The Best DIY Projects and Advice for Homeowners

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This is a guest article written by Paul Denikin with www.dadknowsdiy.com. Paul shares his knowledge to help homeowners tackle projects on their own. Thanks for your contribution, Paul!

​Thinking of sprucing up your home?  With a little elbow grease and creativity, you can add some personal flair to your humble abode.  Not to mention that with a few simple changes, you can increase your home’s value! Here are some great ideas you can tackle yourself, and tips for knowing when you’re getting in too deep.

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Power wash your exterior.  Cleaning your siding, pathways, patio, deck and driveway will make your home sparkle.  If you don’t own a power washer you can rent one for the job.  Most large home improvement centers rent them.  If your house is painted, be forewarned you will power wash the paint right off.  While this is a great idea if your intention is to remove the paint, the job of painting your home’s exterior is actually a task best left to a pro.  According to Fixr, the average price to stain or paint a home’s exterior is from $2,530 - $12,200.
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Refresh your entryway.  Brightening up your home’s entryway can give your home’s exterior a facelift.  It’s an important part of your home’s curb appeal and greets your guests, so you want it to reflect positively on you.  If the hardware on your front door is scuffed, scratched, dated and weary, time for an update!  Pull off all the old hardware and give your door a fresh coat of paint.  Then head to the hardware store, select a hardware finish you like, and replace each piece.  If you want to avoid rekeying other doors, purchase new handle sets and deadbolts for each one. 
 
Spruce up your kitchen.  The kitchen is called the heart of the home because it’s such an important room - we eat there, do homework, laugh and argue.  Giving it a refresher is a great way to breathe new life into your home.  Southern Living suggests replacing the cabinet hardware. It’s an easy project and can really make a big impact aesthetically, and with new knobs costing as little as $4, it’s an inexpensive job as well.  If you can turn a screwdriver, you can do this!  Measure the placement of your existing hardware carefully to avoid having to plug or drill holes for your new hardware.  Better yet, remove one of each knob and drawer pull and take them to the store with you to make comparisons.  Selecting an option whose holes match will keep your project simple. 
 
Install a chair rail.  Chair rails add architectural interest to rooms and installation is not terribly complex.  It’s a way to embellish a room, potentially making it appear more spacious and elegant.  Bob Vila notes you could install a chair rail over a weekend.  Consider carefully measuring and asking the hardware store to make your cuts in the railing pieces for you, as it will save some time and effort.  Then you’ll just need to glue and nail them into place, making sure you keep them level as you go.  Finish your rail with sanding and filler as needed, and then stain or paint the rail.  If you plan to paint the room, do so before installing your chair rail. 
 
When not to DIY.  Even for enthusiastic, talented and hardworking homeowners, some DIY projects are best left to pros.  How do you know when to call a professional contractor?  

• Safety first.  Some projects simply aren’t safe for the average homeowner to achieve.  Things like electrical work, removing trees and installing gas lines are all hazardous.  If making a mistake could get you killed, call in a pro. 
• Home damage.  Projects sometimes require specialized skills.  If you lack those skills, doing the projects incorrectly could mean costly damage to your home.  Plumbing is a great example of a home repair arena you should steer clear of without appropriate expertise. 
• Legal permits.  If a project requires a permit to be completed, it’s a clue you should probably leave it to a professional.  The contractor on the permit is responsible for completing the work correctly, and you are likely better off ensuring it’s a pro whose name is on that paperwork. 
• Fence installation. If you’re adding a new fence, you’re best off calling the pros as they’ll understand the permit process and local zoning regulations, along with having the proper tools to get the job done right. Keep in mind that this job will typically run you between $1,650 and $4,000.

 
It’s tool time!  Hopefully you’re inspired to give your home a new look that’s all yours.  There are plenty of projects you can comfortably DIY that make a big impact.  Be creative and give your home a personal touch!  ​