In this post, you will learn how to plan for a DIY project! The best part is you can use this post as a guide for practically any project, big or small. All projects start the same but they branch out depending on what you are doing. Whether it’s a mini-makeover, or you are building a piece of furniture, for example, a mantel or throw ladder (like this one), or a big overhaul such as a bathroom or kitchen. This will help you start the process and give you an idea of all the things you need to take into consideration while working in your home whether interior or exterior.
So basically we will divide the process into major sections, and include a set of steps to take during that phase. We will also share along the way some tips and tricks. And now without further ado here is how to plan for a DIY project. Unless you want to “shoot from the hip.” Then you do you!
Research
Get Inspired
This is the most fun but can be overwhelming because of all the pretty stuff out there and the never-ending Pinterest scroll. Just look for pictures of what you want or what you like. What makes you secrete endorphins? You can search on Pinterest or Instagram or any other social media platform or magazine that you prefer. While you are looking at these pictures, ask yourself what is it that you like, is it the colors? Or how the space is used? The type of finishes? Write all this down that way you will know what you like or you can use pictures. Sometimes you have to do some self-exploration before you really know what you like and what works for you 😉
Paint a Picture
Now, what if your project consists of building something like built-ins, like the one that Erica did in her office or a mudroom or even something small like a number sign? Well, then you can look up the paint color or stain you want to use and add that to your mood board, the type of wood, a picture of the ideal finished project, any hardware that you would like to use. The point is to let those creative juices flow and when you start searching for materials and looking for quotes you will know what to search for.
Tip: If you are technologically inclined you can create a mood board of your project via your favorite software from paint to PowerPoint or if you like you can use photoshop and do a 3D rendering. Whatever you feel comfortable doing. Add the elements that you would like to see or use and use them as references. There are even websites out there like SketchUp and Room Sketcher just to mention a few, that let you design rooms to help see what they would look like.
Planning
Review Your Space
Look at your space and take measurements. Whether you’re making large changes within a room or not, or you’re simply building a piece that will go in a room, either way, measure just to make sure it will fit where you want to place it.
Some guidelines for measuring:
- Use graph paper, and mark which way is north.
- Starting with the North wall, measure the overall length of each wall in the room.
- Measure each wall again, this time the lengths from wall to door, window, etc.
- Also, measure the height of the room from floor to ceiling.
- Take separate measurements of each of the openings of those doors, windows, built-ins, etc.
- Mark on your drawing where any floor registers, outlets, lights, or returns/heat registers are located.
Create a Shopping List
Make a list of the materials and tools needed if you are doing the work yourself or don’t already have them. In that list include the work that needs to be done as well, as this will help you identify what type of tools you will need and if you can do the work all by yourself.
Tip: We include the price of the materials to be used just so we can compare from different stores and make sure we get the best deal. Also, as far as tools go, some stores like The Home Depot can rent out certain tools which is a good option if you don’t want to commit to an expensive buy just for one project. Not to mention big home stores usually have the ability to rip large pieces of plywood for you as well before you checkout.
Who is Doing The Work?
An important item to figure out now is if you are doing all the work yourself or would rather have a portion of it or all of it outsourced to a professional. This is true for bigger jobs especially when you need to touch electrical or plumbing, as some people don’t feel comfortable playing around with this and everything must be code. Now if this doesn’t apply to your job or you are doing everything yourself then skip this step and keep on rocking with your brave soul.
Tip: If you’re going to try your hand at something new, research how to do it and read up from various sources. If you are outsourcing make sure you get different quotes from different contractors and double-check their references you don’t want a bad experience. Never pay the whole cost upfront for a job.
Get Technical
When planning for your project make sure to verify what is the code for whatever change you are doing and if you will need any kind of permits. That is easy to do, just a quick search on your town’s building department website and you should find all the information you need. If you need further assistance give them a call!
Set The Budget
This may seem to be common sense, but realistically sitting down and verifying your finances and writing an actual number will help you stay on track better. Only you know how much you want and can spend, and whether those numbers reflect the reality of the situation. This is where that shopping list will help in keeping you on track and getting the best prices. Remember there is a difference between what you want to spend and how much, in reality, you can spend. Be flexible, usually, this number will change, but it shouldn’t change too much. But for this reason, you should have a contingency budget for emergencies, especially if you’re project is major.
Let’s Get to Work
It’s time to work. Build a timeline based on your needs and make arrangements if needed. How much time the project will take is based on various factors, your availability, your contractor’s availability potential setbacks, product availability, etc. Don’t place unrealistic expectations on anyone-neither yourself, nor contractors!
This is a good time to start buying your shopping list items as a lot of the things might take longer to arrive than you may think or be back-ordered.
Tips: Before starting to work, if you are attempting something completely new, find guides, plans, print out instructions, google info on how to operate correctly the tools that you are going to use. Better to be safe than down an index finger.
Have FUN
Remember DIY or any change that you are going to make for the better in your home should be a pleasant experience and spark joy in your life. So remember to enjoy the process.
Bonus Tip: Get yourself an extra cute planner to keep track of your project with important deadlines, meetings, and dates.
And there you go, now you know how to plan for a DIY project or any type of project. So go ahead and get started with that project!. And if you need any additional help don’t hesitate to ask us ;).
Leave a comment and let us know what project are you going to use this plan with.
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