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We’ve all been there. They make it look easy on TV. You see all these tutorials online. You know you can do the job and save yourself some money. But as with all things in life, things begin to go wrong and your project doesn’t turn out the way you hope. If you feel bad, don’t. You aren’t the only one. We’ve made mistakes too! But there is good news! Almost all of these mistakes are preventable! That’s why the staff here at Toolbarn have come up with the most common renovation mistakes and how to prevent them. Let’s take a look!
1.) Measure Correctly
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Photo Courtesy of Go Smith and DIY Network
Admit it. We’ve all done this at least once in our lives. We’re making good progress on our project, get ready to hammer a board into place…only to realize that the board was a cut a little too short. After you’re done cussing, get your tape measure and take the time to measure correctly. One of the worst things that can happen is you get some cabinets done and then realize your fridge doesn’t fit. Remember, measure and re-measure just to be sure!
2.) Don’t Go Cheap
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If you’re a veteran of DIY Projects, chances are you already have some tools at your disposal. If you don’t, buying tools and materials can set you back quite a bit. With that said, don’t skimp on quality tools before you begin your project. Quality tools make all the difference when it comes to quality and durability. Your purchases don’t necessarily have to be name brand, but the brand should have a good reputation. If you buy cheaper tools, it might save you some money in the short term…but it will cost you in the long run.
3.) Carefully Plan and Set A Budget
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Some people do these separately, but we usually put these together. Before you start any project, it’s a good idea to have a project docket so all of your plans are in one place. This keeps you organized and well prepared. Once you have all your plans in one place, you can focus on your budget. BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR BUDGET! Your budget could go up exponentially, so it’s a good idea to add another 15% to all costs. Remember, don’t just spend money to spend money. Carefully plan and spend accordingly.
4.) Understand Project Complexity
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Before you start a project, ask yourself a very important question. CAN I DO THIS? For many of you, there are some things that simply are too difficult or complex to achieve. That’s why there are contractors who excel in this line of work. They are professionals and they are paid to do a good job. If the answer is yes, then go for it! But if not, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the phone and having a professional come out.
5.) Get Familiar with Your Tools
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Photo Courtesy of Bosch Power Tools
Once again, if you’re very experienced with a different range of power tools…you’re probably good to go. But for those getting started, it’s a good idea to become familiar with your power tools and know what they are capable of. If you have a power tool you feel uncomfortable using, its best to have someone show you how it works or have that person do the task for you. That doesn’t mean you should be afraid of the tools by any means, but you should respect what the tools can do. Get familiar and take your time.
6.) Pace Yourself, Avoid Burn Out
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No matter how smooth your plans may be or how gung-ho you are, everyone reaches a point where they don’t want to do this anymore. Chances are you have a day job and after working all day, how often are you going to want to sand for 3 or 4 hours to get your project done? Or give up nights and weekends to get a project done by a deadline? Better to pace yourself so you don’t burnout. Have a timeline if you must, but make sure it’s manageable. It shouldn’t affect your personal life too much.
