DIY Home Renovations Tips

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Home renovation is gaining popularity as more homeowners discover improvements, styles, and designs to transform their house. More appealing, are the considerable pros to DIY renovation. Savings are substantial, homeowners work on their own timeline leading to more flexibility, and they master a new skill set.

Thanks to do-it-yourself trends and resources, undertaking home renovations has never been more doable. Here are ten essential tips and strategies to get you started. 

1. Begin with the End Goal: Identify areas of your home that require renovation, consult your calendar, and create an achievable goal. Plan out a realistic budget, including contingency funds for any unexpected costs, and closely adhere to it.
2. Research, then Research More: Before starting any renovation, educate yourself about what is involved. Watch tutorial videos online, read articles, and consult DIY books. You may even want to chat with friends, family, and neighbors about the renovation work they have done and ask what they learned. With knowledge comes confidence for the project.
3. Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate protective gear, especially when working with tools, chemicals, or dust-producing materials. Remember to turn off electricity and water supply when necessary. In a household with children or pets, make sure to install safety features where needed and be mindful of the renovation area. Be sure any major projects and changes to the home would be “up to code” or it could hurt resale value of your home.
4. Start Small: If you're new to DIY renovations, begin with smaller, manageable projects. Painting a room, installing new hardware, or building simple shelves are good jumping off points.
5. Tools and Equipment: Invest in tools and equipment. It is important to have good quality tools for the job. If you don’t have the proper tools, consider asking neighbors, friends, family, etc. or opt for renting tools if you don’t think you would use them enough as some tools and equipment can be costly. 
6. Designate a “You” Space: Renovations can be timely, and can temporarily change the way you navigate your home. Make sure to leave yourself and your family a functional, tidy space where you can simply relax. 
7. Seek Inspiration: Look for inspiration in home renovation magazines, websites, and on various social media platforms. Gather ideas and create a board to help you visualize, stay on track, and remind yourself of what you are achieving. Don’t be afraid to take before and after pics and update friends and family on your progress! You could inspire one of them to also do DIY projects with you.
8. Call on the Experts: Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about a particular task, it's always wise to consult with professionals or hire a contractor to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. With certain tasks, money can be saved in the long run when they are handled by a professional. 
9. Take Breaks and Stay Patient: Home renovations can be physically and mentally demanding. Take regular breaks to reset and recharge. Stay patient throughout the process, as some projects may take longer than anticipated.

Remember, any renovation project can seem overwhelming at times but the end goal and feeling you get when you do it alone can be rewarding. When taking on renovation projects, it's important to remember the big picture.  Even if there are missteps along the way, there are also learning experiences. Celebrate that you are learning a new skill and take pride in all your hard work!