Started a DIY project that you can’t seem to finish? If so, don’t lose hope: there are several tactics that could help you start to make great progress again. We’ve outlined a few tips and some top advice in our quick guide below.
DIY at home: What do I need to know?
Firstly, you should check if you need building regulations approval before starting your project. Then you should make sure you’re equipped with all the necessary personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe while you work.
If you’re unsure how to finish the job, always ask for help before attempting a new skill on your own. And once you’re ready to go, follow our advice to keep things running smoothly.
How can I finish a DIY project faster?
- Make your own rubbish chute
By nature, DIY projects can generate a lot of rubbish. And if you’re working in a compact space without a bin, you might quickly find yourself surrounded by scrap materials and waste that you won’t be using on the job.
To solve this inconvenience, you could turn a nearby window into a waste chute. Firstly, create a collar for your window frame to protect it against damage. Then, create a clear drop zone into the garden – or a skip, if possible – and make sure the area is blocked off to anyone below.
- Use power tools
It’s simple: powerful tools make any task more efficient. At the very least, keeping a reliable set of screwdrivers will be a lifesaver. And when it comes to top-spec kit, electric saws from suppliers like RS could make light work of tough cuts.
The best power tools can come at a premium but depending on how much work you’ve got to do – and how much you think you’ll be doing in future – they should be a worthy investment.
- Set up a table
You should never start a new DIY project without a sturdy workbench or table. Having a flat, stable worksurface nearby will be vital for taking measurements, trimming down smaller pieces, or simply dealing with those fiddly, time-consuming moments.
If you don’t have a table, you’ll quickly find that any horizontal surface will have something on it. Furthermore, if you’re using paper instructions to help with your project, you’ll want to make sure that they’re safely stored.
- Keep things tidy
Don’t be messy. When you’re trying to finish a project, being surrounded by clutter could seriously impact your productivity. Try to tidy away tools as and when you’ve finished using them, and keep surfaces clear of scrap materials, dust, and other objects.
Final thoughts…
If you’re doing DIY at home, it’s important to stay safe. While you might not have to think twice about building a new desk or wardrobe, you shouldn’t attempt electrical work without doing some research in advance.
If you attempt DIY electrics in your bathroom or kitchen, you could face a fine of up to £5,000 under building regulations. If in doubt, make sure you check official advice before you start work – or contact a professional if you feel out of your depth.
I am in the process of decorating the bathroom and it is a slow process waiting for paint to dry. Ugh. I have learned over the last couple of days to keep things tidy or else you end up with painty footprints across the floor. lol x
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I’m always in awe of your projects around the house. Oh no, yes great advice. I’m such a messy painter which annoys Dave lol xxx
Getting the right power tools definitely sped things up for us. I didn’t even think how helpful an electric screwdriver was until we got one and it was the same with an electric sander
Author
Definitely- having the right tools and knowing where to find them always makes DIY easier x
I attempt to decorate one room a year as soon as the school summer holidays start. I have not been brave enough to attempt to hang wallpaper yet!