Home Improvement - DIY vs Contract

[NDdomer2]

Just bout my first house. Had a couple questions and thought there were some here that have went through some of these same situations for feedback.

1. Painting - No one likes painting but it is obvoiusly a cost saver to DIY. However, We don't have to move out of our apartment until the 16th. I would have some time to allow some one to come in and paint the entire thing and be done with it. I plan to get a few quotes but does anyone have any idea what it would cost to have a ~1300 sq. ft. (3 bed 2 bath) home painted? Do you think it would be worth it as they would most likely be faster and do a better job.

2. Tree Removal - We have a set of trees in the back yard that aren't very big and are too close together, so some are being smothered out. I plan on getting a fence put around the yard for some privacy and so that the pup can be out and not take off, but the trees have to come down first. Has anyone had to have any trees removed/stumps grinded in a residential area and have an idea of what it may cost per tree?

3. Lawn Mower - Going to buy a push mower tonight from Lowes (wedding git cards). I don't think they offer all brands but what are the highlights of need on a pushmower?

Any other DIY tips etc are also welcome.

 

[D-BOE34]

Paint will depend on if you're doing ceilings, doors and trim. That can raise the cost depending on your doors. I painted for a few years and would quote $1/sqft for just walls. My brother who has painted 20 years will quote between $1.50 and $2. He also has that ability because he does a fantastic job and works off referrals now. Depending on quality of job and what you need, I would look for it to be in that ballpark.

 

[wizards8507]

3. Lawn Mower - Going to buy a push mower tonight from Lowes (wedding git cards). I don't think they offer all brands but what are the highlights of need on a pushmower?

If you have hills, get something with self-propulsion.

 

[dublinirish]

If you have hills, get something with self-propulsion.

i would get self-prop in any case, mowing the lawn is a pain in the arse at the best of times

 

[IrishLax]

I can give you commercial prices for anything you need to done to a structure. However, you being able to find a contractor that will play ball for those numbers if you don't already have a relationship with them is extremely unlikely. Residential costs for everything (roofing, painting, drywall, masonry, carpentry, etc.) tend to be a lot more in part because of scale, but also because of the risk taken by the contractor in dealing with an individual they don't know.

1. In short... getting a commercial contractor to paint a bunch of residential units usually runs about $0.50 per square foot of painting (in a city). A random guy from Angie's List you can expect something to the tune of $1/SF... measure the walls you want painted, and if they're charging anything over $2/SF you're definitely getting ripped off.

2. Tree removal is tree removal. Depends on location, tree type, age, etc. Also not really something I do, but I probably having some pricing on file from some plaza jobs. Prices will be variable, and for cheap you're best off hiring a guy that isn't "legit" (i.e. not part of a big landscaping company).

 

[GoIrish41]

Trees will depend on proximity to structures and utilities. If you have room to drop them, it will reduce the cost dramatically. If they have to come down in sections, the cost will go up quickly. Stump grinding by a company can be expensive. You might d a little recon in the neighborhood to see if there are stumps on others' properties and make an offer to share the expense of renting the equipment and doing it yourself. Dropping a tree with plenty of room is also pretty easy to do -- 2 man job with a long rope (longer than the height of the tree) and a chain saw. Climb up into the tree, tie the end of the rope securely to a sturdy part of the tree and have the second person walk in the direction you want it to fall and pull with steady pressure in that direction. Then make a clean cut through the trunk and the tree will fall in the direction of the pressure (does not take a lot to make the tree fall where you want). If there are obstacles though, get a pro to do it. Could be anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on your circumstances. Get multiple estimates as there is a wide disparity in prices.

 

[Irish#1]

I have a Kubota Lawn Tractor and recently went to Lowes looking for a cheap push mower. They had a Troy Built self propelled unit that had been returned. Clerk said customer returned it because it ran rough and stalled. They found bad gas in the tank, cleaned the carb and marked it down. Sells new for $269. They had it marked down to $201. I offered them $175 and they accepted. It came with their regular warranty and I can return it if it acts up. I've used it four times with no problems.

