Every year many of us take on home DIY projects in the hope of saving money, transforming our homes while reveling in the satisfaction that comes with a job well done. The reality is that many of us are left instead with what Phil refers to as a NERD—or Never Ending Renovation Drama. Many homeowners have become accustomed to living with NERD, largely down to unrealistic ambitions and a reluctance to call in help when it’s needed. Whether you’re building an extension, re-painting your living room or installing new windows and floors, if you follow these DIY do’s and don’ts you may avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
See also: The Essentials for Home DIY
Do!
- Invest in the right tools before you begin. Having the right size of screwdriver or appropriate drill bits, for example, can make or break a DIY project. If you can’t afford to buy everything you need, renting equipment can be a cheaper option—in the end you’ll pay a bigger price for scrimping on high quality tools. You need to aim to have the right tool for the job.
- Start small and don’t take on something you might not be able to finish. Instead of diving straight into a complete overhaul, focus on one job at a time and set yourself realistic targets. Deciding to completely retile your bath surround is a realistic goal for a DIY novice, whereas aiming to install a whole new kitchen may not be.
- Play to your strengths and know when it’s time to call in the professionals. You can still choose to take on the parts you feel confident about, even if you decide to use a specialist for trickier areas, such as fitting kitchen worktops or plumbing in the sink. The professionals may well be able to give you some useful advice along the way.
- Think about the details. A poorly executed job will look amateurish and could even serve to decrease the value of your home. Messy grouting around tiles, poorly applied paint or gaps between kitchen units and walls are all telltale signs of an unprofessional job that could well deter prospective buyers.
- Take care. Undertaking electrical work in high-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens with no prior experience is foolhardy, and may also invalidate your home insurance. Make sure you always wear the necessary protective gear when operating tools and if you’re not sure if something is safe, don’t be afraid to seek DIY advice from a local builder or shop.
Don’t!
- Don’t install design features that will go out of fashion. Most rooms can be updated through accessories so core features should remain classic and timeless—just think of the 1970s avocado bathroom suites that still haunt many homes today.
- Don’t take on renovations that could deter potential buyers. Phil suggests discussing with builders and estate agents in your area to get some idea of what buyers are looking for. Just because you think your garage is a waste of space that would be better used as an extra bedroom, doesn’t mean that future buyers will necessarily agree.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with smaller jobs. Many minor projects can easily be reversed or painted over if they don’t work out, and gaining experience is one of the best ways of building up to a major renovation. Practice makes perfect!
Phil’s Top Tip
Doing it yourself doesn’t always mean you really have to do everything yourself. There is no shame in getting a bit of help from your friends, or the professionals for that matter, when you need it.
