5 Helpful Tips For at Home DIY

5 Helpful Tips For at Home DIY

As you could probably tell from my recent posts I’m currently having some major home renovations done. A household DIY project can be a very messy and involved job and before you know it,  you find you are living in a construction site. I know I was. But it doesn’t have to be a big deal, if you plan well, it can run smoothly and with as little disruption as possible.

So, with this in mind, I wanted to dedicate a post to pointing out some general tips for home DIY’ers. These are just some ideas to keep in mind to help you be the most prepared you can be, when you take on new DIY jobs and projects around the house.

1. Trust Technology

I know, I know…It almost seems counterintuitive. When I think of taking on a DIY project I immediately think that involves rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in. Working with your hands feels like an anti-technology task these days, but it doesn’t have to be that way. For us modern ladies (and gentlemen!) there are now some technological tools that can offer you guidance through a number of typical household projects. Specifically, I’d point you toward Gizmodo’s list of home improvement apps, which offer all kinds of DIY hints, tips and help. They can help you with measurements, organisation, scheduling, and specific repair tactics and certainly got me out of some sticky situations just recently. I also love YouTube for a good tutorial, there is everything you need on there.

2. Keep A List Of Materials & Colours

When you are changing lots of things around the home it can be tricky to keep track of what you’ve done and where you bought your materials from. I found recently we needed to touch up some chips in a wall and couldn’t remember the exact shade of paint we used, so matching it was near-impossible. So, ideally when you first purchase a home, and also with each additional repair job, always keep a running list of specifics regarding any material that might one day need updating or replacing. Don’t be like me, and have to do it the hard way!

5 Helpful Tips For at Home DIY

3. Stock Up On Tools

Most households have some kind of toolbox lying around, but often it takes a specific need for someone to realise what might be missing from that box. So, if you’re focused on doing more DIY work in the near future, it’s a good idea to go ahead and invest in some common tools. The simplest approach is often buying a fully stocked toolkit that has most of what you need included, though some DIY’ers would advocate for a few larger pieces of equipment as well. For instance, Screwfix have highlighted the need for something like a bandsaw within your toolbox, this can be a handy piece of kit for cutting multiple materials and irregular shapes, whereas a handsaw can be a little more crude. Similarly, some might want power sanders or power washers to avoid having to sand and scrub by hand for outdoor projects. Just make sure you have the tools you’re most comfortable with so that when the time comes you’re ready to go.

4. Practice With Fun Projects

You never really know what is going to happen with your house. Before I was a home-owner I didn’t realise how stressful it can be. In December without warning we had a huge flood throughout the front of our house, and then last week our other flat in Brighton had the boiler break down. These things just happen when you least expect it so it’s best to be on your guard and practice your DIY skills on some smaller more fun projects first, so when the big stuff comes up you are ready and prepared! Repaint a room just because you want to; built a shed for the backyard; knock out and replace some drywall just to update a room. Whatever the specific project entails, ideas like these can improve your DIY skill and prepare you for tackling the tasks that will need doing down the road.

 

5. Make Your Cleaning Supplies

This is just a good habit to get into in general, but I’d say it also falls under the DIY umbrella. As explained by DIY Network, a lot of basic household cleaners can be made from ordinary household items with relative ease, giving you everything you need to tidy up while ultimately costing you less. There are also a wealth of recipes on Pinterest, and they are all so simple Most home repair or maintenance jobs wind up necessitating a lot of cleaning, so you probably won’t mind having some cheap but effective materials on hand!

 


5 Helpful Tips For at Home DIY

Good luck with any DIY projects you take on this Spring – I would love to see your photos of your progress so tweet/snap/instagram me with them!

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