Have you ever felt the need to spruce up your home? You can’t get enough of DIY projects, whether it’s a new coat of paint in the living area or trendy landscaping for your front yard. Although DIY seems cheaper and more enjoyable, it is not always the best choice. We’ll explore which home improvement projects you can safely do yourself and which are best left to a professional.
Refacing or refinishing your kitchen cabinets – DIY
Refacing your cabinets can give your kitchen an updated look. The process for wooden cabinets is usually as follows: Disassemble the cabinet, and then use stain and veneer to reface its sides, drawers, and doors. Then, stain each cabinet’s interior. Finish the cabinets by applying three coats of polyurethane. This will protect the wood against scratches and other damages. To complete the transformation, reassemble the cabinets.
Paving your driveway with a CONTRACTOR
Paving a driveway, no matter the material used, is not an easy task. Installing paving stones requires the right measurements and positioning of rocks, which is a skill only a professional can possess. Stamped concrete is another material that requires precise timing and steady hands. In order to create an asphalt driveway, certain tools are needed, like a roller. This tool is used to compact the soil base and the surface after the asphalt has been laid. This type of heavy machinery is not available to the average homeowner, nor are they properly trained to use it. This is better left to the professionals rather than risk making a mistake and using a product that will degrade too quickly.
Installing sidings – CONTRACTOR.
It is important that the siding be installed correctly. Water can leak underneath the siding and cause damage or even pull it away from the house. It can lead to structural damage and bigger problems.
How to add a backsplash in the kitchen – DIY
Add a backsplash to your kitchen, and you can completely transform it. Make sure that the wall is flat and dry. Watch this video to learn how it’s done:
Replace or add windows – CONTRACTOR
It is important to install windows properly and ensure they are well-insulated. Contractors usually install exterior cladding when replacing windows – an aluminum sheet that matches the color of the window and seals it against the weather. Although working with aluminum is a skill that requires special training, certain tools are needed to create the cladding. A well-trained professional best installs these tools to use them.
Tiling your bathroom flooring – DIY
You can update your bathroom flooring to give it a new look. According to DIY Network, you should start by cleaning the floor thoroughly and laying out the tiles according to your liking. Mix and spread the cement. Next, cut and press the tiles into the mortar. Finally, grout the flooring.
Contractor knocking down walls.
It may seem like an excellent idea to remove a wall in order to alter the layout of your home, but it’s not as simple as you might think. You need first to determine if it is a partition, which divides the space, or a wall that carries a load. A wall that is designed to support a weight can damage your home’s structure. A contractor will know what can be removed, what must remain, and how to avoid damaging plumbing and wiring.
Add wainscoting to your home – DIY
Installing wainscoting on your walls can give them a beautiful accent. The process of installing beadboard, plywood panels, or decorative panels is essentially the same. Remove the lighting switch plates and baseboards from your wall. Mark the height you want for the chair rail molding, and then cut both the rails as well as the wainscoting. Attach the panels and paint them. Add the trim.
Tree Removal – CONTRACTOR
It may not seem dangerous to cut down a tree for landscaping purposes, but it can be. It is important to remove large branches first so that the tree doesn’t fall on your house, car, or utility lines. To cut down a large tree, it is important to consider the wind speed, the angle of the ground, and the weight on each side. Even the slightest mistake can cause serious damage or injury, like slipping a chainsaw and hitting a powerline. Spending money on an expert to complete the job safely is worth it.
Speak to a professional if you are unsure of how to proceed with a DIY project. Do not do anything to compromise your safety or that of your home.
Home improvement projects can increase the value of your home. Remember that remodeling your home will increase the value of your property. This means you need to update your policy. Contact Nationwide today at 1-877 On-Your-Side and speak to a home insurance specialist.
