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Know If You're Up To Task Mastering

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2008

The folks at Angie's List got our attention with this dramatically cautionary photo of a member's DIY project gone bad. (He shot himself with a nail gun during a basement remodel. Ouch.)

"As you can see," intones the accompanying warning, "attempting to do it yourself isn't always the best idea."

With people giving up on selling their homes, at least for the time being, more are satisfying their House Beautiful lust with home remodels. In a recent poll, Angie's List's members estimated they'll spend 13 percent more this year over last on such projects.

Some projects you can tackle yourself. Others may land you in the emergency room - or end up costing more than a Citizens insurance policy.

When is it time to call a professional? Here's Angie's List's advice:

1. Evaluate the experience and skills necessary for the job. If you don't have them, you run the risk of paying to undo your damage. If you can find someone willing to do that.

2. Do you have the time? Many projects take weeks rather than days. Be realistic.

3. Do you have the right tools? If you have to buy a power saw with no foreseeable future use, it's probably not a good investment.

When it comes time to choose a contractor, call at least three. Check references. Put the red flags up if contractors give you a post office box instead of a street address or use only an answering service.

Explain the work you want done; even rough ideas on paper.

Get a few different estimates - in writing.

Get information about Angie's List at www.angieslist.com and consumer tips at www.angieslisttips.com/.

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