Whether you own your own home or you’re renting, and whether you’ve ever wielded a hammer or you’re a complete novice in the space of DIY work, there’s a lot of fun to be had in changing your home with your own toil. In fact, DIY is one of the nation’s most extensive hobbies – though unfortunately, it’s male-dominated as a pursuit. In this handy guide, then, we’ll be looking at how you can have fun building your DIY skills while also using these skills on your home – saving cash on tradesmen in the process.
Buy Tools
When you’re feeling like getting into DIY as a hobby, passion or pursuit, you must follow this up by getting a few of the most basic and essential tools you’ll need to get the job done. The up-front investment in these tools can feel steep – but they’re designed to last a lifetime, and if you’re settling into your home for the long-run, these will quickly pay for themselves in the work you do on your home. Buy tools and when you need them for a project, and you’ll quickly build a collection that will cater to several different projects.
Materials
Meanwhile, you’re going to need to be aware of the sorts of materials you’ll be working with when you’re doing DIY projects in your home. There are dozens of different types of wood, for instance – and each type has specific benefits for different projects. There are some great resources on the web to help you understand building materials. Meanwhile, you’ll also be on the lookout for pre-made materials – like brass valves for your plumbing and gas systems, or wiring for your electrical circuits. These can be found online with ease.
Small Projects
You should always begin with a small and achievable DIY project, and work up from there. For instance, if you’re interested in building a shelf for your home, all you’ll need as an appropriate plank of wood, some nails, two angle brackets, and a hammer. If the wood’s not finished, you’ll also need a planer and some sandpaper, to make it smooth and free from splinters. Finally, a spirit level will help you get your shelf at just the right level in your home. Once you’ve put your shelf up, you’ll already have the equipment to perform your next, slightly more complex DIY project at home, like installing built in sliding doors.
Larger Projects
If you’re hoping to perform some home renovations in the near future, and yet you’re not entirely sure about how to go about these changes, you should seek professional advice. If you have a friend who’s into their DIY, ask them over to show you what you’ll need to do. If you know someone who’s a tradesman, ask them about what you can do to build up your home, and renovate your space, in a way that’s safe and cost-effective. With these hints and tips, you’ll be able to graduate into these larger projects over time.
DIY is liberating, fun and cost-effective. Use the tips above to set off on your own DIY journey this year.
