience, gaining new skills, and knowing that they have done the work themselves. Either way, to ensure that your investment of time, money and energy is well spent, here are some things to consider in determining if this is in fact a "do-it-yourself" project.
The first step in any home improvement project is ALWAYS to research the scope of your project and exhaust your resources, learn as much as you can about what you are attempting to do. What are your options? There may be significant cost implications for tools and equipment required for your project at hand. Before you get started, a reality check is in order.
WHAT YOU NEED
You have done the research; you understand what needs to be done, now, what you are going to need? It is comical sometimes to see the lengths that a manufacturer goes to spelling out on the outside of the box EXACTLY what tools you are going to need, down to the box cutter to get to the product!
Conversely, standing at the top of a ladder, tool belt secured, gloves and hard hat in place, your reach for the clips to hold the window that you have just fitted into place only to realize that you overlooked a requirement for installation of this product. Worse, once you climb down off the ladder, bringing your window back down with you, it is determined that you need a special clip that is going to take two weeks to get. This is an exaggeration, but the reality is, it happens...even with seasoned professionals.
Frankly, sometimes you do really need the manufacturer's suggested tool or "clip" of choice. Make sure you are making an "informed" decision and know that there is room for interpretation. Do you actually have something in your tool box that would work just as well as a box cutter? Probably, and realize this is a simplification of what you might need to consider, understand the essence of what I am saying here. Utilize your resources if you are not sure. Talk to someone in the project appropriate store, website, or manufacturer's customer service department.
WHAT YOU HAVE
Once you know what you are going to need, make an assessment of what you have. The tools required may actually trump any considerations you may have about the feasibility of considering this a do-it-yourself project.
Hold on, there may be some additional options. Can you rent what is needed? Your answer is as close as a couple of phone calls. Cost may not be the biggest consideration, do you have space for an electric floor sander and do you anticipate that you will EVER have another use for it? There may be other reasons why you might opt to rent rather than buy.
Perhaps the numbers don't work for this particular project to rent or buy. Is this a capital investment that will be realized over time? What is the possibility that you might need this for another project and the cost/value will be realized over time?
After the fourth project that required the use of a mini-excavator and thousands of dollars in rental fees we took a look at our forecast of projects and the probability of need. The prudent choice was, in this case, buying an expensive piece of equipment that given the scope of one project certainly didn't make sense.
You might want to consider utilizing a sub-contractor for certain portions of a project. Beyond realizing you need a mini-excavator, you may or may not have any interest in operating one or finding a palace to store it!
It cannot be over emphasized that the time spent doing the research, utilizing your resources and understanding the various facets required to make a truly informed decision pays for itself over and over again.
Whether you need to pick up the phone and put down the hammer or vice versa, you have what it takes here to make an informed decision ensuring that your investment of time, money and energy is well spent. You can't afford not to take the time for a reality check.
http://www.onthelevelbuilder.com
Please visit On The Level Builder for photos, design ideas and implementation options for all of your home improvement needs including concrete resurfacing. Stay tuned for a reality check in a continuing series of how to and unique solutions for all of your home improvement projects. Know what you need to know before you start any project.
(c) copyright - Kimberlee Carter. All rights reserved worldwide.
Unsafe Decks
No comments:
Post a Comment