Do It Yourself (DIY) is often the peak of our ambition and imagination. We have lofty ideas and utopian visions of the future, with an idyllic home or a dream set-up. What we often forget is the time and effort it takes to transform that vision into reality. Starting with a bang and slowly losing steam is classic human behaviour after all. But all that aside, DIY can be a literal joyride. Quite a few of us fancy tinkering with tools, tackling sudden pitfalls and building something truly utilitarian as well as aesthetic. 

Keeping the following tips in mind will help ensure your project crosses the finish line and sees the light of day.

1. Reevaluate Your Space

It is best to honestly reevaluate the space you wish to renovate or give a makeover to. If you are new to DIY and just starting out, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore and consider. 

To weed out the unnecessary options, ask yourself questions like “Am I doing this purely to improve the aesthetic?”, “Is it really improving how the space is utilised by my family?” and “Is the change worth the time, effort and money needed?”. Asking these tough questions will help you make better choices and reduce choice paralysis. 

Another point to note would be that there are certain jobs like complex electrical work, advanced plumbing, installing the kitchen and so on, that are best left to the experts. 

Knowing what not to do can also reduce the clutter.

2. Do Research & Seek Inspiration

After zeroing in on the space you wish to modify, it's best to keep an open mind about the style and design. Doing research on trending and evergreen options would be the next logical step. 

Pinterest has emerged as a great destination for hunting DIY project inspiration. The platform has a huge library of content and is packed with step-by-step guides, mood boards and creative builds to suit every skill level. Create your own design board to get a sense of what style, colour and design you seem to like. Research about DIY hacks and shortcuts from seasoned aficionados. 

Remember: you do not have to reinvent the wheel. 

3. Set a Realistic Budget & Timeframe

At first glance, DIY projects can seem deceptively affordable. However, it doesn't take a lot for the costs to spiral out of control. That is why it is important to have a detailed budget with some wiggle room (which you can afford) before buying a single tool or material. 

Don't budget for the best-case scenario where everything goes smoothly as per the plan; it rarely does. Leave some reserve funds for unforeseen expenses. A good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10–15% as a buffer. Time is the other major factor to keep in mind. If you're working around a full-time job or family responsibilities, be candid about how much time you can actually dedicate each week. 

Projects always take longer than you think, especially for the first time around. Implement chunking. Break the project into clear stages and assign specific deadlines to each. That way, you'll stay on track and avoid burnout halfway through.

4. Use the Right Materials

The material mix of the project will determine whether it lasts for years or needs patching up after just a month or two. 

You need to be mindful of factors like purpose, environment and level of use. For instance, if you are building a deck, go for durable, weather-resistant timbers like spotted gum, merbau or blackbutt, which are popular hardwood choices across Australia for their strength and natural resistance to termites. And for using steel in deck construction, opt for corrosion-resistant steel, especially if you are in a coastal area. 

Consider external factors like this when determining the final material list. Apart from the materials, looking for any generators for sale in your area can make sure you never lose power and hit pause on your project work.

DIY projects can be really fun when the fundamentals are in place. By following our tips, you can lay solid groundwork for a successful DIY attempt. 

Reevaluating your space will give you plenty of ideas you can play around with. Doing adequate research will ensure that you make an informed choice. Setting a realistic budget will ensure that things stay on track and costs don't spiral out of control. Finally, using the right materials will ensure a long-lasting and successful completion of your endeavours.