When Mr. BP and I made a list of things we wanted to do around our new house, we were, well, ambitious. When you move into your new home you want to make it your own; and though funds are lacking, we attempted to personalize our house. We were all about DIY and saving money wherever we could. However, once we dove in, we quickly realized there are projects one should/could take on and there are certain jobs best left to professionals. Now, yes, I realize that is a big “Duh” statement. But for Mr. BP & I, we truly thought we could do some major projects on our own. We survived each project rather unscathed but seriously exhausted and slightly scraped (Note to reader: Holly trees are prickly and pointy).
So, below is a list of projects we took on ourselves and whether or not, looking back, we should have hired someone to help us.
1. Painting Rooms
We painted three rooms in our home (full bathroom, spare bedroom and office). We did some research with regards to paint brands and settled on a brand that contained the primer already mixed in. We figured we would spend a little more money on the paint but ultimately would save ourselves some time. We were correct. The paint went on smoothly and aside from some messy ceiling edges, the rooms turned out rather nice. We borrowed painting tarps and step ladders so our only expenses were rollers and paint. Overall, a successful endeavor. Score 1 for the BP’s.
2. Replacing Socket Plate Covers
It may seem like a small detail but replacing the $.99 plastic covers with unique metal, porcelain or tile plate covers is an easy way to really change the look of a room. And better yet, they typically involve only one or two screws. The perfect project for DIYers. Score 2 for the BP’s.
3. Replacing Porch Light
After a brief Q&A with my dad regarding electrical systems, we were able to replace the porch light fixture. Cost: 1 fixture. Score 3 for the BP’s.
4. Chair Rail
Measuring and purchasing the chair rail was simple enough. Getting the corner angles correct: nearly impossible. What they don’t tell you is that an actual wall is never perfect plum and therefore you have to start making up angles and measurements and eventually you just get creative with caulk. In the end, it looks good but was not worth the time, hassle or replacement pieces after every wrong cut. Score 1 for The Pros.
5. Curtain Rods
First, learn what type of walls you have. Since we purchased an older home we have plaster walls that can pose numerous problems when attempting to hang items. We were fortunate enough to have a family member with a power drill. Pre-drilling the holes for the screws proved easy enough and we were able to install all of the curtain rods throughout our home. BP’s-4, Pros-1
6. Holly Tree
We have a number of trees in our yard that are either dying or broken. We knew enough to not attempt to cut down the 40ft pines ourselves but we figured the 15ft holly tree was surmountable. With the help of my dad, Mr. BP and I began to cut down the holly tree. As mentioned above, holly trees are prickly. Aside from the obvious pointy leaves, the branches themselves have spikes that scratch and stick you. Needless to say, many scratches/cuts later the tree was down, sawed into pieces and the branches bundled according to our boroughs specifications for pick up. However, pickup occurs once a month and we had just missed the day so we are now stuck with a yard full of holly tree scraps. Also, they will not pick up the stump so we have to find a way to dispose of it. And it took us an entire Saturday between set-up, actual cutting and clean up. The lesson learned: for the most part leave trees to the pros. At least that is what we will be doing from now on. BP’s-3, Pros-2
As it stands, we have won more than we have lost. We are realizing our own strengths and are finally admitting to some of our weaknesses. We have saved money attempting our own projects and have many more on the horizon. We also have a list for The Pros. Can we say plumbing, anyone?
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One of the best parts of owning a home is the confidence you get from learning new skills.
I’d encourage you to consider simple plumbing repairs yourself. There are all kinds of nifty inventions out there to make repairs easier for the homeowner. For instance, there are now copper fittings that don’t require soldering. Cool, huh?
When I bought my first house, we found a neighborhood plumber who was willing to tackle the big jobs and leave little odds and ends for us to do ourselves. He even gave us some instruction. If you can find some pros like that you’ll be in great shape!
I get rid of any wood scraps the city will not pick up by cutting into small pieces and dropping a few in the trash can each week, all hid under a bag of something. Or, I just put them in a plastic bag and drop the bag in. Shingles, rotten wood, stumps–all in the trash can. Actually, I was told that a bit in the can was okay. I hide it because I don’t want a new, overly-zealous worker to refuse my can.
Now that you have a house, you should have a nice list of tools you need for Christmas presents from people who give you gifts…lol. I entered a drawing and won my drill. Otherwise, I buy one tool at a time as I need it.
My friends had a house-warming party and asked for no house gifts since they were combining two households, just any garden things people would be willing to get rid of. I gave them a huge rock (40 lbs) with moss already on it. They were thrilled and used it to good advantage…lol.
Did you insulate behind the switch plate covers? You can buy the insulation already cut. I have heard of people using styrofoam egg cartons to cut the insulation. Use the switch plate for a template.
In order to get rid of the raggedy edges of the paint, I use an artist brush (cheap one) to touch up and get rid of the messiness. Actually, I can paint better than my friend’s professionals if straight edges are any indication. Trying to rectify a paint mistake at the ceiling is impossible because those mistakes are sometimes due to the ceiling or wall have a slight bulge in the plaster in my 109 yr old house. Nothing is plumb or square in here.
Practical Parsimony, we put a few small logs in our trash containers each week also in a bag. The main objection by the trash collectors is the weight. So a few at a time is ok. We put smaller braches in our compost.
Often you can borrow tools from neighbors if you won’t be using them enough to buy them. Engrave your name on the wooden handles of tools you lend.
BP, thanks for the warning on holly trees! Even regular shrubs can be prickly to pull out. Gloves help some. If shrubs are deeply rooted it can be very difficult to get them out. We used a long metal lever to eventually pry up some common shrubs that had been growing for about 15 years. Even then it took a lot of muscle power from the men in our family!
I’m a big believer in DIY, but big projects like painting a room can be tiring. I really hate painting ceilings, but it’s good for the arms! lol
I borrowed a chainsaw and lopped few small trees at my place a couple of weeks ago, it turned out to be a lot of fun.
I am not very ‘hands on’ but I don’t mind giving things a try. I normally ask myself.
Is it labour or materials intensive?
Does it require special skills? (that I don’t have)
Is it dangerous?
What’s the worst that could go wrong?