Posted by
Vanessa Grant
Thursday, January 1, 2009 8:13 AM EDT
Happy 2009! The beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to tackle that leaky faucet, re-think your window treatments or build the closet of your dreams. Ladies, we're talking to you. It's common for the fairer sex to let men handle projects that involve hammers and nails but the new year is the perfect time to make a change.
So whether you're an old pro at home renos or an aspiring DIY-er, we want to see the projects you're most proud of.
How to participate in our Photo Challenge:
- If you want to show off your home project, take a picture
- Email your picture(s) to stylesheet AT hgtv DOT ca with a short description by January 22
- Alternatively, if you've got a flickr account, you can post your picture(s) and description directly to our Style Sheet photo group.
Photo Challenge Giveaway: You could win a grand prize of a pair of pink work boots or one of two tool belts from Moxie Trades, a company devoted to work gear for women.
Owner, founder and tradeswoman, Marissa McTasney shares her tips for a successful home project:
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Plan, plan and plan!
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Evaluate the best option based on price and your skill level
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Make a list before heading to the hardware store. This should include: materials, tools and the steps required
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While working on your project, keep a quick note about things that you missed or made mistakes on and how long the project has taken you. This way you will be able to learn from the experience, making it that much easier for the next project you take on
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Other ingredients include a dose of patience and forgiveness! Be patient and take your time. Forgiveness because you will make mistakes, it’s no big deal, just take the time to re-work your project
McTasney suggests that beginners stay away from electrical and plumbing projects and stick to smaller projects, like upholstering or building a small structure, that feel really rewarding because you get to see the fruits of your labour everyday. And if you're looking for a boost of construction confidence, she recommends taking DIY classes at a local hardware store, reading DIY books and of course, watching home decor programming.