HGTV came up with these 6 Deadly Sins of DIY, but here’s our own take on it.
1. Time. “People often underestimate how long it takes to do a job properly.” Ha! That’s an understatement! Our first home took 9 years to complete. We started out with a bang and got bored with it. Eventually, we got used to living with the construction mess. And we never learned. Bed Stuy is over the 2 year mark and Beacon is going on 4 years with no end in sight. Time…yes, it always takes longer to finish a project. But if you’re talking about a big DIY renovation, consider the fact that you’re going to lose interest in the middle.
2. Money. “There are so many variables in a renovation that it’s almost impossible to foresee all the costs.” It’s always going to be more than you think! Furthermore, if it’s an old home, be prepared for twice as much work once you start to rip out floors and walls. The mechanical and structural systems have often seen years of neglect and will need to be revamped.
3. Skill. “People buy a book, watch a show, put on a toolbelt – and abracadabra – they’re experts. Except they’re not.” True. We’ve certainly made many mistakes on our homes. Our hands on botched experience means each of our renovations gets better and better. That’s our zen of life, not just home repairs. If you don’t try, you will never learn. Got that, Grasshopper?
4. Planning. “There’s only one way to plan a project: design, destroy, rebuild – in that order.” Easier said than done. We’ve been known to destroy first and sit with that for awhile. Although HGTV is correct, keep #2 in mind. You don’t know what’s going on until you start demolition. Also, it’s important to choose your materials well in advance if you don’t want to end up running out to Home Depot for some quickie supplies. This is especially true if you’re going with salvaged or eco items.
5. Mess. “A lot of people expect thousands of pounds of lathe and plaster to come down without creating a mess.” Really? Who? Tips: Order the right sized dumpster. It’s never big enough! Keep plastic up and doors closed in other rooms. Vacuum and mop afterwards. And by all means….wear a mask!
6. Enjoyment. “Doing your own home renovation project is like getting married – you’ve got to know what you’re getting into. There will be good days and there will be bad days. It’s important that once you tear down that wall, you stay committed and do the very best you can.” Forget vacations. You’ll need every bit of time and money to work on the house. Forget sex. You’ll be too tired. Collect lots of take out menus because there’s no way you’ll want to cook. Visitors? You won’t have any friends left to visit because you won’t be able to socialize.
Bah humbug! Enjoy your holiday…working on your house.