Bob Vila, the host of This Old House, knows his way around home improvement projects. From bathroom remodeling to kitchen renovations, he’s got experience with it all – and he’s passed on some solid advice to help novices become experts.
If you’re interested in Bob Vila home improvement projects but have no idea where to start, consider the expertise of Bob Vila, a master contractor and one of the most popular TV personalities that taught people how to tackle remodeling projects and Bob Vila home improvement projects. Here are five tips from Bob Vila on how to do it yourself with confidence!
Analyze Everything Beforehand
If you’ve never attempted a DIY Bob Vila home improvement project before, it’s best to start with something simple, like painting a small room, so you can gauge how you feel about all the necessary preparation (measurement, sanding, cleaning, etc.). If you find the experience to be difficult, it may be time to bring in some help from the pros.
The first thing to remember is that every room in your house can be made better. If you’re not happy with your kitchen, dining room, or living room, it’s easy enough to change the layout and make it more functional. You can even add a second bathroom if you have one that’s undersized.
Another important aspect of do-it-yourself projects is realizing when you’ve reached your limits. Putting in a dimmer switch is simple, but mending or rewiring connections presents several hazards. Unless you are a trained expert, you should not attempt any electrical, gas, heating, or plumbing repairs. Experts like Bob Vila and others agree that this is a must-have.
Tile Shopping
Tile requirements are determined by multiplying the square footage of the area to be tiled by its length and width, with 5% added for waste. In case you need to make repairs or replace a few tiles, it’s smart to stock up on more than that.
Kitchen Design Plan
The concept of a “work triangle” in a kitchen is not new to most people. Yet a second criterion governs kitchen design, and that is the placement of workstations. The sink should serve as the cleanup station, the stove as the preparation area, and the fridge as the storage area.
Aluminum or Steel Shingles
Metal roofing may be more expensive, but it’s a good choice for homes in high-risk areas since embers can’t start a fire on it. These roofs are also environmentally friendly because they are made up of at least 25% recycled materials (and maybe recycled again after they have been removed).
Look At the Bigger Picture
Finally, think about how long the undertaking will take. Certain Bob Vila home improvement projects can be finished in a day or weekend and others that could take weeks or months. You don’t want to be stuck without a kitchen (or a toilet) for any longer than is necessary, so be sure to plan.
The Takeaway!
What sets Vila apart from the rest of the DIY crowd is his unique perspective on popular trends. The influence of millennials in the do-it-yourself industry is not lost on him. How (perhaps inspired by Mad Men) they have resurrected the aesthetics of the ’50s and ’60s, complete with sleek modern lines, bold primary colors, loads of white, and cool grays!
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Photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash
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