Taking on some home DIY can be quite intimidating for many people. It can be hard to build up your skillset before beginning a task like hanging some shelves or fixing a broken faucet, but these tasks can be quite simple to accomplish without any experience if you take the right steps.
There is a huge amount of information and guidance out there for home DIYers, especially instructional videos on sites like YouTube that can show you how to do just about anything. It is important to know a few simple basics before you start any task, however. In this quick guide, we are going to give you our top three tips for beginners in home DIY so you can start any DIY task with some important knowledge that will help you along the way.
Remember that Safety Comes First
Before you start any DIY task, you should assess any risks or hazards you may encounter while doing the work, and plan how you will complete each task in the safest way possible.
When working with or near electricity, you need to take extra precautions. If you are working near power outlets or switches, it may be best to isolate your home electricity supply before beginning. You should also have some first aid supplies handy in case you suffer an injury. Plan ahead to save time later.
Plan Your Work, Make Lists
It can be tempting to just head straight into a DIY task and try to get it done as quickly as possible, but if you take some time beforehand to plan your work and make some lists of the equipment you will need and the tasks you need to do, you will actually finish the task more quickly.
Make a work plan by working through the job on paper first, breaking it down into smaller tasks. This will help you spot any problems or bottlenecks ahead of time, and allow you to work around them. It also helps you ensure you have all the right equipment and enough supplies before you get started. Multiple trips to the hardware store will slow you down.
Get to Know Your Drill Bits
Not every drill bit is the same. Not only do they have different sizes, but they also have different purposes. Drill bits are made from different materials and have different designs for use on different materials. Drill bits for wood, for example, are very different from the drill bits you would use on brickwork or stone, known as masonry bits.
Check out this excellent guide. Best Drill Bits for Masonry, Woodworking, and Home Improvement: 2020 Buyer’s Guide with Pro-Quality Products. This can help you to find the right tool for the job that you are doing, and you will learn a lot about the different drill bits and their applications.
Don’t let a lack of DIY experience hold you back. With some planning, preparation, and a little knowledge and confidence, anyone can complete a home DIY task. Soon you will gain enough experience to take on even bigger jobs for yourself and have a lot of fun and save money on contractors.
