Are You Bob Vila??
We have been noticing these days that people’s attitudes towards home improvement projects run the gamut.
Some folks have no idea about carpentry or home repair work but they believe they can rehab a house on their own and sell it for a profit. After all, they watch HGTV.
There are others who turn away from homes because it would cost too much to repaint it or remove wall paper. In reality however, these are pretty easy and inexpensive to do.
There are actually many home improvement projects that home owners can do themselves if they don’t mind working, and maybe learning. It can be rewarding too.
Some jobs require permits and expertise. For example plumbing and electrical work shouldn’t be done by the home owner (unless he/she is a plumber or electrician).
There are some web sites and home improvement books that can help home owners learn how to do some of the work that does not require permits or contractors. One is: Hometime. It has videos and instructions on common and not so common house hold projects like laying ceramic tile or doing some landscaping. There is also an entire section on wall coverings, including paint, with instructions on how to prepare surfaces and apply paint.
I have a friend who learned how to lay ceramic tile from reading books and taking a class at a local building supply store. I have seen her work and she is very good. She isn’t afraid to learn and has even built a fence and put in some new wood flooring. I am not sure I would take on putting in ceramic tile but she has offered to help if I ever decide I want to try it.
Home improvement projects are not for everyone but it is possible to learn how to do many things. For people who are buying a first home and want to save some money and build a little equity a home that is less than perfect may be the answer.
