DIY Remodel Tips
There are many things you can do around your home to add value and comfort. There are minor items you can change, such as paint and floor covering. Major changes can include layout and room changes, windows, siding, kitchen cabinets, and bathrooms. Most people can make minor changes on their own. Floor coverings, paint and coatings are not that difficult to do yourself. The wooden panels can be placed by one person. A major design change may require a professional to keep the building from collapsing.
Window changes can be done in two ways. You can remove the entire drive, or you can place replacement drives in the old window frame. Let someone with experience measure your opens for you so you don’t make a costly mistake. New units that fit into the rough opening are easy to install. Make sure your openings are fairly level or order slightly smaller windows. Door replacement also requires a level, vertical opening. Seal windows and doors properly to save energy.
Siding is a worthwhile exterior project. You can light up the exterior of an old house in no time. You can choose from vinyl, wood, cement board, and metal siding. Make a story post and adjust the lines when applying the siding. Measure the soffit system as you begin your sheathing so that it ends evenly and the sheathing runs parallel to the building. Finish all wood siding before installing so shrink lines do not form.
Inside, a fresh coat of paint and a new floor work wonders. To install floor coverings that aren’t dated, choose from hardwood, carpet, laminate, and tile. Most of these can be installed by maintenance personnel. Hardwood floors are nailed with a flooring nailer. Using the nailer is a lot of work, but the end result is rewarding. Make sure you get out of a straight broken line when you start. Solid key so that the rows do not move. Laminate is easy to assemble, and one person can install a floor in one day. Tiles need a suitable underlayment installed per manufacturer’s instructions. Tile can take a long time the first time, but it’s something one can do. Carpet installation has a few tricks. A professional makes it look easy and a handyman can have seizures.
Major renovations, such as design changes, should be supervised by a professional. If you remove a supporting wall, the building could collapse. You have to change the support points or add beams to support a ceiling or floor above. All projects are possible, some just require a little more planning. If you have a professional who tells you “you can’t”, find another one.
The kitchen and bathrooms are important projects that attract attention. New flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures are popular choices. Cabinet installation should start in one corner and go from there. Make sure you level and plumb them to start with or you’ll fight everyone instead. Accessories like sinks and stools are not that difficult to install. Most come with instructions that are easy to follow. The floor covering is an important element in both rooms.