I use this list as a reminder before I taken on any do-it-yourself project
- TV shows make it look too easy - It is a show.
- My wife once got motivated to build chairs after watching at a home and garden show. She went to Home depot got the boards cut, and got the cushions within 2 hours and it took me over 2 weeks and approx $200 to find the legs.
- If the project takes more than a day and you know about it already - then plan a month and break it down in phases.
- If you are parent with young kids like me, it is hard to get an hour out of a week , getting more than a day to work on project is a dream.
- Measure twice and cut once
- I cannot emphasis this any more. I learned this hard way while adding the storm door and once I cut the steel side bar too short, there is no way to fix it. My storm door does not close very well.
- Stay away from cheap materials or tools
- End of the day , it is your time you are investing in these projects. Buy good tools and good material. You will be happy that you did this. We did seal paint in our basement and bought a non-standard brand which was on sale, without looking into the specs too much. The sealer kept on coming off for years until we finished the basement.
- Be patient - It is easier than it looks but just takes more time
- It took me over 3 seasons to complete my shed. I started in the fall to prepare the land, and built pretty much entire shed over one summer and finally did the doors, painting and siding next year
- Unless you are a licensed electrician /plumber stay away from heavy work
- Adding a circuit to your panel
- Adding a new bathroom
- Extending a gas line
