DIY Renovation hints & tips
With the real estate market getting increasingly harder to break into, sometimes we have to buy “reno specials” and do our own improvements to transform the house. There are considerable positives to DIY renovations. Savings can be substantial, you work to your own timeline leading to more flexibility, and master a new skill set.
Undertaking home renovations has never been more doable. Here are ten essential tips and strategies to get you started.
Begin with the End Goal: Identify areas of your home that require renovation, consult your calendar, and create an achievable goal. Plan out a realistic budget, including contingency funds for any unexpected costs, and closely adhere to it.
Research, then Research More: Before starting any renovation, educate yourself about what is involved. Watch tutorial videos online, read articles, and consult DIY books. You may even want to chat with friends, family, and neighbors about the renovation work they have done and ask what they learned. With knowledge comes confidence for the project.
Safety First: Always prioritise safety. Wear appropriate protective gear, especially when working with tools, chemicals, or dust-producing materials. Remember to turn off electricity and water supply when necessary. In a household with children or pets, make sure to install safety features where needed and be mindful of the renovation area. Be sure any major projects and changes to the home would be “up to code” or it could hurt resale value of your home.
Start Small: If you're new to DIY renovations, begin with smaller, manageable projects. Painting a room, installing new hardware, or building simple shelves are good jumping off points.
Tools and Equipment: These can be an expensive investment that could end up being “a pile of cash on the floor” (ie you bought it, used it once or twice and may not use it again for a very long time). Consider how often you might use a particular tool and think about whether the cost is worth it. Renting tools has several other benefits you may not know about. Things like not having to worry about maintenance, servicing and storage, and add in the fact that if you’re renting, you are usually renting high quality tools that are faster, safer and stronger. Click here to see our blog about the benefits of renting over buying.
Designate a “You” Space: Renovations can be timely, and can temporarily change the way you navigate your home. Make sure to leave yourself and your family a functional, tidy space where you can simply relax.
Seek Inspiration: Look for inspiration in home renovation magazines, websites, and on various social media platforms. Gather ideas and create a board to help you visualise, stay on track, and remind yourself of what you are achieving. Don’t be afraid to take before and after pics and update friends and family on your progress! You could inspire one of them to also do DIY projects with you.
Call on the Experts: Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about a particular task, it's always wise to consult with professionals or hire a contractor to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. With certain tasks, money can be saved in the long run when they are handled by a professional.
Take Breaks and Stay Patient: Home renovations can be physically and mentally demanding. Take regular breaks to reset and recharge. Stay patient throughout the process, as some projects may take longer than anticipated.
Remember, any renovation project can seem overwhelming at times but the end goal and feeling you get when you do it alone can be rewarding. When taking on renovation projects, it's important to remember the big picture. Even if there are missteps along the way, there are also learning experiences. Celebrate that you are learning a new skill and take pride in all your hard work!