Have you bought a newly built home, a place in a maintained area, or a property that you plan to improve? If so, you will instinctively feel the need to carry out some home improvement works at some point. This can come as a result of needing to perform maintenance or repair work, or simply because you want to improve the place where you spend most of your time.
It can be incredibly rewarding, but daunting, if you are new to DIY. To help with this we have put together these 7 home improvement tips for wannabe DIY homeowners and DIY newbies.
1. Take Safety Precautions
Home improvements are the cause of numerous accidents, so it is vital that you ensure you have all of the necessary safety equipment for the work you are carrying out. Keeping a first aid kit close-by, following instructions, wearing appropriate clothing, and always keeping watch over your power tools will be a good start. Read our woodworking safety post for further details.
You should also keep all work surfaces as clean as possible and be fully aware of your surroundings so there are no accidents involving other people in the area.
2. Get A Good Selection Of Tools
Ensuring you have a well-supplied toolbox will allow you to carry out any works that are needed. Basic plumbing tools, woodwork tools, and a handy set of screwdrivers will be a good start, but don’t forget the simplest things are often the most helpful, so keep your phone and its torch close-by as well as a few rolls of duct tape. Make sure you check our expert reviews of tools and equipment.
3. Tackle The Quick Projects
Some jobs will be far easier and quicker than others, and it’s always a good idea to focus on these first. Especially as a newcomer to DIY, it allows you to hone your skills on smaller projects and see immediate results. It also avoids the risk of taking on too large a project and never being able to finish it. Read our “introduction to woodworking” and our post “woodworking projects without power tools” where we share some basic knowledge and describe a few projects that are ideal for beginners.
4. Choose The Improvements That Add Most Value To Your Home
Of course you should focus on the improvements that will turn your home into your ideal place, but pay attention to how the changes are going to affect the overall value. A few well-chosen projects can make a massive difference and potentially help lead you to your next move.
5. Keep To Your Budget
Project costs can quickly spiral out of control, so it is important that you budget correctly with a bit extra set aside just in case you need it. It is also important to not get yourself in a position where you are using substandard materials or labor to keep the cost down because this will often result in poorer quality when its complete.
6. Know Your Limits
Doing the work yourself can be a rewarding personal project and save a lot of money by avoiding the need for contractors, but be sure that you don’t take on too large a task for your abilities. You don’t want to leave things unfinished or done incorrectly, so sometimes it may be necessary to hire someone in to help you out.
7. Familiarize Yourself With The Best Way To Carry Out The Job
If you are trying out something new, there is a wealth of information available online to show you the best way to do it. It would be a good idea to watch instructional videos that teach you the tips and tricks of using the tools and getting the results you want. Videos can also be really helpful with inspiration for what to do in the first place.
It’s great that you are thinking about some DIY improvements to your home and the whole process can be a very rewarding experience. It’s important, though, that you are realistic about your own abilities and ensure you have the correct tools for the job. The last thing you want is to struggle with the project, and you need to make sure you’ll be able to complete it before starting so you aren’t left with unfinished works.
In our blog, we provide step-by-step guidance and useful advice on various kinds of DIY projects. There are also plenty of guides available online that will show you how to do pretty much any task, so full research before commencing is a good idea. Please use the comment section below if you have any questions, and good luck with your home improvements!