DIY projects have grown in popularity over the past few years. Whether it’s accessibility to DIY guides and equipment or a growing desire for self-reliance, its popularity cannot be ignored. Below are some tips to help you out and remind you of some critical ideas before starting your next project.
Don’t Decide on a Color at the Paint Shop
Repainting something is one of the most common DIY projects, and for a good reason: it’s both easy and accessible. Compared to projects like creating something from scratch, repainting a table or a door or a wall is relatively easier. However, a common mistake many hobbyists make is simply choosing a color they saw in a shop and going with it.
Many factors can affect color, from the lighting to the texture and surface of what it is painted. It’s best to take a sample paint strip (or a small amount of the same paint you’re planning to use) and apply a test sample on the item you’d like to paint. This is one of the safest ways to ensure that you’ll enjoy the color when applied to the item.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Here’s one bit of advice that should always be included in any collection of DIY tips: measure twice, cut once. Its importance cannot be understated. You never want to make any costly or material-wasting mistake, and the only way to do so is to be slow but exact. Make sure to measure the things you need to measure not just twice but multiple times. And then apply the same rule when measuring where to cut- you’ll be thankful that you did so.
Consider Upcycling from the Thrift Shop
DIY projects don’t have to be this grand, from-scratch project. You can take something that’s already been used and repurpose it for something else entirely. This is where thrift stores come into play. There are many cheap yet amazing finds in a thrift store, and they can be an excellent base for your next DIY project.
You can turn old doors into fancy chairs or use old wood pallets to make your own box or center table. There’s also the fact that many things sold at thrift shops are still perfectly usable. They might need only a bit of cleaning up or fine-tuning their aesthetics. All it takes is a little creativity to make something old new again.
Think Long Term
When doing DIY, we’re prone to zoning in on something particular that we fail to look at the long-term effects. It doesn’t have to be very long-term; it can be long in the sense of a few days or weeks. A project might not be accomplished in one sitting, and if so, do you have the necessary storage space to store it properly?
There’s also the consideration that leaving your projects out in the open can be dangerous. These are things you have to keep in mind. There are also the longer-term aspects: starting a backyard project like a treehouse should be planned carefully and not done on a whim. It will be a permanent fixture on your property, so you have to decide whether you want it or not.
Do You Want to Remodel Because You Need To?
There are some things that you need to ask yourself before you proceed with your DIY project. First and foremost is whether you have the skills for it. You may fancy making your own table but may not have the carpentry skills for it. That’s all well and good, but you also have to keep in mind what kind of project you’re going to do.
If it’s something important to your home, with a high risk of failure, and it’s not within your expertise, it’s best to call a specialist. For example, you need a secured steel storm door installed because of extreme weather conditions in your area. If that’s the case, perhaps it’s best to have a professional do it for you. But if you’re planning to repaint your walls because it’s been years since the last repaint, then that’s something you can do by yourself. Always weigh the risk-reward ratio of your projects, and know when to ask for help.
DIY projects are great because they provide something worthwhile you can do. They’re fun and fulfilling to do. However, like many things, you need to approach it with caution in wisdom to avoid being frustrated and spending more money than you should. This way, you can ensure that you’re aiming for the right goal.
