More than 80 percent of respondents to a recent Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com) poll go the do-it-yourself route because they want to save money. But one in five of those who dared to DIY had to call in a pro to finish the job and/or undo the damage they had done.
More than a few DIYers ended up in the ER, too, including a man who nearly cut his fingers off with a table saw. Running for bandages, he tripped and hit his head on the deck he was trying to build. Final tally: twisted ankle, three cut fingers and a concussion.
More than 60 percent of Angie’s List members are planning home improvement projects in 2009. Nearly a third of them will at least try to DIY.
“Frankly, I’m a little worried,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.
A 2007 Center for Injury Research and Policy study indicates that 136,000 Americans will end up hurt from falls from ladder this year. Last year, nail gun mishaps sent 35,000 Americans to the E.R. The Angie’s List poll showed 10 percent of members got hurt during DIY. Excerpts:
• “I just nearly blinded myself when I moved a 12-foot ladder with a 10-pound hammer on top of it. The hammer fell, bounced off my shoulder and then off my face. I look pretty.”
• “While I held the tree limb my father-in-law used a chain saw to cut it. The saw cut through so fast and my arm was in the way and it got nicked (not off). Off to the ER with only a very close call.”
• “An extension ladder slipped backward underneath me causing a 10 to12-foot fall. Treated at emergency room. Out of work for a week.”
• “My husband always ends up with various bruises and cuts after working on home improvement projects; not to mention the frequent bruised ego when things don’t work out.”
3 questions to ask before daring to DIY:
1. What experience do I have? Just because you’re not afraid to take on a project – doesn’t mean you should. Be realistic about your skills. Not having the expertise could lead to additional costs and work. Also, you might find it difficult to find a contractor who will fix your snafu.
2. Do I have time? Many DIY projects take weeks rather than days. Measure the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional.
3. Do I have tools? Consider what special tools you’ll need for your project. If you have to go out and buy a power saw, but don’t plan to use it again in the future, it’s probably not a good investment.
Ditching DIY? Start hiring process with these 3 tips:
• Call at least three contractors: Check references and/or business standing on Angie’s List or similar services before hiring anyone. Avoid contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service.
• Communicate your ideas: Explain what updates/repairs you want done to your home. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of what your expectations are and what you are hoping to accomplish.
• Get estimates: Once you’ve described your project, take the time to get at least a few different estimates for your job. And get it in writing – documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.
