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To DIY Or Not To DIY? 5 CommonSummer HomeImprovement ToDosBy Lindsay Lambert Day
This post originally appeared on LearnVest.
For many, summer’s arrival signals the end ofschool, summer Fridays at the office, and, ofcourse, a chance to kick back at the beach.
But for ambitious homeowners, it means just onething: It’s time to tackle those outdoor homeimprovement projects that have been waiting inthe wings all winter.
Just one question remains: When should yousave some green and tackle a project yourself—and when is it smarter (and safer) to call in thebig guns?
To find out, we tapped contractor Danny Lipford,a nationally syndicated TV and radio host basedin Mobile, Ala., and Rory McCreesh, a masterbuilder and founder of Duce Construction in NewYork City, to offer their sage advice for gettingthe job done right.
Summer Project #1: Pool Cleaning
Your husband’s 8th annual water polotournament. The kids’ birthday parties. Yourpool is poised to get plenty of use this summer—which means it will need to be properly cleanedand treated for safe swimming.
And while you’re equipped with mesh skimmers
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and brushes galore to remove leaves and algae,when it comes to shocking the water withchemicals, that’s where you could use some help.
DIY or Hire a Pro? This surprisingly simplechore is all yours.
Getting the Job Done “[Maintaining yourpool] is a great DIY project,” Lipford says. “Retailpool supply stores, like Leslie’s, are very helpfulin analyzing your pool’s condition andrecommending the needed chemicals to have asummerready pool.”
All you have to do is take a sample of pool waterto the supply store in a sanitized container. Onceyou tell the clerk your pool’s dimensions, theycan calculate the proper ratio for agents likechlorine and cyanuric acid, and provide detailedinstructions on how—and when—to add them toyour pool.
All in all, Lipford says regular chemicalmaintenance can run you between $25 and $75 amonth, depending on the size and type of poolyou have—compared to about $165 for onceaweek pro cleaners.
RELATED: 6 Home DIYs That You Can Do in aSingle Weekend
Summer Project #2: Landscaping
From planting petunias to installing a flagstonepath to your front door, a little landscaping cango a long way when it comes to beautifying yourproperty.
But with so many types of flora to choose fromand the perplexing science of soil to contendwith, you might be wondering whether you needa landscape architect to make your yard reallysing.
DIY or Hire a Pro? For the most part, smallscale tasks—mulching beds, shrub pruning, andweeding—can easily be successful DIY projects.“The beauty of minor landscaping is that itrequires few yard tools, very little skill, and, inmost cases, little time to achieve fantasticresults,” Lipford says.
The only exception: breaking out the chainsawand going to work on that overgrown oak in thefront yard.
8/22/2016 To DIY Or Not To DIY? 5 Common Summer HomeImprovement ToDos Forbes
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“Pruning large trees should be done by areputable, experienced treecare company orarborist,” McCreesh says. “Not only is it a skillthat requires talent and expertise, but it alsoposes safety hazards, as the work entails laddersand sharp tools.”
Getting the Job Done If gardening is one ofthe top landscaping projects on your list thissummer, Lipford recommends first researchingyour location on the USDA’s Plant HardinessZone Map to ensure you’re working with theright plants for your region of the country,climate and sun exposure.
For example, flowers like geraniums andoleander perform best in full sun, while plantslike hydrangea and dogwood thrive in shadierareas. The same goes for your sod or grassselection, Lipford says. St. Augustine grows bestin the shade, while centipedegrass performsbetter in full sun.
Regardless of the type of plant you pick, Lipfordsays they all have one thing in common when itcomes to successful care. “All plants need properirrigation. Installing a soaker hose is an easy DIYway of providing a constant stream of water,” hesays. “A soaker hose will run about $15–$20, canbe partially buried, and can even be attached to asimple timer for another $15.”
Ready to hire someone to help you with that treetrimming project? Lipford issues one word ofcaution: “Never let anyone work in or aroundyour home without having proper insurance, likegeneral liability and workman’s comp. This isimportant because it protects you in the event ofan accident.”
RELATED: The Ultimate Homeowner’sInsurance Guide
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Summer Project #3: Pest Control
From mosquito bites to chewedthroughvegetable plants, creepycrawlies are anunwanted reality of the warmweather months.
