Sure, you can change a lightbulb, plunge a toilet, and assemble IKEA furniture. Maybe you can even mount a TV on the wall and scrape a popcorn ceiling. But what about building new cabinets or re-tiling your bathroom floor? Those projects might seem out of reach if you’re used to more basic home improvement jobs, but anything is possible with the right tools and instructions. We can’t tell you how to tackle everything, but we’ll show you the basics on how to branch out into more complicated projects.
Is it even worth the money?
First, it’s important to decide if your project is even worth doing yourself. A lot of enterprises cost a bunch of money upfront, and that’s all worth it if you stick with them for a long time. If you’re really dedicated to becoming a more advanced DIYer, and you know you’ll reuse the tools you need, go ahead and buy them! If you’ve calculated the cost and the tools come out cheaper, buy (or rent) them! But if you’re buying a bunch of expensive supplies you’ll never use again, maybe it’s time to call a contractor.
What tools do you need?
So you’ve decided the project is worth the money. Great! Now it’s time to gather tools and materials. Start by making two lists: one of everything you need, and another of all the friends and family members who might be able to get those things for you. Seriously, be sure you ask around for tools to borrow before buying them for yourself, especially if you don’t plan to use them again. But even if you do plan on using the tool again, we’d suggest borrowing or renting it the first time, just to be sure. Power tools can get expensive! If your friends and family don’t have the tools to lend, be sure to check your local hardware store to ask about rentals.
Does the project involve cutting?
If you’re going to be cutting anything, the right tools are a must. Unless you feel like spending your entire day using a hammer and chisel, you’re going to need a power saw and a few good rotary blades. While there are a lot of different types of blades on the market, you should be looking for electroplated diamond blades. Check out Devour’s selection- with different blade styles for different materials, Devour’s made in America products are perfect for all your cutting needs.
What instructions do you need?
The best way to get instructions is for a friend or family member to teach you, but you’ve probably already exhausted that resource if you’re looking up tutorials online. Luckily, YouTube has pretty much everything you’ll ever need. If you can dream up a home project, there’s a YouTube tutorial for it. And honestly, YouTube is a great place to start. If there’s a project you know you’re only going to do once- and you already have the basic skills you need- just search up a reputable tutorial and you’re good to go. However, if you expect to do the same project multiple times in a row- or you REALLY want to be sure you’ll get it right- it might be smart to invest in a class. Local clubs and community centers often offer cheap beginner-friendly classes on things like cabinetmaking, tiling, counter laying, and other advanced home repair projects. If you take a look on the internet, or even in your newspaper, I bet you’ll be able to find a class near you. You’ll never know unless you look!
The bottom line:
With basic skills, the right tools, and a lot of determination, no home project is out of reach. The internet provides plenty of ways to learn for free, and your community probably provides ways to learn at a reasonable price. We’re sure you can tackle whatever project you set your sights on: just remember to invest in some good diamond blades.
