Homes Helped and Hurt By Handymen
Learning about the possible pitfalls of do-it-yourself home reno's
Aug 9, 2007
The vision of home renovators has greatly expanded over the past couple of years. The Home Depot ads that promote the do-it-yourself mentality, of the modern handyman are becoming an image that is ingrained in many homeowners. There are pitfalls to following this growing trend.
For instance, if you lack the necessary attention to detail or skills it can dramatically impact the salability of your home. Gaps in your flooring or trim work can cause homebuyers to closely inspect your work for additional flaws. So rather than saying how beautiful your home is they are wondering how well your handy-work was done.
Shoddy workmanship is more than just clumsily fitting of trim and flooring. Dampness in bathrooms and kitchens is often an indication of poor soldering at copper plumbing connections. Astute homebuyers are typically on the lookout for these types of issues and they are often counseled to steer clear of homes with significant moisture. Moisture leads to mould which can sometimes cause respiratory and other health related problems.
Be aware of changes to switch plates and lighting to ensure they are installed properly. Broken switch plates are a rather common problem and it will appear that a non-electrician did some amateur wiring. Home inspectors are very aware of issues associated with faulty wiring and improperly installed lighting.
Professional help is an asset and in some instances is necessary. Reputable contractors are out there, and can provide a valuable service. If you factor the cost of your time into a lot of jobs then you’ll quickly realize the value of using a competent contractor. Contractors often guarantee there work, which means you are protected against faulty workmanship.
It is important to ensure that the contractor you hire is reputable. Ensure that the contractor has all of the appropriate licenses to show that they have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right. Checking work references is as important with a contractor as it is with hiring someone to work for you. Word of mouth is often the best way to find someone to get work done. Asking other contractors who they use to get jobs done when it falls outside the scope of there business can be a great asset.
Most problems associated with do-it-yourself projects can be eliminated by takings a few common sense precautions before getting started.
- Approach the project like a professional would.
- Pay attention to the littlest details.
- Ask for help or advice when you are unsure how to proceed.
- Read the directions before you start your project.
- Hire a professional when you are uncomfortable with the scope of the you are the project you are considering.
