All us do-it-yourselfers have – at one time or another – failed to read instructions, forgotten to connect A to B, knocked over paint, or installed shutters upside down. Home improvement projects inevitably hit snags.
Mistake-less projects usually result from steps taken well before you pick up a tool. Forget hulking biceps and years of training: careful planning, patience, and an optimistic mindset are all that's needed to successfully complete any project. Just avoid the following DIY Don’t’s:
1) Snubbing Prep Work
You just got back from the store and can’t wait to get that new fantastic color up on the wall. Not so fast, Grasshopper. Every home improvement project has an element of prep work—from installing a doorknob to repairing a faucet —and neglecting the prep will mean a longer project and shoddier results. Not to mention high frustration.
Arming yourself with a little bit of forethought will almost guarantee a professional-looking result, especially when it comes to painting. So take your time, read the instructions once more, and ask around for tips. Knowing what to expect will allow you to keep your sanity when the going gets rough.
2) Biting off More Than You Can Chew
So, you hate your kitchen and can't take it anymore. Take a sledgehammer to it, right? Hold on a second. While we definitely endorse change, tackling too much at once is a common mistake that can have grave consequences. You may render a room unusable, dangerous or do major damage in your haste.
When considering a major room overhaul, be realistic. You can't expect to churn out a new kitchen by next weekend, so don't even try. Assess what you really need or want done first and start at that point. Home improvement is all about taking things step by step; learn to surrender to the process.
3) Improvisation
Picture this: you’re installing a dimmer switch. You can't find extra wire caps, so you just twist the wires together, shove the unit back into the wall, and call it a day. Big mistake!
We applaud creativity, but there’s a difference between improvisation and carelessness. If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation such as the dimmer wire scenario, always err on the side of caution. Sure, it will take longer to do projects the right way, but better now than later when you have to do it all over again.
4) Refusing (or Not Asking For) Help
Don't be fooled: doing it yourself doesn't require that you bear the duty of completing every project alone. Many people are either unwilling to relinquish control over their home improvement tasks or afraid they’re burdening others by asking for help. If you fall into one of these categories, then there is a lonely DIY road ahead of you.
While certain projects do only require one person, working with someone else is almost always more fun. Plus, remember the adage about two heads working better than one. If you refuse to let people help, get over it. It’s less embarrassing to ask a friend to help you out now than to have to call a professional later. If you’re too shy, get over that too. Just remember to thank your helper and always return the favor.
5) Embracing a Bad Attitude
Letting negative thoughts dominate your thinking will always result in disaster or an abandoned project. Despite what the little voices in your head say, you can do it. Knowing what lies ahead and being prepared is 95% of the battle, and if you have followed our first four steps, you’re all set to go.
Another note: if you’re a DIY novice, start small. Even the tiniest accomplishments will bolster your self confidence and lead to bigger, more complicated projects. Soon you'll be the one inspiring others.
If you have been less than impressed with your previous home improvement results, you may just need to rethink your old habits. It's only normal to become overly excited by the prospect of a new look for your home, or discouraged when you’re entering hour four of that faucet replacement. Being prepared, informed, and holding on to a sunny attitude are crucial to getting that job done right the first time.
For more step-by-step how-to’s and great project ideas, please visit us at www.BeJane.com
