Seattle Times recently published an article about home improvement projects do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) should not do. This is a great article and I will briefly recap a few basic points:
- Look at the tools required for the job. Jayme Tip: Most home accidents happen when people use power tools, saws and ladders improperly. If you don’t have the tools or don’t know how to use them safely, then don’t do the project.
- Don’t do electrical work unless you are an electrician. Jayme Tip: Consult an expert for advice or a second opinion when tinkering with electrical. Even installing a ceiling fan can result in electrocution or injury.
- Don’t mess with gas. Jayme Tip: Always consult an expert. This is a project you should never take on yourself. A mistake could lead to an explosion or carbon-monoxide poisoning.
- Projects with too big of a scope. Jayme Tip: Do you really need to gut your entire house and remodel it yourself? I suggest you take on the smaller scale projects only. You can replace the toilet, install environmentally-friendly laminate, install tile backsplashes, and even paint. Most DIYers under estimate the amount of work it takes to do a single job which can lead to mistakes, short cuts taken and injuries.
Basically, when in doubt of your DIY abilities, consult a professional.
- Jayme Mattson
Leave a Reply