By Arrol Gellner
It's just possible that Americans are the handiest people on earth. We think nothing of fixing our own cars, upgrading our own computers, or making our own clothes. Whole industries have grown up around the mantra of Do-It-Yourself. Most of all, though, we love to fiddle with our own homes. While that may not seem like a big deal to you, believe me, it is. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Parisian with a Skilsaw in his hand. In Europe, Asia, and in most other places, it wouldn't even occur to people to attempt an unfamiliar job when there was a specialist around to do it.
Americans, on the other hand, delight in being jacks-of-all-trades. Maybe this cultural trait is rooted in old Yankee attitudes of hard work and self-sufficiency. Then again, maybe we just love to tinker. Whatever the reason, the soaring popularity of home-improvement emporia and Do-It-Yourself TV shows makes it plain that this national trait is going strong.
Still, as that sage Dirty Harry once observed: "A man's got to know his limitations." (I expect he meant women too.) Some projects may simply not be worth your while - not because they're beyond your abilities, but because their learning curves are too long to be contained in one project. Having tried my hand at just about every trade except carpet laying, here's my personal rundown on what's worth your time and what isn't:
- Concrete work that will be hidden, such as minor foundations, can usually be pulled off by a novice, but don't expect to do on-the-job learning at large-scale work such as floor slabs and patios. Concrete is notoriously unforgiving.
- Framing basics can be picked up in a fairly short time, and the results are gratifyingly visible. Unlike concrete work, framing is also manageably paced. However, make sure you're fluent with a spirit level, or you'll be fighting crooked walls and floors for the balance of the project.
- Rough plumbing and electrical work are only so-so candidates for DIY. It's not the physical work that's difficult; it's knowing what goes where. Plumbing and electrical codes are complex, and mistakes can be costly or even deadly. Proceed with caution.
- Insulation work is easily accomplished by a handyperson, though it's among the most uncomfortable of all jobs; those devilish little glass fibers find their way everywhere. Don't fail to wear the appropriate protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
- Hanging drywall is not too difficult if you have a good strong back. However, plan to spend three to four times longer at this job than a pro would.
- Taping and texturing is equal parts of skill and art, and for practical purposes, a botched job is irreversible. Hang the drywall if you must, but be leery of on-the-job training in tape and texture. If you're really fired up about doing your own, take a course first.
- Painting is a trade that many attempt but few master. I've seen lots of otherwise stellar DIY projects ruined at the last minute by a paint-splattering maniac, so unless you're truly handy with a brush, swallow your pride and hire a pro. It's a final touch that can make a big difference.
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