So, you’re planning a massive DIY project that will elevate your home. This is an exciting time for any dedicated DIYer, but it is also intimidating. Not only is there a lot that can go wrong, but your home is going to be a semi-construction site for a significant period of time.
The good news is that preparing your home for a long, complex DIY project does not have to be difficult. Here are some steps you can take.
Check Your Insurance
Look, we’re not saying you’re likely to set your home on fire or cause catastrophic damage through an electrical fault. However, it is good to be prepared for any possibility. Your house is probably the most expensive asset you own, and it is crucial to take care to protect it.
This is something you should really take care of before you even move in. Getting an affordable homeowners insurance policy is part of the process of buying a home at this point. But there may be clauses in your insurance policy that you need to take into account when starting a project. Find out in which scenarios your insurer would refuse to pay for repairs. This may make you rethink doing certain things yourself.
For example, your policy may not cover repairs if the damage is caused by faulty workmanship, such as if you incorrectly installed a new roof.
Additionally, some policies may require you to get prior approval from your insurer before starting any DIY home repairs. This is especially true for major projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. Your insurer may want to inspect the work before completion to ensure it’s done correctly.
Therefore, it’s best to carefully read your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Consider getting a policy that includes coverage for DIY home repairs. Document all of your repairs, including the date, the type of repair, and the materials you used. This will help if you ever need to file a claim.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your DIY home repairs are covered by insurance.
Consider Moving Out
The best time to do major DIY projects in your home is before you’ve moved in. Working on your home takes a toll on the environment. There is dust in the air, fumes from paint, obstacles to trip you up in the dark, and so on.
For example, suppose you want to install plywood shelves for your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. In that case, you’ll need various materials, such as plywood, wood glue, and screws. Obtaining these from a reliable distributor, like Rowe Advanced Materials, is essential. However, keep in mind that the clutter of materials could potentially cause tripping accidents, so preventive strategies should be in place to avoid any mishaps. If you have young children, it is all the more important to be safe.
For instance, if you already live in your home, consider moving out during the biggest phases of your project. You won’t want to live elsewhere for weeks on end, but it might be worth spending a couple of days with your family or in-laws while the most potentially-harmful work takes place.
Contain The Chaos
There will be chaos. That is simply unavoidable. However, you should ideally contain that chaos to one room at a time. Instead of starting multiple phases of your project simultaneously, work on things one by one. This way, there is always a part of the house where you can take refuge.
Again, this applies even more so if you have children. When working on your kids’ rooms, they should be able to feel at home in guest bedrooms or other spare rooms. Kids need their home to always feel like a safe space.
Find The Fault Lines
There are always going to be parts of your home or your decor that are particularly fragile. These things may even include actual aspects of your home’s foundation. You will have to take particular care to protect the potential faultlines, and this should be a part of your preparation. Too many people are so eager to get to work that they only discover the fault lines when it is too late.
Go through your home carefully, documenting every item that may break easily. Check which walls are strong and which are merely drywall. Identify load-bearing walls that absolutely cannot afford to be knocked down.
Rethink Doing HVAC Yourself
If you love DIY, you can probably do most things yourself. As long as you are dedicated and willing to learn, you can build, repair, and renovate without bringing in outside help. However, there is one aspect in which you should always hire a pro: HVAC.
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Each of these is important for your health and well-being. Without proper climate control, you will struggle during heat waves and cold spells. Without proper ventilation, your family may develop conditions like asthma.
They are also tricky to repair. Bringing in a professional to do your HVAC will save you a lot of time and will give you peace of mind. It may even save you money, as you might eventually turn to an expert when you have failed to do the repairs yourself.
The above tips will help you prepare your home for a major DIY project. They will help you enjoy yourself rather than stressing out about what could go wrong.
