Thirty years ago when I started working on DIY projects around the house with my father, the first thing he told me was a time-tested saying that most DIYers and pros know: measure twice and cut once.
However, my father said this even when we weren’t cutting anything. It was his go-to saying that meant you should always prepare and plan before starting any project.
Given that mistakes in measuring, preparation, and planning can cause significant problems during the completion of any project, this advice has always stuck with me, no matter whether I was painting, framing, replacing valves, building a fence, or even installing a new toilet.
Thanks to his advice, I’ve avoided more mistakes than I can count, simply by double-checking my measurements, preparation, and planning for a project before proceeding.
The Best Home Improvement Tip I Ever Got
When I was first told to measure twice and cut once, initially I thought it was a specific piece of advice to ensure I didn’t waste any of the material by cutting it too short.
It wasn’t until I heard the same advice during an interior painting project that I finally understood the meaning behind my father’s go-to saying.
From that point forward, I started thinking about how to plan and prepare before any project. It can be applied to things like using painters tape around the edges before painting a room, or power washing the deck and fence before staining or painting.
And it can also mean taking the time to calculate just how much material I would need to complete a job before heading to the store, so I wasn’t making trips back and forth mid-way through the project.
Now when I am starting a job around the house, I first consider what I need to accomplish the project, then how the area will need to be prepared before beginning, and how to prep the material to ensure that it fulfills the intended purpose.
And you can be sure that this includes measuring twice before cutting or purchasing any material.
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How to Properly Plan Out Your Projects
In order to properly plan out a project, I find that it’s essential to come up with basic steps, a list of tools and materials, a budget, and a timeline to follow. I also recommend paying close attention to the time of day and date when you are tackling the job, especially if you will be working outside.
I start by laying out the steps of the project including measuring the area, purchasing tools and materials, preparing the area, preparing the materials, beginning the project, completing the job, and any follow-up care, such as adhering to appropriate drying times.
When I have a basic set of steps, I build a budget and make a list of tools and materials that will fall within my proposed budget.
In some cases, I already have the tools I need to complete the work, so I can save on the overall cost of the job, while in other situations, it may be more cost-effective to rent a specialized tool, rather than purchasing a tool I may only use once or twice.
With my tools and materials on hand, I take the appropriate steps to prepare the area and the materials, such as putting down drop cloths, applying painter’s tape, mixing paint, or measuring and cutting lengths of wood.
Once the area and materials are ready to go, I start working on the project all the way to completion. Just don’t forget any necessary aftercare steps, such as staining a newly built deck or caulking around the base of a new toilet.
4 Tips I Wish I Had Been Given as a New DIYer
Proper planning and preparation is an incredibly important part of any project, but new DIYers can benefit from more than just this simple piece of advice. Here are some tips for new DIYers that I know will help you develop your skills and experience in home improvement.
Start Small
When you are new to DIY home improvement, I don’t recommend jumping directly into a complex project that you have little to no experience with. This is typically a recipe for disaster.
Instead, start with small, manageable project that help you get used to the tools and materials, such as painting a room, fixing a small hole in the drywall, or even something that may seem daunting at first, but that is actually quite easy, like replacing the kitchen faucet.
Invest in a Reliable Set of Basic Tools
I find that having a basic set of tools that I can rely on in a wide range of situations is far more beneficial for a new DIYer than having a broad assortment of cheap tools that were bought just in case you need them. Generally, I recommend a basic starter kit that includes the following tools:
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- Wrenches
- Level
- Drill and drill bits
Prioritize Safety
Safety should always be a priority no matter what project you are working on. The same father that gave me such great advice about proper preparation and planning often neglected safety for the sake of convenience, which worked well right up until it didn’t.
It cost him dearly when an angle grinder with a chipped blade kicked back and severed a tendon in his hand, leading to surgery and reduced movement.
Don’t rush when you are working on a home improvement project. Take the time to invest in and wear appropriate protective gear.
You should also clear the workspace before you begin, check your tools to ensure they are in good working order, handle the tools appropriately, and always turn off the power for any project involving electricity.
Know Your Limits
While it may seem like a great idea to be able to tackle any and all home improvement projects, you simply may not have the skills required for certain jobs.
Knowing when to take on a project by yourself and when to call in a professional is essential to maintaining the home. Otherwise, you may be putting yourself at risk with work you don’t have the skills or knowledge to handle.
Even if you take safety precautions, it’s completely possible that the results of your work on a project that is too complex for your current skills will end up worse than if you had never attempted the project in the first place. Start with simple project and work your way up, while knowing your limits and leaving jobs that are beyond your limits to the pros.
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