Home Remodeling and Repair

DEAR TIM: Because of the faltering economy, home remodeling and repair is a hot topic in our family. We can’t move to a different home, and we can’t afford to hire contractors. What home repairs would you recommend we attempt on our own? I believe I can tackle some house remodeling tasks, and I want to add whatever value I can with home improvement. What’s a good strategy to adopt when it comes to do-it-yourself (diy) remodeling? Meg S., Welch, MN

DEAR MEG: If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone. Millions of homeowners are attempting renovation projects, as well as major diy home improvements because money is tight. The truth is many of these projects will probably end in partial failure, but not because the intentions were bad. Remodeling can be tough, it requires many skills, and you’d be shocked at the number of specialty tools you need to do certain tasks.

First, don’t totally give up on contractors. Times are tough for them, and you may be able to get fantastic deals, or at the very least, they may work along side you when you get to difficult parts of a job. When times are good, most building contractors wouldn’t consider smaller jobs or working with homeowners. But in these tough times, all bets are off. Many a contractor is in survival mode, and you just might get his attention with your offer.

The alcoves on either side of the fireplace will soon have simple shelves. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

If you don’t have lots of experience working on home improvements, then I strongly recommend that you start with modest home-repair projects to boost your skills and your confidence. Don’t underestimate the enormous amount of time it takes to do what you feel is a simple project like a bathroom remodeling job. A major bathroom remodel can take a professional at least one hundred hours of time. Can you imagine how long it can take you with no experience and limited tools?

When you start projects that you’ve never done before, it’s really easy to get in over your head fast. An example is installing ceramic tile. If you become mesmerized by those television shows you see on cable TV that say how easy it is, beware! It’s not easy to get professional results the first time. I always recommend that you do a small test section on a scrap piece of cement board. You’ll quickly discover the challenges. You even want to try to grout this test panel before you attempt a real grouting job.

The same is true for plumbing or carpentry tasks. Try to solder a scrap piece of copper pipe before you attempt to cut into a real water line. Be sure to read up on the process and watch free online videos about home repairs. When it comes to carpentry jobs, try to take some scrap wood and make practice cuts before you cut into an expensive 16-foot length of crown molding.

As far as which home-repair projects you should attempt on your own, there is an abundant list to choose from. Some simple things that come to mind are door knobs, caulking, installing a storage cabinet or new shelves, etc. I highly recommend that you start with tasks that you can complete in less than two hours. If you attempt tougher jobs that might last all day, you run the risk of getting frustrated. Frustration can lead to cutting corners.

Exterior remodeling projects are also a way to get great exercise and add some value. If you have a smaller one-story home, perhaps it needs a fresh coat of paint. While it takes a while to paint an entire home, perhaps other family members can join in the fun doing all the different tasks like scrapping, washing the house and caulking any cracks. A freshly painted home looks great, and can be a great source of pride.

As you start to have more home-improvement successes, start tackling tougher jobs. Perhaps attempt to replace a sink faucet. If you are really feeling your oats, try to install a patio or a deck. If you want a significant challenge, try to build a small outdoor shed. This project is similar to a room addition, but on a very small scale. A shed requires you to discover what it takes to install a simple foundation, frame walls, floors and a roof and install siding and shingles. You’ll be really proud of yourself if you achieve all those things.

As you attempt more difficult projects, be sure to have Plan B ready in case you fail. This may be something as simple as a tarp to cover a roof you attempt to redo on your own. If you underestimate the difficulty and time it takes to re-roof part of your home, you better be ready to secure the open area with a tarp that won’t blow away nor let in a driving rain.

Take the time to really research how to do things. The Internet has vast amounts of free information, granted not all of it is accurate, that can help you get an upper hand when you sail into uncharted do-it-yourself waters. Many manufacturers’ websites also have instructional videos that show you how to use their products. Watch these so you don’t waste time nor the materials.

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