​​​HELPING CALGARY'S PROPERTIES REACH THEIR POTENTIAL

SINCE 2015

Written By Steve Hyde | January 22, 2025 | Calgary, Alberta

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Cost of Fixing DIY Mistakes

Fixing DIY interior trim installation errors is both time-consuming and expensive. Here’s some of the potential costs involved in correcting common mistakes:

Material Waste: Purchasing additional materials to replace incorrectly cut pieces adds up quickly. Depending on the profile and material of the trim, this can be extremely expensive.

Tool Rental or Purchase: Specialized tools will likely be needed to correct errors, necessitating additional expenses.

Professional Repairs: Hiring a professional to fix mistakes typically costs more than if they had been hired initially, as they must first undo the damage before proceeding with the proper installation.

Increased Time Investment: Correcting errors extends the timeline of the project, resulting in prolonged disruption to your home environment.

Home improvement projects can be both exciting and challenging endeavors. Among the many tasks homeowners face, installing baseboards and casings can significantly enhance (or ruin) the aesthetic appeal of a space. While it might be tempting to take a DIY approach to save on costs, hiring a professional for the installation of baseboards and casings is often the wiser choice. In this blog, we'll explore the common pitfalls of DIY installations, the potential costs of correcting these mistakes, and the overall benefits of entrusting this task to a professional.

The Importance of Baseboards and Casings:

Baseboards and casings are essential elements of interior design that provide a finished look to floors, doorways, and windows. Not only do they add a decorative touch, but they also serve the functional purpose of protecting walls from damage. Most importantly, they conceal gaps between the floor, door frames, window frames, and their adjacent walls. Correctly installing baseboard and casing will complement the architectural features of your home, enhancing its value and appeal.

Common DIY Mistakes

While DIY projects can be fulfilling (when they go well), they often come with challenges that can lead to costly errors. Here are some common mistakes homeowners encounter when attempting to install baseboards and casings on their own:

1. Improper Measurements:

​Measuring inaccurately can result in pieces that are too short or too long, leading to wasted materials and time. Believe it or not, measuring things accurately is a skill. Without practice, accurate and precise measurements can elude even the most diligent DIYer.

2. Poor Mitre Cuts:

Achieving precise mitre cuts requires skill, experience, knowledge and the right tools. Incorrect angles on new baseboards and casings will create unsightly gaps, misaligned joints and end up looking worse than the old outdated or beat up trim. Most angles in a home are not a perfect 90° and most walls and floors are not truly flat, so each cut needs to be made precisely and accurately to ensure a beautiful finished product.

3. Inadequate and Incorrect Fastening:

In most cases, to properly install baseboards and casing you will need a brad nailer. This can either be a pneumatic nailer or a more modern cordless nailer. Contrary to what many people believe, using a hammer and finishing nails will not yield in a acceptable finished product.

Another thing that is often overlooked by DIYer’s is nail length. Brad nails that are too short will not secure the trim sufficiently. Brad nails that are too long can puncture pipes and wires, meaning walls will have to be opened to repair the damage.

4. Wall Damage from Removing Old Baseboard and Trim:

While DIYing the removal of old baseboard and casings seems easy an easy way to reduce the overall cost of a baseboard and casing project, things can quickly go sideways.

 A misplaced pry bar can result in a hole in the drywall when prying off old trim. Failure to properly cut or remove old caulk can lead to torn drywall paper. Both of these mistakes will require a drywall repair, priming and painting which will add time and expense to the job.

5. Poor Planning:

Failing to properly plan out a baseboard and casing install from start to finish will result in less than optimal results. This is doubly true if the baseboard or trim install is capping off a fresh renovation or floor install, where the trim can sometimes be an afterthought. While an experienced professional would be able to work around this lack of planning, planning issues can cause a DIY trim project to grind to a halt.

6. Overall Poor Quality Installation:

This is kind of a catch-all that includes the above points as well as many others not mentioned here. Poorly installed trim will decrease the value of your home. It looks terrible and makes potential buyers wonder what other corners were cut (no pun intended) in your home maintenance and upkeep. In most cases, it is better to leave the old, properly installed trim on the wall than to poorly install new trim.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional:

By opting for professional installation, homeowners can avoid the many pitfalls of DIY baseboard and casing installations and enjoy numerous advantages:

Expertise and Precision:

Professional installers have the training, skills and experience to execute precise measurements and cuts, which are essential for a proper fit. Their expertise allows them to handle complex angles and less than optimal room geometry with ease, delivering an outstanding finished product.

Quality Tools and Materials:

Professionals come equipped with the specialized tools and resources to complete the job efficiently. They will provide the right materials for the job and can provide guidance on the best options for your specific needs and budget.

Time and Convenience:

Hiring a professional saves valuable time and effort. Professionals can complete installations efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. This convenience allows homeowners to focus on other priorities.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal:

The attention to detail and craftsmanship that professionals bring to the table results in a superior aesthetic outcome. Properly installed baseboards and casings elevate the look of a room, creating a cohesive and polished appearance.

Long-term Durability:

Professional installations are built to last. By ensuring proper fitting and fastening techniques, a professional provides an installation that withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Added Value:

A professionally finished home not only enhances your living space but can also increase its market value. Prospective buyers appreciate high-quality finishes that reflect well-maintained and thoughtfully designed interiors.

Conclusion:

While the allure of a DIY project is understandable, the installation of baseboards and casings is best left to professionals. The precision, expertise, and quality they provide far outweigh the risks and costs associated with DIY attempts. By hiring a professional, homeowners can enjoy beautiful, durable installations that enhance both the aesthetics and value of their homes.

In the end, investing in professional installation is a decision that pays off in the long run, ensuring your home’s interiors reflect the highest standards of craftsmanship and style. So, when considering your next home improvement project, remember: sometimes the best DIY decision is recognizing when to call in the experts.

If you are looking for an experienced professional to install baseboards or casing, contact FT Property Services today!