We all love to improve our homes, and when you factor in the rising cost of labour, it soon becomes apparent that doing anything at home will never be cheap. This is one of the reasons why so many Australian homeowners turn to DIY; another benefit is the satisfaction gained from planning and implementing a home improvement project.
Cheap home repairs
If you are a jack of all trades, you won’t need to call out your local plumber in Sydney, which would save you a few dollars. The hourly labour rates are very high, and why pay if you have the tools and the know-how to do it yourself? Developing a talent level that will surprise you doesn’t take long. The garden also requires looking after. If you don’t have the time to weed and cut the grass, there are local contractors to maintain your yard.
Here are a few top tips for the novice DIY enthusiast.
YouTube
There are thousands of DIY ‘how to’ videos in the world’s most extensive video library. From roof tiling to loft conversions and everything in between, watch a couple of videos to gain the confidence you need to carry out even the most challenging projects. DIY YouTubers are indeed many, allowing you to tackle any project, and you can watch as many times as you need to. If you are planning to build fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom and don’t know where to start, someone has made a video showing the entire build, including the planning. People have built a house from scratch with little more than YouTube, which is pretty impressive.
Buy quality tools & equipment
We all like to save money, but when buying tools and building equipment, it makes sense to opt for known brands. If you look after your tools, they will last a lifetime, and as you take on more projects, you can acquire more tools. Read the professional reviews, as these tell you what you need to know. Power tools make drilling and cutting easy, and the latest generation of cordless power tools is perfect. Hand tools also need to be cleaned after every use, and leaving them outside usually leads to rust forming; oil wood chisels and screwdrivers prevent rusting.
Take online courses
There isn’t much you can’t learn online these days; take electricity as an example; there are sites that detail how to wire up a structure; you can learn about resistors, amps, fuses, and voltage. If you want to become certified in a trade, you will do a mix of theory and practical, which can be a rewarding career. If you reach the handyman level, you should be able to deal with most issues, and with a comprehensive tool kit, you won’t need to hire staff. Click here for the benefits of a professional cleaning service.
Free online resources
Google is the world’s number 1 search engine, and it can take you to many platforms that offer resources such as printable project plan documents and layout templates. The Internet hosts a wealth of information on every aspect of home improvements; all you have to do is find them. You could join a few DIY Facebook groups to get practical advice from the experts. They have seen it all and are always happy to help a newbie, whatever the issue, and they know what they are talking about.
Composite materials
Luxury vinyl or engineered timber makes for excellent flooring at a fraction of the cost of hardwood; vinyl comes in fantastic finishes in stone, slate, and timber. Most new materials are maintenance-free, which means more time to do the things you love!
Project planning
Every project needs to be planned; list all required materials and tools and ensure everything you need is onsite before starting work. Planning reveals potential issues you might not have seen, and an overall action plan makes you less likely to make mistakes.
Regular building inspections
Regarding repairs, it is advisable to conduct regular inspections, which would reveal minor issues that can be fixed before they become major. Being proactive is the smart home maintenance approach, which decreases maintenance and repair costs.
If you would like to save money on your home improvements, get into DIY and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with improving your living space while, at the same time, you are boosting the value of the property.
We hope you are enthusiastic about DIY and ready to plan your first project.