Page 33 - Classimax Magazine - Issue #10

10 Surefire Ways to Avoid Common

DIY Home Improvement Mistakes

Ask people who have completed And make sure you buy quality tools. with drywall or wood. Wear a hard
do-it-yourself projects and they’ll They’re a wise investment. hat when you’re working under other
tell you that the projects took at people on scaffolding, and open some
least twice and much time and three 3. Prepare the job site for material windows when you’re painting or
times the money they thought they deliveries — when your suppliers staining, or stripping old finishes off
would. deliver materials, you’ll want to make of floors or walls.
sure the job site is ready to accept Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing,
The basic reason is that DIYers them. You don’t want your materials especially when using power tools.
usually make a lot of mistakes that exposed to the weather while you Wear gloves when carrying wood,
end up making home improvement are working and you want to have a metal and rock, or when hammering,
projects more expensive and time- storage area to prevent theft. and wear a nail or tool pouch to
consuming. prevent damage to your floors, feet,
4. Don’t skimp on materials — for and pets.
Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the example, don’t use 1/4-inch drywall
top DIY home improvement mistakes for building walls. Use at at least 8. Measure twice and cut once —
in the future and ensure success. 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for probably the most important rule of
a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch any project. If you’re going to make
1. Take out the required permits — plywood for sub-floors. It creates a a mistake, make it too long. You can
it’s amazing how many DIYers skip much stronger floor. always make something shorter. You
this step. Sure, it takes time, and can’t make it longer.
it means you have to deal with the 5. Prepare the walls for painting —
government, but it’s actually in your clean the walls, sand them and patch 9. Know the limits of your abilities
best interest to make sure get the any holes before you paint. Use a coat — you’re not going to be good at
required home improvement permits. of primer or stain blocker if you’re everything. If you don’t have a lot of
The folks in the permitting office trying to cover over oil-based paint, experience at plumbing or electrical
will make sure the project is done stains or peeling paint, or if you’re work, for instance, don’t attempt
correctly and that you stay safe in painting a lighter color over a darker those projects.
the process. Also, for some projects, color.
you’ll need proof that you have a 10. Don’t start to learn how to do a
permit or your insurance company 6. Use the correct paint — use flat project on your own house — If you
won’t cover the improvement. You’ll paint ceilings. Interior paints should want to learn how to do a project,
probably need a permit for any have at least an eggshell or satin finish offer your assistance to a friend
project larger than wallpapering and so you can scrub it. For outdoor who is an experienced DIYer or
painting. If you’re unsure, call your decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to a contractor. And if you have any
local building department and ask. drive the pigment into the wood and question about what you’re doing,
preserve it. make sure you stop and ask.
2. Have all the tools and materials you
need available before you start your 7. Keep safe while working — You probably won’t eliminate all
project — starting a job without the you don’t want to end up in the of your DIY home improvement
necessary tools and supplies will slow emergency room. Wear safety goggles mistakes, but you can surely reduce
down the job and delay your progress. when using power tools or working them with these 10 tips.