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Angie's List: 3 Do-It-Yourself Projects For Spring

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Spring is here and that may have you thinking about some household projects you need to tackle. The question is, can you really do it yourself or do you need some professional help?

Angie's List has a few common jobs almost anyone can take care of on their own.

"When deciding whether you should do a project yourself, you really need to 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?" Angie's List Founder, Angie Hicks, said.

A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. Cleaning it should be an annual activity. Disconnect the exhaust duct tube from the dryer and use your vacuum's long attachment or a hose-brush to clean out the debris. Then, find the vent outside and, if you can reach it, clean that out, 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. Then, start your wall in the middle near the top. Roll it straight up and down, despite what others may say.

"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," painting professional Neal Fine said.

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," Fine said.

If you've discovered a small mold problem in your house, take care of that 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," Hicks said.

Hicks said to 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.

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