Don’t those television shows make everything look like a piece of cake?  Do they inspire you to install your own hardwood floors or Venetian plaster your bathroom?  That’s good!  These shows are doing their jobs if they inspire you, but you need to know your limitations. Let’s talk about the ways some smart planning and good thinking will help you keep your next project under control.

Been there…done that!

There is a really good chance that whatever project you’re trying to accomplish on your own, someone you know has already done it in their own home.  Before you try a project you’re unsure about, ask around at work, church or wherever you have people you know and trust.  If you want to install new kitchen cabinets, and Jim and Susie Fisher said it was a complete disaster to do it alone, maybe you’ll want to re-think it.  But honestly, cabinets aren’t too bad as a DIY task with a little help.  But you see if you know someone who did it before you, then you can talk about what they would have done differently to make the project easier.  It’s a hindsight thing. If they were really good friends, perhaps they’d lend you a hand.

The web.

The Internet has everything about everything listed practically everywhere!  If you want to learn how to re-grout your shower, the Internet can help.  Look through forums where people have shared their experiences and collect tips from experts.  Sometimes I think the Internet is a more reliable source than some of my friends.  It’s unbiased.  I mean…how many of you have friends that may not want to admit they couldn’t handle a task?  I can think of a few myself.

Stuck in the middle.

Let’s say that you are a compulsive and risky Do it Yourselfer.  You wanted to replace the dining room floor on your own.  Now you’ve got a torn up floor and boxes of expensive hardwood you don’t quite understand how to cut around heating vent.  Where do you go?  Well, you can go back to the Internet and research your topic for assistance, you may have some luck.  You can also give Jim and Susie a call to see if they’re interested to help you out.  There is strength in numbers, so don’t assume the first thing you need to do is give up and call the professionals.  You can do it!

That’s why it is so important to plan and research projects before you do them.  They can be really difficult once you get started and you want to be prepared for any set backs.  Talk to your friends, you family and the people who work at the hardware store to get as much information as possible.  Don’t be afraid when the going gets rough to call out for help.  It’s much better than sitting around with your mess.  Happy Tasking!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.