Kitchen Table Fix

DIY safety disclaimer

Last updated

Please read this first

Home repair can hurt you. People are injured every year by falls, electric shock, fire, carbon monoxide, cuts, and hidden hazards in older houses. These guides are written in good faith, but they are general information. They are not professional advice, and I cannot see your home, your tools, or your skills.

You decide, and you take the responsibility

  • Stop if you are unsure. If a step is unclear, if what you find does not match the guide, or if something feels unsafe, stop. Every guide lists the signs that mean you should call a professional.
  • Know the rules where you live. Many electrical, gas and plumbing jobs must be done by a licensed professional, and some repairs need a permit. Rules differ by state and by town, so check with your local building department before you start.
  • Older homes hide hazards. Homes built before about 1978 may have lead paint, and some built before about 1980 have asbestos in old ceiling texture, flooring, or joint compound. Do not sand, scrape or cut materials you suspect contain either until they have been tested.
  • Protect yourself. Wear eye protection, gloves and a dust mask when the job calls for them. Use a stable ladder on firm ground, and never work on a roof or near power lines.
  • Check the insurance angle. Some insurance policies and warranties require licensed work. If water, fire or storm damage is involved, call your insurer before you repair anything.

Emergencies

If you smell gas: leave the building immediately, do not use switches or phones inside, and call 911 and your gas company from outside. If there is fire, smoke, or water near electrical outlets or the electrical panel: leave the area and call 911.

No professional relationship, no guarantee

Reading these guides does not make me your contractor, inspector or engineer. I do not guarantee that a guide will fix your problem or that the result will be safe or up to code. To the fullest extent the law allows, I am not liable for any injury, loss or damage that results from using this site. See the Terms of Use.