Lockdown encouraged plenty of Brits to dig out their toolkits and get stuck into a DIY project. Now, restrictions have lifted, but that hasn’t deterred the aspiring DIY carpenters, electricians and landscape designers. With the cost of home renovations soaring, it’s easy to see why the idea of tinkering away yourself is quite appealing.
Whether you’re hoping to avoid an extortionate tradesperson bill, or you simply enjoy the process of building something from scratch, you’ll need to consider the most efficient way to get the job done. From making a plan to setting a budget, we’ve compiled some top tips for streamlining your DIY projects.
Plan Ahead
Planning is a crucial aspect of any project and failing to do so could cost you a significant amount of time and money. Set aside some time to think about what you want to achieve, what tasks you’ll need to complete to reach your goal and what equipment and materials you’ll need.
If you’re working on a particularly lengthy project, it will be helpful to divide each aspect of the work into smaller, manageable tasks, otherwise you may find the process overwhelming.
Make sure you have the right tools
A builder is only as good as their tools, so make sure you have the best equipment to tackle your project. It may be tempting to buy cheaper varieties, but they tend to be lower quality and are more likely to break or malfunction. You’ll be better off opting for the more expensive, high-quality equipment, especially when using drill bits
Set Realistic Goals
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of work involved in a project and this can make it difficult to stay motivated over time. To keep your plans on track, set yourself a goal to have completed a set number of tasks or a certain job within a certain timeframe. For example, to complete three two-hour tasks by the end of the week.
Ensure the goals you set yourself are realistic and can be achieved easily, otherwise you may find you’ve been too ambitious with your expectations.
Create a Budget
The cost of a DIY project can quickly add up so it’s important to set a budget to avoid overspending. Remember to factor in the cost of any materials you’ll need, along with any additional tools you invest in.
Once you’ve set a budget, ensure you monitor it regularly to prevent any financial mishaps. It’s easy to get carried away and forget how much you can afford to spend, and this could affect the outcome of your project.
Enjoy the process
You’ll probably be spending a lot of your time and energy on your project so try to make the process fun. Play around with the colours and designs you incorporate into your work and remember to make it personal to you. This is your opportunity to flex your creative muscles and create something truly unique.