#1 A Driveway Crew Was Pouring Concrete At A New House Next To A Duck Pond. They Went To Lunch And Came Back To This
#2 My Dad Isn't So Great At Remodeling, So I Turned His Work Into A Work Of Art
If you too are thinking about a DIY project but aren't sure about your skills, there are things you can do to significantly better your results.
Lee Wallender, who is a home improvement expert with 20 years of hands-on home remodeling, fixing, and improving experience, thinks that everyone should begin their projects with design and planning.
"A sketch on a cocktail napkin, full-blown architectural plans, or just a firm set of thoughts about how the remodel should progress is a good place to start," Wallender wrote in The Spruce. "It is cheaper and less frustrating to correct mistakes before the remodel takes physical form." A sentiment many people on this list could attest to!
"One of the first considerations is to be sure that you have funding for your renovation. Draw up a simple yes/no list of do-it-yourself projects and projects you want professionals to do. Look for contractors and subcontractors for those jobs you do not want to do yourself," Wallender added.
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Also, keep in mind that large projects must be done first because subsequent projects are impacted by them. The biggest ones you might take on include roof replacement or repair, fixing the foundation, dealing with water infiltration, and installing or repairing windows and siding.
"Protect your future renovation work by making certain the house won't collapse on you," Wallender said. "That means addressing the foundation and any structural problems. Secure the foundation and make major foundation repairs to areas such as weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams."
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"Then look at keeping it dry, which involves the roof, siding, and windows. Repair or replace the roof. Replace seriously damaged windows that may threaten future remodeling work. If not seriously damaged, leave the window repair or replacement for later in the process."
The same goes for siding: if the siding is so damaged that it will allow water infiltration, repair or replace the siding. If not seriously damaged, you can leave it for later.
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#11 My Father Forgot To Tell Me The Renovations Would Be Taking The Stairs Out Today
Wallender said you will demolish and dispose of sections of the house that will be replaced by later projects. This is a huge undertaking and many homeowners overlook it until the whole thing begins, only to begin scrambling later to make up for the lost time.
"You'll need to rent a large container for waste. Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house," Wallender said.
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Next, think of structural carpentry. This can include moving walls, constructing new walls, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, punching in new doors (or removing existing doors), adding framing for new construction windows, or enlarging the window openings.
But be careful. While many of these projects can be undertaken by an enterprising DIYer, some of them, such as enlarging window openings, might call for a contractor's expertise.
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Plan out HVAC, electrical, and plumbing jobs. Wallender said these are vital services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open.
"Open walls and ceilings make it easier for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning and for electricians and plumbers to run new electrical and plumbing systems."
It's also important to mention that in most places, building code requires that only those professionally licensed to do the work can handle this part of the renovation, so carefully check the requirements in your area.