Are you a do-it-yourself enthusiast? More and more people are getting into DIY. With the current state of the economy, fewer people are choosing to move home. Many are making do with their present circumstances and repairing and remodelling their houses.Is DIY for you? What should you ask yourself before engaging in DIY work on your property?Consider some of the areas where you could save money by doing it yourself: Projects in the bathroom; bedroom; dining room; games rooms; garage; home office; kitchen; landscape; living room; patio & decks.Bear in mind that not all DIY jobs you do on your home will increase the value of your home.Painting and decorating your home, for example, can be very worthwhile. It isn’t likely to put much value on your property, but it will of course make it far more saleable.Count The CostBefore ever starting a job, work out its cost. You will find that a comparison of the charges of a skilled professional with the cost of materials for what you would need to do it yourself will be revealing. But do not forget the hidden extras. What are they?Many professionals guarantee that their work will meet a certain standard at a specified time. If they fail, you can often seek some type of compensation. In the long run, to pay a little more and benefit from the services of a professional may be to your advantage.Another factor to reckon with is the cost of your time. Being ‘married’ to DIY work can cause tension with family and friends.It is possible, nevertheless, to maintain good family relationships and still work on do-it-yourself projects. How? By enlisting the help of your family. They can join you, either in planning or in actually doing the work, perhaps even taking care of some of your other duties while you concentrate on the work to be done.You may work things out well, planning the project and enlisting the cooperation of your family, but do you have the right tools?The Right ToolsBasic tools to consider buying-* 12 foot tape measure* Claw hammer* Insulated pliers* Set of screwdrivers* Junior hacksaw* Box cutter with retractable blade* Spirit level* Small adjustable spannerOn occasion, you may find renting some of the larger power tools a viable option if their purchase price is too great but the need vital. You can manage many a DIY project with very basic tools. However, for these to be of lasting value, care for them well.Where will you keep your tools? When deciding on a storage area, make sure the tools are protected and treated properly so they remain in good condition. Throwing tools together in a drawer can damage them. Arrange a designated place for each tool. Fasten a board on the wall of your workshop or tool cupboard. Then clasp and hang the tools there.Some hand tools that are used under tension, such as fretsaws, may require release before storage. Most tools will require cleaning and oiling to maintain their value. Make tool maintenance a part of whatever do-it-yourself project you undertake.You have figured out the cost and opted to do it yourself. You have all the tools ready and in good condition. ‘But there is something missing,’ you say. ‘I am not experienced.’ Does this mean that DIY work is ruled out?Success Without Experience?Success on a first-time job does not come automatically. A helpful guide, though, is always follow the instructions. But whose instructions?Before you start any DIY, consult the experts. You can draw on the accumulated wisdom of the experts by reading their suggestions in many DIY manuals. Or, if you know someone who has already successfully done a similar job, ask him how he managed it and what tips he can offer.Safety, Safety, Safety!Remember the need for safety. Use the tools only in the way they are intended to be used. If your children help you, teach them respect and proper care for tools, especially for those that are sharp and dangerous.The variety of projects that you can undertake for yourself is great. But to avoid being unbalanced in such jobs, take into account other people’s advice. Then adapt the suggestions to your own circumstances. Whatever the proposed project, study it carefully before you decide to do it yourself.If doing anything with electricity, remember that safety has to come first. Don’t take shortcuts, it might mean your life! If working with gas, unless you are properly qualified, and are registered as such with the appropriate authorities, then you must get in a qualified person, and not attempt to tackle the work yourself.
