DIY Advice

Getting good do-it-yourself, or DIY advice can be tricky. There are so many places to get information on do-it-yourself projects: magazines, websites, home improvement store employees, well-meaning neighbors, and know-it-all relatives.

When it comes to DIY projects, it’s critical you follow sound instructions because mistakes can be costly and even dangerous. It may not be a big deal if you do a lousy job painting an interior wall, but if you’re replacing stairs you need to be extra careful. Below are some of the many sources that offer DIY advice.

A simple Google search for DIY advice turns up 394,000 results. Here are some of the better-known sites offering advice for the ambitious and talented homeowner.

• DIY Network is a comprehensive website with information on all kinds of DIY projects, from bathroom remodeling to organizing the garage. This site is owned by the same company that owns HGTV and the Food Network, so the content is populated with original content and information from the television shows.

• BobVila.com is the online presence for the former host of This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again. There are several great features on this site including a bulletin board-style forum where people can ask questions and share ideas. The most useful feature is the video section. Home improvement is often best learned by watching. This site features videos on a variety of topics from fixing a dripping faucet to repairing a crack in drywall.

In recent years, cable television has featured more and more programming dedicated to home improvement projects and DIY advice.

• HGTV has several entertaining and informative shows. 24 Hour Design shows viewers how to do fast, simple design projects. Bed and Bath Design focuses on the two most renovated rooms in any home. Fix It Up is another show chock full of DIY ideas.

Magazines are a great way to get DIY advice because their format lends itself to detailed instructions and how-to photos.

• Family Handyman magazine is the original DIY magazine. This no-nonsense magazine offers detailed instructions and doesn’t shy away from challenging jobs.

• This Old House magazine is best suited for owners of older homes: colonials, farmhouses and Victorians. This Old House magazine also reviews tools and equipment every month.

No matter who you turn to for information, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind.

• Set priorities. Home improvement projects are like all-you-can-eat buffets. It is easy to bite off more than you can chew. To avoid a home full of half-finished projects make a list of your most important projects and don’t start a second project until you’ve finished the first.

• Don’t take on work best left to professionals. No matter how talented you are, certain projects require professionals. Hire an expert for electrical work, plumbing and any construction that involves knocking down load-bearing walls or roofing.

• Decide where you can cut corners. It’s OK to skimp on the inside of a closet or in the basement. But when it comes to highly visible projects like the exterior of your home or the moldings in your kitchen, don’t cheat yourself. Do the job right the first time with quality materials and you will see a return on your investment.

• Consult multiple resources. Do your homework before starting a home improvement project. Because there are so many resources available, it makes sense to read and absorb as much information as possible before you start a project. This will help you avoid costly mistakes or unsightly work. Many home improvement stores offer workshops. Check at the customer service desk for a listing of upcoming seminars.

There is no shortage of advice available. The trick is to make sure you are getting the best advice. Consult with multiple resources and rely on the experts and your home improvement projects should turn out fine.

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