Where Do I Start?

When starting a new DYI project, it can be difficult to know where to begin, especially if you’re a first time homeowner or DIYer. Typically, a good place to start is by thinking through your project(s) chronologically and methodically.

Start by writing a DIY checklist with all the projects you want to tackle. Once you’ve finished your list, rank your projects in one of three ways:

• Most critical to least important
• Easiest to most difficult
• Cheapest to most expensive

For first time DIYers, beginning with the easiest project is usually a good starting point. This will give you an opportunity to practice and learn from a simpler project, and it won’t matter as much if you make a mistake or mess up (don’t worry it happens to everyone, even experienced DIYers). 

Another method I like to use is starting with the project that will lay a solid foundation for future projects, or makes the biggest immediate impact on your life and creates a more livable, functional or enjoyable space (ex. Kitchen or bathroom remodel, landscaping, or additional storage, etc.). 

If you haven’t moved into your house yet, think about projects that will be easier to complete before you move in (ex. Refinishing hardwood floors, repainting kitchen cabinets, fresh interior paint, etc.).

Think from Start to Finish

Once you’ve identified where you want to begin, it’s helpful to start thinking through your project(s) chronologically. Prepping and cleaning your space is usually the best starting point for any project. For example, say you wanted to add a garden in your backyard:

If you were adding a garden, you would want to start by removing any landscaping or obstacles that would interfere with your new project. Then, once you finished clearing the area, you would move on to grading, laying weed tarp, building planters, and adding finishing touches like stain or paint etc.

By thinking your project through from start to finish, you’ll avoid skipping critical steps or building in the wrong order. It can be helpful to write out the project steps chronologically, so you don’t forget anything.

Not So Fast!

Another thing to consider is phasing out your projects. Phasing a larger project, or creating a timeline to complete your top priority project(s) can help with budgeting and available time.

Phasing also gives you a chance to rest in between projects, evaluate what you would do differently next time, and think through any revisions you may need to make to future projects based on the work you’ve already completed.

I’ve found that my original vision for home improvement projects, typically evolves and changes the longer I’ve lived in a space. This is because when you live in a home, you learn things that only someone using it regularly would know. For example:

Before moving in, you may have envisioned building shelves along a certain wall in your new home for storage. However, upon living there a few weeks, you realize that the wall you built the shelves on doesn’t make sense, and there’s a more functional location for shelving based on your daily routine.

If you immediately jumped into building shelves the second you moved in, you might later regret you didn’t locate them elsewhere. Now you’re left with a tough decision- leave the shelves as is and live with it, or start the project over from scratch.

By taking your time with projects, you can avoid making simple mistakes that waste time, money, and resources or force you to start from scratch.

Research, Research, Research!

Before starting any new project, know what tools and materials you need for the project to be successful. Once you’ve identified your starting point and timeline, it’s time to start researching what you need to complete your project.  

Start your research by typing your project keywords into google to see what comes up. Chances are you will find a treasure trove of information with examples from others who have already completed similar projects.

YouTube channels and DIY blogs are great resources for inspiration, tips, tricks and construction terms you may not be familiar with that can help aid in your research.

Pinterest is also a great way to quickly create theme boards, and find inspiration photos. Plus, most Pinterest pins have links to the DIY blog or website that created the design, or sells the product you’re pinning. 

If you decide to take on a larger project like a home addition, kitchen or large bathroom renovation, it may be worth talking to a licensed professional. They will be able to help estimate a budget, file permitting or any other assistance you may need for your project.

If you do hire a contractor for your project, I recommend interviewing and getting pricing from at least three candidates, before making a final decision on who you work with. 

Make a Budget

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to start evaluating your budget. Think about a number you would feel comfortable spending on your project including tools, materials and labor (if you hire help). 

I always like to itemize my budgets, and then tally them up to get the total cost. If the total budget comes back too high you can adjust the scope, find alternative materials or methods that will be more cost effective, apply for a home improvement loan, or phase out the project to save money until you can afford the costs.  

If you hire a contractor to help with your project, and their estimate comes back over budget, ask them about areas where you can reduce costs to stay within your budget. 

Start!

Getting started on a DIY is the most difficult part of any project. When you know where you want to start, and how you want to execute the project, GO FOR IT!

Once you start the project, you will find your momentum, and hopefully learn a thing or two in the process. After you finish your first project, you will have an easier time starting the next project on your list. Only this time you’ll have more confidence in your process, methods and abilities. 

How I Got Started

When my fiancé and I purchased our first home, it needed a lot of work! Almost everything needed at least a little bit of elbow grease, an update or a clean up.

As I mentioned earlier, I decided to start by making a list of projects in chronological order, then started with the project that laid a foundation for all our future projects (the landscaping!).

If you’d like to learn more about how I got started renovating my home, read my post about creating a clean slate and setting the stage for big change. A Jaw-Dropping Landscape Transformation – The Beautiful Backyard Makeover – Part 1

If you enjoyed this post, and would like to read more about my home renovation journey, like, share and subscribe to The Bonus Space for more helpful posts and tutorials about DIY and home improvement projects. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more fun tips and tricks!

If you have any questions, or would like to share some helpful tips of your own, leave a comment below or email me directly at melanie@pillartoposthomes.com