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After you have defined your home improvement
project, the thought of doing the project by yourself
or with a “HANDY” friend or neighbor may cross
your mind. DO-IT-YOURSELF projects are a
popular trend in the Home Improvement Industry.
However, before you put on your tool belt, you
should look at all aspects of your project and ask
yourself the following 10 questions.
1) Do you have reliable work habits? Do you tend to
stress out easily, lose your temper, or become
confused under pressure? Will you have the
patience and persistence to complete the project in
a timely fashion? What will happen if it is not
completed in a timely fashion?
2) What will you do if your project goes awry?
Remember most contractors are wary about
completing and/or redoing someone else’s
mistakes, including yours.
3) Are you attempting to do the project yourself for
financial reasons? If so, have you looked at the
entire cost, including the cost of materials, your
time, and the tools you may need to purchase, and
then possibly never use again?
4) What happens if you make a mistake and have to
spend more time and effort to correct it? How much
money are you really going to save then?
5) Do you know all the construction steps involved
in the project? For most projects this is not the time
to be using an installation manual.
6) How many projects of this type have you done? I
hope at least 1 project.
7) Do you have the skills to complete this project?
For most projects this is not the time for on-the-job
training.
8) Is it safe for you to do the project? Some projects
can cause serious injury or be fatal if proper
precautions are not taken.
9) Are you familiar with the local building codes and
permit requirements? If you do not follow the
building code you may be forced to tear down the
project and rebuild it to meet the proper code
specifications.
10) Do you have the time to do the project?
If your answers to these 10 questions still leave you
feeling comfortable about doing your project, than I
would say go ahead! However, if time is of the
essence, it normally takes a “Do-it-yourself” project
longer to complete because most people are not
familiar with all the “nuances” that one would learn
from doing the project more than once. Think long
and hard about doing a project yourself, especially
if it is a large project. Large projects require more
time and effort and are usually best left to a
professional.
project, the thought of doing the project by yourself
or with a “HANDY” friend or neighbor may cross
your mind. DO-IT-YOURSELF projects are a
popular trend in the Home Improvement Industry.
However, before you put on your tool belt, you
should look at all aspects of your project and ask
yourself the following 10 questions.
1) Do you have reliable work habits? Do you tend to
stress out easily, lose your temper, or become
confused under pressure? Will you have the
patience and persistence to complete the project in
a timely fashion? What will happen if it is not
completed in a timely fashion?
2) What will you do if your project goes awry?
Remember most contractors are wary about
completing and/or redoing someone else’s
mistakes, including yours.
3) Are you attempting to do the project yourself for
financial reasons? If so, have you looked at the
entire cost, including the cost of materials, your
time, and the tools you may need to purchase, and
then possibly never use again?
4) What happens if you make a mistake and have to
spend more time and effort to correct it? How much
money are you really going to save then?
5) Do you know all the construction steps involved
in the project? For most projects this is not the time
to be using an installation manual.
6) How many projects of this type have you done? I
hope at least 1 project.
7) Do you have the skills to complete this project?
For most projects this is not the time for on-the-job
training.
8) Is it safe for you to do the project? Some projects
can cause serious injury or be fatal if proper
precautions are not taken.
9) Are you familiar with the local building codes and
permit requirements? If you do not follow the
building code you may be forced to tear down the
project and rebuild it to meet the proper code
specifications.
10) Do you have the time to do the project?
If your answers to these 10 questions still leave you
feeling comfortable about doing your project, than I
would say go ahead! However, if time is of the
essence, it normally takes a “Do-it-yourself” project
longer to complete because most people are not
familiar with all the “nuances” that one would learn
from doing the project more than once. Think long
and hard about doing a project yourself, especially
if it is a large project. Large projects require more
time and effort and are usually best left to a
professional.
About The Author Hank Jaworowski has been a Nationally Certified
Remodeler (CR) through the National Association of The Remodeling Industry
(NARI) since 1994. Mr. Jaworowski has been actively involved in the home
improvement industry for nearly 30 years. He was the past president of
Contemporary Home Remodeling Corp from 1978-2003. He retired from
contracting in 2003 and founded The Home Improvement Success Club of
America™. This nationwide club provides its members with a variety of resources
that allows them to complete their home improvement projects without frustration
and costly mistakes. If you would like to become a member of this club go to
www.homeimprovementsuccess.com. or if you would like to speak with
Mr. Jaworowski you can e-mail him at Hank@homeimprovementsuccess.com or
by calling 631-360-7722.
Hank@homeimprovementsuccess.com
Remodeler (CR) through the National Association of The Remodeling Industry
(NARI) since 1994. Mr. Jaworowski has been actively involved in the home
improvement industry for nearly 30 years. He was the past president of
Contemporary Home Remodeling Corp from 1978-2003. He retired from
contracting in 2003 and founded The Home Improvement Success Club of
America™. This nationwide club provides its members with a variety of resources
that allows them to complete their home improvement projects without frustration
and costly mistakes. If you would like to become a member of this club go to
www.homeimprovementsuccess.com. or if you would like to speak with
Mr. Jaworowski you can e-mail him at Hank@homeimprovementsuccess.com or
by calling 631-360-7722.
Hank@homeimprovementsuccess.com