Who doesn’t love a good DIY project? My interest in DIY projects became evident back in 2021 when my husband and I purchased our first home. I’ve always watched HGTV and had an interest in creating things but I just never had the space or time. Now I have BOTH! I was very eager when I started my projects and that has taught me a lot.
Here are some tips for beginners that want to dive right in (like me) and don’t know where to start.
Budget
You may not have the tools that are needed to work on your projects and sometimes projects can take a turn for the worst. Plan in advance and ask yourself these questions:
- What are the tools that I need?
- Should I borrow tools from a friend or purchase my own tools to add to my collection?
- What should I purchase to compliment the project (curtains, rug, bedsheets, table decor, etc)?
- Do I have extra funds outside of my budget just in case this project doesn’t turn out well?
Start Small
DIY projects consume a lot of your time. Start small for your first project and work your way up to larger ventures. Choose a piece that requires different tools and techniques, this way you can learn the ropes.
My first project was a small blanket rack that needed a lot of work. I learned how to apply primer, worked with chalk paint, experimented with furniture putty, and learned how to use a hand sander.
Research
Research, research, research! I cannot stress how important it is to do your research before starting any projects. I recently purchased a “solid wood table” from Facebook Marketplace and when I arrived home and started to sand the tabletop, I was shocked to find out it was not solid wood.
Knowing your furniture and materials can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.
Be Safe
Of course, we want to save money by cutting out the middle man and doing the work on our own but with that comes safety risks. Take precautions and use protective equipment like goggles, masks, and gloves. Find a creator space in your home to prevent accidents from sharp tools and nails.
Stay Focused
Stay on track. Create a plan and timeline for your project’s completion. It isn’t easy to stop at just one project. Once you start, you simply cannot stop. I have about 5 projects in the basement that I “couldn’t resist” working on and they haven’t been touched yet after months.
Try working in sections to get the job done and ensure better quality work. There are plenty of free resources out there and home improvement store experts that can provide services to you which require specialized tools.
