Hints to Prevent Home Improvement Haywire

Ready for the latest top 10 list?

This one will be of particular interest to weekend warriors who wield hammers, paint brushes and screw drivers.

Vince Rogers, Store Associate of JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware shares a top 10 list of the most common mistakes, mishaps and miscues he has witnessed in his more than 35 years in the hardware business, while offering solutions for each misstep in the home.

1. Buying cheap tools.Having the proper tools helps DIYers (do-it-yourselfers) complete home improvement tasks safely and successfully. Cheap tools are not as durable or reliable. Better quality tools improve a homeowner’s chances of gaining quality results. Plus, when tools come with a lifetime guarantee that really means they are guaranteed for life.
   
2. Choosing the wrong paint finishes for your home.There are two simple rules to abide by when deciding on which paint finishes to use in your home – flat paint is best for ceilings and satin or eggshell paint should be used for walls. The latter finishes resist stains better than other finishes and have a more lustrous look, making them an excellent choice for playrooms, halls and bathrooms.
   “For best results DIYers also should use two finish coats of paint for every wall or ceiling project,” says Rogers. “And, most importantly, remember that preparation is 90 percent of a good paint job.”
   
3. Avoiding regular maintenance issues in the home.Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or cleaning out the gutters, it helps if homeowners can keep a regular maintenance schedule. It not only will prevent more complex problems, but also allow a homeowner more time and energy to focus on challenging, more time-consuming home improvement projects.
   
4. Avoiding maintenance of the furnace and air conditioning units.Replacing the furnace filter with a high-grade pleated filter that removes dust, pollen and pet dander from air circulating in the home will improve energy efficiency and performance. Be sure to regularly clean out the furnace filter, as well as the air ducts in the air conditioning unit.
   
5. Improper ladder safety.Improper usage of a ladder can lead to serious injuries. Whether it’s an exterior painting project or cleaning out those hard-to-reach gutters, simple advice – such as keeping your body centered on the ladder and climbing the ladder face-forward while only moving one step at a time – can lead to a safer, successful project.
   
6. Failure to conduct routine safety checks.“Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors are not only a must, but they should be regularly monitored for accuracy and effectiveness,” says Rogers. “In addition, develop a fire safety escape strategy and practice it with everyone in the home.”
   
7. Not obtaining the proper permits to meet certain local and state requirements.Too many times DIYers get frustrated with all the red tape involved with home building and remodeling, so they fail to obtain proper permitting. Remember though that permits and housing laws exist for theirs’ and their neighbors’ safety. Proper permits set a standard for both homeowners and professions and, most importantly, protect a homeowner’s single most important investment – their home.
   
8. Irregular lawn mower maintenance.Just like a car, lawn mowers require routine maintenance to prolong their life. Replacing and sharpening the blades on a lawn mower is the key to lawn mower maintenance. Without doing so, the mower is forced to work harder and use up more gasoline than necessary.
9. Not knowing your limitations.“Do-it-yourself doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own,” says David May, Store Manager. “Although a homeowner may be capable of painting a room or fixing a leaky faucet, some areas of the home, such as the electrical system, should be left to a hired professional.”

For more home improvement advice, visit JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware,www.jswest.com or visit www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers@Ace icon. Answers@Ace is an online resource with information for do-it-yourselfers about hardware and home improvement projects. The Everyday Projects section has pictures and detailed, step-by-step instructions for this and many more home improvement projects. JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware 730 South Washington St.,Sonora, Ca For further information contact:Vince Rogers, JS West Associate 209-532-7446. JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware, serving Sonora for almost 100 years!