DIY vs. PRO: Ideas & Safety Tips on Repairing or Remodeling Your Mobile Home

Guest blogger, Paul from Dad Knows DIY, joins us to share some tips and hints on upgrading and maintaining your home.

Paul’s blogis a wealth of information, from concrete and paint calculators to bird house tutorials–there’s a little something for everyone. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Famous radio host Andy Rooney said,

“Don’t rule out working with your hands. It does not preclude using your head.”

There is a deep satisfaction that comes from working with your hands. It encourages a better understanding of your surroundings and teaches you valuable lessons about the labor involved in keeping your house at its full potential.

With a plethora of online and other resources, mobile homeowners have access to a vast collection of information that can help when the need for certain renovations or repairs arises. Of course, some projects require deeper knowledge and understanding of the work, but others could be learned hands-on if one is careful and conscious of certain safety aspects.

Depending on your level of experience consider some basic guidelines:

Using Hand Tools and Power Tools

Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests these basic five rules:

1. Keep all tools in good condition
2. Make sure you are using the correct tool for the job at hand
3. Observe tools for damage before use
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
5. Use protective equipment like safety goggles and gloves

Power tools are particularly dangerous when used improperly. Power tools can be electric, hydraulic, liquid-fuel, or power actuated.

This is why you want to keep in mind these few tips:

• Never carry a tool from the cord or hose
• Keep cords or hoses away from heat or sharp edges
• Disconnect tools when not in use or when cleaning or sharpening them
• Wear proper apparel. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry.

Ladder Tips

For projects such as painting and ceiling renovation, keep in mind that you may have to reach up high. Family Handyman reviews some common ladder setup tips, to ensure you can climb a ladder safely, even in imperfect conditions.

• Secure the feet. Make sure the ladder can’t slip backward. On decks, for example, you can screw a 2×4 cleat to keep it in place.
• Make sure the top of the ladder is secure and on a flat surface
• Secure the top of the ladder by tying it to an anchor
• Wear a tool belt that can free up your hands while climbing

Common DIY Projects

The Do It Yourself Network proposes a few DIY ideas that are easy to tackle, could add value to your mobile home and will save you money:

Painting:

One quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to spice up your mobile home is by giving it a new paint job, which makes rooms look fresh and clean.

Popcorn Ceilings:

Eliminate the old and dated look of popcorn ceilings. Purchase a solution to soften the texture and then scrape it away.

Minor Bathroom Renovations/Repairs:

If you can’t afford a complete remodel you can do a few minor updates that will yield a big return. For example, installing a new tile floor, new vanity, and new mirrors.

A new vanity can be relatively inexpensive and can brighten an outdated mobile home bathroom.

The Balance has a variety of ideas for stylish and easy DIY vanities.

Minor Kitchen Renovations/Repairs:

Another way to add quick value to your home is by repairing or renovating a small part of the kitchen. This could include, as The Spruce suggests, kitchen countertops, painting cabinets, and replacing cabinet doors.

And while there are plenty of DIY resources, there are some projects better left to the pros. This is to avoid deep damage to your home, avoid injury, or even losing money and/or investments. According to the Huffington Post, these could include:

• Structural repairs and renovations
• Electric work
• Complex plumbing
• Roofing
• Adding or replacing windows

Doing hands-on repairs and renovations to your mobile home not only adds value to your mobile home and protects it from bigger damage later, but it can be rather satisfying to know that your home is partly built with your love and care.

As you do small DIY projects and learn to use power tools safely and effectively, you may become more comfortable and perhaps venture out into new projects to add more character and personalization to your mobile home.

If the job involves any of the above, seems complicated or overwhelming, consider hiring a professional. However, don’t let this deter you from trying out new small projects and involving yourself with the upkeep of your own mobile home.