Sure, you can load up on citronella candles andDEET for the season, but how much sweeterwould it be to enjoy a bugfree summer—for yourfamily and your prized tomato plants?
DIY or Hire a Pro? Call in the experts.
“Typical services include pest control fortermites, ants, spiders, cockroaches, beetles,biting and stinging insects, rodents and wildlifecontrol,” McCreesh says. “Most homeowners donot have the necessary chemicals on hand or theknowledge required to effectively and safelymanage this task.”
Getting the Job Done Just how much you’llshell out varies based on the size of your yard,whether the interior of your home is included inthe work, and if there are any issues to address—such as a termite infestation, McCreesh says.
But regardless of the pest control you’resoliciting, he recommends seeking out a seasonalcontract, as opposed to a onetime treatment.Good pest control companies providing longerterm services will monitor their work and retreat as necessary.
Just confirm the fee structure for followupappointments. “It should be very clear if there isan additional charge or if it is included in theplan,” McCreesh says.
Summer Project #4: Gutter Repairs
Clean, secure gutters keep wastewater, leaves andother natural nuisances from weighing downyour roof.
So unless you want stagnant, rotting debrishanging out like a ticking time bomb overhead,it’s important to repair and patch any holes, sealleaky joints and secure any part of the gutterthat’s pulled away from the house as soon as younotice it.
DIY or Hire a Pro? Go with the pro.
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“Even though [certain types of] gutterrepair can be easy to do yourself, this type ofproject can frequently result in injury from falls,”Lipford says. “Gutter specialists have uniqueequipment to create custom gutter sections andlinks onsite for a home, and can do itinexpensively for about $75 to $180. It’ll give youa better result than using gutter repair materialsfrom a bigbox store.”
Getting the Job Done When it comes toseeking out a qualified, licensed and insuredgutter repair company, Lipford suggests relyingon references from friends, family or a list ofrecommends from your local chapter ofthe National Association of Home Builders.
“You might get a cheaper price by taking achance [on a random company], but you alsotake a risk with the possibility of further damage,or someone not performing the work that wasagreed upon,” Lipford cautions. “It can cost youpeace of mind and additional expenses if youneed to have work redone or get damagerepaired.”
Summer Project #5: Deck Work
One of the greatest pleasures of summer isspending a warm evening on the back deck,under the starry sky.
But thanks to the wrath of winter—especially thislast one—you may have some repair work cut outfor you first.
DIY or Hire a Pro? It depends on the scale ofthe project.
“Deck repairs that involve replacing or securingloose or damaged wood and staining are allmanageable DIY projects,” Lipford says. “But if adeck is in need of structural repair or needs to becompletely replaced, it would be better to bringin an experienced carpenter or deckingcompany.”
Getting the Job Done DIY deck projects canbe a pretty easy and satisfying feat—with theright equipment.
“I recommend using a pressure washer forcleaning,” Lipford says, adding that renting onefrom a hardware store, like Home Depot, couldrun about $100 per day, depending on your
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location. “It does not require experience or greatskill, but take care not to get the tip too close tothe surface of the deck boards, which can causedamage.”
If the thought of wielding a pressure washer istoo intimidating, try a deck brightener, whichLipford says you can easily snag at a home centerin onegallon cans. “Apply it to the deck’ssurface, and wait 15 minutes,” he says. “Thenlightly scrub the deck with a nylon brush, andrinse away grime with a regular hose.”
But if you’re leaning toward a project that’slarger in scale or more laborintensive than asimple cleaning and staining, do your homework.
“It’s important that the homeowner check localrequirements for any permits needed, and thatall necessary code is followed when planning andbuilding,” McCreesh says. “If you don’t followlocal foundation, steps, landings and railingcodes, you could be faced with a ‘stop work order’from the Building Department, or you may haveto undo work that’s already in place.”
As for what you can expect to pay a pro,McCreesh says it varies based on square footage,complexity and wood species. So put in the effortto get the best quotes.
“Solicit bids from two to three professionals,”Lipford says. “And get everything in writing,including the scope of the work and total cost.Taking the time to make the right selection forsomeone working in your home is time wellspent.”
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8/22/2016 To DIY Or Not To DIY? 5 Common Summer HomeImprovement ToDos Forbes
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