Top 10 DIY Do’s and Don’ts

1.ELECTRICAL DO: Handy dandy dimmers for your lighting.

Obviously, it’s not major electrical work, but you do have to connect some wires. That being said, it’s super easy – just buy the dimmer style you want at any hardware store, making sure it fits your switch panel – install per instructions. It makes an illuminating difference you’ll love.

2.ELECTRICAL DON’T: Pretty much anything other than those dimmers mentioned above. 

First of all, you have to be licensed for most electrical work, and things have to be up to code. Unless you know the code (you don’t), it’s a good idea to call a pro.

ELECTRICAL DON’T (BONUS SAFETY EDITION): Wired smoke detector systems. They are great. You should get them if you don’t already have them. But always, always, always hire a pro to install and maintain – even for easy-install WiFi versions, there are state and local codes a pro will be aware of that you might overlook.

3.KITCHEN/BATH DO: Faucets and fixtures

This is another seemingly small touch that has HUGE impact. Change a faucet set, change your outlook on life – it’s that fabulous. Kitchen and bathroom sink fixtures have changing styles and a little update (maybe with some new paint on the walls and, say a wire basket for guest towels) will give you a brand new bathroom oasis. Big ups for showing and home values, too.

4.KITCHEN DON’T: Um, please tell us this one is a no-brainer for you: gas lines! Never ever touch ‘em. Know where your gas shutoff is and how to use it in case of emergency, but otherwise leave anything gas-related to the pros. Your gas companies website should reiterate the same and also have lots of tips for when to call them, how to save on gas, etc.

KITCHEN DO (BONUS SAFETY EDITION): Stock up on baking soda. For electrical fires (at an outlet for example) or a kitchen grease fire, in a pinch, you can douse liberally with baking soda if you have it on hand. (Hint: you should have it!)

5.LANDSCAPING DON’T: Tree removal, just don’t do it. It’s much harder (and heavier) than it looks. Unless you have treetop safety experience and all the right tools, call the tree people. They’ll be very happy to help, plus they’ll clean up afterwards while you drink coffee.  

6. LANDSCAPING DO: Soil preparation.
OK, this one may be somewhat controversial, but you diehard DIY homeowners will be chomping at the bit on this one. Soil amendment can make all the difference for flower beds, vegetable gardens, or grass or ground cover areas. Buy more soil amendment than you think you need, rent a tiller and get dirty.

Yes, it requires a weekend full of elbow grease, but you will feel so satisfied. Get the most horsepower you can get and you will save a ton on hiring a landscaper. Your garden awaits.

7.OUTDOOR DON’T: Tiling your driveway alone? Cool idea. You could do it (and create that one-of-a-kind herringbone fleur-de-lis pattern you designed yourself), but it would take you a year and a half.

A team of people who do it for a living will get it done in one day. Just be willing to lose the fleur-de-lis.

8. OUTDOOR DON’T: Roofing of any kind.

It’s dangerous. There are obvious risks involved. (Afraid of heights anyone?) Plus, one nail or shingle gone amiss and you could have leaks and damage to your roof and your home worth much more than you would have paid to get a roofer. Get a roofer.

9.WATER DO: Rain barrels!

This one is exciting and totally doable for a DIY champion or DIY novice. There are lots on the market. We like the one with flowers on top because why not? Use any downspout you like or add a diverter, either way easy-peasy.

10.WATER DON’T: Pressurized pipes are scary.

If you burst one, or fail to reconnect a joint properly, it’s basically game over for your basement. Plus, a lot of this work also requires permits and/or licensing. Even for toilet or tub installations, there can be state and local laws requiring permits or licensing. In this case, go pro.

BONUS PRO TIP: If you don’t hire a pro in an attempt to save money, be aware of unexpected cost and your own home project scope creep. If you’re frantically running to the hardware store ten times a day, you’re probably not saving any money. A pro will give you a price and a contract and (hopefully) be more likely to stay within that estimate. Also, it can happen while you’re off doing something else, one of the ten million other things you have to do – good luck!