Do you have a romantic reno vision? You know the one where you’re sporting oversized overalls and have a bandana holding back your hair from your adorable paint-speckled nose? While we know these moments can happen while creating your dream home, we’re also here to dish the dirt on doing a DIY home renovation. So, before you wield your hammer and dive right in, check out our DIY renovation do’s and don’ts, a guide that will help you nail it!

DO

DO: TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A job site is rife with potential hazards, hazards you’ll be living alongside. When taking on a home renovation, it’s important to take the proper steps to prevent an  accident or injury. While you can’t anticipate every piece of flying debris, you can prepare to stay safe – wear the appropriate protective gear (including goggles, work boots, hard hat, sturdy gloves, ear plugs), don’t wear clothing that might get caught in tools or machinery, secure loose tools, ensure there’s proper ventilation when painting or staining, don’t climb a ladder without a spotter, and have a first aid kit on hand. Bottom line: safety first.

DON'T

DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW

However strong your enthusiasm may be for being a do-it-yourselfer, there are certain areas in your home renovation that may be beyond your skill set. Regardless of how many times you watch those YouTube videos, you still might not become a talented carpenter or ace electrician. Working outside of your capabilities can become costly, time-consuming, and at worst, dangerous. To use a contractor or trade professional for pieces of the project, gather a few estimates, check references, and ensure they share your overall vision for your home.

In closing, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take a big breath, wipe away the dust, and make sure you pace the project so that it doesn’t overwhelm you, your family, or your bank account.

To make your home reno decisions easy, check out American Standard’s superior technology and wide range of styles for your kitchen and bathrooms.