Universal Group Inc: DIY Tips

Not everyone's an expert, but we can all learn the ropes on the house-remodeling basics.

Remodeling can be a complicated task, which involves an investment of time and money, and that also requires skill and, above all, patience. In most cases, the most recommended thing to do is to hire a contractor or consultant in these areas. Hiring experts is always a good choice. However, sometimes it is necessary to lend a hand at home with the remodeling projects; sometimes there is not enough time to find a contractor, and for a few entrepreneurs, it is best to do things on their own.

This article explores some alternatives for home remodeling projects and some tips that could save you money, time and accidents as well.

Know what you’re getting into: Sure, remodeling is exciting. But there's also a lot of frustration as you encounter unexpected delays, and the inevitable inconveniences that come from living in a construction zone. You'll handle the lows better if you know they're coming. A reputable remodeler will condition your expectations before a project begins.
Think 2 steps ahead (better 10 steps, just to be extra sure): Measure once, measure twice, measure again, and think through every possible scenario before changing a room’s layout.
DIY when help is available (this means, not on holidays): Always do tricky DIY projects when you know a pro — a pro you trust — can help out in a hurry.
Find good, trustworthy help: Hire remodelers who have more than three years of experience, membership in the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), a good record with the Better Business Bureau, and positive customer references. And most important, select a remodeler you trust.
Insist on a detailed contract: If you jump into a remodeling project, it’s in your best interest to get a contract, and an explicit one. The contract needs the right address, a start date, a completion date, and a detail of what is and is not going to be done.
Don't go cheap: For any DIY project, the cheapest option, from materials to appliances, should raise a red flag. It probably costs three-fold to fix a mistake that can be avoided by having some shopping-criteria.
Connect spaces: Looking for a project with big impact that can make your home a brighter, comfier place? Opening up walls and hallways is one way to get the most from your remodeling project and create more livable spaces.
Communicate effectively: Remodelers can do some amazing things, but they can't read minds. This means, let the company supervisor or project lead person know if anything is unsatisfactory so they can deal with the issue right away. Communication is always key.

5 practical tips for DIY remodeling

To install upper cabinets, determine their location in relation to the base cabinets. Add the height of the base cabinet to the thickness of your countertop (base cabinets are usually 34-1/2 tall, and countertops are usually 1-1/2 inches thick.) Then add 18 inches for the space between the upper and lower cabinets. Your total should be about 54 inches. This is where the bottom of the upper cabinet will sit. If the floor isn't level, find the highest point along the wall where the cabinets will be installed. Mark a chalk line across the wall then attach a 2x4 ledger into the wall studs to help support the cabinets while installing.
Want to save some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing existing items such as your bathtub, shower, sink or tile. With this method, you’ll only pay a small fraction (as little as 10 percent) of the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won’t be torn up for weeks, and you'll avoid the major renovation mess.
Moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you’ve done, so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever and are a must-have for any bathroom remodel.
Before taking a sledgehammer to drywall, use a small hammer to make holes in the wall to check for any electrical or plumbing behind the wall.
Use a box fan in a window to help suck out the construction dust.

We sincerely hope you enjoyed reading our article. It is there to keep you informed and to help you improve your home. Follow us on our social networks, and don’t hesitate in contacting Universal Group INC for questions, suggestions and contracting.