P.S. I still have my $99 WeedEater push mower I bought 20 years ago. Still runs like a champ. I keep it at the house we're rehabbing.

 

[Armyirish47]

1. If you have the time, for your first house, I would say to go ahead and paint it yourself. It will give you a sense of ownership/pride and you really can't screw it up. Buy some six packs, get some buddies over and have fun.

2. If you have a decent size yard get a wider cutting deck. As we all know those couple inches add up in a hurry.

 

[irishff1014]

1. Buy pizza and Beer call the fellas

2. It might be easier to call someone with that has a stump grinder because they are expensive to rent.

 

[cody1smith]

Going rate here (about 80 miles north of St Louis mo) is .40 per Sq foot of wall...1300 Sq foot house should be around 8000 feet of wall. Give or take 2000. But my suggestion would be to do it yourself. It's easy work. By a good paint brush for cutting in. And by a thirty dollar one. Go to a paint Store. Not lowes or home Depot. Talk to them about what you are doing and get paint colors tgat will cover your existing wall color.

 

[Wild Bill]

Just bout my first house. Had a couple questions and thought there were some here that have went through some of these same situations for feedback.

Congrats on the house.

1. Painting - No one likes painting but it is obvoiusly a cost saver to DIY. However, We don't have to move out of our apartment until the 16th. I would have some time to allow some one to come in and paint the entire thing and be done with it. I plan to get a few quotes but does anyone have any idea what it would cost to have a ~1300 sq. ft. (3 bed 2 bath) home painted? Do you think it would be worth it as they would most likely be faster and do a better job.

Are you painting the casing and baseboards or is it just ceilings and walls? Like Lax said, they're going to hit you hard per square foot b/c it's residential and not a very big job. If you're not an experienced painter and you're going to paint woodwork like windows, doors and trim, I would suggest hiring a pro b/c they will prep and prime them properly and use a sprayer for the finish. It gives it a much nicer look. If it's just the walls and ceiling, I would do it on your own. They're going to charge you more than you think.

DIY tips. Painting is all about prep work, material and tools.

Remove objects, clean the room, remove lights/plug covers/etc and start examining your walls. Use a bright light and your hand to find imperfections. If you're forgetful, mark things with a small pencil so you remember to come back and patch/sand. Use a hammer to bury nails or bumps in the wall. Next you want to lay the patch down. Start sanding once the patch is dried. Everyone hates sanding but it's the key. My suggestion is to sand every inch of the walls if it's your own house. Grab some beers, turn on the tunes and start scrubbing.

Thoroughly clean before you start to paint. If you do not prime the entire wall, you want to at least prime the patch marks. Use a brush and apply a thin coat. I usually start with the ceiling and finish with the walls. Youtube how to mask and paint both...it's too much info to type.

What I mean by material is the paint and masking tape you use. Don't be cheap about tape. Just pay the extra for frog tape. It's worth it if you want nice lines. Buy a decent paint. You don't have to buy Ben Moore or Sherwin Williams but don't buy cheap shit either. Behr has a good paint and it's reasonably priced at Home Depot.

You don't need many tools but don't skimp on them either. Get yourself a good brush, a good roller and make sure to buy good roller covers. That's where people dick it up all the time. A good roller cover will hold paint better and help you apply it evenly. You'll drive yourself nuts trying to cover up lines the cheap roller covers leave behind.

2. Tree Removal - We have a set of trees in the back yard that aren't very big and are too close together, so some are being smothered out. I plan on getting a fence put around the yard for some privacy and so that the pup can be out and not take off, but the trees have to come down first. Has anyone had to have any trees removed/stumps grinded in a residential area and have an idea of what it may cost per tree?

Tree removal isn't cheap and chopping a big ass tree down is great. Nothing you'll do in the yard will get your heart pumping like ripping that chainsaw through a tree. The stumps are a pain in the ass. You can burn them out if they're not near a structure or dig a trench around them wide enough and deep enough to sink your chainsaw below ground level to cut them out. Make sure the chain does not hit the dirt or you can kiss it goodbye. If it's small enough you could cut it down and get the base out with a sawzall.

