DAYTON, Ohio – Remodeling contractors report about one quarter of the jobs they are asked to estimate are do-it-yourself projects gone bad. They make it look so easy on TV – a whole room done in a day or two with just a little money.
But the next time you’re tempted to start a makeover inspired by something you’ve seen on a “reality” show, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the time? Any serious remodeling project takes more than a couple of weekends. You might get off to a great start, and, before you can finish, a distraction comes up.
Can you do without your kitchen sink indefinitely? How about your toilet? What about an outer wall made of plastic? If the answer is no, seek professional help.
Do I have the tools? Each of the design TV shows features a carpenter or two with elaborate workshops set up in the driveway. Do you have all the right tools for job? Miter saw, jig saw, circular saw, wet saw for tile and on and on.
Do I have the talent? Carpentry, electrical work and plumbing require special skills.
Interior design isn’t just picking a paint color. Custom upholstery doesn’t just happen. These professions are a combination of knowledge and experience. The design shows have a fleet of crafts people working, instructing and supervising on the “homeowner” projects. Can you wear all those hats? Can you get others to help you? Do I have the treasury? Design shows are notorious for flinging about numbers like “under $500” or “with just paint and $50.” One of the prime motivators in doing it yourself is to save money. What they don’t tell you is that the labor of the carpenter, electrician, plumber, interior designer, painter, upholsterer and tile installer was not included in the cost.
What happens if you mess up? Your mistakes will not only cost you time, they will cost you money. If you are trying to save money, this is frustrating.
There are many great ideas that you can manage at home with some simple tools and instructions from the helpful people at the big home stores. Just be realistic about remodeling jobs.
“You never know what you’re going to find behind the walls,” says Ray Bell, a certified remodeler working for Greater Dayton Building and Remodeling. “Even as professionals, we are often confronted with electrical, plumbing and structure issues when you open a wall. This is usually when the homeowner decides they need some help.”
Karla Hollencamp writes for the Dayton Daily News. E-mail her at hollencamp@aol.com.
