DIYers are people who do it themselves. They fix, build, and repair things by themselves. I’m sure you already know that by now. But how do you become better at it?
There are some people who may feel they can’t do DIY because they lack the necessary skills, tools, or time. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Read on for tips on how you can become a better DIYer.
16 Tips On How To Become A Better DIYer
There’s something here for everyone, regardless of where they are on their DIY journey. You can improve your DIY skills by following these tips.
Whether you’re looking for simple ways to improve your projects or ways to get to know other DIY enthusiasts, these tips will help.
1. Become A Member Of A DIY Community
It’s one of the reasons that the internet has been such a huge boon to DIYers that being part of a larger group brings inherent strength.
A variety of resources are available for learning how to tackle projects of any size, whether on an online forum or in classes. Also, check out a local maker space if you prefer face-to-face instruction.
Maker spaces bring together people who are interested in DIY to use tools and materials that may be too expensive or cumbersome to use alone.
2. Make Sure You Select The Right Tools For The Job
When selecting the right tool for a job, balancing budget and efficiency is a challenging task, but it’s essential to a successful DIY project. Here is a quick DIY tools checklist that you can use for reference.
Think about digging a fence post hole. Although the task is not technically difficult, it would be a wasteful and difficult one if you tried to do it with a garden spade.
The job flow would be much easier with a power auger, but it may be beyond your budget. It might be best to select a carefully selected group of hand tools instead.
3. Keeping Your Tools Organized
If you have a shop space and tools, you probably have some kind of organizational system in place. Keeping track of the items, you reach for most often can help you improve your DIY efficiency.
Make sure they are close to your primary workspace and adjust your organization accordingly. Instead of working around your strengths, organize to your natural proclivities.
4. Enroll In DIY Classes
Taking DIY classes is one of the easiest ways to expand your knowledge. You can often find affordable instruction classes offered by local organizations on specific projects, home improvement concepts, and tools.
Online platforms have become very popular in recent years, but libraries, schools, and big box stores can give you more hands-on experience in your community.
These classes not only provide you with an opportunity to learn a new DIY skill, but also a chance to meet other DIYers in your community and around the globe.
In addition to sharing knowledge and expertise, these classes are a great way to meet new people.
5. Invest In Better Screens
Back then, DIY information could only be found on physical media or in person. However, there are now online courses available on almost any topic imaginable from pros and amateurs alike.
Your workspace can be enhanced by the use of a desktop, laptop, or tablet. These devices are perfect for watching videos, conducting material property research, and more.
The dust and debris in most workshops will deteriorate most electronics, so it’s smart to get used electronics for this project if possible.
This is another great opportunity to repurpose. The old computer or tablet can be moved to your workspace when you buy a new computer or tablet for the family.
6. The Essentials Of DIY
DIYers must also keep a stash of commonly used items, just as chefs keep flour, sugar, and spices in their pantry. Tool bags and workshops consist primarily of the tools and materials you use on a regular basis.
Identify your favorite gear – a woodworker’s will be different from an upholsterer’s – and keep it well-stocked and readily accessible.
Painter’s tape, surfacing compound, and rags will likely be on hand at all times if you love painting your home with the latest palette.
When you automate this aspect of project readiness, your mind can be freed up to focus on the task at hand rather than the incidents surrounding it. As a result, DIY will be more enjoyable.
7. Plan Your DIY Projects
The most important step to becoming a better DIYer is setting specific goals for the new year.
You will not only be setting more realistic expectations by making a list, but you will also be able to keep track of your progress over the course of the year by using it as a guide.
8. Assess Your Skills
Make sure you recognize and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses before you set any DIY goals for the year.
By selecting new projects throughout the year, you will expand your skill set and be able to improve on some of the areas of your life that need improvement. You must take good care of yourself both inside and outside your home.
If you ever feel frustrated during a difficult project, making a list of your accomplishments can be a great motivational tool.
In addition to specific goals, you should also include some ways in which you will accomplish these goals, such as taking a DIY class or volunteering on a local building project.
