DYI with a serial home renovator: Embrace the limits

Projects are a lot like a new relationship: a rush of excitement and anticipation followed by a period of reflection or reassessment. Depending on the project's scope, the resulting emotional roller coaster can seem overwhelming. Creating an individual approach to a project can make it easier to manage successfully. List-making is a great way to prioritize what you want to accomplish from start to finish.

For a DIY project, create a list of tasks that you feel comfortable doing on your own and another for those that will require a professional. We know friends who have bartered for professional services, being careful to work with people they trust.

Two of the main limiting factors in a scope of work are budgeting and timing. Creating a budget with an adequate contingency fund for overruns is as important as an accurate schedule for completion. Based on a project's complexity, set aside between 5% and 20% for overages. The budget will drive the scope of the project and should be reviewed regularly.

Schedules should include DIY tasks, subcontracted services, equipment rental, and material deliveries. Be prepared to make changes frequently, as schedules can be affected by weather, material availability, and missing or damaged deliveries.

If you need expert help, hire licensed and bonded subcontractors and request bids in writing. It is essential to document everything in writing to prevent miscommunication.

Once you finish a project, especially if it's your first, make an honest assessment of the experience at completion. Were you able to complete the DIY tasks? Did you keep to the schedule, or were there delays? Did the professional hired meet the requirements and expectations of the work?

Feeling confident and ready for the next project? Know your limitations, be realistic, do your research, and ask questions.