3 Mistakes To Avoid, Part 3

We've all done it.. Took on a project that we either weren't capable of doing or didn't have the tools and/or time to do it right.

One of my first customers found himself half way through a laminate flooring installation when he realized he was in over his head. The initial call consisted of his admission that 5 boxes of flooring had essentially been wasted because he kept cutting the wrong ends. The planks weren't lining up straight and his cutaways for the vents were either too large or too small. Another call I have received in the past pertained to bubbles in a kitchen after a diy vinyl sheet flooring installation. In both cases the customer described their research on youtube and their attempts at replicating the results of the clean-palmed, spotless clothes wearing installer.

There are a lot of great videos on Youtube that show exactly how to accomplish these tasks, but a lot of these videos, the cleanest looking videos with the professional sound and HD cameras, are not realistic. You may also find that the video is made by a materials manufacturer to show customers how easy installation is, even though it's not. If you're determined to do it yourself, find videos from guys and gals who are very visibly on a job site. Also choose videos that display the end results and lead to a business website, not a DIY website and not a manufacturer's website. Trade professionals want to show their abilities to get hired. DIY websites and manufacturer videos want you to think you can do everything yourself and purchase a product. What happens if you make a mistake during a flooring installation? You're forced to buy more product. Manufacturers know this and I believe they use it to their advantage.

To that point, watch carefully while th instructor goes through the steps required for installation. Does it look like what they're doing takes a “special touch”? In most cases, it will. That means, as respectfully as I can put this, that you don't have that special touch (yet). Tile, for example, is easy to lay down in a way that makes it look good once the installation is complete. To make it look good in 10 years, without cracking tiles, failing grout or tiles that separate from the surface completely, takes the proper skills.

If you're absolutely determined to do a major aspect of your home remodeling project, please, practice first. Buy a small amount of what you will be using, all materials, adhesives, fasteners, etc, at a reused materials store. Habitat for Humanity's “Re-Store” is a great resource for these kinds of activities. For example, if you're taking on a tile job go buy a few tiles, some backer, mortar, grout, sealer.. everything you would need to do the job. When you're done ask yourself how hard it was to complete a 2' x 2' project. Now imagine the real size needed and ask if you're capable. You may be, but you may never want to cut, mortar, grout or seal tile again. Likewise with flooring, buy a box at a recycling center and click it together in the corner of your living room. Try a few cuts that will go around/under door jams. How does it look? Did you damage any? Do you have all the tools you need? If so, go for it. If not, please call a licensed professional.

It will always cost more for a contractor to fix a customer's mistake than it will for them to do the job from the beginning.