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QUICK TIPS FOR THAT NEXT DIY PROJECT

So you have finished your last episode of the latest and greatest home makeover show on HGTV.  You are pumped.  You are overloaded with ideas. You are confident. You can build anything.

Well, before you jump in and start ripping out the sheetrock or tearing out the floor, take the time to start the project off on the right foot. I know.  HGTV makes it all look so easy and doable. It's as simple as running down to the Home Depot or Lowes and grabbing up the material and diving right in.  Right?  The truth is while there are certainly many home projects that you can do yourself, you really need to be prepared if you want the project to go right and not be a disaster in waiting.  Here are some good tips for helping make sure your next home makeover project goes according to plan.  

• Do Your Research:  Thoroughly evaluate your project.  Even the simplest projects need to be evaluated from the basis of material requirements, labor intensity, time requirements and cost. 
• Have a Budget:  Even the simplest project needs an established budget.  Take your measurements. Measure twice or three times so you know the right lengths or area required.  Identify your materials and or quantities.  Go shopping.  Check 3 or 4 sources for your materials and their associated cost.  Then based on your information create a budget in writing.  Budgets are a great tool. They keep you on tract and keep you from otherwise costly and unplanned spending.  Whatever the project or budget always add 10% for the "fudge" factor.  It will cover you on miss measurements or the unknowns that can so commonly pop up in home remodel projects.
• Have a Schedule:  The discipline of a schedule will keep you on tract and ensure timely completion of the project. Evaluate before you start the project what time will be required.  How many hours? How many days?  Also, it is always important to look hard at your personal schedule.  Will you have the available time free to commit to the project requirement as defined?   If the project is a 3 day project do you have those 3 days to commit?  If not, then plan accordingly so a 3 day project does not turn into a 3 month project.
• Be Prepared:  Based on your project analysis make sure you are spending your valuable time working on the project and not running back and forth to the home store to buy things.  Make sure you buy the right quantities of materials upfront.  Make sure you have the right tools necessary to complete the project. If the project is to be completed in phases this rule should still apply.  Have everything you need up front to complete the particular phase ahead of you. This also helps you in sticking to your budget. 
• Be Patient. Have the Right Expectation:  DIY Projects or remodels are not "canned" or "out of the box".  They require parts and pieces that have to be put together. They require human interaction.  There is a learning curve. There will be mistakes.  You are not a professional carpenter, or plumber, or trim man. Don't expect perfection.  Take your time.  Follow your plan.  Stick to your budget.  Remember the old carpenter saying" Measure Twice. Cut once."  It will definitely save you time and anguish.
• HAVE FUN: Never lose sight of the reason you decided to do the project in the first place. Sure you wanted to improve something or change something or add something. Sure you wanted to save money.  But the real reason is the burning desire to create- to build.  To feel the sense of accomplishment when you stand back and admire the new feature or room and say to yourself "I did it!"    

Stephen McClain is a licensed Broker and owner of Cornerstone New Home Solutions serving the greater Austin, TX metro and surrounding area. He is also a certified instructor for the Texas Real Estate Commission under contract with Champions School of Real Estate. For more information you may contact Stephen at smcclain@cornerstonenewhomesolutions.com.