Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, there are some things you should never do when remodeling your house. For starters, don’t buy your own materials. If you do, you’ll likely end up having to pay more than you should for them. Also, be sure to check that the house is structurally sound before you begin. This will ensure that there are no leaks or other issues, and that the house will not end up damaged in the process.
Don’t put lipstick on a pig
Putting lipstick on a pig is a phrase that has been used for many years as a metaphor for trying to make something unattractive more attractive. It has been cited in the media and used by political figures in the United States, such as Barack Obama, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton.
The phrase is derived from the phrase “pearls before swine” that is attributed to Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. Pearls are a precious item that should not be wasted. Swine are often used to describe a filthy animal. These phrases have been used since biblical times, and are used as a verbal shorthand for something that is unattractive or crude.
The phrase is also used to describe a home improvement project. When a homeowner is remodeling their home, they often worry that their contractor will take a shortcut by attempting cosmetic improvements. While this may sound harmless, cosmetic improvements can damage the foundation or new finishes of a home. Before a home is remodeled, it should be properly leveled and stabilized. Also, homeowners should consider whether the home is too old to be remodeled. If a home is too old, it might have more serious problems that should be addressed.
In 2007, McCain used the phrase to describe his opponent’s policies. When Obama used the phrase in a campaign speech, McCain responded by claiming that Obama was referring to Sarah Palin, the vice president-elect of the United States.
Don’t let pets and kids get in the way
Adding pets and kids to the mix can make a remodel more difficult. However, with a little planning and a bit of foresight, you can avoid any untoward surprises. The following tips should help you get the most out of your renovations.
First off, you’ll want to keep your pets occupied while the workmen are busy. There are several ways to do this. One is to rent a pet friendly Airbnb or two. You can also look for local pet “day care” services. Another option is to ask your contractor to put away any hazardous materials. Finally, don’t forget to ask your contractor to show you the best way to handle pets during construction. They may even be willing to let you borrow a few items for a small fee.
In the end, your pet’s best interests should always be your top priority. The best way to ensure that this happens is to communicate with your contractor from the outset. Make sure that you discuss all of your pet’s medical needs. Also, be sure to make arrangements for transportation.
Don’t buy your own materials
Buying your own materials when remodeling your house is not always the smartest move. While you may be interested in saving money, buying quality materials is probably a better choice. The most obvious stipulation is that you have to get your materials quickly to avoid project delays.
A good contractor should be able to answer your questions about where to find the best deals. If you are lucky, you may be able to score a bargain at a home improvement store. If not, you might need to look beyond your local area to find the best price. There are even places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore where you can score quality used materials for a fraction of the price.
It is not a bad idea to look into doing the remodeling yourself, as long as you do your homework. In addition to comparing contractors and their price quotes, you should look into buying recycled materials for your home remodel. These recycled items are not only better for the environment, but they will save you money in the long run.
Another good reason to buy your own materials is that you can keep any leftover materials for another project. If you don’t use it, you can always return it to the store and get credit for it. Of course, you can’t do this if the store is closed.
Don’t move the toilet
Keeping the major plumbing lines in place can save you significant money. For example, a 3-inch drain line could cost thousands of dollars to move. By keeping the spigot in place, you can save yourself a lot of headaches.
There are a few ways you can save money on a bathroom remodel. One is to have your plumber do the work. Besides, it’s no fun to fix a broken pipe, especially if you don’t have the skills or tools to do it yourself.
Moving the toilet is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel. It’s also the most complicated. You may have to remove a toilet from the bathroom, open up the ceiling, and even dig up some plumbing. In addition, you’ll have to find a way to move the toilet to a new location without destroying the rest of the plumbing. You may also have to install new piping.
The best way to do the toilet moving is to hire an experienced plumber. This is a big job, and you don’t want to have to deal with it on your own. You also want to make sure you are following the plumbing codes. This will prevent costly repairs down the road. You may even want to use a wet dry shop vac to clean up any water spills.
The best way to get the most out of your bathroom remodel is to keep the bathroom layout as consistent as possible. This will minimize mess and also speed up the process.
Make sure the house is safe
Whether you are a do-it-yourself homeowner or a construction worker, safety is important. When you are remodeling your house, you need to make sure that the house is safe for your family. This means that you need to follow all safety codes and keep the house clean. You should also have plenty of safety gear such as masks.
You should also keep your kids out of the work zone. You should also keep them away from sharp tools and machines. You should also educate them about the dangers of the materials used in remodeling and the power tools. You should also warn them about strangers.
You should also keep your pets away from the work zone. If you have children, you need to set up rules and regulations so that the kids know what to do. You should also have an alarm system set up so that you can alert you if someone is trying to get into your house. You can also set up lights and televisions so that you will be able to see when someone is trying to enter your house.
You should also seal off the work zone and keep the house clean. You should also make sure that you do not disturb any asbestos. If you find that your home has asbestos, you should contact a professional who can help you.