How to prepare for a home DIY project

Whether you’re looking to start a home renovation or solve a last-minute do-it-yourself crisis, it’s best to be prepared for both the inevitable and the unavoidable. Being organized and ready will save you money in the long run and will also relieve anxiety attributed to a big change or unforeseen accident.

Follow these three tips to ensure that the next time you need to do some handywork or repairs, you’re fully prepared for a stressfree project from start to finish.

1. Buy good tools

If you’re looking for tools that will last from now until the end of time, consider buying Craftsman — a brand of tools with a long-standing reputation for high-quality products that will get any job done. Now available in-store and online at Lowe’s, Rona, Reno-Depot and Ace, this brand has you covered for everything you need, from hand tools to power tools.

2. Make a plan before you start

Sure, you can do a DIY project on the whim, but for larger-scale projects, be sure you have a plan, so you have a better sense of what needs to be done and you can avoid unwanted surprises. If you don’t have a blueprint of what you’re looking to renovate, you may end up living in a disaster zone for a lot longer than you need to.

3. Plan for forever, not for right now

You might think to paint your room yellow because you’re currently feeling tropical, but come a few years – or even months – that may not seem like such a good choice. Consider a universal design and use adaptable features wherever possible. That way, in the future, any change you make to your home doesn’t have to be drastic, which will help you save time and money. (NC)