As the summer months approach, I always get the itch to start a new home project. The long hours of daylight provide a perfect excuse to upgrade the landscaping, paint the exterior trim or take on a more adventurous challenge like building a deck. Despite my enthusiasm to learn new things and take on new challenges, sometimes I have to admit to myself that I may not be the handyman that I think that I am. These 10 questions are the ones that I ask myself to bring me down to earth when I’m stuck in the power tool section of Home Depot daydreaming about what I’m going to build next.
1. Do I have the skills needed? Some people are just born with two left hands.
2. Can I learn it as I go? If you can, try it. There’s a lot of how to information on the web, but, don't risk it if it's a major capital improvement project on your home or a potentially dangerous undertaking.
3. Do I have the time? Sometimes, we have the skill to do the work ourselves, but don't have sufficient time to devote to the home improvement project or repair. There’s nothing worse than a weekend project that takes months to complete.
4. Do I have the money? Even if you do it yourself, you'll need money upfront to buy supplies, building material, and tools. Sometimes this isn't worth the investment if these items will only be used once.
5. Do I have the tools for the job? If you don't, think carefully about investing in tools that only serve a limited purpose. It's one thing to buy drop cloths, brushes and other paint supplies. Chances are, you'll put these to good use over time. It's quite another thing to invest in specialized equipment or tools that serve a limited purpose. You can always rent tools, but that can get expensive and usually if you break it, you bought it.
6. Is it worth my time and money? Your time and money is valuable. If you can use someone else's time and access to professional tools, supplies and equipment, it might be worth it.
7. Is it safe or healthy to do the work? There's no reason to put yourself or your family at risk. Summertime outdoor temperatures can reach over a 100 degrees. Heatstroke and dehydration can be silent killers unlike falling off a roof which can be a bit noisy.
8. Are there potential hazards if I do the work? Getting up on a ladder or climbing a roof may look easy, but if it’s not something that you normally do, you may be risking more than your project.
9. Are there reasonable alternatives in my area? For example, if it makes sense to have an appliance store remove a refrigerator after installing a new one, do it. Especially if it saves you time, money or injury. Getting injured while trying to impress your spouse doesn’t benefit anyone.
10. Can I get a good recommendation on a painter, plumber, electrician, or other skilled tradesman? If your neighbors or friends can recommend someone who does quality work at a reasonable price, you may want to consider this.
After asking myself these 10 questions, I usually opt to hire someone else to do the work unless it’s a project I know that I can complete on time, within budget, look professional and most importantly, won’t maim or injure myself or those around me. Visit my Austin Real Estate site for more useful tips and information.
