It’s no secret that if you’re the type of person who likes to spend time in your spare time doing DIY projects, then you probably have a few projects lined up for yourself.
Doing repairs solely can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge at hand, everything will be seamless. You do not have to spend a lot of money hiring an expert for simple projects you can achieve within a few minutes.
Here are four great tips to follow when working on a home repair project.
Have All Tools at Your Disposal
There are many ways to perform a DIY repair project around the house, but it can be pretty tricky and time-consuming if you don’t have the right tool for the job. Most people would never think of going on vacation without packing their clothes or bringing an umbrella with them – so don’t forget the tools you need to complete your project!
The following is a list of some essential items that every DIYer should have on hand.
- Screwdriver
- Adhesive from Glue Guns Direct
- Tape measure
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Utility knife, box cutter blade, scissors and pliers for cutting wire and plastic
- Hammer and nails
- Head screwdriver, flathead screwdriver or a nut driver (depending on the project)
- Levels for hanging pictures and mirrors, chalk line with weight for marking lines
- Staple gun
- Utility light: flashlight/lantern combo is great to have
- Windex, glass cleaner or vinegar and water for cleaning windows or mirrors
- Chalk line with weight (for marking lines)
- Extra batteries of all types as well as candles in case the power goes out.
The above list is a checklist for the DIYer who may be starting a project and doesn’t want to forget anything.
Gauge Your Capabilities
Look at the project and analyse which skills you have. Ask yourself, “Is this a reasonable project to do?” If it is not, then consider hiring somebody else or delegating the task to someone who has more experience in that area.
If you are going into unknown territory because of inexperience (e.g., you have never dealt with plumbing before), find someone who has the skills and ask for help.
Also, be realistic when estimating your time commitments to a project. If it’s something that will take longer than what you estimated, think about how much more work it would put on top of everything else you need to do or consider delegating it to someone else.
Assess All Damages
Sometimes, you may not know what needs to get fixed in the house. Therefore, it is essential that before embarking on a DIY project, have an understanding of all damages to assess them adequately.
That way, repair and replacement can occur as needed without any unnecessary delays or confusion. For example, if there are problems with the foundation for a building, it may be more cost-effective to rebuild the foundation rather than patch it up.
So before starting any repair project, assess all damages first!
Instal New Instead of Old
Instal new instead of old to update your home. Whether you’re installing a toilet, sink or faucet, the best way to finish your project is with new parts and hardware that comply with today’s plumbing codes. Old fashioned cut-offs can leak and lead to severe issues down the line.
Change out any worn washers or gaskets. If you’re not sure if a washer or gasket is worn, try flipping it over and see what side looks like new. Replace all supply lines with PVC pipe instead of copper or galvanised steel as they are more pliable and easier to repair if there’s an issue.
Change out faucet washers and cartridges. If you’re not sure if the washer needs to be changed, try flipping it over and see what side looks like new.
Have a Plan
An essential step in the process of any home DIY repair project is to have a plan. Start by assessing your tools, materials, and skills regarding what you’ll be doing before you get started.
Be realistic about how long it will take—having too short an estimate could lead to frustration or disappointment at the end if there’s more work than anticipated.
While DIY projects can be rewarding and satisfying, they also come with a certain amount of risk. Be sure to take precautions such as wearing safety goggles when working on power tools or any other hazards that might occur in your project area; consider whether this is something you want to do on your own or if you should call in a professional.