9. Don’t Give Up On Your Goals
Never abandon a project. The presence of half-finished projects creates obstacles and makes you feel bad every time you walk past them.
But, on the other hand, you can build monuments to your own shortcomings by leaving unfinished projects around.
You will have a better DIY experience if you finish what you start, even if you don’t achieve perfection. Your satisfaction will be greater, and you will be able to absorb the lessons learned more quickly.
10. Invest In Better Lighting System
It is imperative that you have proper lighting so that you can see what you are doing. Doesn’t it sound simple? In spite of this, it’s amazing how many DIYers overlook this element of their workspace.
A sufficient amount of light is essential to any work involving details or precision and anything whose final state will be obvious.
You won’t see those wood shingles in natural sunlight outdoors, so don’t color-match them under fluorescent lights.
Working in restricted spaces like under-counter plumbing or a mechanical access chase can make it hard to get light to the item you’re working on.
Take your work to the next level by investing in a simple headlamp or snake light.
11. Don’t Be Afraid To Try New Things
With every DIY project, you start or get involved in, learning at least one new skill is best. This can be anything from wiring a simple electrical device to completing a wooden surface properly.
Nonetheless, you’ll have to take on a few projects outside your comfort zone to accomplish that. The point isn’t to suggest you should take on a project that is well beyond your expertise.
The best way to expand your personal skills is to branch out in small steps. Eventually, you will be comfortable doing things you never thought were possible if you learn something new on each project.
Additionally, as you learn to incorporate the knowledge you gain into your thinking and expand your horizons, you will continually amaze yourself.
12. Get Involved
Learning DIY skills through volunteer work is another great option. The majority of nonprofits use volunteers in their building projects, where you get to work alongside experienced professionals.
By doing this, you will master a new skill set at your own pace and challenge yourself to do something you would not otherwise have the opportunity to tackle.
It is also a great way to give back to the community and help those in need when you volunteer, as well as volunteering for nonprofits; consider assisting friends and family with projects which may require more learning on your own.
13. It’s All About Reducing, Reusing, And Recycling
Recycling is usually associated with materials such as lumber or drywall when people think of construction or DIY projects.
The truth is that scrap materials can be repurposed in many ways. For future patchwork, you can keep that 2×2 scrap of drywall and those pine 2x4s in reserve.
In addition to your tools, think about repurposing them as well. For example, despite cutting true for years, a precision saw’s lines may no longer be perfectly straight after enough wear and tear.
While we will need to replace it, could it be designated a rough framing saw rather than being completely thrown away? There is a possibility of downgrading it again to demolition.
14. Share Your Knowledge With Others
You will master a skill more deeply if you teach it to someone else rather than learning it yourself.
Unfortunately, when we’re training on our own, we don’t spend time considering the whys and how’s of a technique in such a way.
It is easy to find candidates to train. The home improvement projects that children do are endlessly fascinating to co-workers, family members, and friends.
Your skills will be sharpened, and you’ll feel good about yourself when you help out another budding DIYer.
15. Put Yourself To The Test
It is important to push yourself to improve your DIY skills. By taking on projects that are at the edge of your capability, you will be able to grow and develop your skills.
In addition, you can learn new DIY techniques to keep leveling up in your quest for DIY mastery while following safety and practical guidelines.
16. Strengthening Safety Measures
How often have you realized halfway through a project that gathering the right safety gear is taking longer than the actual activity that requires it?
If you want to run a saw for 30 seconds, it cannot be easy to justify taking five minutes to grab gloves and glasses. However, safety is the key to a successful DIY project.
Think about what you would do if you were teaching a kid to do this project: would you insist they behave correctly?
You’ll probably tell a child that they need to wear safety glasses, or you’re not going forward. Wouldn’t you want to receive the same treatment as others? You’ll be a better DIYer if you get back to basics about safety.
The Bottom Line
It is personally rewarding to build up a wide range of Do-It-Yourself skills. However, it is impossible to predict what new projects will arise in the coming year and what skills they will require.
It is a great time to set a few new DIY goals and go through them in a step-by-step manner to ensure you are expanding your skill set and making progress around your home at the same time.
