DIY projects seem to have taken over social media in the last year or so! It seems like no matter what the platform, TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest – there is an ever growing database of content for DIY projects. We are so lucky to have access to so many great resources where we are easily able to pull inspiration from and tackle our own projects. However, before tackling those projects, it’s important to know that there are so many common – but avoidable DIY mistakes. We thought we would share some with you that will hopefully help you tackle your next at home DIY project.
1) Not doing enough research before hand
This is a big one, no matter what you are doing. Whether it be a large or small project, doing your research is so important. For example, if you’re considering tiling an entry way or a shower, or wherever really. You might think bigger tile would be easier, less tiles to worry about putting down. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bigger tiles are heavier and often more unforgiving than smaller tiles. Unfortunately we know a few people who have thought this, started their project, and almost immediately regretted it. If you are planning on tackling a project, do your research but also talk to someone at one of your local building centres. They should be able to provide some insight into the job you’re looking at tackling.
2) Not nvesting in the right tools
There’s no doubt that we’ve seen costs increase substantially since the start of the pandemic. DIY can be a thrifty and budget friendly solution to tackling some of your home projects. Something as simple as painting a room with the right tools can make the world of a difference. We’re not saying you have to go out and buy the most expensive roller and brushes you can find, but investing in some good quality tools will make the difference. Trust us when we say investing in the right tools the first time is better than having to redo it because you aren’t happy with how everything turned out.
3) Not knowing how big the project is
This is something we often underestimate in general. For example, we had some friends who recently moved into an older home and the bathroom needed new paint on the ceiling and the walls. They thought this would be an easy one-day job. After going through and prepping everything, a lot of the ceiling needed to be mudded and sanded before being painted. What was a one-day job had turned into a week of disarray in the bathroom. We recommend allocating a bit more time than you had initially planned as often times there will be surprises. Just remember that it’s okay to take a break! Burn out is real and can be off putting to coming back and finishing.
4) Not considering your home’s quirks
This is similar to the one mentioned above, but always consider the age of your home and the imperfections that might be there. Something as simple as being aware of oil paint that is often used in old houses. If painting over, a latex paint will peel right off.
5) Not having an overall vision
Whether a project be large or small, it’s important to have a vision for how it will incorporate into your home. For example, if building a feature wall, making sure it fits the vibe of your home is important. It’s so much better to have an overall vision before you head out and start buying materials and décor. This will also help you with keeping a budget. If you are planning on tackling one thing at a time vs. the whole area, we suggest putting together a bit of a mood board. This will help to ensure your vision stays on track for the entirety of the project.
6) Not budgeting enough
This one is huge! Perhaps one of the biggest DIY mistakes is not budgeting enough for a project. Often times there are surprise costs in projects of all sizes. Something like having to replace a tool that you thought was perfect. DIY projects often ending up costing more than you think they will. We suggest adding an extra 30% to your budget total.
At the end of the day, DIY mistakes often lead to the same thing: lost time, wasted effort and additional costs. We always say its better to be over prepared than under prepared. We hope that these 6 common DIY mistakes helped to make sure you don’t fall victim to them! Now all that’s left is to get out there, get some inspiration and tackle your next DIY project with your mind at ease!
