Fixing up your property can bring great joy, and personal gratification when you pitch in and DIY some of the tasks. But proper preparation is critical to getting things done correctly. Take a short cut and you will likely end up with a project that that takes longer, costs more, looks like it had been DIY’d and hurts more than your bank balance along the way.
Measure thrice, cut once
It’s the oldest tip from the book when it comes to renovation and it’s every bit as important as you think it is to make sure to have the right dimensions before you begin that power saw. In equity, the rule is typically,”Measure twice” But let us face it: Some people need a bit more assurance. If you’re not super skilled at using power tools, in case you’ve got catchy cuts to make, or if you’re doing anything with mitered corners or involving angles, do yourself a favor and take yet another look before you slit off.
Purchase more materials than you really need
It can be unbelievably tempting to purchase just what you think you need when it comes to flooring materials, backsplash tile, or wall coverings, in a bid to save money. But problems can arise for many different reasons – some of the tiles have been cracked, you reduce some of the wallpaper erroneously, a few of the wood for the flooring is warped, you didn’t account for all the cuts you have to make when measuring the space – and shortly you do not have sufficient materials to complete the job.
You can always purchase more, but now you’re behind schedule. Plus, you may encounter further problems with your floors if the new bits do not precisely match the present ones since they’re not from precisely the same batch. That is why experts recommend that if you buy your stuff, you put in 20% to the real measurements. It could include a few bucks to your bottom line, but it will save your ass in the long term.
You are a grownup now. You can have a real hammer and a drill and a pair of needle nose pliers. If you’re just setting out on your own or it’s time to perform a tiny tool upgrade, This Old House includes some good tips for the best way to purchase .
The well-meaning contractor who set up this faucet forgot about something: The distance needed to actually wash your hands. Installing the faucet too close to the sink left insufficient space, so hand-washing is decreased to an embarrassing positioning and cupping/pouring exercise.
Purchase the Ideal ladder, and use it properly
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), you will find”over 164,000 emergency room-treated traumas and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are due to falls from ladders.” In addition,”Falls from ladders would be the chief cause of deaths on construction sites, and,”The number of people who have died from falls from ladders has shrunk” over the last decade.
If you’re thinking those drops have to have been out of a roof or tall commercial construction website, here’s more sobering news:”Most ladder deaths from falls of 10 ft or less.”
You can check the InterNACHI site for basic ladder safety hints, but the most important thing to remember is this: Use your common sense. Use the ladder correctly, don’t balance on the paint tray, don’t overextend the weight limitation, make sure it’s in proper working order – you know, the fundamentals.
Glove upward , glasses on
While we’re talking safety, there are additional measures you’re going to want to have to protect yourself. The last thing you need is a nail through your hand along with your eye or anywhere else, for that matter. Gloves and goggles are basic go-to. And if you are doing your floors, think like a football player and get those knee pads.
Hanging art
Between picture hangers and specialty screws and nails and laser levels, there are so many tools available to help you hang artwork that we should all have it nailed (pun intended!) , right? Yet picture hanging remains one of the most frustrating tasks.
There are numerous tricks and tips that aim to help, however, these are a few of our faves:
“Place a dab of toothpaste on the rear of the frame on the hook or series (whatever will touch the nail). Then hold the frame up into the wall, place it and press it against the wall. The toothpaste will leave a mark which you can hammer a nail through, then wipe away.”
•”Rather than moving the photos down and up, place the photos on the ground and line up some tape from attaching purpose to hanging stage,” stated Diply.com. “Then mark each point with a dot. Next, set the tape on the wall and use a level to make sure it’s straight. Then use these dots to put in your own screws , and hang!”
