| With an ever-expanding network of home | | | | the details of your project, keep a running tally of |
| improvement television shows and DIY magazines, | | | | the expense for each material. If you don't know |
| the do-it-yourself home improvement sector has | | | | how much something costs, check the Internet or |
| taken off. Homeowners everywhere are rushing to | | | | call your local retailer to obtain a price ahead of time. |
| their local hardware stores, ready to rip out their | | | | Once you have your budget, add 10-20% extra. |
| bathroom tile or tear down old kitchen cupboards. | | | | Almost every home renovation project, DIY or not, |
| As excited as you may be to get started on your | | | | runs up against unexpected expenses - it's just a |
| first DIY home improvement project, there are a | | | | reality of life's uncertainties. Whether it is materials |
| few considerations you should first take into account. | | | | that cost more than you expect or a surprise |
| You need to plan, understand your project, budget, | | | | problem that needs to get fixed, you'll need to have |
| and be aware of your space. To learn more about | | | | the money ready to take care of it. Every good |
| these basic, but crucial, DIY home improvement tips, | | | | DIY'er knows to have a little extra on hand. |
| keep reading. | | | | 3. Understand Your Project |
| 1. Plan, Plan, Plan | | | | Before you attempt to tackle a major home |
| Before you even begin a DIY home improvement | | | | improvement project, make sure you know what |
| project, you should have a full plan in place. And prior | | | | you're doing. Use resources like books, your local |
| to making that drive to the home hardware store, | | | | hardware clerk, the Internet and how-to videos to |
| put together a folder with all your measurements and | | | | get a good grasp on the project you will be |
| a complete list of everything you intend to buy, right | | | | undertaking. |
| down to the last nail. | | | | If you feel like the project is out of your league, |
| People get excited about projects and don't want to | | | | don't hesitate to call in a professional. |
| get right to it instead of "wasting" time planning. | | | | 4. Know Your Space |
| However, by planning you'll make fewer mistakes, be | | | | This tip is related to planning, but make sure you |
| less likely to waste materials and time, and much | | | | have enough space to take on your project. Don't |
| more likely to stay on budget. In the end, you'll be | | | | try to fit a new island in your kitchen if there isn't |
| glad you did! | | | | sufficient room for it. Try to live by the old |
| 2. Budget | | | | carpenter's adage of "measure twice, cut once. |
| Along with planning, comes budgeting. As you plan | | | | |