7 Winter Home Improvement Tips to Avoid Costly Project Blunders

When I decided to tackle the guest bathroom to kill time during the long, cold, dreary winter, I had no idea what I was attempting. The DIY book made it look so easy. I borrowed some tools from my father and jumped in feet first. Instead of measuring and marking as I went along, I began ripping out old tiles, the sink and plumbing. Big mistake.

I decided to call an expert. Imagine my surprise. What required permits? At least the project would be performed correctly, and my insurance provider covered the advance. Here are just a few methods to save time and cash.

Obtain the correct permits. Usually, any project larger than wallpapering or painting requires this. Seek advice from your state’s contractor licensing board or the contractor for your particular housing addition. Do not skimp on tools or materials. Quality tools are a long-term, sound investment. There was a huge problem replacing the sink and vanity. My house was older so the standard shut off valves were smaller than the current standard. I had not measured anything when I started, so I was not certain how to size the vanity top to allow for faucet and handles. I never realized why there are so many paint choices. With this enclosed wet, humid area my concern was mold. Everything had to be properly prepped, patched, cleaned, treated and sanded. Primers and stain blockers are a must over oil-based paints, stains or peeling paint. Grouting was another consideration. There was a small window, minimal lighting and ventilation. My contractor installed a ceiling ventilation unit and a heating element to cut the moisture and humidity. With the low lighting, I decided on a lighter wall color with deeper hues for accent. A corner pedestal sink worked well for the limited space and off-sized valves. The vanity hid the valves and afforded more storage and usable space. Safety first. Use goggles, gloves and plenty of ventilation. Keep clothing tucked when using power tools. Remember, anything that is odd, shiny, smelly or looks edible will wind up in Fido’s or the baby’s stomach. I kept the entire area off-limits until we could clean thoroughly.

The project was more time-consuming and costly than I had budgeted due to my DIY mistakes. I know I will still create mistakes in any future renovations, but these tips will certainly help reduce them.

Reference: first person.


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