Follow these simple tips to try your hand at DIY renovations

Whether you’re looking to do a major renovation project or just do some minor repairs around the house, do-it-yourself projects are a great way to save money. But what starts out as an attempt to save money can result in you actually spending even more than you would have if you had just hired a pro in the first place. If you haven’t done much DIY work in the past and you want to try your hand at it, here are some tips for starting out so you don’t end up costing yourself more than you save.

Start small

If you’re not very experience with DIY home improvement projects, then you should probably start with a smaller-scale project. Think installing a new front door as opposed to building a deck for the backyard or tiling a backsplash in the kitchen. Successfully completing a smaller project will give you the confidence to go on and try your hand at bigger ones but if you undertake a major project first and fail miserably, you may give up on DIY forever.

Plan carefully

You need to start out with a clear idea about what you’re hoping to achieve. Then, start figuring out which materials, tools, and safety equipment you’re going to need. Figure out the step-by-stop process you’ll need to follow to complete the project correctly.

Follow instructions exactly

This might seem like a no-brainer but many homeowners skip steps they don’t understand or feel are unnecessary. This is a recipe for disaster. Find accurate step-by-step instructions for the project and follow those instructions to the letter.

Make a budget

Once you’ve calculated all of the materials and tools you’re going to need, create a budget that keeps track of the costs for all of these things. Figure out if a given project is going to work with your budget. It could be that a job will require many tools that you will never use again and so it makes more financial sense to hire a professional who already has the necessary tools.

Get required permits

Some projects, especially those that involve adding onto your home such as building a front porch or a deck in the backyard will require a permit for the city. Find out if the project you’re undertaking requires a permit in your city and then fill out the necessary paperwork to obtain any required permits.

Get licensed pros for jobs that require it

You should plan on hiring licensed professionals for any plumbing or electrical work and for any project that will require major structural changes to the home. All of these jobs require a license and doing them yourself without a license is not only dangerous but it may be illegal. You can still do the bulk of the project yourself if you want but bring in a licensed pro when it’s needed.

Consult with a contractor

For larger scale projects, you should always consult with a contractor no matter how confident you feel in your abilities. You can do the work yourself but it’s worth paying the contractor for a consultation. This will help the project to go more smoothly.

Source: Herald Sun

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