3. Lawn Mower - Going to buy a push mower tonight from Lowes (wedding git cards). I don't think they offer all brands but what are the highlights of need on a pushmower?

Use the gift cards to buy paint (valspar is what they sell and it's decent) and buy your lawnmower from a tractor supply store. They are built better than anything you'll find at a big box store.

Any other DIY tips etc are also welcome.

Drink beer and have fun!

 

[GowerND11]

Check your plumbing, especially something like your toilet seals. Resealing a toilet is really easy and not very expensive (just need the right tools and a new wax seal).

 

[Bluto]

I would highly recommend hiring a licensed professional to do the tree removal. Liability is a huge issue and there are about a million things that can go wrong (tree barber chairing, tree hanging up in neighboring trees canopy, tree rocking back on the saw, tree dropping in the wrong direction, potentially diseased tree failing during removal process, ect...). Also check with your local municipality in regards to any tree removal ordinances and or permits that might be required.

 

[woolybug25]

What I mean by material is the paint and masking tape you use. Don't be cheap about tape. Just pay the extra for frog tape. It's worth it if you want nice lines. Buy a decent paint. You don't have to buy Ben Moore or Sherwin Williams but don't buy cheap shit either. Behr has a good paint and it's reasonably priced at Home Depot.

I agree in general, but I would add that I know a lot of professional painters and none of them use tape. Gotta CUT that shiz...

Right on with the brushes. I use Purdy's. Quality brush with decent price (decent for the quality, they're not cheap).

 

[calvegas04]

My wife and I and some help from my brothers painted our house, it sucks and half way trough I wished I hired someone to do it for us. BUT after we finished we felt very accomplished at what we did and we are able to tell our guest that we painted our house ourselves.

 

[Wild Bill]

I agree in general, but I would add that I know a lot of professional painters and none of them use tape. Gotta CUT that shiz...

Right on with the brushes. I use Purdy's. Quality brush with decent price (decent for the quality, they're not cheap).

You're right about that. I'll cut the ceilings by hand but not the trim. That's a good place to start b/c once you get a little fatigued the hand is far less steady. Getting old is fun.

 

[ACamp1900]

On the trees...


We have had trees removed... it really varies on what you are removing and how big they are. I have spent as much as 600 dollars on one tree and as little as 150 on another... it all depended on the size and type of tree... Most contractors will come out and give free estimates. Wish I could help more than that...

 

[BGIF]

"Just bout my first house ..."

Congratulations and condolences!


Fences - First Check with local government for existing ordinances. My neighbors ignored that advice and got to take down and re-install their DIY fence, 5 acres worth, twice. It became very costly.

Tree - First check for local ordinances. IF you remove trees do you have to replace. Some ordinances require that.

How big's the tree? Length & girth. Oak or pine. An adult pine in Alabama that requires a climber to fell runs around $300. An adult oak $500. Prices vary if the debris goes to your local landfill, or if you can burn. check with FD.

I've cut down over 100 trees on my property over 30 years. I use a come-along, 100 ft of 1" rope, and a 18 or 20 inch chainsaw. The trees fall right where I want them. I used a contractor to take out two large oaks. With a 4 man crew he still clipped the front of the house and got to buy me new gutters. I add a damage provision to his standard contract.

Check with your homeowner insurance carrier about coverage for on-site contractors. The contractor may waive his policy in your face and tell you you're covered but if one of his guys gets hurt Worksman Comp limits the claim against his boss so his wife is coming after you (actually your house) for $$$. So be prepared. If your local agent tells you you're coverage ask under what Section and Paragraph as this is all knew to you. You may want to send an email or text citing the details for confirmation.

 

[NDdomer2]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I am just painting walls, no ceilings or trim. I am most concerned with painting around the kitchen items. I think we're going to get some quotes on the main living room/kitchen and then paint the bathrooms and bedrooms ourselves.

