TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Spring will be here before we know it, so you might start thinking about some household projects to tackle. but will you need some professional help to get everything done? In this Angie's List report, looking at three DIY projects for spring.
When deciding whether you should do a project yourself, think about three things: Do you have the time, do you have the resources, and do you have the proper tools to do the project right?
A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard, and you should clean it every year.
Disconnect the dryer's exhaust tube and vacuum it out. Then find the vent outside and if you can reach, clean that too. A really long vent may require a pro.
A fresh coat of paint will spruce up any room, but do it right.
Take the time to tape all your woodwork. Start painting in the middle of the wall, near the top and roll it straight up and down.
"If you look on the YouTube videos, they tell you to do the W. You see that on home improvement shows, too, but I don't know anybody in our business that does the W," said painting professional Neal Fine.
And don't skimp on materials. Use high-quality paint and brushes.
"It's very typical for most paints to have a built-in primer now. It will help it adhere better to the surface, and it also helps to cover in two coats and give you the true color," said Fine.
Finally, if you find any mold, take care of it quickly.
"If you have a small mold issue, meaning less than 10 square feet, you can probably tackle that yourself with water and a detergent solution, but the key to tackling that project is making sure that you find the source of the moisture, otherwise it's going to come right back," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles and even a respirator when cleaning mold yourself. If it's a larger area and you end up hiring a pro, you should follow-up with an independent inspection company to verify that the mold has been removed.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
3.8 - WEDDING PLANNING POINTERS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- The average cost of a wedding is $30,000, making wedding planning a billion-dollar business.
Couples who get tripped up on their way down the aisle are usually those who didn't have a researched plan in place. In this Angie's List report, preparing for the wedding of your dreams.
Loren and Morgan Snyder got married last August.
They didn't have a big budget, so they planned it on their own. But they brought in a pro to be on site during the big day, and say the wedding warrior was well worth it.
"The day of the event, she had to be assertive and she executed wonderfully. There were times when people were like 'oh, she's being pushy.' In reality, she's making sure things are happening when it needs to happen - to make sure she's happy," said the newlyweds Loren and Morgan Snyder.
Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, adds: "Hiring a wedding planner will really reduce your stress around your special day, but be sure to get your contract in writing and understand exactly what's going to be done and how much it's going to cost."
A good wedding planner can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on their involvement.
You want someone with solid experience who will stick to your budget and be a good communicator. Your planner should have expert insights – and maybe even discounts – on things like florists, photographers and venues.
"Choose your venue first, not your date because the venue you love might not have the date available and that's what we dealt with," said the Snyders. "If you can get to know any of your vendors, it's evident in their work that they know you because they know your personality, they capture that. They know your best friends, they know your family circle and it's just evident in the work that they do."
Even with help from a professional planner, venues can still go out of business and photographers can get sick or show up late.
A wedding insurance policy is a good idea if you have invested thousands of dollars. Just make sure you know what's covered and what's not.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
