![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/30.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhich home improvement projects should you DIY, and which ones require professional help? We have all heard the old saying, \u201cyou get what you pay for.\u201d But sometimes it\u2019s what you should have paid for<\/em> that ends up costing the most money, time, and energy. Here, we break down the dos and don\u2019ts of do-it-yourself home improvement projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Almost anyone can tackle this easy home improvement project. Simply decide where you\u2019d like your garden to grow<\/a>, what you\u2019d like to see pop up (flowers? vegetables?) and grab your gardening gloves. Of course, the condition of your soil will make a difference, and supplementing may be necessary. Soil lacking in minerals and nutrients may need amendments<\/a>. Before getting started on your dream garden, it\u2019s a good idea to have the soil pH evaluated since plants can\u2019t properly take in nutrients if the pH balance is off. Check your state\u2019s cooperative extension office<\/a> to see if they offer soil evaluations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can dream it, you can achieve it – at least when it comes to the look and feel of your backyard\u2019s overall design<\/a>. From colorful throw pillows (in outdoor fabrics, of course) to furniture in low-maintenance materials like rattan to clever storage units that double as tables or footstools – it\u2019s fun to create an entertaining yet relaxing space that meets your family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask anyone who\u2019s tried to paint a ceiling and you\u2019re sure to get a grimace and lots of head shaking. It\u2019s not an easy project, but it can be done<\/a> with proper preparation. Rookie mistakes include forgetting to lock your pets out of the room (while you\u2019re on a ladder looking up… with a paint roller above you — need we say more?), trying to paint over a popcorn ceiling without first removing the texture, and the most non-intuitive mistake in painting- leaving overlap marks because you took your time. Proceed with caution on this DIY home improvement project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your\nkitchen is the most high-traffic area in your home, and likely one of the first\nthings guests will notice when they walk in the front door. So why take chances\ntrying to affix a backsplash or lay down a complicated tile pattern on the\nfloor? Unlike painting where you want to keep up the pace to avoid leaving\nmarks, you definitely don\u2019t want to rush <\/a>prepping surfaces and\nspreading grout. A bad DIY tile job can be spotted a mile away and usually\ncomes with a side of regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid this DIY home improvement project at all costs, if possible! Installing carpet<\/a> requires a lot of muscle, specialized tools, equipment, and know-how. Not to mention, carpeting can be expensive and needs to be precisely measured and cut, considering the transition areas near the borders of the room. It\u2019s hard to get the measurements right, and most DIY carpet projects end up looking like a big mess. Carpet also needs to acclimate to your climate and setting – and who wants to guess at the length of time needed for that? Definitely not recommended unless you\u2019re a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nrule when it comes to plumbing is simple: measure twice, cut once, then call the\nplumber. Sure, you may be able to fix a small leak under the sink, but you may also\nmake it worse and ruin your hardwood floors or carpet. More complicated jobs,\nsuch as trying to repair a leak in your sewer line, could be dangerous because\nthose lines contain toxic materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to know your limits when tackling DIY projects. Do what you can, realistically, and leave the rest to the professionals. That way, you\u2019ll have some time to relax and enjoy<\/a> your home\u2019s beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lee Campbell is a house flipper,\nlandlord, and freelance writer. He loves to remodel and refurbish older homes\nand like most aspiring writers, is working on his novel.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By: Lee Campbell Which home improvement projects should you DIY, and which ones require professional help? We have all heard the old saying, \u201cyou get what you pay for.\u201d But sometimes it\u2019s what you should have paid for that ends up costing the most money, time, and energy. Here, we break down the dos and … Continue reading Best & Worst Home Improvement Projects to DIY<\/span> DO: Start a Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/31.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDO: Create a Backyard Oasis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/34.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDON’T: Paint High Ceilings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/32.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDON’T: Tile Kitchen Backsplashes or Floors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/35.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDON’T: Lay Carpet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/33.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDEFINITELY DON’T: Tackle Complicated Plumbing Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/36.png\")
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