DIY is Not For You? There’s no such thing!
This article is Part 6 of 6 of
How to DIY: Your Total Guide for DIY Directions that Really Work
After some failed attempts and experiences that would add up to the Do-It-Yourself horror story vault, you may say that doing-it-yourself is not doing it for you. Don’t lose hope. Along with the savings goal, a good DIYer also knows how to have fun while creating the things he or she loves, whether it succeeds at first or not.
A happy learning experience makes one look forward for more, and then the savings and other benefits would come in naturally. Here’s how to get and stay motivated:
Cannot hit a DIY task bull’s-eye? Don’t lose hope!
- Start with small projects. Try doing simple things first, like a plain two-shelf bookcase instead of a woodwork dresser. If you feel nervous about handling the supplies coordination for a friend’s wedding, you can simply give DIY wedding gifts instead, like baking the groom’s cake for his stag party and a matching pair of bridal cake for the shower party. For big gatherings and reunions, volunteer on doing the presidential table décor first, instead of committing to take charge of the entire reception hall. No matter how small your project is, there is still savings to be had and mastery of skills as you progress.
- A good mindset to conquer your DIY fear is to focus first on the fun side of it, because then the skills learning would be easier. The fear of just wasting time and money is natural and understandable, but as beginners, you should think of these things as part of the bigger “investment.”
- Some would be DIYers are also hindered by their fear of not being creative or stylish enough, especially with DIY projects that involve design. They are worried that their design ideas may be outdated or untrendy, and may not be appropriate in the future, wasting some good dollars along the way. Truth is, trend should never be an issue when it comes to DIY (and in most areas of life, actually). The more important thing is what you like, what makes you happy and what makes you comfortable, now or in the future.
You’re all pumped for the DIY challenge, and you can’t wait to see your skills improve over time. The next thing to do is how to get your DIY training going and roaring. How to enhance the level of your DIY skills? True to DIY fashion, you can always hone your creative and practical skills by learning them on your own, in short, FREE.
Here’s how:
- Magazines and online sources. You can head to your local library and scan the piles of DIY and arts and crafts magazines and DVDs, or use the free Internet pass to get ideas and watch videos if you do not have online connectivity at home.
- Ask someone. A friend, a neighbor, your aunt. Of course, the people you turn to for some practical advice should match with the type of DIY project that you have in mind. Party planning and kitchen wonders are generally female turf, while your guy circle may help you untangle puzzles surrounding a DIY cabinet project. Shopkeepers and their crew are also valuable sources of free and practical DIY tips and secrets that really work.
- Volunteer works. Volunteerism is also a great way to learn new DIY skills, which is actually just a welcome bonus after the satisfaction and happiness one gets from selflessly helping and giving time to a worthy cause. Home improvement skills, tutorial skills and simple repairs as well as creating simple things from scratch like delicacies, toys, decorative arts and practical items can be learned from volunteer work. It is also a great way to learn together with your children or the entire family.
- Grab every opportunity to learn. I remember when I was attending a staff development training, our accommodations were right inside the village center of the non-profit organization I worked for. I was always the earliest to barge in the community kitchen for my fill of first-batch brewed coffee, and I would catch the cook at work baking our daily dessert, orange-mango meringue cake, using her grandmother’s recipe. It was one of the most divine, heavenly sweet things on earth I have ever tasted – and I know how to make them because all those mornings I intently watched the cook prepare it, and I knew the whole process by heart.
If indeed DIY Projects are not for you, you’re not totally out of the savings game. Think of ways to learn something from the problem area, just so to mitigate the cost of paying for repair services or buying new items either for yourself or people you care about. You may say that you really can’t handle the ceiling repair or the kitchen remodelling? Reupholstery tricks won’t revive the glory of your favorite chaise lounge? Why not hold a garage sale and sell items from the problem areas that would otherwise just be moved to your storage bins or thrown out without much thought?
Those few dollars earned still equates to additional cash for you, not to mention fun. Consider it a do-it-yourself income stream, making you still a genuine DIYer at heart.
Practical DIY Solutions and Learning at a Glance
Now that we have gone through the reality of Do-It-Yourself projects especially where real and meaningful savings are concerned, thanks to our candid voices of experience who gladly shared a bunch of lessons both good and painful, we can now take on DIY prospects with much more confidence, better planning and preparation and practical insights.
I myself am just molding my DIY skills and shaping my learning on this aspect of saving. There’s still so much to be learn. For now, let’s round up together our practical DIY solutions and learning at a glance to ensure DIYers and those aspiring to be one really end up saving, no kidding.
DIY Realities
- Saving on money is one of the most compelling reasons many people resort to Do-It-Yourself or DIY projects. However, it is also important to have fun and be happy while doing it.
- Planning and preparation are keys to successful DIY projects.
- Check your skills and those who will be helping you out. Create important lists.
- Run important DIY readiness and preparedness checklist questions and answer them as honestly as you could. This step is crucial in ensuring the success of your DIY project, and realizing your savings goal.
- Treat any DIY project like an investment (because it is!) Incorporate DIY management and control by proper budgeting and project monitoring.
DIY Savings
- Assess the project’s savings potential.
- Do not let excitement and imagination get the better of you. Get the most savings on money, time and effort when scouring for your supplies.
- Deciding where to get your supplies and how much to pay for them are important steps as far as DIY savings is concerned.
- Careful and sensible “shopping” goes beyond materials procurement in DIY projects. The same discipline applies to “do-it-yourself services.”
- Some DIY projects can be risky, like troubleshooting or fixing cellular phones, tablets, DSLR cameras and other gadgets. Unless you are a trained professional, it’s not good to experiment on DIY repairs on them, or you end of paying for more instead of saving. A DIY service can really give you good savings (and experience), but only if the person handling it is knowledgeable and more importantly, responsible.
Finally, there’s no such thing as “not being a DIY person.” Everything is a matter of perspective. Each of us can do something that are otherwise bought or paid for. Starting with small projects until you master some skills and rethinking the way you look at things that can be transformed into earnings or savings are ways one can be a true Do-It-Yourself person at heart.
Cannot decide between DIYing or hiring the pros?
Read DIY Guide Part 5: Hiring Vs. Working On It
Got a Do-It-Yourself lesson or experience that you would like to add up to our learning bank? Feel free to share them!
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