One of the biggest misconceptions I had when starting to do my own projects was how much time I needed to actually do the project was minimal compared to the time I needed to actually prepare the space. Prep time is KEY. Preparation can take 75% of the time you need for the project, opposed to 25% of the time to actually do the project itself. Take for example painting, the act of actually painting a 10x12 foot room doesn’t take much time at all. In fact, the act of taking the roller adding paint to it and doing the motion of my “w” application on the wall probably took less than a couple of hours. The act of adding tarp to my floor to protect the carpet or hardwood, adding tape above all the baseboards and ceilings, priming the wall (if drastically changing the color) took maybe three times as long as it would take to actually paint the room. My experience taught me not to overestimate that the bulk of the time you need to do any DIY project will mostly be consumed with preparing to get the work actually done. In concept, and in your head you think laying that wood floor should be easy. What you don’t plan for is what it takes to get it prepared to actually complete it. The easiest of my DIY projects were those done to a brand-new build, like a blank wall, or an empty garage, or a laundry room that just needs some character. The hardest of my DIY projects were those where demolition had to occur, preparing the walls, floors or ceiling to add something, then actual application, and lastly the finishing touches. Do not assume a project will take you a little bit of time. That’s where I think the common DIYer gets into trouble. You estimate how long it “should” take you, then when it’s beyond that weekend you thought you’d take care of it is over, you find yourself less motivated, forgetting where you left off, or simply over how complex the project actually is. That’s when you find projects are left undone and it may take you another month or two to finish. Demolition takes a long time. Debris is everywhere. Your home is not built perfectly. Your walls are not always square. Your floors are not always even. Your doors are not always plumb. The wall is not always flat. The item you just removed may not be the same size as the item you are installing. There will always be a challenge to conquer, so coming out the gate, if you think your project will take you 2 weekends try doubling it. That will likely be closer to the time needed when you begin your DIY journey.
2. Does it require Demolition?
6. How Many People Do You Need?
7. How Much Experience Should You Have?
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