When it comes to home maintenance, repairs and other enhancements, a do-it-yourself mindset can be a more cost-effective and efficient approach whenever possible. Here are some projects you may be able to take on yourself and others better left to the pros.
Handy homeowners can tackle some smaller plumbing and electrical jobs on their own, says Kathleen Corlett, editor in chief of bobvila.com, such as upgrading an electrical outlet to one that also includes USB-C ports or changing out a faucet. However, any endeavor that includes cutting into pipes, working with pressurized water lines or taking care of sewage should be left to a licensed plumber.
Corlett always suggests turning to a pro for higher-stakes tasks — jobs that require permits, where someone could be seriously injured, or where mistakes could lead to costly damage. “It’s best to bring in the experts for projects like upgrading an electrical panel, rewiring, relocating plumbing, installing roofing and cutting down trees,” she explains. “Licensed and certified professionals have the experience and know-how to do the job safely, correctly and often faster than a DIYer.”
That said, Corlett adds there’s nothing wrong with being cautious and calling in help on even smaller tasks, especially specialized ones involving electrical or plumbing. “Don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors to recommend a local pro,” she adds along with the following tips.
Some dos and don’ts
∎Don’t keep power on when installing a doorbell or changing a light fixture. Instead, turn off the power at the breaker to the area where you are working.
∎Don’t disconnect or connect wires without using a voltage detector to check for live currents.
∎Don’t use metal ladders when working on overhead electrical work like lights/wires. Do use fiberglass ladders because it doesn’t conduct electricity.
∎Don’t overtighten fittings to prevent leaks. It can damage pipe threads or cause cracks in plastic pipes. Do hand-tight fittings just slightly past snug.
∎Don’t treat complete clogs with chemical cleaners. It can corrode your pipes. Instead, invest in a drain snake to physically remove blockages.
∎Don’t install new flooring over old flooring. More often than not, old flooring will have existing damage creating small pockets where mold and mildew can grow unseen under the new flooring.
∎Don’t use latex paint to cover oil paint. The latex won’t bond well and can lead to chipping and peeling. Do find out your base paint first.
Home enhancements
Christina Clark tackles many projects in her Farmington home, like her recent basement updates that include new cabinets, wallpaper, flooring and more. The handy homeowner also knows when to call on the pros. For instance, she had someone demolish the concrete utility sink in the laundry room, an HVAC expert to replace the furnace and an electrician for some lighting upgrades.
Other improvements include pine ceilings and a subfloor topped with luxury vinyl planks Clark installed. She also added floral wallpaper from Rifle Paper Co. “Regular wallpaper is so much easier to install than peel-and-stick paper,” says Clark, who has both in her basement where she also secured a swing chair with ceiling joists after doing extensive research. She often finds how-to videos on YouTube from sources like “This Old House.”
Clark also installed colorful IKEA cabinets and painted some walls in Blue Blood from Behr to match the wallpaper in her basement that has become a destination. “I wanted a second space in my house. I do my weaving down there and I have a craft table,” says Clark, who also entertains in the remodeled space where a TV she mounted can pivot for optimal viewing.
IKEA cabinets Clark installed in the laundry room and the one she built to conceal the water meter are among her other projects. “With DIY, the more you do and the more you learn, the better you’ll get. You gain more self confidence in the tools that you use, and what you want to DIY and when to hire out. The more I do; I’ve learned to trust my instincts,” says Clark, who also appreciates the feedback she receives. “When people see my basement and what I’ve done, that’s pride.”
Creative transformations
Paint can be an easy way to transform a space, says Mary Kate Hearns, senior product manager at FrogTape, which has several varieties of painter’s tapes designed for different projects. “Rather than simply painting a wall, try color drenching a room with a relaxing, neutral tone. To achieve this DIY, just keep the color going and paint your walls, ceiling and trim all with the same shade,” she says.
“Give tired cabinets in the bathroom or laundry room a colorful facelift with an accent shade,” she suggests. You can protect the surrounding walls and flooring from paint bleed and splatter by prepping with a product like FrogTape Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape.
You can also paint an unconventional feature like a staircase, fireplace or doorframe to add personality where it’s least expected, adds Hearns. If you’re already comfortable with color and ready for a more advanced DIY, you can use painter’s tape to play with patterns. “Accent a room with a striped wall or geometric design by applying FrogTape Advanced Painter’s Tape in your desired pattern before painting,” she says.
“If a DIY has you feeling unsafe, like refreshing a tricky exterior spot, or uneasy, like revamping a one-of-a-kind antique, it’s okay to let the paint pros do their jobs,” adds Hearns. But for those who want to add color on their own, anyone from the DIY curious to seasoned pros can find painting inspiration, how-to guides, influencer project breakdowns and expert tips on https://www.frogtape.com/resources.
Pick and choose
Quick, simple projects can make a big impact and are often easy enough for the average person to DIY, says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “When picking a project, start small and consider a room you can shut off, not the main area of your home,” she says. “Painting, installing wallpaper, swapping cabinet/door handles and gardening are all easy DIY-friendly projects. However, I recommend leaving structural and mechanical projects to the pros.”
For instance, Hicks says you should always hire a pro for projects that involve structural changes, like foundation repairs, demolitions or additions. “Structural projects are complex, and when done incorrectly, can result in damage or even safety hazards in your home,” she adds. In addition, electrical work is inherently dangerous, so it’s best left to an experienced electrician.
“Any project involving repairing, installing or otherwise manipulating gas lines requires the attention of a pro. When done incorrectly, gas work could result in gas leaks or explosions,” says Hicks. “You should always bring in a pro for roofing projects. Not only are roofing projects dangerous due to being on a high surface, but one mistake could lead to leaks or foundation issues.”
For most projects, there are some parts you can DIY. “Typically, you should bring in a pro to do the main project first, and complete any painting or aesthetic aspects yourself,” she explains. “For a kitchen remodel, this could mean hiring a pro to install your new countertops and backsplash, but opting to update cabinet door handles and painting the walls yourself.”
Before you begin a DIY project, Hicks suggests asking yourself three key questions: if you have the time, tools and talent to do the job. “Be honest,” she says. “If your answer is no to any of those questions, you should bring in a pro to get the job done right.”
Jeanine Matlow writes the Smart Solutions column in Homestyle. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: To DIY, or not to DIY?
Reporting by Jeanine Matlow, Special to The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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