The Importance of Project Preparation

LIVERMORE — No matter what kind of home improvement project you’re planning, chances are you’ll need to invest some time and money into preparation. Doing so will allow you to get the best possible result with your project. Here are two examples of why preparation is important:

Tile flooring

Before laying down floor tiles, the subfloor needs to be assessed and prepared. Due to tile’s rigidity, if the subfloor isn’t level, some tiles will sit higher than others, resulting in “lipping” that can cause both an eyesore and a safety hazard. Waterproofing measures are also needed to prevent water intrusion issues after installation. By taking the time to ensure a level, waterproof floor, you’ll avoid long-term problems.

Painting

Preparation is crucial for ensuring paint’s integrity over time, especially when it comes to exterior painting projects. This begins with scraping and sanding off any loose paint to create a clean, smooth surface. Next, repair any areas that are affected by dry rot (if those are painted over, they’ll continue to get worse) and use caulking to fill and seal cracks, joints, and gaps in siding and trim (this will prevent water intrusion). Finally, thoroughly prime the surface before applying the paint.