The DIY Educator

       What To Look For, Pre-Hiring        To be honest with you, the hiring of a service technician isn’t as complex as it may seem, as a long as you know what to look for. In the first part of this blog I will go over some key point that you should be alerted to. The first thing to ask is, are you a licensed contractor? The next question should be, do you have insurance? Most reputable service contractors, you find will have both. Being licensed doesn’t guarantee they will do a good job, or that the company has immense customer service skills, but is does guarantee that they have a stake in the project, because they have something at risk. Here is a sample of what the insurance form the contractor issues you should look like.      When the contractor is preparing the insurance document, you should always ask to be named as the certificate holder, and also the additional insured. Also, always call the insurance company to verify. Y...

     When it comes to home energy savings, there are a lot of factors that play an important part of the equation. One major thing to know is that, a minor improvement to your home can go a long way. As a BPI®️ Certified Energy Auditor I perform a stream of tests on homes, the results are then put into a formula that provides an SIR (Savings to Investment Ratio). Based on these SIR’s , I would develop a scope of work for the most effective energy saving measures. In the industry, it is commonly known that insulation always provides an energy efficient improvement to your house, enough to get a favorable SIR . In this blog we talk about insulation in particular, so let’s get into it. We will start by going over the different type of common insulation, and there pros and cons.  Common Types Of Insulation     Fiberglass Batt               Cellulose Insulation  Spray Foam Mineral Wool Polyurethane  Let us start with...

     Drywall has been referred to as many names (Gypsum Board, Sheetrock®️, Plasterboard, and Wallboard. Some of the advantages of using drywall include: low cost materials, and ease of installation and finishing. Drywall can also bring some additional features such as sound control, and fire resistance. Along with advantages come disadvantages, and some of these are: the ability to work with a curved area, and  low durability from cuts or impact. Drywall is made up of gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate), paper. And other elements such as mica, clay and resin. You can getDrywall in different thicknesses, 1/4” being the thinnest, the most common size is 1/2”. In some cases you can even use 5/8” for fire resistant applications. Drywall can come in many variations, but some of the most common are: Regular drywall, mold-resistant Drywall, Fire resistant Drywall, Soundproofing Drywall, VOC Absorbing Drywall, and Plasterboard. Although drywall installation and finishing has...

       One of the most commonly asked questions asked when it comes to a kitchen remodel, is can I do it myself. Today in this blog we will navigate through the steps of a kitchen remodel, and by the end of it, you will be able to answer the question, CAN I DO IT MYSELF . Very similar to the steps of a bathroom remodel as mentioned in my previous blog; a kitchen remodel can also bring some complex adversities. As I always mention "Know Your Strengths", you must know when it is absolutely necessary to hire a professional. DIY Ed. Philosophy No. 1: Write Your Vision and Make It Plain . The simpler you vision the easier it is for those assisting you to understand. The planning stage, which includes your vision for the space is the most important task, because it is the task that provides you with direction. So let us get into planning your next project. Below you will find bullet point of the different stages of the remodel process. Project Vision, Planning and Design (...

Bathroom remodeling can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure success. In this blog, we'll guide you through the 12 essential steps to help you achieve the perfect bathroom remodel. 1. Project Planning: Start by establishing a clear vision for your bathroom remodel. Determine the desired layout, features, and overall design. Create a realistic budget and timeline, taking into consideration any permits or inspections that may be required. If you are hiring a contractor, be sure to thoroughly go over your expected goals. Sometime it may be beneficial to hire an Interior Designer to put your vision on paper. Consult with any additional professionals as needed to ensure a smooth remodeling process. 2. Picking Your Finishes: Selecting the right finishes can make all the difference in your bathroom's appearance and functionality. Consider the style, color, and material of your tile for walls and floors, lighting, fa...