Purchasing your first home is a thrilling experience, but one of your earliest realizations is that you can't call the super anymore for small repairs. For many issues, contacting a professional is the right decision, but why pay a lot of money for work you can do yourself? Our real estate agents will tell you that keeping on top of the little things will help put your house at the top of the list of Cedar City homes for sale if you ever choose to sell. Before you start your DIY project make sure you do these things.

Pick a Project
Before you ever put in an offer, you probably had an idea of a few things you wanted to change or add to the house. Maybe you want to add a ceiling fan to the den or a couple of shelves in the laundry room. Perhaps the bathroom could use a different color of paint. Before you tackle a project, make sure it's manageable and doesn't require major construction or a skill set you don't have. Contractors generally charge a lot more money to fix customer's mistakes than they do for the original job.

Analyze the Cost
Have you ever thought something carried an outrageous price tag, and you could do it yourself, but when all was said and done, you had spent more money than the one you had priced? Don't feel bad. We've all done it. To avoid such frustration, make sure all expenses are included in your budget. Supplies and tools all add up, and never forget the value of your own time. Doing something because you enjoy it is one thing, but a project can put more strain on you than it is worth. On the other hand, doing small projects is a way of collecting necessary tools to keep around the house, so there is value in that.

Study the Process
Be sure to do your research online on Pinterest and Youtube. Watch the videos carefully to make sure you know exactly what you need to do and assess your skills accordingly. Don't hesitate to practice. A task may look easy, but don't expect to know how to use a power tool the first time you turn it on. There's no shame in practicing drilling holes in a piece of scrap wood.

Acquire Necessary Tools
If you have thoroughly researched the process, you will know exactly what tools you require. Don't skimp or substitute. If you need a Phillips screwdriver, don't settle for a flat head. Ask yourself whether the tool should become a part of your collection for future work or if it will be used only once. Most home maintenance stores have tool rental programs for expensive items with limited use.

Purchase Supplies
When you've determined that you're going to take up the project and you've done all of your homework, it's time to go shopping. Make a list and follow it to the letter. Include anything you need to support clean-up efforts, such as plastic drop cloths, work gloves, and masking tape. You don't want to find yourself running back to the hardware store for something in mid-project.

When the work is complete, and the mess cleaned up, take a moment to stand back and be proud of your accomplishment. You've earned it! If you're ready to start your adventures in home maintenance, contact us to schedule tours of area homes.