Contractor Jobs and 17 Biggest Small Jobs Blunders

Have you ever wondered, are these contractor jobs, or should I give it a go myself? This is definitely a consideration if you have home repairs and are on a tight budget. Sometimes it is not a repair but a small update you would like to do, such as a backsplash in your kitchen. Before you do those small jobs though make sure you have the tools, skills and materials to do the work. Here is a list of renovation tips and 17 blunders to avoid:

#1 Ignoring the measuring rule

The rule is: Measure TWICE and cut ONCE. Ignoring this causes material waste.

#2 Leaving the defective item at home

Not taking the item you are trying to replace to the store with you when buying the new one is a big mistake. In our memory, it is always bigger or smaller than it actually is!

#3 Using the wrong tool for the job

If you have wire to strip use a wire stripper and not a wire cutter.

#4 Using the wrong material for the job

If you want to put laminate flooring in your kitchen you must use the waterproof vinyl laminate, not the normal MDF type.

#5 Using the wrong adhesive for the job

For example: don’t use wood glue to lay carpet tiles.

#6 Underestimating the time it will take to get the job done

No matter what you see on HGTV do not expect to tape, mud and sand your whole basement in a day. Especially if you’re not a specialist in any one of those trades. If timing is of the essence, you may decide that these are contractor jobs.

#7 Missing the Details

Not knowing how to finish the finer details of the job, such as how to fit laminate at door jambs.

#8 Not properly preparing the sub floor before installing flooring

You need to understand how to use carpentry, floor leveling mix and a long level to be able to have an easier installation of all flooring materials. Otherwise you will experience bounciness, gaps, squeaks, etc.

#9 Allowing tile grout to set for too long

When grout sets too long before it is wiped off the tiles, it is almost impossible to clean off.

#10 Not checking with the city to see if your job is permissible

For example, there are usually rules regarding whether or not you can build a fire pit in your backyard.

#11 Repairing your own roof without using a proper fall protection system

This is very dangerous, even for a professional roofer.

#12 Using regular mud with mesh tape

Using regular drywall compound (a.k.a. mud), with mesh tape for drywall repairs, a common mistake. This results in cracking. If you must use mesh tape, then you must use quick setting drywall compound. Otherwise, use paper tape.

#13 Not enough mud behind the tape

Not using enough mud to stick the paper tape to the drywall. This results in bulges under the tape when you paint.

#14 Using latex paint to paint over oil paint

It is only going to strip off.

#15 Recessing screw heads too deep in the drywall

Once face paper is broken, you lose the ability of the screw to keep the drywall firmly in place. Movement will eventually cause nail pops and cracking.