Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through
checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - job:1. Do an overview of project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes imagining that you have been hired to do job may help you take a better perspective on what it will take to complete task.
2. Be realistic about your expectations. If you are just a beginning DIYer, consider completing a few small projects (like putting up shelves or fixing a garden fence) before attempting a major one. Ideally, for your first big DIY project you should select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished - for example, your basement or outdoors. Don't attempt replumbing house as your first project!
3. Know where to seek help if needed. Your sources might include DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn essential techniques from them.
4. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them all BEFORE you start project. This will minimize need for frustrating runs to store, allowing you to completely focus on job.
There are many online tools available for estimating quantity of materials (like paint or tiles) that you need for a project - make use of those to save time. Some useful online estimators can be found here: http://www.construction-resource.com/construction-calculator.php. (It is also a good time saving idea to add about 10% to your calculated material requirements to allow for waste.)
5. Make a realistic budget. Remember to budget for little things such as nails, screws, hinges etc. The little things, when combined, tend to add up to significant amounts that are often overlooked during planning stage.
