Life under quarantine can get extremely boring. Most of us have been stuck at home for months now. To overcome the boredom, you might start to consider doing some simple renovations around the house. Or, you might encounter a few mishaps that require immediate fixing, like a busted pipe, a ruined faucet, or some broken electrical wires.
Had we been in the pre-pandemic days, you would’ve called for the professionals to renovate your home or do maintenance repairs. However, we are in the middle of a pandemic. Letting strangers in your house will be the last thing you want to do.
So what do you do? Chances are, you’re going to take matters into your own hands. After all, doing it yourself doesn’t sound like a bad idea, especially if the task seems achievable.
But there are times when DIY projects take a wrong turn. In fact, recent data showed that DIY home accidents account for the majority of emergency room admissions for accidental injuries. In the U.S. alone,around 13 million people are injured every year while carrying out DIY repairs at home. Worse, some of these accidents turn out to be fatal, according to the National Institutes of Health.
These accidents are often caused by several malpractices among DIY amateurs. From underestimating tasks to not observing safety measures, here are some of the most common DIY mistakes that you should avoid:
1. You overestimate your capabilities.
Starting a DIY project can be quite exciting. Just the thought of building things or fixing stuff on your own is already rewarding. However, such enthusiasm often leads DIY amateurs to overestimate their abilities. They tend to underestimate the complexity of the task and start an ambitious project despite their lack of skills. Sadly, such carelessness often leads to bad outcomes.
Before starting any DIY project or repair, try to assess if the task is doable, given your skills and available resources. If it seems easy but requires a lot of work, ask other family members to help you. However, if things get too complicated, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals like plumbers, electrical service providers, and engineers to fix the problem.
2. You try to use alternative tools.
You might find yourself not having the right tools while doing your project. Hence, you try to come up with alternatives to compensate for the lack of resources. However, using make-shift equipment often leads to grave accidents.
Recent data from the National Safety Council showed that over 800,000 Americans are admitted every year due to fall injuries. Head injuries and hip fractures are the most common, while home repairs and DIY projects are the main culprits.
There is a specific tool for every task. Some jobs may even require specialty equipment to complete. Check your supplies first before starting any DIY project or repair. If you can’t afford to buy the right equipment, then opt to borrow from friends or family members.
You can also seek advice from DIY experts to help you choose the proper tools for the job. Lastly, never skip the instruction manual. Failure to operate the tools properly can lead to disastrous results and serious accidents.
3. You do not do your research.
Most DIY amateurs jump into the task blindly. Doing your homework before starting any project or home repair is extremely vital, more so if you’re doing things on your own.
Prepare yourself by reading up on relevant articles about your project. Watch video tutorials on how to do the task properly. Interact with DIY experts via social media or online forums for more tips. Educating yourself first can make a difference in the success of your DIY project.
4. You fail to dress for the job.
Starting any DIY project or home repair is already risky. But failing to wear protective gear is far more dangerous. In fact, around 55,000 fatal accidents in the U.S. are caused by unsafe DIY practices, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Avoid wearing exposed house clothes and footwear like sleeveless shirts, shorts, and slippers for DIY work. Protect yourself with gloves, work boots, and safety goggles for heavy-duty jobs like drilling, hammering, or any electrical work. Dressing appropriately for any DIY job can prevent serious injuries from happening by at least 50%.
DIY projects are arguably more cost-efficient and fulfilling, especially when done right and safely. Avoiding these common mistakes can make any project you work on go a lot smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. However, if things get too complicated, it is best to call in the experts.
