Starting a do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement project could be an exciting way to bring fresh energy into your space. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of brightening up the living room with a new coat of paint, giving the bathroom a simple update or even building something special in the backyard.
Taking on projects yourself may save you money, boost your confidence and let you put your own style into your home. Home improvement loans could help cover the upfront costs of bigger renovations, while a credit card could be fine for smaller projects.
But before you start to price out your project, there are some key things to think through first.
Know your skill level and your limits
It may be easy to get inspired by TV shows or online videos that make home projects look quick and easy. What you don’t always see are the hours of planning, experience and extra help that go into making it look so smooth.
Be honest about your skill level. Think about whether you already have experience with the type of project you’re planning, whether you know how to use the necessary tools safely and whether you could fix things if they went wrong.
Painting a room or replacing cabinet handles may be safe projects for beginners. On the other hand, rewiring electrical outlets or knocking down walls could violate building codes and even be dangerous without proper training.
There’s no shame in calling a professional when a job is too advanced. Sometimes, doing part of the work yourself — like painting after a contractor installs drywall — still saves money while keeping you safe. The key is knowing when to challenge yourself and when to step back.
Make a clear plan and budget
Before you start your DIY project, picture what you want the finished space to look like and consider the steps it might take to get there. Having a clear vision could help you stay focused and prevent the project from feeling overwhelming. A plan also gives you a realistic idea of how much time the work might take.
Part of planning is budgeting. Costs for materials, tools and little extras could pile up quickly. Setting a spending limit before you begin may help you avoid surprises. Even with a budget, it may also be smart to leave room for unexpected expenses, like running out of paint or replacing a broken tool halfway through the job.
Check for permits, zoning requirements and rules
Depending on where you live, certain projects may need official approval from your city, town or county. Skipping the permitting process could mean fines, delays or even having to undo your hard work. Major jobs like building a deck, making electrical changes, adding plumbing or removing walls often fall under permit requirements. If you live in an older neighborhood, there may be special zoning requirements you need to meet to ensure your home retains its historic value as well.
There’s typically a fee associated with most permits, so be sure to budget for that.
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, check their rules as well. HOAs often set limits on exterior features like fence color, fence heights or landscaping styles. It’s better to have the information up front than to have to redo a project later.
Shop smart for materials and tools
Walking into a home improvement store could seem overwhelming because there are so many choices, and the costs could add up fast. Shopping smart may help you stick to your budget without cutting quality.
Instead of buying everything in one place, compare prices at different stores, shop online or borrow what you need. For example, if you only need a tool once, see if a neighbor has one or rent it from a local hardware store. In some places, you may even be able to borrow tools from your public library! Another smart step is buying only the supplies you need instead of loading up on extras you may never use.
Being resourceful could also pay off. Check out online “buy nothing” groups to see if anyone is giving away leftover project materials, or visit your local thrift store to see if they have any tools or other supplies you might be able to use.
Start smart and go step by step
DIY home improvement is more than fixing or updating — it’s about creating a space that feels truly yours. Every brushstroke, nail and detail adds personality to your home and shows the effort you’ve put into the space.
By planning and budgeting carefully and bringing in pros if you need them, you can reach your DIY home improvement goals. And each project you finish builds confidence for the next one, so before long, you’ll see just how much you’re capable of achieving.
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