Starting a DIY project is as exciting as it can be. However, DIY home improvement projects often aren’t as simple as they are made out to be. Chances are, they could even end up costing you more than you intended to save. Before starting a DIY project, you may want to reassess if you’re cut out for the job and ask yourself these questions.
Click here to see more projects by Vision Built
How big is the project?
Your DIY project can be anything – from painting a wall to a full-blown kitchen remodel or a home renovation. Either way, you’ll want to prepare yourself for the complexity of it. Read through the instructions, making sure you understand the scope. If you are unclear about the details and find yourself with too many questions at the end of the instruction video, you may want to switch to a different project.
Will you be able to finish the task?
Once you’ve recognised the scope of starting a DIY project, you will want to know if you have the skill set required to finish the task. These don’t always have to be deal-breakers and there are many skills you can teach yourself while carrying out the job. However, ask yourself how easily you can learn it and how safe it is to do it by yourself. Before purchasing any tools, consider how often you will be using them and determine if it’s just easier (and cost-effective) to hire someone for a one-time job.
Click here to see more projects by Delco Developments
How much is your time worth to you?
While most DIY projects often consider the cost-saving aspect of it, you will also want to factor in time. Remember that you are undertaking this project for the first time, so following instructions and doing the job can take significantly longer. Decide if the job needs to be done quickly or if you can it stretch across weekends.
How much damage could you do and what are the risks?
Some redecorating projects can do little damage and have easy fixes. For example, a painting project gone wrong can easily be redone with minimal expense. However, cracked tiles or electrical hazards are damages and risks that incur more costs that you set out to save and even threaten your safety. Projects that require you to handle heavy machinery or complex electrical appliances are best left to professionals, so you ensure that you know what you will be dealing with before starting a DIY project.
Click here to see more projects by Gaia Construction
How much are you really saving?
You will want to calculate this not just in terms of money but the time and effort you’ll be putting in. Some jobs will most indefinitely also require purchasing equipment and if you don’t see yourself using these again, the smarter decision would be to hire someone to do the job instead. Compare quotes from various professional contractors and ask if the material cost is included in the quotations. Completing a project by yourself that you started from scratch can be extremely rewarding but remember to have reasonable expectations before you begin!
If you’re looking into renovating your home or looking into any sort of home improvement projects, contact our friendly team on 1300 943 640 or customerservice@ibuildnew.com.au for free assistance in finding a builder that is right for your renovation project.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
1800 184 284
