Newstricky| The rise of successful and talented DIY designers has inspired everyone. Being able to improve your home with your own hands and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional team is incredible. It has put stunning properties within reach of so many. Though DIYers have proved you can, however, it is important to remember not many should. Many of the most talented DIYers are either tradespeople or have family and friends who work in the trades. This doesn’t mean that you cannot transform your home into something special on your own. Doing it yourself is always a great way to save money. The secret is knowing when to do-it-yourself and when to leave it for the professionals.
With these top tips, you’ll be able to pick out what you can do and how you can save.
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What You Can Always Do
Regardless of your skill, there are a few DIY tips and tricks that you can use to help you save money overall.
Saving on Materials
Whether you do it yourself or you leave it to the professionals, sourcing many of the materials that you will need will help you save. If you are working on a project, you can do it on your own then shop from a trade favorite like Tradefix Direct to get the best deals on everything from building materials to sealants to even tools. As a DIYer, you won’t likely ever place an order that would qualify for bulk discounts, so your next best bet is a trades store.
If you are hiring a team, then having the materials on hand can help you save overall, particularly if you managed to reclaim them from being trashed or bought them when they were on sale.
Redecorate
Cosmetic projects are always within your reach. The reason why is simple – they are easy to undo if you do it wrong. To get the best results, always look up tips and guides on how to do the job properly. You can transform old Ikea furniture or repaint your property to give it that striking edge with some great quality tools, but if you don’t properly prep your project in advance, then the final result isn’t going to be as flawless as you hope. Don’t cut corners, be patient, and use as many guides and tools as you need to make it easier to get professional results.
What You Don’t Want to Do Yourself
Unless you or a loved one has trade experience and is offering their professional-level services and tools to help transform your home, then there are a few essentials you should never attempt on your own.
Anything Related to the Plumbing, Electrics, or Systems
Plumbing, electrics and other internal systems should not and cannot be done by non-professionals. It could negate your home insurance and put your life or home at risk. This can even include something as simple as changing out a light fixture. Don’t risk it unless you have the experience and qualifications. The day rate for an electrician or plumber might be a few hundred, but the peace of mind that they offer is invaluable.
Anything that Changes the Floor Plan
You cannot and should not change the floorplan or anything else that affects the structure of your property. This is large-scale work and cannot be completed without a team, even if you are within the trades.
Opening up a wall, rearranging bathrooms or kitchens, and so on are all outside the scope of someone attempting to do it themselves. These large-scale projects need a lot of specialist tools from trade stores and must be conducted by licensed professionals.
Projects You Are Not Good At
If the fix for a project you want to try would be expensive, then you are almost always better off hiring someone to do the job instead. Sometimes DIY projects just aren’t worth it. Save your energy for cosmetic changes and decorating, and you’ll have a beautifully functioning home that has that perfect polish.
Things You Can Teach Yourself
You can teach yourself a lot of different skills that can help you transform your home. If you want to get the best results when you do it yourself, however, take a class. There are many workshops out there today designed for DIYers just like yourself so that they can approach their project with more industry know-how. Examples includetiling, repainting furniture, reupholstering furniture, and so on.
