How to plan a home improvement project

Starting a new project can be overwhelming.  As a veteran DIY’er this is the basic process that I follow when I want to tackle a new project. By following these steps, you will stay organized and be able to take on the project one step at a time.

Look for Inspiration

There are so many resources for inspiration when it comes to DIY Projects. Check out Google, Youtube, and Pinterest for ideas. You can also head to your local stores where they have showroom floors set up.

For example, renovating a master bath, you could go to big box stores to check out floor displays, or go to tile shops to see if they have floor displays also. This will help you get a basic concept of what you want to do for your project. It’s ok if you don’t know all the details.

Research, research, research

Now that your concept of what you want to do, you need to understand 1) what tools you will need, 2) what supplies you will need, 3) are you going to complete the project yourself, or will you need to hire help for part of it? If this DIY project is something you haven’t done before, have no fear, it is likely that someone has done a Youtube video on the project components.

For example, renovating a master bath might include re-staining the vanity, laying new floors, and replacing the faucet and toilet. Each of those subjects can be researched on Youtube or other blog content to understand what is needed to complete the project! And the best part, because it’s a DIY project, you can throw in your own spin!

Make a Task List

After brainstorming and researching, you should have a pretty good idea of what steps are involved with the project. A task or to-do list will help keep you on track, especially if the project is larger.  This will also help you understand WHEN to do specific steps. For example, if you have to put up a new wall, you will want to run electrical wiring BEFORE adding drywall.  Simply walk through the steps in your mind, and jot them down. 

This is also a fun way to track your progress throughout the project (not to mention show all the hard work you’ve done!) And also help to know when you’ll need the tools and supplies you researched in the previous step.

Contact your local inspector

If you are doing any structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc, it’s best to contact your local inspector to request a building permit. Even if a permit ISN’T required, the local inspector might be able to offer pointers or provide details to help with the project. If a permit IS required, contacting them will ensure your project passes local code requirements.

This is something you will want to find out BEFORE you put your property on the market, or worse case scenario, before damage occurs because something wasn’t done in line with building code.  Make sure to ask at what points in the project an inspection will need to be done. Sometimes there needs to be an inspection at multiple points during the project.

Take Before Photos!

I can’t tell you how many time I’ve started a project before taking photos. Try to take photos from different angles. You will be amazed at the difference. Better yet, you’ll get to share all your hard work with your friends and family after the project is complete!

Demo!

Time to start the demo! Keep in mind, sometimes demo does NOT mean taking a sledgehammer to a wall. It’s better to take things apart slowly so you don’t, oh I don’t know, accidentally cut a power line. This kind of mistake is easily avoidable. It only adds more steps (and expense) to your project, and may even require calling in a professional.

Another tip for Demo, if you are taking out a lot of debris with demolition, you can usually rent a large trash container from your local waste management facility. If you need a smaller container, you can also order a 3 cubic foot waste bag from Amazon, fill it, put it on the curb, and schedule a pick up.

Rebuild!

Begin the rebuild! Refer back to your task list often as you check things off the list. Do not be surprised or discouraged if you change your mind on something mid-way through! This is part of the DIY process and I encourage you to go with it!

If you had hired a contractor, changes can mean a lot of expense, but because you’re DIY’ing it’s probably cheaper, and likely will only cost you extra time. Also, anticipate there will be AT LEAST 1 unplanned trip to the hardware store. Even the best planned project will have unplanned trip(s) to get more supplies.

Final Touches

Just like a cherry on top of the cake, final touches can make all the difference. Don’t skimp on this step. Make sure you fill the nail holes and cracks, caulk the edges, and clean up any paint smudges.

Celebrate a complete project!

Don’t forget to show all your friends and family those before and after photos (feel free to email those to me as well at contacttwohandsdiy@gmail.com!)

Happy DIY’ing!