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Call them weekend warriors. Millions of Americans tackle home improvement projects every year spending $214 billion, but when it comes to admiring their work, the reviews are mixed.
Most home improvement horror stories stem from painting project faux pas, according to the KILZ Roller Report: Makeover Mistakes Edition, which polled 1,500 self-proclaimed “do-it-yourselfers” across America. America’s top three makeover mistakes, in order of frequency, involve painting, plumbing and general remodeling/makeover touch-ups.
“Painting is one of the easiest ways to quickly and inexpensively change the look of a room,” said Lee Snijders, host of HGTV’s “Design on a Dime.” The trick is making the job look flawless when you’re a beginner. It’s possible for a novice to create a professional-looking paint job. All it requires is the right tools and a few smart insights.”
In fact, three in 10 “do-it-yourselfers” said they were “too intimidated” to attempt painting a room in their home. And when thinking about previous home improvement projects, nearly half of survey respondents who were embarrassed by their results pointed the finger at “poor paint projects.” The Roller Report also found that poor execution when replacing old flooring, windows and lighting fixtures also can turn out to be quite an embarrassment, followed by mismatched furniture.
The good news is home improvement projects can be rebuilt from disastrous to delightful with the addition of a few insider tips. Snijders, who has helped countless homeowners make over their homes, recommends three easy ways to avoid telltale home improvement mistakes.
1. All roller covers are not created equal.
Because roller covers are disposable, many people choose inexpensive ones. However, fibers will come off inexpensive roller covers, mix with the paint and stick to your freshly painted wall. Choose a high-end roller such as KILZ premium woven roller covers. This will help ensure a smooth surface after applying your primer or top coat paint.
2. Laying it on thick doesn’t get the job done faster.
Applying a thick layer of top coat paint doesn’t get the paint project done faster or better. Thick paint will dry unevenly and slowly, leaving an uneven or “wavy” result. The real time saver, used by many professional painters, is to prime first. Primers seal the surface, ensuring the top coat color is not absorbed by the surface. A primer such as KILZ Premium cures in an hour and is water-based, so it can be cleaned up with just soap and water.
3. Don’t rush with the same brush.
Sloppy edging along ceilings and baseboards comes from using the wrong brush. Fine lines, such as those needed when edging, require an angled applicator, such as the KILZ Angle Sash brush. Place the angle in the corner, and make one, long stroke for a straighter line. Larger spaces can be tackled with a wide applicator, like a KILZ Flat brush or a roller.
Whose Fault Was That? When it comes to who in America is making home improvement mistakes, men and women have an equal share. Women say they are most likely to make errors when painting (50 percent), but men make the most mistakes with plumbing projects (48 percent). Sixty percent of KILZ Roller Report respondents said that they have argued with someone about a home improvement project, and as many as 73 percent said this disagreement has been with a spouse. Forty-one percent have blamed their spouse for a makeover mishap, but married men were more likely than married women to admit that they had made a home improvement error. Following the common joke, more married women than married men say they followed the project’s directions.
No matter what the project or who is involved, Snijders says that careful preparation goes a long way. “When you go to the store to buy your supplies, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Receiving advice from a professional about everything from the type of paint to the best brush to use for the project will pay off later.”
Editor’s Note: KILZ is a registered trademark of Masterchem Industry LLC, based in St. Louis, Mo. - ARA |
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