How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Florida

Ask yourself these questions before you heft that hammer.

Local Companies

The Reserve at Clearwater
(727) 531-1408
6550 150th Ave. N.
Clearwater, FL
Regent Properties
(727) 507-9808
15371 Roosevelt Blvd #107
Clearwater, FL
The Promenade
305-374-5455
333 S. Miami Ave., Ste. 150
Miami, FL
Beaches Real Estate Professionals South
727-399-9990
150 153rd Ave
St. Petersburg, FL
AESM Enterprises
1-866-577-5709
1161 6th ave s.w.
Largo, FL
Coral Shores Realty Inc.
352-553-3369
4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd @302
Ocala, FL
Beachfront Realty, Inc.
786-344-8776
960 Arthur Godfrey Rd Suite 402
Miami Beach, FL
Beachfront Realty, Inc.
786-344-8776
960 Arthur Godfrey Rd Suite 402
Miami Beach, FL
Your Florida Hme Realty, llc
786-553-8753
651 East 10 Place
Hialeah, FL
Bone Island Appraisal Company
305-295-8336
925 White Street
Key West, FL

 

provided by: 

Want to make sure your do-it-yourself project doesn’t turn into a screw-it-up-yourself project? Increase your chances of success by asking yourself these questions before you start, courtesy of Abby Buford, a spokeswoman for Lowe’s® home improvement stores.

Is your DIY project cosmetic, structural or a system change?
If it’s cosmetic, like painting, you’re probably safe tackling it on your own, Buford says. If it’s structural (involving changes to the foundation, walls or home exterior) or a system change (affecting the plumbing or heating and air conditioning), Buford suggests setting up a mock area where you practice using materials such as cardboard and masking tape.

Have you done your research?
Do you know what tools and material you will need and how much they will cost? Will you need permits from county or city government? There’s a good chance you will if the project is structural or involves a system change, Buford says. Research the project by reading books and magazines, talking to friends and family, comparing Internet sites and using tools such as the Lowes.com library. Hardware stores also may have experts on hand to guide you.

Have you created a realistic budget?
Determine how much the project will cost, then add at least 20 percent, Buford says. Be sure you account for materials and tools you will need to buy or rent, the fees for any necessary permits, the possibility of needing additional materials, and “any unforeseen hiccup,” she says.

How will you pay for the project?
Some people set aside cash ahead of time. Other options include home equity loans or home equity lines of credit. Hardware stores usually offer financing through store cards. The interest rate is likely higher than for a home equity loan. If you decide to finance your project with a store credit card, look for deals where you can pay off the amount in a certain number of months without incurring interest.

Can you complete the project safely?
Will you be working on an older home that might have hazards such as asbestos or lead-based paint? Have you familiarized yourself with any power tools you might need to use? Do you have stepladders, safety goggles, gloves and other supplies?

Do you have time to complete the project?
Just as they often cost more than expected, DIY projects often take longer than expected. “Allow for extra time and a learning curve,” Buford says.

Can you complete the job by yourself? If not, who will help?
“If you make that decision ahead of time, you won’t have to stop to train a person in the middle of the project,” Buford notes.

Do you have the patience to do the project?
Be honest with yourself. Many people end up with half-finished projects around the house because they don’t have the patience to see them through.

“If you research ahead of time and plan on the front end, you can really create a successful project,” Buford says, turning do-it-yourself into I-did-it-myself.

 

Published on July 23, 2007

Read full article at realestate.com

Featured Local Company

The Reserve at Clearwater

(727) 531-1408
6550 150th Ave. N.
Clearwater, FL

Regional Articles
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Altamonte Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Apopka FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Arcadia FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Atlantic Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Auburndale FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Avon Park FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Bartow FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Belle Glade FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Boca Raton FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Bonita Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Boynton Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Bradenton FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Brandon FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Brooksville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cantonment FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cape Coral FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Casselberry FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Chipley FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clearwater FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clermont FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clewiston FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cocoa Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cocoa FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Crawfordville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Crestview FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Crystal River FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dade City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dania FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Daytona Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Debary FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Deerfield Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Defuniak Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Deland FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Delray Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Deltona FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Destin FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dunedin FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dunnellon FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Englewood FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Eustis FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fernandina Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fort Lauderdale FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fort Myers FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fort Pierce FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fort Walton Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Gainesville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Green Cove Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Gulf Breeze FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Haines City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hallandale FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hialeah FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hobe Sound FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Holiday FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hollywood FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Homestead FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Homosassa FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hudson FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Immokalee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Inverness FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jacksonville Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jacksonville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jensen Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jupiter FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Key West FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Kissimmee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Labelle FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lady Lake FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake Mary FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake Placid FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake Wales FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake Worth FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lakeland FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Land O Lakes FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Largo FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Leesburg FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lehigh Acres FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Live Oak FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Longwood FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Loxahatchee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lutz FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lynn Haven FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Marco Island FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Marianna FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Melbourne FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Merritt Island FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Miami Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Miami FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Miami Lakes FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Middleburg FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Milton FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Miramar FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Mount Dora FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Mulberry FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Naples FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Navarre FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes New Port Richey FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes New Smyrna Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Niceville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Nokomis FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes North Fort Myers FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes North Miami Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes North Palm Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes North Port FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ocala FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ocoee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Okeechobee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Oldsmar FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Opa Locka FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Orange City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Orange Park FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Orlando FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ormond Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Oviedo FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palatka FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm Bay FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm Beach Gardens FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm Coast FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palm Harbor FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Palmetto FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Panama City Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Panama City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pembroke Pines FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pensacola FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pinellas Park FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Plant City FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pompano Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ponte Vedra Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Port Charlotte FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Port Orange FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Port Richey FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Port Saint Lucie FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Punta Gorda FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Riverview FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Rockledge FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Safety Harbor FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saint Augustine FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saint Cloud FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saint Petersburg FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sanford FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sarasota FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Satellite Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sebastian FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sebring FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Seffner FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Seminole FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Spring Hill FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Starke FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Stuart FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Summerfield FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sun City Center FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Tallahassee FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Tampa FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Tarpon Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Titusville FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Valrico FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Venice FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Vero Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Wauchula FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Wesley Chapel FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes West Palm Beach FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Winter Garden FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Winter Haven FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Winter Park FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Winter Springs FL
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Zephyrhills FL
Related Local Events
Start Planning for Sarasota International Congress
Dates: 9/24/2009 - 9/24/2009
Location: Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Sarasota, FL
View Details

US Real Estate Expo & Market (USRE Expo)
Dates: 7/31/2009 - 8/1/2009
Location: Sheraton Miami Mart Hotel
Miami, FL
View Details

US Real Estate & Wealth Expo
Dates: 7/31/2009 - 8/1/2009
Location: Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Center
Miami, FL
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History