The Reality behind Home Improvement Reality Shows
Michael Olnick
If you are a total layperson as far as home improvement is concerned, then you should hire help or enlist friends if you're tackling areas where it does make a difference how you get the job done. Simple home improvement projects like painting can be attempted by everyone as the worst you can do is a patchy job that can be painted over.
Paint is Fine - Even then chances are you won't do such a bad job after all. Read an article or two about prepping the place, use good quality paint with a finish depending on the room you are painting and then paint in large W's until you're done. Eggshell finish is popular in kitchens and high traffic areas as it is easier to wipe clean. Matt finishes are more suited for serene areas like bedrooms.
If you want to try a faux paint finish as a weekend home improvement project you saw on TV, always try it in a small area first; like behind the bedroom door. It may sound easy to just use a sponge and dab on a color of paint to get a ragged effect but it may not always be that in actuality. Try a small area and if you are happy with the results, carry on.
Paint - The cheapest home improvement aspect can also give the best payoff. You can save even more money by doing the job yourself. A fresh coat of white or taupe can really improve the homes appearance. It looks cleaner, looks bigger and looks like the people who live here care for their property. However, one word of caution here is to stick to neutral tones if you want to sell your home.
If you want to install laminate flooring like Pergo or tile, get a quote from your local home improvement store and see if you can squeeze it in your budget to let them do it. This is because their work will be backed by a warranty of product and installation. You need your flooring to be able to withstand everything that goes on it and spills on it. You don't want the wood to warp, the laminate to have gaps in it and the tile to chip.
The designers on the show are experts themselves plus they have a lot of help from back up crew and the like so they can delegate tasks and get more done in less time.
What You Can Do On Your Own - There are things shown on home improvement shows that you can easily replicate like rearranging your furniture, de-cluttering and even painting so don't give up a home improvement project just because you can't compete with the pros. However, assess your strengths and keep a plan B in mind. For instance, while you are redoing your kitchen, factor in the cost of eating out for all the days that the floor is ripped out and the appliances unusable.
Home improvement shows are great but keep them as the inspiration point. Have a journal of things you like and incorporate them in your new home or in the home you want to sell. Just don't expect to do it as quickly, cheaply and professionally 'as seen on TV!'
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