Another item I was wondering. In our screened in porch the roofing nails come through on the underside. I've read this is required. However, what's best option to cover them aesthetically, and economically?

I am thinking i will have to hire for the trees. They are in a cluster on back of property line and have potential to land on others property etc. We also may want to keep the nice tulip trees that are included opposite ends of the cluster.

I think

 

[woolybug25]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I am just painting walls, no ceilings or trim. I am most concerned with painting around the kitchen items. I think we're going to get some quotes on the main living room/kitchen and then paint the bathrooms and bedrooms ourselves

I highly encourage you to paint the ceilings. Paint jobs look like shite when you don't. You can get away with not doing the trim, but it's a big mistake to skip the ceiling, imo. It's something you don't notice unless you don't do it.

 

[Irish#1]

Wooly is right buy a good brush. Makes a world of difference.

I use to work for a company that made paint. DO NOT, repeat DO NOT buy your paint at Lowes, Home Depot or Menards. The formulas they sell are cheap and thin alternatives to what you want. Go to a Porter Paint, PPG or Sherwin Williams store. You'll get a much better product for basically the same price or just a couple of dollars more.

 

[ACamp1900]

Doesn't Lowes carry Sherwin Williams?? I actually don't believe I've ever seen an actual Sherwin Williams store just on it's own....

 

[ThePiombino]

Doesn't Lowes carry Sherwin Williams?? I actually don't believe I've ever seen an actual Sherwin Williams store just on it's own....

They're all over the place by me, and often send out 35%-off coupons around holiday weekends.

 

[woolybug25]

Doesn't Lowes carry Sherwin Williams?? I actually don't believe I've ever seen an actual Sherwin Williams store just on it's own....

They do not. They mostly sell through small retail outlets. They cater to commercial, but anybody can buy there. Use your Google-machine and you'll find one.

I do believe that they carry Purdy brushes though.

 

[Wild Bill]

Another item I was wondering. In our screened in porch the roofing nails come through on the underside. I've read this is required. However, what's best option to cover them aesthetically, and economically?

Plywood is the cheapest and quickest way to cover it up. It's the ugliest option, IMO. Tongue and groove planking is nicest option but it can get expensive. You can buy wood, vinyl, pvc, composite, etc. Wood requires a ton of maintenance while the others are relatively maintenance free.

 

[ACamp1900]

They do not. They mostly sell through small retail outlets. They cater to commercial, but anybody can buy there. Use your Google-machine and you'll find one.

I do believe that they carry Purdy brushes though.

Im confused, I was just in Lowes looking at a bunch of Sherwin Williams stuff the other day... Using my google machine I found this...

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Paint at Lowe's

Are we not talking about the same thing?

 

[NDBoiler]

Doesn't Lowes carry Sherwin Williams?? I actually don't believe I've ever seen an actual Sherwin Williams store just on it's own....

I'm pretty sure Sherwin Williams only sells out of their own stores, at least here in Indiana they do. Must be some weird California thing you got going on there....

 

[Irish#1]

Doesn't Lowes carry Sherwin Williams?? I actually don't believe I've ever seen an actual Sherwin Williams store just on it's own....

Im confused, I was just in Lowes looking at a bunch of Sherwin Williams stuff the other day... Using my google machine I found this...

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Paint at Lowe's

Are we not talking about the same thing?

I guarantee you that if they do sell in the Lowes stores out there, it is not the same formula. It will be a thinner less expensive formula. The largest manufacturer of paint is Akzo Nobel. Glidden is one of their many brands.

Also, if you have to prime, buy a real primer. DO NOT, repeat DO NOT buy the primer in the paint formula. It's nothing more than a gimmick.

 

[NDdomer2]

I highly encourage you to paint the ceilings. Paint jobs look like shite when you don't. You can get away with not doing the trim, but it's a big mistake to skip the ceiling, imo. It's something you don't notice unless you don't do it.

Ceilings are already white and textured (starburst maybe)