If you have decided to take on a big project in your home, take a moment to make sure you are ready to take on this challenge. Ask yourself:

Do I have the skills and knowledge to undertake this project?  Break your project down into stages.  Think about each stage and identify possible challenges you might face.

Do I know anyone who could help, if I encounter problems?  It is a great idea to have someone you can call for reference who has completed a similar project.  You never know when you might run into an unexpected problem, or when you might need another set of hands.

Do I have the proper tools or can I rent them at a reasonable rate? Use professional tools to get professional results.  Using improper tools will reduce the quality of your project and increase the chance that you will be injured during your project.

Can I complete this project safely?  Take some time to familiarize yourself with possible safety hazards or hazardous materials you may encounter.  Make sure you understand the risks or hire someone who does.

Do I have the time to complete the project?  Start by setting a deadline for your project.  Next, estimate the time you will have to spend to complete the project, including set up and clean up time.  Since remodeling projects usually take longer than expected, add 30-40 percent to your estimate. Can you meet your deadline?

Am I confident that I can do a quality job? As the saying goes, “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.” Completing a quality project improves your home, while a sub par performance can actually detract from the home’s value and appearance.

If the project requires permits, can I obtain them on my own? Sometimes a project may require building permits or licenses. Call your local building authority to find out exactly what permits and/or professional licenses you may need for your project.

If you are not sure about your ability to complete the project after answering these questions you should consider hiring a contractor.

For more information about do-it yourself projects, visit www.bobvila.com.

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