How 2 do DIY
Whether you’re a renter who wants to make their mark on a home with a lick of paint or a first-time homeowner of a property that needs some work, most of us have to tackle DIY in our 20s and 30s, often for the first time.
This article is not a step-by-step guide to refurbishing your entire house. Instead, it is some top tips and hints to get you started from a twenty-something who has just replaced a kitchen and survived to tell the tale!
1. What actually needs doing?
Do you really need to replace the entire kitchen or could you get the same look with a few coats of cabinet paint? Does the living room actually need gutting or could you just replace the curtains and add some new accessories? It can be a good idea to live somewhere for a few months before beginning any DIY to get a good idea of what really needs doing so that you don’t waste valuable time and money.
2. DIY or professional?
There is a reason why there are professional trades people out there: most of us just can’t do certain jobs well. Find out exactly what the work will require, then honestly assess whether or not you can do it. When tackling my kitchen, the one thing I got a professional in for was the plastering and it was worth every penny.
3. Enlist some volunteers
Parents, experienced friends, people who own tools they are willing to lend. Don’t take advantage - you should be doing the bulk of the work yourself, but do get people’s advice and don’t turn down offers of practical help. If people do a specific task for you because you can’t do it yourself, ask them to teach you so that you know for next time and can teach others in turn.
4. Get advice
It’s time to admit you’re old enough to invest in one of those doorstop-sized ‘How to Do DIY’ books. Ask staff in DIY stores for advice and read online DIY forums and DIY magazines. Save time, frustration and arguments by reading instructions first!
5. Make a budget – and stick to it!
List everything you think you will need to do the project then cost it. Finish by adding a third of the total on again. There will inevitably be tools and bits and pieces that you didn’t think of, but won’t be able to do without. Save enough money to buy everything before you get started. There’s nothing worse than having to live in a half finished project!
6. Make a plan
Work out a timetable for all the tasks involved, then add half the time again. The first few times you do DIY everything will take twice as long as you estimate. If it’s long job plan times for rest. Include time to have people round once you’ve finished so that you can show off – but maybe don’t set the date until it actually is finished!
Written by Caroline Harmon. Posted on 29th April.
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