Guest Post: Meet 'Dad Knows DIY' blogger, Paul Denikin...

We're pleased to welcome blogger Paul Denikin of DadKnowsDIY.com as he shares tips on how to know if you're looking at a do-it-yourself project or when it's time to hire a professional.
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ABOUT PAUL (sourced: DadKnowsDIY.com)
"My name is Paul and I consider myself to be fairly handy, but that wasn’t always the case. My DIY journey started with the birth of my second child. Our daughter, Maggie, was born with special needs. As she got older, we quickly realized that our home had some unique needs as well. In order to be able to focus as much of our budget as possible for Maggie’s therapies, I starting doing home modifications myself. I have learned a lot on my journey to make my home more accessible. Where I once was intimidated by simple projects, I now know that I am capable of handling much larger challenges. Every experience in my life has become an opportunity for learning and growth. I would like to share my experiences and knowledge with other parents of special needs children. I can offer advice on home repair and  tips for home management."

Should That Project Be DIY Or Done By Professionals?
 
As a homeowner, you know you have to protect your investment. Sometimes, that means doing regular maintenance like cleaning the furnace or caulking drafty windows. But other times, it means doing a significant remodeling project.
 
Doing the right renovation can add a lot of value to your home. It can also help your family feel more comfortable and better enjoy living in the house. But should that project be done by yourself or should you hire professionals? Before you can answer that, you need to figure out what remodel you should do.


Image Source: Pixabay
Pick Your Project FirstBack before the housing bubble burst, home improvements were all the rage. There were even plenty of TV shows about them. These days, much fewer people are making renovations in their home — and that’s a shame. There’s so much to be gained by a home renovation project. But which one should you choose?
 
The Huffington Post explains how to pick the right project for you:

• Pick projects that give you a better return on your investment. Instead of adding a huge deck, consider a new air conditioning unit that runs more efficiently to save on utility costs.
• Go for smaller projects rather than big ones. It’s easier to install a new door than a gourmet kitchen.
• Consider your neighborhood. Renovating a huge kitchen will all the latest appliances might not work if that’s very out of place for your area.

 
What’s the difference between a DIY project and one that needs a contractor? As a general rule, go with professionals for large projects or any that involve gas or electricity. Smaller, safer projects can be done by yourself if you have the skills and time.
If You’re Hiring ProsA professional contractor is a great choice for most large home improvement projects. However, you shouldn’t just pick the first one that pops up in a Google search. To ensure your project goes well, Popular Mechanics has some recommendations on picking a contractor:

• Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured for your hometown. This means they are professionals, and if something goes wrong, the risk is much lower.
• Ask your contractor if they specialize in the type of remodeling you want to be done. Don’t pick a guy experienced in kitchen renovations if you want to add a stairway.
• Before any work begins, get everything in writing in a contract that includes cost estimates, brands to be used, and approximated start and end dates.

 
But one of the best ways to find the right contractor is to look for recommendations. Talk to your neighbors that recently remodeled and ask their experiences. Go to review sites like Angie’s List, or at least ask on social media if anyone can recommend a contractor.
If You’re Doing It YourselfAfter considering your project, you decide to save some money and do it yourself. That can be a good idea, but it can also be tricky. Unless you are a contractor yourself, you need to read Redfin’s article about DIY safety. Some of the tips include:

• Never leave active power tools unattended. Just knocking them over can turn them on and hurt someone.
• When using a ladder, make sure the bottom is one foot away from a wall or object for every four feet in ladder height.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby so any medical problems can be addressed quickly.

 
But probably the best tip for DIY projects is to have a detailed plan. Write down all the tools and supplies you will need. Then break the projects into smaller pieces and create a timeline for them all. Be sure to factor in some extra time for mistakes or unforeseen complications.
Get That Project StartedDon’t let the size of a project stop you from adding value and comfort to your home. Think carefully about it first, then either hire a reputable contractor or DIY and stay safe about it. This way, you can enjoy both the work and the end result.
 

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You can follow Paul & score more great DIY tips at dadknowsdiy.com Check out his handy wallpaper calculator too!