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Home
Improvement Projects---MAKING UP
YOUR MIND TO BEGIN YOUR PROJECT
Getting up the nerve to begin your home improvement project can be
exasperating to say the least. One moment you're gung-ho and ready to
tackle the job...the next minute you're almost suffering from anxiety
attacks.
But you shouldn't allow these roller coaster feelings to continue to
prevent you from doing what you really want to do. And besides, after a
quarter of a century as a home improvement contractor, I
sometimes still get these same feelings.
It remind me of the butterflies I would get just before kick-off, when
I was playing football back in the day. So,
if you are having uneasy feelings and doubting yourself, just put
your foot down and make a commitment to start the job immediately and
do it. Don't get caught up worrying about making mistakes because
mistakes are really nothing more than growing pains. That's right. We
all are human and we all make mistakes, but you can profit from your
mistakes and turn those bloopers into building blocks.
Truth is, most contractors, if not all; either started out working for
another contractor, or maybe like me, they stepped in and took a head
first plunge. And when you talk about stepping in head first, you know
you're talking about growing pains. I started out as an exterior
painting contractor, and I had very little experience. I didn't even
know the difference between oli-base paint and water base paint
(latex). But I didn't let that stop me from earning my first pay check
as a contractor. Sure, I made a multitude of mistakes, and I still
cringe when I think about them even today...twenty-five years later.
But it was through these growing pains that I learned my craft. And
over the years I have been able to expand my list of crafts.
Today, my company is a full service home improvement
contracting firm that offers many services. I said that to say this;
although you might be experiencing doubts about whether you
can do it or not, don't allow these thoughts and feelings to paralyzed
you, instead, make a commitment to see the job through. First, get all
the information you can about the particular task you are
contemplating, then study it thoroughly. There might even be some
videos that are available on line (internet) for you to view, if so, by
all means view the videos as many times as it take for you to get a
clear understanding of what you will be doing and how to best do it.
If possible, practice before you start the project in earnest. I'm hear
to tell you that practice can help you become a better craftsman. I
view each and every one of my jobs as a practice, in hopes of bettering
my performance each and every project. My objective is to continue to
strive to be a better craftsman...and that's after twenty-five years of
doing the same task over and over again. I never want to become
complacent and feel satisfied with my work performance. And by the same
token I never want to reach a stage where I feel I know enough,
instead, I want to learn as much as I can and stay abreast of all the
new and innovative changes that are taking place in this industry every
day.
To be sure, the work that I do is not rocket science, and you really
don't have to have a high intellectual capacity to succeed in this
business, but
one thing you do need to have and that is the willingness to be the
best craftsman that you can possibly be, all the while staying abreast
with the industry's latest changes. If not, you will not be able to
provide your clients/customers with the best service possible...and
that's not fair to them or to yourself.
Starting out by doing your own home improvement project could just very
well be a door opener for bigger and better things for you, but if not,
just being able to say that you did your own home improvement project
yourself will certainly boost your self esteem, as well as save you
money; if you have the time and energy, why not? We all had to start at
some point--let this be yours.
Remember, even if the outcome is less than perfect you still are to be
commended for overcoming your fears and going forward with your
project. And you are the better for it too. Let this be a spring board
for future references. No matter the outcome you really have succeeded
and deserves to be congratulated for it.
One note of caution in closing, always use common sense and do not
jeopardize your safety and the safety of others by attempting to do a
dangerous job that should only be done by licensed professionals. And
always call a reputable contractor if in doubt about anything at all.
And be sure to check with your local officials concerning codes,
regulations and licensing permits. Thank you and good luck.
If
you find this article helpful, please consider making a donation to the
author. Thank you kindly.
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The
author of this article is not responsible for any
injuries that
might be sustained from implementing any type of home improvement work.
Please note that this article is written for the sole purpose of
informing and entertaining.
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