Start Small When You First Tackle Home Repair Projects

Q: DEAR TIM: We can't move to a different home, and we can't afford to hire contractors. What home repairs would you recommend we attempt on our own? I want to add whatever value I can with home improvement. What's a good strategy to adopt when it comes to do-it-yourself remodeling? -- Meg S. Welch, Minn.

A: DEAR MEG: Millions of homeowners are attempting renovation projects, as well as major DIY home improvements, because money is tight. Many of these projects will probably end in partial failure, but not because the intentions were bad.

Remodeling can be tough; it requires many skills, and you'd be shocked at the number of specialty tools you need for certain tasks.

First, don't totally give up on contractors. Times are tough for them, and you may be able to get fantastic deals. At the very least, they may work alongside you when you get to difficult parts of a job. When times are good, most building contractors wouldn't consider smaller jobs or working with homeowners. But in these times, all bets are off.

If you don't have lots of experience working on home improvements, I strongly recommend that you start with modest home-repair projects to boost your skills and your confidence. Don't underestimate the enormous amount of time it takes to do what you feel is a simple project. For example, a major bathroom remodel can take a professional at least 100 hours of time. Can you imagine how long it can take someone with no experience and limited tools?

When you start projects that you've never done before, it's really easy to get in over your head.

If you become mesmerized by those TV shows that say how easy installing ceramic tile is, beware. I always recommend that you do a small test section on a scrap piece of cement board. You'll quickly discover the challenges. (You should even try grouting the test panel before you attempt a real grouting job.)

The same is true for plumbing and carpentry tasks. Try to solder a scrap piece of copper pipe before you attempt to cut into a real water line. Be sure to read up on the process, and watch free online videos about home repairs. When it comes to carpentry jobs, try to take some scrap wood and make practice cuts before you cut into an expensive 16-foot length of crown molding.

As far as which home-repair projects you should attempt on your own, there's an abundant list to choose from. Some simple things that come to mind are fixing doorknobs, caulking and installing a storage cabinet or new shelves. I highly recommend that you start with tasks you can complete in less than two hours. If you attempt jobs that might last all day, you run the risk of getting frustrated, which can lead to cutting corners.

Exterior remodeling projects are also a way to get great exercise and add some value. If you have a smaller one-story home, perhaps it needs a fresh coat of paint. While it takes a while to paint an entire home, perhaps family members can join in the fun by scraping, washing the house and caulking any cracks.

As you start to have more home-improvement successes, start tackling tougher jobs. Perhaps attempt to replace a sink faucet. Try to install a patio or a deck.

If you want a significant challenge, try to build a small outdoor shed. This project is similar to a room addition, but on a small scale. A shed requires you to discover what it takes to install a simple foundation, frame walls, floors and a roof and to install siding and shingles.

Tim Carter can be contacted via his Web site, http://www.askthebuilder.com/printer_Submit_Question.shtml.