This post is provided by Boris Dzhingarov.

In most cases of major construction or home improvement projects, it pays to hire a professional. While the costs can seem staggering, the guarantee of quality, elimination of any personal risk and the time saved are all valuable factors to consider. Some individuals do decide to embark on major home projects alone, while many others embrace more minor projects with ease.

Nevertheless, those not inherently familiar with these procedures are prone to making innocent but potentially disastrous mistakes. Safeguarding both yourself and your home from any unintended DIY side-effects should be a top priority.

As such, let us look at five crucial protections you should take when performing various home improvement projects.
Put Down A Dropcloth

So many home improvement and construction projects in the home can create an utter mess. For these kinds of projects, putting down dropcloths in the work area before beginning is imperative. Whether you are painting, sanding or spackling, materials and debris can easily fall onto the floor. Protecting your floors ? whether they are carpet, hardwood or laminate ? from these messes by using dropcloths is well worth the effort, so invest in a one or more of these protective accessories.

Shut Off Utilities

Many construction projects may involve structural elements of the home, such as electrical wires and water pipes. Before working on any socket, installing any fixture or cuttin...