A small project can turn into an expensive nightmare in the blink of an eye if you don’t know what you are doing. These few tips and tricks will help you avoid damaging your plumbing and electrical system during your next renovation project.
Locate All Wires & Pipes
As a general rule, you should locate all pipes, wires, and fixtures when you first move into a new home. During construction, contractors must follow very specific regulations when installing pipes and wires, and that should make them relatively easy to find. If you are having a tough time locating the pipes and wires, then you might want to invest in a stud finder. Those devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and invaluable to homeowners.
Turn off the Electricity & Water Beforehand
Even if you aren’t going to be working on the electrical system or plumbing, you should still consider turning off the water and power. An errant swing of the hammer or a misplaced screw could cause an incredible amount of damage in a matter of minutes. Your breaker box should have a series of labeled switches, and you only need to turn off the power to the room you are working in. The water can be turned off entirely at the main shut-off valve.
Addressing Your Electrical and Lighting Needs
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Invest in the Right Tools
A stud finder isn’t the only tool that you are going to need. Investing in a handful of tools will allow you to carry out your renovations quickly and without any major problems. One specialized tool that needs to be in your toolbox is a multimeter. That device can be used to quickly check outlets and wires to see if they are hot. You should also have a good set of wrenches for faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures.
Call the Pros for Any Renovations That Require Permits
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Unless you have experience working on homes, you should most likely contact a licensed contractor if your project requires a city permit.
You usually need a permit if you are going to change the structure of a home or alter any of its major mechanical systems.
If you are going to be adding new faucets or renovating a bathroom, then you will need to work with a plumber as well.
Before starting a major project, you should first look over your home insurance policy. You might void your policy if you attempt to carry out certain renovations on your own, and that could end up being a costly mistake.
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