How to Decide Whether to Take on a Home Improvement Project

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It's such a huge money saver to do things yourself... or is it? Sometimes it ends up costing you more because you've taken on something that proved to be more complicated than you thought. So, how do you determine that rolling up your sleeves is a good idea? Answering these questions will show you how to make that decision painlessly.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Paper and pen

Step1

Sit down with a piece of paper and a pen. Write down the problem. Make it as detailed as you can. If the washing machine is broken, write down exactly what isn't working, such as tub won't spin or water won't drain.

Step2

Think first about your skill level. How much do you know about this project? You have to understand either the problem itself (a clothes dryer that doesn't heat) or at least the system you're working on (dryers and how they generally work). Be honest here. It's better to say you cannot than to waste time and money and then have to pay a pro anyway.

Step3

Consider the supplies involved. Write down everything you'll need to complete your project. To replace a ceramic floor, for example, you'd need tile, mortar mix, grout, and spacers. Do you know exactly which kinds of things to purchase? There are always several options with a home improvement project.

Step4

Write down the tools you'll need. Ask yourself if you can get the tools and if you know how to use them. Also think about how much they'll cost to buy or rent, and if you'll ever use them again.

Step5

Consider that time spent on this project means less time for everything and everyone else. Think this through. What kind of free time do you have? Can the weather stretch the project out? Will your family be okay with you indisposed for this time? Will you be able to keep up with everything else you need to do?

Step6

Get some advice. A pro will always tell you to get a pro, so talk to someone in a home improvement store or a friend who's done something similar. Would there be someone willing to lend advice or help if you get stuck? That may be necessary as sometimes there's more to a job than we expected.

Step7

Think about what the project will do to your living space and your family. If you're shutting off the electricity for extended periods of time when the kids will have to do without the TV and computer, that may be a problem you won't want to deal with.

Step8

Determine the cost in time, money and inconvenience. See if there's an accessible source of help and advice. Thinking out the whole project--meticulously writing down the supplies, tools, time and expertise needed will give you everything you need to make a sound decision.