DIY projects all seem nice and easy until you actually get to work and you face unexpected situations. You realize you need more stuff, perhaps some extra tools, more materials, and so on. It makes the job exhausting and frustrating, but you also waste a lot of time.
The secret to a good DIY project is in the planning process. With these thoughts in mind, here are some useful tips to plan and execute a perfect project.
Measure Three Times
Measurements are critical. Failing to measure correctly is the main cause of failure in DIY projects. Don’t measure once, but two or three times, from all angles and directions, just to make 100% sure.
Assuming you plan to replace all the internal doors in your house, head down to your local store to find the right design for your home and make sure your sizes match up before buying.
Indeed, there are a few standard sizes out there, but even if your measurement is close to a standard, it doesn’t mean it matches the size. Measure again and again until you’re sure whether or not your new doors can fit.
The same rule applies to anything that involves measurements, from building shelves and cabinets to planting some trees outdoors.
Write Everything Down
In today’s age of technology, chances are you’ll use your smartphone and a note application to write everything down. You might as well get a piece of paper and a pen.
Write everything down, step by step. Remove an old part, cut a new part, fit it in, whatever the steps are. Then, write down the tools and materials needed for each step.
Otherwise, you’ll be in the middle of the project, realizing that you need more nails or screws. You’ll have to go out, buy some more, maybe too many, and waste a lot of time.
When everything’s written down, you’ll know precisely what you need and what you have to buy, simple as that.
Create a Timeline
A timeline is highly recommended, especially for projects that may require more than a day.
Sure, you could just start the project and go along day by day, but a timeline will give you some small goals to look forward to.
This way, you’ll consider it a good day if you finish what you had to complete by the end of the day.
On the same note, you’ll be able to complete your project without disrupting family life or having to run errands throughout the day.
Pre-Make Some Mistakes
It may sound stupid, but feel free to make a few mistakes here and there, do it intentionally if you’re not 100% sure about one thing in particular. And the truth is most people are not sure about this and that until they try it and hope for the best.
For example, if you’re not sure what kind of holes to drill to match the screws you have, grab a spare piece of wood and drill holes of different sizes. Try the screws then and find out which size is right.
You can skip this step, but you risk failing, scraping a piece, and trying again. In the long run, you’ll waste money and time, so it’s simply not worth it.
Believe it or not, this is what makes the difference between a reckless newbie and a safe maker. You’ll have to be able to test first and anticipate potential issues before they arise.
Set a Budget
It doesn’t have to be a perfect budget, but a rough one. Set it up and price materials and tools accordingly. You can do a bit of research and check out different stores online, rather than drive from one to another.
This way, you can prevent unexpected situations regarding money.
Even so, certain things can still cost a bit more, not to mention potential mistakes.
Your budget should be based on the original plan, which includes materials and tools. This way, you’ll know 100% it’s accurate.
Ask For Help When Needed
Asking for help is an important part of any DIY project. It’s easy to get stuck or feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re tackling a bigger project or working with new tools and materials. That’s why it’s important to reach out to someone who has experience in the area you need help with.
If you have a friend or family member who has experience with DIY projects, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice or assistance. They may be able to offer valuable insights or even lend a hand with the work itself.
Bottom line, these are by far the most important things to pay attention to when planning a DIY project.
At the same time, these are also the most common mistakes people make in DIY projects. They seem nice and easy at first glance, but every mistake can add to the challenge once you start a project.