Taking on DIY projects around the home can be exciting, fun and can result in feelings of pride and satisfaction. Moreover, taking on home improvement projects can save money. However, unless such projects are planned carefully before hand they may result in disaster and may end up costing more money than originally intended. Therefore it is vital to have a project check-list before starting any DIY maintenance, whether big or small.
Understand All the Requirements
Many people rush head-long into projects without fully understanding all that may be required. It only dawns on such individuals that they may not be qualified or prepared to take on such a task only after getting half-way through a project. Thus it is very important to understand all that is required for a project before embarking on it. Doing so may save time, effort and money.
For instance, does the project in question require specialist tools or knowledge in order to be completed? When refitting a new bath or shower for example, specialist plumbing tools may be needed and a plumber may have to be employed. Thinking ahead will prevent someone from tackling a job for which they are under-qualified.
Understand Your Limitations
It is important to be realistic about what can be achieved. If only a beginner when it comes to DIY projects it would not be wise to attempt a major project around the home such as electrical wiring or plumbing. Instead, it would be prudent to attempt a few smaller projects first such as putting up some shelves.
Building up to bigger things means that each project will be completed to a high standard and quality. Moreover, completing smaller projects first will give a sense of pride and accomplishment instead of feelings of failure. It is likewise important to know when a job cannot be done by an amateur and must be done by an expert. Attempting jobs without the help of an expert may only lead to disaster and it may cost money to right any mistakes made.
Count the Cost and Make a Schedule
Two of the most important things to do before starting a project are counting the cost and having a budget and making a schedule. Both of these tasks will ensure that the project does not take months to complete and will not cost a fortune. Estimating cost and the time a project will take will also eliminate the chance of nasty surprises along the way.
Buy all materials and tools needed once the budget has been created and before the project has begun. Having all materials to hand will minimise frustration at having to pop to the store once again to get materials or tools that had been forgotten about. Be sure to include some leeway for errors and mistakes that have to be corrected when drawing up a budget and a schedule.
Finally be sure to bear in mind that mistakes will happen! Many people attempting DIY projects can become frustrated or disheartened when things go wrong but this is all part of learning and honing home maintenance skills.
This post was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Toolorders. Click here to find out more about their great range of tools.
I do have experienced DIY disasters on our bathroom. It was a mess and I learned my lesson hard. Since that incident I always try to do much easier projects on my own.
Thats so true, it’s getting things wrong that allows us to learn until we get them right… The problem is with home improvements and DIY is that getting them wrong can be disastrous!