You may be a do it yourselfer (also called DYI) because you enjoy fixing things up around the home, or may stumble upon these projects out of coincidence or lack of funds to hire a professional. Whatever the reason you decide to go the DYI way, if you are beginner, you may need to learn a little bit about the basics before delving into a large project. Here is a look at how to get started in any do it yourself project around the house, no matter how large or how small.

Assess the Project:

Before you begin any project on your own, you will want to take a look at what needs to be completed. Are you looking at a small project such as installing a new bathroom sink or painting your bedroom wall? Or, are looking at some more significant and time consuming such as a complete kitchen overhaul or tiling a floor? Smaller projects are certainly easier and quicker to tackle than the larger ones and if you are beginner that is where you might want to start. It is generally not wise to strip your floors bare, invest hundreds of dollars in expensive slate tile and then find that you are unable or unequipped to handle the project. Before you begin, it is always a good idea to look at what is in front of you and make a list of step by step instructions on how you plan on getting your project complete.

Take Classes and Learn the Ropes:

The next thing that you will want to think about before you begin any type of home improvement project by yourself is to determine whether you have the necessary know-how to get them completed. If you have painted your walls before, then you already know the basics. However, if you do not know the first thing about putting a new sink in your kitchen, then you need to learn how to do it. One way to learn is to visit your local library and check out books about home improvement. These will a basic review on how to get these projects started from start to finish. If that is not enough information for you, then check out the type of classes you may be able to take right in your area. Many home improvement centers hold these classes each weekend for the do it yourself-er. You will learn a lot and gain the confidence to tackle any project on your own.

Last of all, you will want to stick to your budget and make sure that you do each step of your project as intended. Many people who start home and kitchen improvement projects have good intentions and soon find they are in over their heads. This is when they find they must call in the professional to un-do the mess they have made. Not only is this a headache for you, but it will take more time and money in the long run. When you want to complete a project by yourself, make sure you know what you are doing before you even begin.

Interestingly enough, the idea of improving one’s home is attractive to the “experts” of DIY as it is to individuals who’ve had no prior experience in do it yourself projects. Though it is everyone’s right to alter features of a home that they invested themselves, there still remains the fact that if the DIY home improvement is not carried to its logical conclusion, then loss, and not gains would be the consequence.

The pros

o In many instances, building chairs, small tables and cabinets from scratch will save you a lot of money, provided that you have the patience to design and execute specific DIY projects for these articles.

o Plumbing? No problem. Many devices that handle hot and cold water connections, for instance, can be installed manually. What are manuals for? However, there is the risk that you might not get it right the first time. But this shouldn’t stop you from trying your hand at installing that brand new shower heater.

o Repainting the house is achievable. All you need is the basic know-how of painting and the right equipment. In this case, you will save money, but you will have to set aside a weekend or two to finish repainting the whole house.

o A sense of achievement of course would be the greatest reward for any DIY project. If you execute a DIY project beautifully, and your work lasts for years, you’ll definitely feel good about the whole attempt at being a professional craftsman yourself.

The cons

o If a DIY project is in its infancy, and you’ve just begun to get a hang of finding the materials and designs yourself, there may be times that what resources you spent in finishing a DIY project would be more costly than a finished product that can be bought in a shopping mall or a furniture store.

o Failure is not an option, but a possibility. There may be times that you lose vital components of any DIY project like time, patience, and sometimes even cash. Be prepared to accept that some projects might not be that great after you’ve executed what you’ve planned. It’s all part of “doing it yourself”.

o DIY electrical projects can be executed flawlessly. But there is a risk factor especially if it’s your first time to deal with the electrical system in your house. Replacing wires that run through walls, up the ceiling and into rooms is tricky business- so refer to the original plans of the house before proceeding to knock out the original installations. Electrical installations are often secured, so make sure that if you’re laying out meters of new electrical wire, you know how to safely attach the wires permanently against the walls, or within the walls.

o Time constraints are often the biggest killers for DIY projects. Many beginners are often discouraged by how difficult it is to complete a medium size DIY project. Sometimes, multiple projects are started, but none are finished. This sometimes causes problems, because unfinished projects may clutter the house and render some spaces in the home unusable.

Ask people who have completed do-it-yourself projects and they’ll tell you that the projects took at least twice and much time and three times the money they thought they would. The basic reason is that DIYers usually make a lot of mistakes that end up making home improvement projects more expensive and time-consuming.

Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the top DIY home improvement mistakes in the future and ensure success.

1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip this step. Sure, it takes time, and it means you have to deal with the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t cover the improvement. You’ll probably need a permit for any project larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your local building department and ask.

2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you start your project — starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress. And make sure you buy quality tools. They’re a wise investment.

3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site is ready to accept them. You don’t want your materials exposed to the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage area to prevent theft.

4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4-inch drywall for building walls. Use at at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.

5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain blocker if you’re trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains or peeling paint, or if you’re painting a lighter color over a darker color.

6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint ceilings. Interior paints should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the pigment into the wood and preserve it.

7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you’re working under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you’re painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or walls. Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your floors, feet, and pets.

8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most important rule of any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long. You can always make something shorter. You can’t make it longer.

9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience at plumbing or electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.

10. Don’t start to learn how to do a project on your own house — If you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask.

You probably won’t eliminate all of your DIY home improvement mistakes, but you can surely reduce them with these 10 tips.