If you have recently become a homeowner, we take our hats off to you! Finding the deposit and getting mortgage approval are no easy things and once you recover from the initial financial pressure, your mind will turn to home improvements.
In this short article, we offer useful information about DIY to help you take on a challenging aspect of property ownership.
Tools & Equipment
Quality is the key word here; buy tools that will stand the test of time; yes, there are cheap brands out there and they might look identical to quality tools, but in the long run, it is actually cheaper to invest in top-quality tools. Create a tool list with a column for hand tools and one for power tools.
Rechargeable power tools are definitely recommended, as they save so much time and energy. Some would say, buy tools as you need them and who are we to disagree? A few projects further down the road and you will have a sound basic set of tools.
Power tools can be hired, which is often the best solution, especially with tools you would rarely use. Equipment would include a set of aluminum steps that are fully adjustable, giving you a solid working platform at height.
Ideally, you would have a workshop with a bench and a vice; you could commandeer some of the garage space or buy a modular unit and turn it into a workshop.
Working in the home is not really practical for obvious reasons and while the weather is good, you can work under a carport or even on your terrace.
Read Also:
Things To Outsource
Once you get the home improvement bug, you naturally think you can tackle everything but there are some tasks to outsource; whether window cleaning in Melbourne or Sydney, you are only a phone call away from a local contractor.
You should arrange for a local roofing contractor to inspect your roof, which should be an annual thing and if you need electrical work, call in a certified electrician.
YouTube
It might surprise you to learn that it is possible for a person with no previous experience to build a house, solely by following YouTube videos.
Whether you are planning a loft conversion or building fitted wardrobes, search YouTube for tutorial videos and you won’t be disappointed.
If you spend an hour searching Facebook DIY groups, you can join and ask the experts about anything connected with home improvements.
Planning Projects
Ask any seasoned DIY-er about planning and they will confirm this is an important stage of any project; start by creating a tools and equipment list, then list all materials, which is followed by a costing. If your budget is adequate, you can then plan each stage of the project and check that you have covered everything.
There is a lot of satisfaction from working on improvements in your home, plus you are boosting the value of the property, while also saving money on labor costs.
