Home improvement projects are on the rise, according to the BuildFax Remodeling Index. For the 19th straight month, May’s index rose, suggesting that homeowners in Cincinnati are remodeling more frequently than in the past.

Do-it-yourself projects are on the rise, too.

If you’re among the many homeowners forgoing paid contractors, be sure to follow basic safety precautions because, as this 5-minute video from NBC’s The Today Show points out, a home remodeling “accident” could cost you more than the money saved on the project itself.

The interview gives several key tips:

• Use “expandable” earplugs to prevent hearing loss from power tools.
• Don’t wear sneakers or sandals. Wear construction boots.
• Never stand on the top 2 steps of a ladder.

In addition, we’re reminded to wear safety glasses always. Eye issues are the number one injury as reported by home remodelers, and accidents can happen anytime.

Watch the full video at the NBC website. And, f you feel your next home remodeling project is beyond your personal expertise, seek a professional’s help. Call or email me for local recommendations.

Home maintenance is an ongoing project. There’s always something to do around the house, or something to fix. The problem is, you may not have the time, or the skills, to get it done yourself.

In this 4-minute piece from The Today Show on NBC, you’ll see some projects are quite simple.

Dubbed “15-Minute Fixes”, see how simple it can be to handle 3 common household chores:

1. De-alcification of a shower head
2. Clearing hair from the inside of a bathroom drain
3. Sealing a granite counter-top

Each clean-up job is cheap, quick, and can be handled sans handyman. As Spring Fever sets in, put these fixes on your To-Do List.