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• Replace washer hoses every four years to avoid a flood.

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• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They don’t last forever. You should change the devices altogether every seven years.

• Your he should basis. A conden clogge weeds coils W unit wo to remodel their to remodel their kitchen or replace tile in the bathroom. The disposable income wasn’t there to hire contractors. People realized they needed to do it themselves. Thus, the YouTube generation of DIYers was born. Today, young Generation Y homeowners are fueling a resurgence in do-it-yourself projects. It amazes me how young couples work eight or 10 hours during the day and then come home and spend several hours completing a project around the house. You can do that when you’re 28 and don’t have to worry about aches and pains the next morning.

• Your heating and cooling system should be inspected on a regular basis. Also, make sure the condensing unit outside is not clogged with debris from the air or weeds. Get rid of any debris on the coils. When the coils are cleaned the unit works more efficiently.

Q: What is a great project a newbie do-it-yourselfer can undertake that isn’t too strenuous or difficult?

A: The first thing you should try is painting. You can paint an entire room for $100 and really make a dramatic change to the room. You may not paint the corners perfectly, or you may spill some paint, but it’s not the end of the world because you can clean it. Painting is easy to learn, and the more you do it the more you get better. It’s a progression.

Q: What should I attempt after painting?

A: I equate do-it-yourself projects to a train ride. Every stop is a little more difficult. Next, you can learn how to refinish a table, change out a door knob, or change a handle on a cabinet. As you successfully complete various projects, the higher your confidence will be.

Q: What do-it-yourself project should people never complete at home?

A: I’m always cautious about telling people to do anything electrical. You really need a healthy understanding of how it works and you need to make sure you’re not going to electrocute yourself or burn the house down.

Q: What are some important things to consider when beginning any home improvement project?

A: There are always three questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to your limitations. Do I have any idea what I’m doing here? Is there a possibility I may hurt myself? Is there a possibility I could harm the house? If you answer no to the first question and yes to the following questions, then you need to hire the help of a professional. The most common mistake people make is biting off more than they can chew.

Q: What do you tell married couples who are wanting to make home improvements?

A: I tell them that if their relationship can survive a home renovation, then they’ll be married for the rest of their lives. A renovation is very hard on a relationship because the couple is living in the house. It’s messy, time-consuming and seemingly endless. I tell couples to find a space that allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy as a family.