At some point or another, many people like to take on a little (or big) DIY project to improve their home. While some DIY tasks are relatively straightforward and simple, others do require some extra planning and expertise. Completing projects around the house yourself can save you lots of money in the long run and improve your lifestyle. 

However, it’s no secret that none of us are born with the skills of a DIY expert - and some of us simply aren’t as ‘handy’ as others. If you want to complete a task without professional help and assistance, we’ve put together our top tips to ensure your DIY project goes smoothly. 

No matter what type of project you’re planning to take on, it’s absolutely essential that you do a sufficient amount of research beforehand. The truth is, you can never do too much research - the more you know, the better. Understanding what to expect and the steps required for your project will help to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. 

Whether you’re thinking about renovating your entire kitchen or you’re planning to complete a smaller project, doing your research is key. Before starting, it’s important to brush up on all the work required. You can educate yourself by reading DIY websites online and watching demonstration videos. The amount of research you need to do will depend on the complexity of the project and your own personal experience. 

It’s also a good idea to seek advice and guidance from friends or family members who have completed similar projects or have the relevant experience. You can also pop down to your local DIY shop for some advice and extra tips. 

Just like any project, you need to set a realistic budget. Before you delve into your project, make sure you know exactly how much you can spend - and make sure this covers the entire project. The last thing you want is to have to stop your project before it’s completed due to a lack of funds. Budgeting correctly will ensure the project is finished with no financial issues. 

Always work out your budget beforehand. Even a short, simple task such as matching cabinets and counters can be more expensive than you initially expect. When budgeting your project, make sure you keep some budget aside for unforeseen costs. Even the most professional Project Managers have a contingency fund for their projects. 

There’s many reasons why some people avoid doing their own DIY projects; many people believe that they simply can’t complete a project to the standard of the professionals. However, with the right tools and high-quality materials, this isn’t impossible. 

It can be difficult to balance budget and quality when it comes to choosing materials and tools; however, investing in the highest quality equipment for your project will ensure it is finished to the best standard possible. 

When it comes to buying materials and equipment, do not scrimp. Whether it’s a tiny screw or a big door, you have to invest in your materials to ensure your project is completed to the highest standard. If you choose to cut corners, the quality of your project is likely to suffer. 

It’s important to have reliable and quality ironmongers on hand to keep your toolbox full while you complete your project, such as Underwoods. We have the quality ironmongery products you need to get your DIY job done right. 

When completing any DIY project, it’s important to pay attention to health and safety. Before you begin, you’ll need to have all of the correct safety wear and equipment ready. This will include quality safety goggles, gloves, masks and anything else you require for your project. Protective clothing such as goggles and gloves won’t cost you much and will last for years to come, making them an essential investment. Accidents and injuries can be easily prevented when you have the correct safety equipment and practices in place. 

For a better DIY, safety is key. Get back to basics on safety and take the time to brush up on all of your healthy and safety knowledge before you start. All tools need to be handled with safety in mind. Always read the safety instructions on all products and tools that you buy and use protective clothing when necessary. Make sure all power tools are correctly handled and turned off after use and pay attention to the small details, such as securing your ladder properly before you climb it. 

It’s also important to note that you should never carry out any gas or electrical work in your own home. These regulations are in place for your own safety; always use a professional for any work involving gas or electrics. 

This tip should help you save some money along the way. When planning a DIY project, don’t get carried away with buying lots of expensive new tools. In fact, we recommend avoiding splashing out on tools unless they are absolutely necessary or you’re going to get a lot of use out of them in future projects too. 

If you don’t often carry out DIY and you simply need a tool for one specific task, try asking friends, family members or neighbours to see if anyone can lend you the tool for the job. This will save you from splashing out on an expensive tool - plus, they can show you exactly how to use it! 

Even the most skilled DIYers should test their skills first before diving into a big project. We recommend always testing your skills and materials on a small scale first; the last thing you want is to damage or ruin a large area. Testing your materials on a small scale will allow you to try out all of your tools, equipment and materials and ensure you have everything you need. 

Even if you used to love getting stuck into a bit of DIY a few years ago but haven’t tried it for a while, we recommend running a few tests. For example, if you need to recoat your hardwood floor after years of use, you should test your method first on a small surface area to ensure the results are exactly as you want. 

Never rush a job and always allow enough time for your project. There’s a high chance that some jobs will take far longer than you first expected and you’ll complete other tasks in no time at all. Be patient - if you take your time, invest in your materials, practice health and safety and plan ahead, your DIY project should go as smoothly as possible. 

At Underwoods, we have the quantities you need for all those finishing touches on your DIY project. Whether you’re in need of a single screw or a hard hat full of hinges, our well-stocked depots in Worcester and Hereford have everything you need. We sell most of our extensive stock products loose, so you only need to buy the amount you need. This helps to save you money and ensures you can complete your project both on time and on budget. 

We also offer box discounts for larger amounts of products, so if you’re a business owner and need to place a large order for your project, we have your needs covered too. For more information about our ironmongery and other services, visit our website today.