Common DIY mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Unless you’re a DIY master with years of experience, you might be a little bit nervous about your upcoming projects. Many of us end up doing things we’ve never tried before, or learning new skills as we go. Some would say that’s the best way to learn, and it’s definitely what DIY’s all about! But if you’re worried about messing up because you don’t have the skills, here are some of the most common DIY mistakes, and how you can avoid them.

Buying the wrong materials

You can’t create a project without the right supplies! The best way to make sure you have everything you need is to write a list. See what you already have, then go get what you still need. Writing everything down means you aren’t assuming your old paintbrushes are still in the shed, because you’ve checked and ticked them off. You’ll also want to pay attention to tool sizes, models, and specifications. Yes, you have a screwdriver at home, but is it the right one? Checking everything at the start of the project will save you a lot of time and frustration.

Skipping instructions

The difference between DIY and a professional project is that you haven’t been trained in what you’re doing. This can make for a fun learning opportunity, but it also means that you don’t have experience to fall back on. Instead, you have instructions. Your instructions are written by professionals, so make the most of them! It’s easy to skim the instructions and think, “Oh yeah, I know what to do”. Let’s be honest, you don’t know it all. Following your instructions will help you to avoid mistakes and keep you on track with your project.

Not measuring properly

One of the most common DIY mistakes is not measuring properly. This includes measuring materials if you’re building something, as well as measuring the space of your project. If you don’t pay attention to measurements, you could end up running out of something halfway through a project. You don’t want to be in this situation! A good way to avoid this is to measure everything twice. It might seem a bit tedious at first, but you could surprise yourself with how often your first and second measurements are different!

Being over-ambitious

There’s a good chance your DIY project was inspired by something you saw online. Whether it was Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, something caught your eye and now you want to recreate it. Social media is a great place to get inspiration, but it can often give us very high standards for the projects we want to create. Your finished product might not look Instagram-perfect, but you don’t run a DIY Instagram page. Most of the “DIYers” you see on Instagram do this full-time, meaning they’re actually professionals. And don’t forget- filters make everything look better. Let yourself enjoy the process and the project you’ve created.

Going over budget

Your budget is another tool you use in your DIY project, so make sure you pay attention to it! It’s easy to over-spend when you’re enthusiastic about a new idea- it’s also easy to try and cut corners to save money. The best way to budget for a project is to list all the tools and materials you need. That way, you aren’t buying extras that catch your eye, but you also aren’t putting yourself at risk by skipping things that would make your project safer. It’s also wise to leave a little room for error; if you can, set aside some money in case things go wrong. This could be anything from needing more paint to buying something you mis-measured earlier.

A lot of these mistakes can be avoided with planning and a clear idea of how your project will go. At Paintrite, our whole team is full of DIY knowledge that can help you follow these steps. Pop in to our store for advice on tools and materials, as well as how to use them. We’re here to make sure your DIY projects go according to plan, so don’t be afraid to ask!