Deep down every man believes that he has deep within his being the innate ability to fix everything. As if by virtue of gender, refursbishing your home is as natural as asking for directions.
Just as there is good reason for our primal urge to fix all things around us. There is also very good reason for the existence of so many DIY handman hardware shops. We throw good money into them believing that we can do it ourselves, only to return; wallet and contractor in hand.
To avoid having history repeat itself, (It just did for me) I have compiled a ‘few stick to the basics, DIY 101 rules.’ As experiences shows, there are no hard and fast rules, just lessons well learned that apply just as readily to the testosterone fuelled male ego as to our more elegant, and often way more capable fairer sex:
Rule #1 – Don’t DIY. 90% of all purchases are subject to social influence and according to DigitalBuzz.com this is estimated to account for more than $15billion in 2015. So to start with get in touch with someone you trust and who has recently done something similar to what your are planning. Chances are they could save you a few bucks and recommend someone you can trust to do that job for you.
Rule#2 – Involve your better-half and always ask first. You are not the first person to re-paint the kitchen. And this is definitely not one of those situations where it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. DIY doesn’t have a CNTRL-Z option and where it does, it comes at a price. Wether it is a comment from your beautiful intelligent wife on a colour choice or a friend on whether the lines are level , just ask.
Rule#3 – A man’s (or woman’s) home is their castle, but this is business and like any good corporate governance process, It requires a minimum of three quotes. Remember everything is negotiable. Everything. In fact, if you don’t bargain, be sure that you are NOT getting your money’s worth
Rule #4 – Budget – when it comes to DIY, and especially refurbishing your home, budgets are more like rough guidelines. There is a rule of three: Take your initail estimate and double it and add a bit. To avoid price escalations, get your contractor to quote you with the product included and do a little research before you negotaite terms. Any increases, or miscalculations are then for their account and not yours. Lastly no payment until the task is complete.
Rule#6 – Shop around. Be willing to travel for better prices.
Rule #7 – Get involved, and by that I mean actively invovled. Visit often, prod and poke and ask questions. You will be surprised with what you can apply yourself to and save.
Then, when all is said and done, roll with it and have fun. This is your home, cherish it love it and be in. Take a bow it is all yours.
Source for great ideas: http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/accents/budget-friendly-diy-projects
Reference: http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/infographic-the-value-of-social-commerce/
