Issue Date: March 17, 2002
When (and when not) to do it yourself. And hot to work your way into it
Before you decide to tackle a home improvement project, do a reality check.
I have a friend, whose name I probably shouldn't mention (sorry, Pete!), who fell a little behind in the area of home improvement. To save money on his new house, he decided to paint all the interior trim and doors himself. Three years and two children later, a few doors have been painted, and the trim looks as raw and nail-studded as the day it was installed.
The lure of doing your own home projects, especially as spring approaches, is powerful. Not only can it save a lot of money, but it also brings the satisfaction of having done the task yourself.
Still, the risk of taking on a job that's too big -- and leaving an unfinished mess, which you then have to pay even more money for someone else to fix -- can be greater. Home improvement projects always take more time and effort than we ever imagined.
The best place to start is painting. It's not easy, however. A good paint job is about 90% prep work, which involves spackling, sanding, caulking and lots of elbow grease. Yes, it's tiring, but you won't likely get into any trouble doing it.
Your next project could be to re-caulk the bathtub, which can stop leaks and make a big difference in the look of a bathroom. Good caulk work takes practice, so test your technique first, perhaps using the inside edges of some cardboard boxes. Remove the tub's old caulking first, then use a damp sponge or your wet fingertip to form the new caulk into a nice, smooth finish.
Ready to graduate? Light carpentry comes next. You might try tweaking doors that stick, which can involve using everything from hand chisels to power sanders.
Then, if you're ready for more, spend some time getting the information and training you need to do the job right, whatever it might be. You can borrow books and videos from the library, use the Internet or take courses at a community college. At Habitat for Humanity, they're hungry for volunteers, and their staff of professional contractors will train you. The only problem is that you'll get hooked and never want to leave; it's a fabulous organization offering help to people who need a home.
Another resource you might want to check out is my new book, "Mr. Fix-It Introduces You to Your Home" (Ballantine Books, $23.95), which comes out next month. In it, I describe how a house works. Remember, measure twice and cut once, and never hold a nail for someone else.
Lou Manfredini is radio's "Ask Mr. Fix-It" and a regular contributor to NBC's Today show. Submit your questions at usaweekend.com.
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Should you or shouldn't you?
Compare doing it yourself with hiring a contractor on these common projects. Take small steps to learn how to handle common home improvement jobs.
Installing a toilet
You -- Materials: $125; Time: 6 hours; Level of difficulty: Semi-novice
You don't have to be a plumber, but first consult the Internet for instructions.
Contractor -- Materials and labor: $410; Time: 3 hours
Installing a ceiling fan
You -- Materials: $150; Time: 3 hours; Level of difficulty: Weekend warriors only.
When electricity is involved, experience is required.
Contractor -- Materials and labor: $325; Time: 2 hours
Installing a storm door
You -- Materials: $200; Time: 4 hours; Level of difficulty: Novice
Just take your time and read the instructions -- twice.
Contractor -- Materials and labor: $400; Time: 2 hours
Source: Lou Manfredini
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