Want to win $1,000.00 worth of bathroom work??

 

 

 

Go check out your bathroom - what would you change if you could??  Tub looking it's age, floor needs to be updated?  We are excited to announce that The Tub Doctors, Inc. has teamed up with Fox 6 to give one (1) lucky winner $1,000.00 bathroom makeover. 

 

Tub reglazed, new floor installed, new vanity/light fixture, remodel entire bath.....Take that $1,000.00 and use it for those things.  Can't win if you don't sign up!!! 

 

Click to Enter!!!    Don't wait too long.  Contest only runs until 10-14.  Winner will be announced on 10-15!

 



Do It Yourself??

After being in the remodeling industry for the past 23 years, I'm a firm believer in hiring professionals for projects that I am not familar with.   That's not to say that DIY projects can't be done - they can be extremely rewarding and fun if you are prepared and have the proper skills. However, you need to be aware that big home improvement projects can be hazardous to your wallet and, more importantly, to your health.

Before you start a Do It Yourself project you might want to check out this article for NARI.  This quiz is not meant to scare you away from DIY projects but just food for thought prior to starting that project. 

DIY or Not? When to Do It Yourself Saturday, April 28, 2007

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry; however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few problems.

Before you decide to do-it-yourself, we recommend taking this DIY quiz:

Answer Yes or No

• Do you enjoy physical work?
• Are you persistent and patient?
• Do you have reliable work habits - meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?
• Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
• What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
• Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
• Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
• Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
• Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
• Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)
• Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance? If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?
• Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? (Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed professional in order to meet code. It is best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.)
• What will you do if the project goes awry? (Most contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job, and many just won't take them.)
• Is it safe for you to do this project? (If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity - leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize those.)
• Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?
• Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons? If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make - i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?
• If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done - can you ensure that the job will be "well done"? If it doesn't come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

If you answered yes to more than half of these questions, you might attempt a DIY project. But before you run for the nearest hardware store, revisit those questions you marked "No" and carefully consider the potential problems you will face in those areas if you proceed with the project. Hiring a professional might still be your best choice.

Have you ever used distilled white vinegar for cleaning?

You may want to after reading this:

Household mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be a danger to your health, if left untreated. Many brand name mold removers are effective, but aren't exactly the safest and cost-effective solution.

For instance, Lysol costs around $4.50 for a 32-ounce bottle, but is made with harsh chemicals that aren't necessary to get the job done. According to DIY Life, many products are made with chlorine bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite. When mixed with water, sodium hypochlorite forms hypochlorous acid, which can be harmful to your skin, eyes and lungs.

So, how can you get rid of mold in a safer, more inexpensive way? Reach for a bottle of vinegar. White distilled vinegar can kill 82 percent of mold, and is effective in removing any mold-associated odors. A gallon of vinegar costs around $3, which is just 2 cents per ounce. When compared with the cost of Lysol, vinegar is seven times cheaper. You can't beat that.

Simply mix three parts vinegar with two parts water. Pour into a spray bottle, shake well and spray on the unsuspecting mold. You'll be amazed by the results.

So, when it comes to mold removal, pass on the harsh chemicals and choose this natural solution instead. Your home and your wallet will thank you.