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Home & Garden Articles
Doing It Yourself Can Be a Bad Idea
Sun 26 Nov 2006 - 15:30
Doing It Yourself Can Be a Bad Idea
By Debra Howard
Your best friend tiled her bathroom and your neighbor just remodeled his kitchen.
Everywhere you go you're hearing "do it yourself" success stories. Many cable shows and magazines are designed specifically for the person who wants to do it themselves. You're feeling like you should at least give it a try; or should you? Read through these guidelines, before making a trip to the hardware store.
Know yourself. Let's start with the basics. What kind of person are you? Do you derive satisfaction from overcoming a challenge? Is your motivation to save money? Can you see a project through from start to finish? Do you like reading instructions?
If you like challenges, that's the first requirement before starting any project, especially if it's something you've never tried before. But how challenging is it? Installing a sink is not the same as painting a wall. Are you fully prepared for what you are about to take on? Do you have all the right tools, expert instruction and have some idea of what's involved? If you don't know the difference between a flat head screwdriver and a wrench, then maybe you might want to rethink the sink thing. It could end up costing you more if you screw it up.
So, you want to save money and painting is easy. Surely you can't botch that, or can you? Yes, the experts make it look easy, but remember that's why they're professionals. They do it all the time. I could do my taxes, but I choose to have a professional do them; saves me time, money and a whole lot of stress. There is an art to selecting colors you can live with. And when it comes to faux finishes, I've seen too many do it yourself jobs that are just plain disastrous.
Starting a project is one thing, finishing it is the real trick. How many people do you know that love to start things, but they never seem to finish? Most of the time, they lose interest because it isn't fun, or it's too hard, or whatever. What's left is a half-baked project. Are you one of those? Whether it's painting, tiling or refinishing, be prepared to finish what you start. Having someone come in to fix or finish your job could cost you more in the long run.
Following instructions is the key to a good job. No matter what the project is, following the step by step instructions is crucial to a satisfactory finished product. And this is precisely why I don't do it myself. I absolutely hate reading instructions of any kind. However, for those of you that have no problem with this and are even content studying the diagrams, you're much more likely to be satisfied with your results.
Should you or should you not tackle that project? After looking at the size, the amount of difficulty, and your ability to follow instructions, and you still aren't dissuaded, then go for it! On the other hand, if you've stepped back and decided it's a little more than you want to take on, then congratulate yourself for knowing your limitations. There are plenty of home and garden professionals out there eager to help make your life easier. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck on all your home and garden projects!
Debra Howard is a former Interior Designer, Antique Dealer and Retailer who now owns and maintains a resource directory website for her local home and garden industry http://www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Howard
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