Do It Yourself Home Renovations, A Primer

So, you’re a handy man… or woman. You know how to swing a hammer and which screwdriver to use on what screw. You probably even own a few power tools. Plus, you had some on the job experience. You built the kids a tree house, right? Then you spent that summer helping your uncle lay new tile. If this sounds like you, then you are a perfect candidate to try some moderate to simple do-it-yourself home renovations.

Before starting the project, you’ll want a detailed plan to follow. Some drawings of what you want to accomplish might be nice, too. Then, of course, you can use these to complete a detailed list of supplies that you’ll need to purchase. Still, being almost a professional, you already knew these things.

If this is your first renovation, I’d suggest you start small. Instead of redoing the entire house, pick a room. Once you’ve chosen a room  and gotten your plan and drawing together, along with a supply list, then you’re ready to start. Clearing out any furniture comes first. Then, depending on the work being done, you might have to rip up floors or knock out walls. Before you do any wall demolition, check for electric or plumbing lines, or air ducts running in them. Be sure you either disconnect them or work gingerly around them. Oh, and turn the power off to the room.

Using your plan, do the invisible work, or the things that will not be seen but hold the rest together (sub-flooring for instance) first. Then, build your work up in steps. The final touches should be the frosting on the outside of the cake. The end result should resemble your drawing and look great.

This is likely going to be just the first of many do-it-yourself home renovations you tackle. You will learn a lot from it and get some more of that valuable handy-man/woman experience under you belt as you.