Things You Should Know Before You DIY Your Home Renovation

Home renovations can definitely get pricey, but sometimes we can’t resist the allure of a new project — making DIY a perfect solution. Fortunately, The Spruce notes how DIY projects might actually save you some money, provided that they are basic ones only, like installing baseboards and painting interiors.

However if you do feel confident to take on some renovation challenges here are things to consider first before you DIY anything at home.

Tools are your best friend

Tools are vital to any DIY project. Top Dreamer calls them “your best buddies” as you won’t be able to do a house renovation correctly without the right tools. This includes a hammer, electric wire cutters, pliers, nails, screwdrivers, and even a floor drill press.

Having said that, a particular DIY home renovation project may require more tools. So, make sure you visit your local home improvement store and ask the experts what you may need for the project you have in mind. The last thing you want to do is improvise with what you have.

Learn the right skills

Skills are as vital as tools. Among the skills you will definitely need are knowing how to use a saw and drill, the ability to measure accurately, and the knowledge of how to properly paint surfaces. You’ll have to be honest about your skills, so you can correctly assess what projects you can realistically finish.

Put simply, only work on projects that fit your skill set. So, if you don’t know how to operate tile cutters, get a professional to install tiles. If you aren’t adept at cutting wood, then stay away from woodworking projects. By identifying what you can do well, you’ll be able to minimise mistakes and avoid wasting time, money, and effort.

You will also need lots of time and money

When it comes to time and money, it’s better to over budget than under budget. Whatever your time frame estimate is, add at least a month or two more — that’s how time-consuming home renovations can be.

For your budget, make sure to give some leeway for any additions you make or unprecedented costs like repairing something that broke. For example, what you initially planned as a door repaint might end up with you getting a new doorknob and lock. These on-the-fly additions can quickly increase your budget without you realising it.

Be prepared for the worst

Before you even entertain thoughts of some DIY work, home insurance is an important factor to consider. This is because you are not a professional and the scope for mistakes is much greater – even with all the know-how and the right tools. For instance, if you are working on your bathroom and kitchen it is best to have your plumbing system insured. HomeServe emphasises that unexpected issues are common with home plumbing and drainage systems. And that is without any DIY work being done to them or around them. If you are insured, you won’t have to shoulder an additional financial burden in case anything goes wrong.

However, you must follow the The Independent’s advice and inform insurers about anything you plan on doing to your home. This is so you’ll have a safety net, as they can clarify what’s covered or if you should upgrade your plan. This will let you work with some peace of mind, knowing your insurer has got your back.

It’s okay to get help

As much as you want to do everything all by yourself, there’s a likelihood that there are aspects to your project that you won’t be able to handle on your own. It is in this instance when getting help is your best option. This help doesn’t even have to come from a professional. You can, for instance, ask a friend or relative to help – granted they have the skills or experience to do so. By getting help, you’ll be able to minimise the chances of any mistakes while also saving money if you get someone you know to help.

If you’d like to read more about DIY and home renovations, please look through Lotts and Lots.