DIY jobs are some of the most important skills that we all need to get to grips with. If you are just starting out on your DIY journey, it can be very overwhelming. And many modern men don’t necessarily have the skills to pull off DIY tasks. But worry no more! If you are a newcomer to the world of DIY, this is your one-stop-shop for becoming confident and competent.
Find the Advice That Really Speaks to You
Because these days there’s a lot of advice online when it comes to DIY, that we can find ourselves in over our head. A lot of DIY channels operate with the mindset that you have some basic knowledge, but others really take you through it step-by-step. But it is also important to remember that when you find a DIY channel that speaks to you in terms of the jobs, it also needs to provide you with solid advice on buying the right equipment. Because there’s plenty of blogs out there that are going to mention certain products more favorably, it is important to find guides that are open and honest. For example, The Bloke Cave’s guide to cordless drills doesn’t just favor one type of drill, but it provides you with many different options and leaves the decision up to you.
To Do it Yourself or Call the Professional?
DIY comes in many different shapes and sizes. But in order to decide whether you should do the work yourself or not you’ve got to have a good idea of why the job needs doing, but also what outcome you expect. This will put you in a better position to decide whether you are up to the task or if you need to call in someone. There are many jobs that may seem simple, but if you do it wrong, it can have a catastrophic outcome. There are so many plumbing jobs that you can attempt, but there are many you should never try because you will not be able to comply with the building regulations but also you might be putting your safety at risk. When in doubt, you should always call a professional. But there are things that you can do to help the process along. For example, if a wall is bumpy, you could make it a bit flatter so you can paint it, in which case, you can sand the wall, or if you need it perfect so you could put up expensive wallpaper, you might be best leaving the job of skimming the wall to a professional.
Never Skimp on Your Safety
Another key component in deciding whether you should do a project yourself is the risk that it poses. Comparing yourself to an experienced professional is all about the demands of the job. You should never cut back on your personal safety. Ultimately it depends on the job. If you are working on the roof, are you going to be able to use the right measures to protect yourself to carry out the job? Many people try their best to save a few pennies by looking online for guides, but the biggest mistake people make is not prioritizing their safety. Being up on the roof and making a mistake could end badly. And it is important to emphasize that!
Invest in the Right Toolkit
Tool kits come in many different shapes and sizes, and to get you started, the basics are usually pretty inexpensive. Many of the small power tools you will need are pretty modest in price and will get the job done. But when you start to delve deeper into your DIY journey, you will then start to naturally expand your reach. But when it comes to the basics, always remember that it is crucial to have a good quality spirit level and a tape measure. As the saying goes: measure twice, cut once!
Never Underestimate Your Timescales
Timescales are crucial, whether it is for you or a tradesperson. If you are trying to save money by doing smaller tasks so a builder can carry on working on your property, you might not be the best person to undertake the task. If you rush the task, it is going to end with a poor outcome. DIY done improperly can cause damage, and it will have a knock-on effect, especially when it comes to selling your home as it could affect the property’s resale value.
Look After Your Tools Properly
After any DIY session, you need to make sure that all of your tools are in good condition. If you are working on your garden, you could leave tools outside, and can be vulnerable to getting wet or rusty. If you look after your tools, they will look after you. It is important to get into the habit of putting tools away, storing them properly and also making sure they last longer, especially when it comes to painting brushes and rollers. Paint left to dry on a roller could mean that when you come to reuse the roller, there could be a number of brush marks on the wall.
Get the Right Product for the Job
When you head to your local DIY store, you might be surprised how many things are on display for one simple job. A task is simple as putting up a shelf could go wrong if you do not use the right drill bit or screw. Take your time and do your research to make sure that these beginner DIY tasks set you up with confidence to do more.
Starting in any type of home improvement can be very overwhelming. But you should never feel like you are incapable of doing it. When it comes to painting, plumbing jobs, or any DIY task, you have to make sure that you put yourself first. Sometimes, we feel that we would be better off saving money and doing a job ourselves, but if you do it wrong, you’re going to be forking out for it anyway! Get it right the first time!
