Regardless of your experience as a DIY guy, whether you’re doing it for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, it’s important to understand that DIYs aren’t always going to go as planned — mistakes will be made. But the good news is you can learn to avoid them and make your project be successful. To help you do just that, here are 6 common DIY mistakes and how you can avoid them.
DIY Mistake 1: Using The Wrong Tools For The Job
Tools have specific uses, and using them for tasks other than their intended use could result in injury, longer working hours, and a possible failed project. We know that tools aren’t cheap, especially power tools, but purchasing the right ones for the job is worth the investment.
How to Avoid This: Before working on a project, consider what tools you have and what tools you will need to get the job done as smoothly and safely as possible.
DIY Mistake 2: Taking Incorrect Measurements
In DIY, you do a lot of cutting, and even if you’re just an inch off the correct measurement, it can completely throw off your progress. Getting measurements wrong is a common mistake when working on a project, but it can easily be avoided.
How to Avoid This: Whatever you’re working on, try to use one measuring tool throughout the entire project. Take the time to mark your measurements to ensure that you don’t miss anything — and before moving on to the next step, always double-check if you got it right.
DIY Mistake 3: Not Taking Into Account All the Expenses Involved
Doing jobs yourself can save you money, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be spending anything. Many people get excited over what they’re going to build that they forget how much it will cost them. You should think about the cost of the materials and tools you will need for the project.
How to Avoid This: Before buying anything for the project, create a list of everything you need, and then once you have a number on how much it would cost you, add a little to your budget to cover unexpected expenses.
DIY Mistake 4: Underestimating Projects
When you’re so excited about your project, and you already have a vision of what it will look like after you finish it, it’s easy to forget about the size of the task and the amount of time and effort required — not to mention the skills that are involved in getting it done.
How to Avoid This: Do some research about your project and the amount of work required. Be realistic with your expectations and your skill level. If you don’t know how to do a specific task, it’s better to consult with an expert first to avoid accidents.
DIY Mistake 5: Overlooking Safety Practices
For some, DIY is an enjoyable hobby, but safety must always be your number 1 priority. No matter how small, you should follow safety practices to a tee to ensure that you avoid an accident that can lead to a severe injury. Even simple things such as keeping a room ventilated while painting or making your workplace clean and organized can make a huge difference.
How to Avoid This: Make it a habit of wearing safety equipment before working on a project. And always take the necessary precautions during each task. If you’re dealing with wires or something you’re not familiar with, consult with a professional to avoid accidents.
DIY Mistake 6: Accidentally Skipping Steps
We’ve all experienced this at some point in our lives. We forgot one thing, and we didn’t realize it until much later. This kind of scenario can ruin your whole DIY project. A good example would be when you paint a surface. Say you accidentally skipped the part where you need to sand or prime the surface before painting — this could result in uneven coverage that will peel and break off over time.
How to Avoid This: Make a list of steps to complete your project. If you have a guide, read the instructions thoroughly so you won’t miss anything.
Final Reminder
Mistakes are inevitable, but at the same time, there are ways to minimize them — especially those mistakes that may put you in harm’s way.
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