With spring around the corner, do-it-yourselfers like me are itching to get started on home improvements. The only problem is that, sometimes, we can get overly ambitious: We start projects that never get finished because they turn out to be too time-consuming, or they require skills we mistakenly thought we had.
While I don’t want to discourage you from picking up a hammer or screwdriver (check out my Barbara’s Way toolkit, available at Walmart), you shouldn’t take on tasks that are too daunting. Here’s my list of jobs you shouldn’t do yourself, and a few you can handle on your own.
CALL A PRO
Toilet or sink installation. Putting in a new faucet is a DIY job, but replacing large plumbing fixtures that involve traps and connections — and thus, possible leaks — is best left to a licensed plumber.
Electrical panel changes, wiring and replacing lighting fixtures. Hire an electrician for any electrical work that goes beyond changing switch plates and outlet covers. Replacing a drab, flush-mount light fixture with a fab new or vintage chandelier might be just what your living room needs, but let a pro get up on a ladder and do it for you.
Major tiling jobs. A small tiling job (like covering a table or redoing a hearth) is a simple DIY project, but re-tiling a kitchen or bathroom floor or entryway can be too challenging for a novice — especially because most floor tiles are heavy and require cutting and precise installation. Also, it’s not uncommon for interior walls to be warped or unevenly spaced, which adds additional challenges.
Installing crown molding. The corner cuts make this job difficult unless you have good carpentry skills. If not, the installation will look amateurish.
Roofing. If you have a leak in the roof, or if you want to redo your entire roof, call in an expert. The roof is part of your home’s structure, and it takes a pro with experience to get the job done right.
Window and door installation. If you don’t completely follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you put in windows and doors, you risk voiding the warranty and you could also damage them. If they are not supported properly, they could sag — which will look unsightly and possibly cause safety issues.
Structural changes. Don’t demolish a wall on your own — it could house ductwork for heating and air-conditioning.
DO IT YOURSELF
Update kitchen and bathroom knobs. Changing out unattractive metal or aged brass handles for sleek stainless-steel or porcelain pulls takes less than an hour and will give the room an instant facelift.
Replace a showerhead. This might sound like a job for a plumber, but it’s not, if you have the right tools — Channellock adjustable pliers and Teflon tape. Turn off the water from its source, remove the old showerhead with the pliers, apply Teflon tape to the threads and screw on the new head (don’t overtighten). Be sure to use a damp rag to wrap around the head of your showerhead, so you don’t scratch it. The entire job should take about 30 minutes.
Paint furniture. Turn an old sideboard into a modern piece by painting it glossy turquoise or bright white using a paint sprayer for a smooth, professional look. The Wagner Control Spray Double Duty HVLP sprayer ($68 at Home Depot) applies thin, even coats. Work outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Do it Barbara’s Way!
Visit barbarasway.com for more tips and fix-it advice.
