ᐅ Do-it-yourself work – what tasks did you take on, and would you do them again?

Hello!

We did the painting work ourselves (including plastering), as well as the doors and floor coverings (excluding tiles on the ground floor and bathrooms). We are also taking care of the landscaping.

@Bauherren2014 and one00: you wouldn’t believe what you’re capable of when you put your mind to it…

trendyandi schrieb:


@Bauherren2014 and one00: you have no idea what can be done (if you want to)...

Wanting is one thing, but whether you can acquire the necessary knowledge in a short time, apply that knowledge, and have the time for it is another question.

Here’s another example:
We, along with many others in our neighborhood, have made our attics accessible for storage ourselves. Beforehand, I studied the topic of moisture extensively. The recommendation was repeatedly to use tongue-and-groove boards rather than OSB panels or to ensure proper ventilation underneath.
Many went for the easier way and simply laid OSB panels without any substructure.
That’s certainly faster and looks good at first, but what happens after a few months or years is uncertain. It might work out, but it might not.

What does this example have to do with DIY work? Many professional builders also install OSB boards, even though the topic is well known.

If you install ESB boards, you won’t have any problems and can enjoy all the benefits of OSB.

Lexmaul79 schrieb:
What does the example have to do with owner’s labor?.

He installed the tongue-and-groove planks.

It should be clear to everyone that if you want to undertake any part of the work yourself—and I assume you want to do it professionally—you need to engage deeply with the subject. Just watching three YouTube videos and then thinking you know how to properly install roof insulation can easily lead to serious mistakes.

However, blindly trusting any so-called expert can also be risky.

What we have done:
Soil replacement
Concrete slab including perimeter insulation and waterproofing
Utility connections: sewage, rainwater, empty conduit pipes for electrical and telephone lines
Prefabricated concrete ceilings including reinforcement and concrete
Electrical wiring installed, recessed boxes for ceiling spotlights embedded in prefabricated concrete ceiling (24 pcs)
Planned and installed controlled residential ventilation system
Roof and screed insulation
Vapor barrier
Drywall including jointing
Painting and wallpapering
Interior plaster including jointing (Q3)
ETICS facade (external thermal insulation composite system)
Interior and exterior window sills
Interior doors
Retaining wall shuttered and concreted (44 linear meters)
Scaffolding adjusted for craftsmen (3 times)
etc.

It is easier to list what I subcontracted:
Masonry (helped with), roof (helped with), electrical panel, plumbing and heating, screed (helped with), floor covering, tiles, windows and front door (for warranty reasons)