So, you have decided that you are going to do a bit of DIY around the house for the first time? Some people are naturally good at DIY, others find it a bit of a struggle. Of course, it all depends on the task you are doing, and the preparation you have put in place. It doesn’t matter how good you think you are going to be, it’s important to be prepared. After all, a mistake could be potentially disastrous! So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make when doing a bit of DIY for the first time so that you can avoid them.
4 Things Not To Do When Embarking On Your First DIY Project
Failing to protect surfaces
– So, you have decided you are going to paint your living room or stain an old cabinet. Great! But have you protected the other surfaces in the room in question? Yes, you may want your walls to be a lovely olive shade, but do you want your sofa to have olive-colored splodges? And, yes wood stain may look lovely on your new cabinet, but it probably won’t look great on your TV! Protecting your surfaces is essential when carrying out any DIY work. You will be surprised by just how far paint can travel, even when you’re being extra careful.
Using the wrong type of paint
While we are on the subject of paint, it’s so important to make sure you buy the right type of paint for the task in question. This is a common mistake a lot of people make. They assume that all types of paint are the same. They go for the cheapest or they pick up the first tin in the shade they were looking for. However, paints come in different consistencies; some are more washable than others. For example, those with an eggshell or satin finish are more washable than a flat paint. This is why the latter should only ever be used if you are painting a ceiling.
Plumbing & Mold Issues
One of the larger issues you shouldn’t DIY is your plumbing. While there are bits and pieces you can do – such as a leaky tap – you shouldn’t do more than this. Doing so could lead to more harm, especially in the future. You’ll need to work with a professional to ensure it’s done right.The same can be said for mold, which is a toxic material. There are more than a few people you can work with to get rid of this, from mold mitigation services to plumbers. Taking this approach, rather than DIYing it, should ensure that more problems don’t come up in the future. It’ll be a more cost-effective way of treating any issues.
Failing to see the big picture
When carrying out any DIY project, you need to consider how the end result is going to look in regards to the rest of the room. A lot of people make the mistake of picking materials and patterns they like without any consideration for what the finished piece is going to look like. Going overboard with fancy finishes can completely destroy the overall look and feel of any room. It makes it look confused and messy, which is probably not the sort of vibe you were aiming for.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
This is a saying that most certainly applies when it comes to DIY. If you do not prepare your site properly, you are going to experience a wealth of issues further down the line. This applies no matter whether you are upscaling a piece of furniture, engaging in a bit of landscaping, or building a home extension. Site preparation is always required for tasks big and small. You also need to prepare in terms of accumulating everything you need, from screws to paint.
All in all, there are quite a few rookie errors that are easy to make when it comes to DIY. However, if you can avoid the mistakes that have been mentioned above, you can give yourself a much greater chance of getting it right the first time around. And, remember; don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed!