Express Plumbing Heating & Air Blog

We have all had that moment. We are on the couch watching a home improvement show and we think, “I could do that.” Restoring your home with your own hands can be a rewarding experience Even more rewarding when you save a bunch of money doing it. The bad news for most newbies is that it does not always turn out that way. Between buying the tools you need and trial and error experiences, you may end up paying more in the long run. Here is how to avoid the most common DIY blunders.

This one phrase may save you: over budget. Making up a detailed budget is smart. But if this is your first project, chances are you are not going to get an accurate estimate. You might forget to factor in a cost. An unforeseen circumstance might through a wrench in your machine. Give yourself a little wiggle room in your budgeting so you have a few pennies unaccounted for in the “just in case” fund. You will thank yourself if you need it, and if you don’t it can go right back into savings.

Remember, this is not your job. Sometimes homeowners will become frustrated when they haven’t met a time constraint they have set for themselves to finish by. Try not to start your project close to a deadline like company coming or holidays. Give yourself breathing room to be able to go slow. Not only will you have time to get every detail how you want it, but you will also learn more for next time when you are not in a hurry.

The most commonly overseen factor is permits. Before you even start your project, look into your local government’s permit requirements. Most construction projects will require a building permit. Make sure you acquire these as well as schedule the required inspections. Projects that are not permitted and inspected can become a big problem if you plan to see your home later.

I am going to say this again: this isn’t your job. Sometimes a job might require a special tool that is very expensive. This is when you ask yourself if it is something you will ever use again or if it just makes more sense to hire someone who already has it. On the same note, some jobs can turn out to be more complicated than they seem. If you find yourself in over your head, call in a professional. Nobody will fault you for trying, and it is okay to ask for help.

Following these few tips can help you save time, money, and a lot of frustration. If your project is plumbing-related, give Express Plumbing Heating & Air a call. Our fully certified technicians are standing by to help you complete your project today.

Express Plumbing Heating & Air

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