Save by Diy
DIY, or do it yourself, projects abound everywhere and there are just as many places to get information and help if needed. If saving money is your goal then follow some of these simple tips and keep some of your money in your pockets for a change. Do you need repairs around the house? Don’t have the money to get all the things done that are needed to keep your home in top condition? Then try doing some of the work yourself. Most of it is not as hard as it looks.DIY, or do it yourself, projects abound everywhere and there are just as many places to get information and help if needed. If saving money is your goal then follow some of these simple tips and keep some of your money in your pockets for a change.
First, take a good look at what the job will entail. Too many times we only see the outside of a project. Pull off a piece of old material and see if what is behind might need repair as well. Laying down new siding might be easy enough, but, replacing wall sheathing, old studs, caulk and sealing materials might need to be attended to as well.
Once the job is known in its entirety, make a determination as to whether you are both mentally and physically up to the challenge. Consider the time involved in the project and don’t forget about what the localweather forecastholds in store for your DIY adventure. If you are afraid of heights then do not consider doing high altitude work.
Third try to make as complete an itemization as possible of all the materials you will need for your project. Allow for overruns and for materials that may no longer be instock. Next, get three quotes from local contractors you might trust and compare the numbers to evaluate your possible savings. Decide if it is enough to warrant your personal attention.
Perhaps, the most important step of all is to simply talk with others. Get your spouse or friends involved in your decision making. Get them involved with part of the work. Almost everyone loves to tear things down or paint. Have them around for moral support or just to hand you a tool or two to save you some of those tiresome repetitive tasks. In years past people used to have what was called “barn storming”. The community would get together to build someone a needed barn. Such involvement makes people feel they are a part of something good.When working on your project, always remember to respectpower toolsand play it safe. Watch for children nearby. Follow basic safety rules. Wear safetyequipmentwhere needed.
Finally, try to treat this as an adventure. When finished, be proud of what you have accomplished. Take pictures, show the neighbors, have a party or call your insurance agent.
Stanley 94-248 65-piece General Homeowner’s Tool Set
got home repair? DIY REPAIR DO IT YOURSELF FUNNY DECAL
 | US $1.48 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 13:55:16 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | US $13.49 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 17:04:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Eight Unsafe DIY Home Improvement Projects
Occasionally all of us get tempted to opt for a DIY home improvement project, rather than hiring an expert. This does save money. However, there can be some potential safety threats.
The article enlists eight home improvement projects than can be a safety threat if a pro is not hired.
Unsafe DIY Project # 1: Installing an overhead electric fixture (like a chandelier or a ceiling fan)
This type of DIY home improvement projects has made to the list of the unsafe DIY projects for two reasons. First, both of these projects involve electrical wiring, which can be a potential safety hazard if a person knows little about it. Second, the overhead fixtures require special attention while installing because no one can afford the ‘fall’ of any overhead fixture.
Unsafe DIY Project # 2: Repairing the main switch or wiring of an electrical appliance
This project too involves electrical works. So, this should also be better left to the pros. If the project is not taken up properly, it can be detrimental to the electrical appliance/device. In addition, it can be a potential safety hazard if the wiring of the appliance burns. The situation can get even worse if the appliance blows up.
Unsafe DIY Project # 3: Gas pipe extensions and/or multiplication
The gas pipe extension or multiplication seems to be a very simple project. However, it is regarded as an unsafe DIY project because it may lead to gas leakages. The gas leakages are dangerous to the extent that they can kill people if gone unchecked.
Unsafe DIY Projects # 4: Installing a roof window
The nature lovers usually love the roof windows. So they can easily be lured to install them by themselves. However, if they are not experienced enough, the roof may develop cracks, which can lead to water seepage, leakage, and overall building weakness.
Unsafe DIY Projects # 5: Handling huge glass or mirrors without help
My husband hurt himself while trying to handle a 4 square feet piece of glass! Actually many a time the glass or the mirror edges are not blunt. When they are not properly carried, they can pierce right through the skin. Do not handle huge pieces of mirrors or glass alone even when they have blunt edges. In case it breaks, the tiny (or not so tiny) glass pieces can cause severe bruises.
Unsafe DIY Projects # 6: Cutting a tree
It is safe to cut the branches of a tree using an electric saw after a little practice. However, do not try to cut the tree without hiring a pro. Many people make wrong estimates regarding the direction of the fall of the tree. The tree, if fallen in a wrong direction, can damage your or neighbor’s property or may also injure someone.
Unsafe DIY Projects # 7: Any project involving heights (when you are afraid of heights)
Never underestimate a project even with a little height (say 6 to 8 feet) when you are afraid of heights. Pruning of trees or cleaning the gutters is never regarded safe for people who are afraid of heights.
Unsafe DIY Projects # 8: Any project involving chemicals
Many a time there are seemingly easy projects that just require a chemical spray (for example termite protection etc.). However, usually very strong chemicals are used for these projects.Some people think that the ordinary gloves and masks will do fine without knowing that the pros have heavy duty work gloves and masks (and of course better tools). Without proper protection and techniques, there is a chance that someone might inhale the chemicals. It is also not safe if any part of the skin is exposed to those chemicals.
So, hire a pro; be safe.