DIY at home can be useful not only for saving some cash but also for learning some life skills. Learning how to strip wood, smooth down plaster and assemble a piece of furniture can be hugely fulfilling. Like any project, however, DIY will have a price attached to it. In order to have a successful experience of do-it-yourself, it’s important to plan and take your time.
Get protective gear
It’s important to remember that many of the chemicals you might be working could be harmful to your skin and eyes. If you were using chemical paint strippers, for example, you would have to be incredibly cautious with how you go about using them in your own home. Getting a protective outer layer that covers your wrists and arms, gloves and goggles should be your basic starting kit. On top of that, a dust mask will prevent you from inhaling strong fumes and particles from activities such as sanding. Remember, too, to keep all rooms well ventilated when working with chemicals.
Try the basics first
If you’re worried about your DIY abilities in the home, it’s a good idea to try the absolute basics first. Trying to paint a room, for example, might help you jump-start your confidence. It will also give you some of the basics: drop cloths, paint, brushes, rollers, plaster, and sandpaper. If you wondering whether you might need the last two: yes you probably will. Over the years we accidentally create nicks and dents in paintwork, which means you may need to learn how to fill the gaps. Once you’ve filled your dent or hole with some ready-mixed plaster you will need to let it dry and then sand it down. Once that’s done, you can get on with painting; and just like that, you’ve completed your very first DIY job.
Try flat-pack
If everyday folk weren’t capable of DIY, flatpack would never have been invented. If you’re looking to build your DIY skills, try some flatpack basics; you can even build a shed yourself using flatpack methods. This teaches you the skills of assembly, drilling, and fixing in easy, step-by-step instructions. Follow the instructions, and you can’t go far wrong.
Don’t over-stretch yourself
If you’re too scared to re-wire a ceiling rose, and are worried you might make a mess of it, don’t push yourself. Making a bad mistake could be much more costly than the cost of a tradesperson (not to mention the potential danger to your person.) Finding trades within your budget needn’t be difficult either, as Yourjobcost will help to give you an accurate estimate of the price area you will be looking at.
DIY is a very broad term when you think about it. It could involve anything from putting up a shelf to re-painting a chest of drawers. When it comes to mastering DIY, it’s important to stay within your limits. If you don’t have the skills of an electrician or plumber, sometimes it’s wise to ask for help.