My Articles | About Us | Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Search   
 
News, Tips & Offers delivered to your inbox

ABOUT US | VIEW ALL FEATURED ARTICLES | VIEW ALL TOPICS | VIEW ALL REGIONS | DM MOBILE | DM BLOG

How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Michigan

Ask yourself these questions before you heft that hammer.

Local Companies

www.crowleyrealestatesolutions.com
734-444-8990
9911 shadyside
Livonia, MI
Century 21 McCoy Real Estate
231-218-7817
PO Box 456
Suttons Bay, MI
Safer Homes LLC
517-639-3935
919 Ely Rd
Quincy, MI
Coldwell Banker
616-355-6305
466 E. 16th st
Holland, MI
Tom Frame - Kalvan Realty
(269) 580-2259
226 Monroe Street
Bangor, MI
Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt
616-355-6305
466 E. 16th st.
Holland, MI
Tomie Raines Inc
517-242-1897
1400 Abbott Rd
East Lansing, MI
Turning Point Buyers Realty
616-990-0004
Please call for a personal appointment
Grand Rapids, MI
Re/Max New trend
248-988-8888 X 223
122 Concord Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Kathy Toth & Team Keller Williams Realty
734-669-0337
2144 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI

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

www.crowleyrealestatesolutions.com

734-444-8990
9911 shadyside
Livonia, MI
Read more about How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes

Regional Articles
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Adrian MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Allegan MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Allen Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Alpena MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ann Arbor MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Auburn Hills MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Battle Creek MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Bay City MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Belleville MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Benton Harbor MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Berkley MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Big Rapids MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Bloomfield Hills MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Brighton MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Burton MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cadillac MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Canton MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Cheboygan MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clarkston MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clinton Township MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Clio MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Coldwater MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Commerce Township MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Comstock Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Davison MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dearborn Heights MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dearborn MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Detroit MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Dowagiac MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes East Lansing MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Eastpointe MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Eaton Rapids MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Escanaba MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Farmington MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fenton MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ferndale MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Flat Rock MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Flint MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Flushing MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fort Gratiot MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Fraser MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Garden City MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Gaylord MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Gladwin MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grand Blanc MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grand Haven MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grand Ledge MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grand Rapids MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grandville MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Grosse Pointe MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hamtramck MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Harper Woods MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Harrison Township MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hazel Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Highland Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hillsdale MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Holland MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Holly MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Holt MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Howell MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Hudsonville MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Inkster MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ionia MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jackson MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Jenison MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Kalamazoo MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lake Orion MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lansing MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lapeer MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Lincoln Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Livonia MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ludington MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Macomb MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Marquette MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Midland MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Monroe MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Mount Clemens MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Mount Morris MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Mount Pleasant MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Muskegon MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes New Baltimore MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Niles MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Northville MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Novi MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Oak Park MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Okemos MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Owosso MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Petoskey MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pinckney MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Plymouth MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Pontiac MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Port Huron MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Portage MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Redford MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Rochester MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Rockford MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Romulus MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Roseville MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Royal Oak MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saginaw MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saint Clair Shores MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saint Johns MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Saline MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sault Sainte Marie MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes South Haven MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes South Lyon MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Southfield MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Southgate MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sterling Heights MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Sturgis MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Swartz Creek MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Taylor MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Temperance MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Three Rivers MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Traverse City MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Trenton MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Troy MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Utica MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Walled Lake MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Warren MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Waterford MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes West Bloomfield MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Westland MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes White Lake MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Wixom MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Wyandotte MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Wyoming MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Ypsilanti MI
- How to Avoid Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Zeeland MI
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
Articles.DirectoryM.com | Search | About Us | Contact Us | Mobile | Blog | En Español
Copyright © BET Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.