Archive for the ‘DIY’ Category
DIY Can Save You Money
Friday, April 9th, 2010From Unsafe Shortcuts To Insurance: An Assessment Of Diy
Thursday, April 8th, 2010Most DIY weekend warriors are not afraid to handle a saw and a hammer when the need arises. While the whole DIY industry encourages self-reliance and a reasonable amount of self-confidence, sometimes a professionalâs advice can definitely be of immense help. Be fearlessAccording to Margeau Gilbert of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the shift from hiring contractors to becoming a mini-contractor is on the rise:”Some homeowners are becoming mini-general contractors. The most intrepid will tear down walls, build additions on their houses, erect gazebos or waterfalls and decks. DIY projects are definitely in vogue right now.”DIY projects like painting are fast becoming normal activities, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute: “The faux painting techniques are definitely number one. The results can be incredible when done correctly because painting is the least expensive way to make a change. It’s also probably the easiest and most innocuous of DIY projects”Know your limits According to Ms. Gilberts: “Insurance companies are wary of insuring DIY projects because many aren’t up to code, have inferior materials, or were the product of unsafe shortcuts. I’m not saying that people who do DIY projects are purposely doing this. Ms. Gilberts continues with: “I’m saying that mistakes can be easily made. Above all, know your limits. If you’re handy around tools and have a real comfort level reading manuals written in arcane language, then by all means, have fun.”Dangerous shortcuts Perhaps one of the most dangerous shortcuts one can make is with electrical wires. When installing new electrical wires, make sure that the wires run smoothly inside the walls and that the wires will not twine or snag other wires. Snags or intertwining electrical wires can cause fires. Insulating material and walls that have a 1-inch accommodation for summer expansion can cause a conflagration that can run a house to the ground in hours. Another thing you have to watch out for is small repairs with water pipes. To save yourself the bother of paying for wasted water, make sure that any alteration to water pipes are supported with plenty of plumbing tape. Waterproof and inexpensive, plumbing tapes can seal a leak in seconds. How to save more money with DIY projects To make sure that youâre maximizing the savings, consult a local contractor or builder and get an estimate. Simply bring with you the measurements of a particular projects (such as the wall area if you want to repaint) and ask for an estimate.For a small fee, you can get a professional estimate and of course, advice on what paint to buy and how to efficiently coat your walls. Also, befriending your local contractors will ensure that you can easily call them when something goes wrong. Large projects that require significant manpower must be handled carefully. If you think re-tiling the roof is too big a job for you, donât force yourself. Simply get a contractor and allow the professionals to finish the job for you. Sometimes, a DIY moment can wait. The important thing is your house is experiencing a make-over, not a gradual demolition.
DIY Solar Power at Home
Thursday, April 8th, 2010The year is 2009 and our environment is deteriorating faster than ever before. The automakers are forced to convert to renewable energies if they wish to survive and the power of severe storms is more incredible than ever before. On top of all that, the icecaps are melting and we’re even cutting down our own rain forests. At the rate we’re going, we’ll be having some major environmental problems 30+ years down the road.
The proof is evident to most of us, but luckily we have the power to stop it. An ongoing trend is green energy and people are catching on. There are energy-efficient light bulbs, air conditioners, appliances, and much more. In this article I’d like to discuss one of the new green energy trends on the market, DIY solar power and DIY wind power.
Many people are interested in solar and wind power for their home for two primary reasons. First of all, you save money, and lots of it. If you’re in an area that gets plenty of sun year-round or plenty of wind year-round then you’re truly missing out. The other reason is to save our precious environment for our kids, grandchildren, and many more of our generations to come.
The first thing people turn toward when looking for solar and wind power for their home is a professionally built and installed system. However, these systems literally cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. The typical green energy go-getter (or family for that matter) cannot afford such a system. Not only are they expensive, but the services are hard to come by in some areas. But, what if you could build your own solar panels or your own wind turbines for a fraction of the cost?
It may sound impractical for DIY solar power and wind power because they are newer technologies and sound complex. Besides, where would you buy the materials or kits? Well, I’ve stumbled upon an online guide for DIY solar power and DIY wind power systems. Little to my knowledge, there are many available for purchase online and I’ll share that information with you shortly. First, I’d like to talk about these guides a bit.
DIY solar power & wind power guides show you how to build solar panels and wind turbines from materials most people can find at their local hardware stores. Some people even get into the hobby of building these for fun or for neighbors. Although a DIY project still costs money, it’s far cheaper than a professional job, and they easily pay for themselves over time. If you’re a craftsman, your work can be as professional as a purchased solar panel system.
It all truly depends on where you live, but one wind turbine can generate a significant amount of electricity if you live around the plains. Solar panels on the other hand, you may need a few rigged together to get some decent wattage out of them. Some of the authors will claim you can actually sell any additional power that you generate back to your power company.
Considering you don’t have a surplus of cash sitting in the bank for a professional solar power panel system, but you’re interested in the continued effort to convert to green energy, save money in the long run, and increase the value of your house, give a DIY Solar power project a try, or at leasty a look, before pouring thousands into a professional system.