5 Reasons Preventing You From Starting Your DIY Project
There are many reasons why a homeowner may put off a DIY Project. We’re gonna examine five of these reasons that may be preventing you from starting.
A DIY Project of any type can be scary when you think of everything needed to complete it. From planning to sourcing to purchasing supplies – to finally beginning the project and seeing it to completion. It’s no wonder that so many people call in the professionals rather than start the project themselves. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. I think with some planning and a whole lot of gumption and “I can do it” attitude, you don’t have to be scared any longer.
………………………………………………………………..
Are these the 5 Reasons Preventing You From Starting Your DIY Project?
- Fear
- Money
- Time
- Know-How
- Overthinking
Let’s break these down:
1.) Fear
I think with most projects – be it DIY related or not – I think fear is the #1 factor which prevents us from starting any project. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure – the list is endless. Let’s face it – no one wants to fail. Deep down inside we all want to consider ourselves DIY Superstars. We all want to flaunt our projects on Pinterest and see our labors of love liked and liked and liked by everyone. Then, there is the fear that we will start a project and not be able to complete it, or worse – make a total mess of the situation and have to call in a professional to fix it.
I get that. I felt the same fear the first time I flipped a house. I was spending tens of thousands of dollars and so much was on the line. Fear gripped me and I had some very anxious moments.
Solution: How to Combat Fear
Read, read, read. Study, study, study. I made lists of lists of what I wanted the final project to look like. From there, I made lists of all of the projects I thought I could accomplish and the ones I knew I needed professional help with. For example, I knew I would never tackle a large electrical project, so I budgeted for that. I knew I could handle all of the demo and all of the paint work, etc. The projects I weren’t sure of? I asked. Lowe’s and The Home Depot are good resources. Or, you may know some friends or family members who are knowledgable. Reach out to them. I think the more you know, the less fear you will have when it comes to your projects.
Related Articles: See My Before & After Full House Project
This is the Kitchen BEFORE, CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AFTER!
2.) Money
Money seems to be the root of a lot of our issues, doesn’t it. 🙂 Face it – if we all had unlimited sources to do the projects we wanted, there would be no need for this article because we would pay for it to be done and forget about it. But, unless you have just won the lottery, money is an issue and one which needs to be greatly considered for any project.
With any project I start, I create a list of what MUST to be done, what HAS to be done, and what I WANT to be done.
- Must Have
- Have To
- Want To
Solution: Creating a Budget
Again, break your project down into lists. Maybe you are able to do the demo work, for example, if you are tackling a bathroom remodel. But, don’t forget there are costs for disposal, etc. Are you tiling? Don’t forget you will need a wet saw, either a rental or to purchase. Don’t ever try to cut corners because of the budget. Trust me, it will often end up costing you more over time. If your budget does not allow a full bathroom remodel, for example, create a list of smaller, less inexpensive projects you can do yourself.
Related Article: See How I Added Some DIY Projects to Update this Bathroom
I Had a Small Budget – CLICK HERE TO SEE MY DIY BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET
3.) Time
Oh time, you elusive never-enough-of thing you. Like money, there never seems to be enough time. Time seems to be the one reason we have not remodeled our Master Bathroom. Okay, time is also why we have not remodeled the Guest Bathroom, either. LOL But you know what? It’s okay. I am willing to wait until we have ample time when it comes to the Master Bathroom. For the guest bathroom, I have decided to do 5 or 6 projects that will give it a fresh, new look which can be completed simply and easily. I think we often overthink things, but I will talk about that below in Reason #5.
Solution: Create a List of Priorities
Sit down and make a list. (I sure am telling you to create a lot of lists, aren’t I?) What absolutely needs to be done (like gutting the tub in the Master Bathroom) and what isn’t so bad after all and we can do ourselves. (like installing shelves in the Guest Bath). Eventually, we will have to MAKE TIME for the Master Bath remodel, but I will deal with that at a later time. Haha! (see what I did there?)
Related Article: Deciding What You Can Tackle on Your Own
Bathroom Mirror – How I Created my Own DIY Version
4.) Know-How
I will never forget the first time I decided I wanted to tackle a tile backsplash. Sure, I could go buy some tile and mastic and stuff – and sure I could buy a spiffy new tile saw. But, what happened after that? How did I cut around outlets? How did I apply the mastic? How long did I wait before I could grout? So many questions. “Know-How” should never, ever be a reason for why you are delaying a DIY project, especially in this day and age of Pinterest and YouTube.
Solution: Research and Learn
Years ago when I decided I wanted to tackle a backsplash – it soon became apparent that I needed to learn all I could. So, I bought some DIY Books and started watching YouTube Videos. But eventually, I felt I needed more hands-on knowledge. I decided to take some free courses at a local home store. It was exactly what I needed to give me not only some actual experience but also the confidence to tackle a new project on my own. Lots of local home stores offer all kinds of hands-on DIY classes. Find out what classes they offer before you decide a particular DIY project is impossible for you.
Related Article: How I Learned to Create an Inexpensive Wall Treatment
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW I CREATED THIS BOARD ‘N BATTEN WALL
5.) Overthinking
I know what you’re saying. Isn’t it good to overthink a DIY Project? Doesn’t it require planning and resourcing and learning all of the in’s and out’s before you start? Don’t confuse over-planning with overthinking. I don’t think you can ever over-plan or over-prepare enough. I make backup lists to my lists. (Have you figured out I am a list kind of gal?) There is also nothing wrong with over-thinking. Just don’t over think your DIY project so much that you put yourself into a total panic and back out entirely. DIY means do it YOURSELF. It doesn’t mean chicken out and hire someone and never fully know the satisfaction of DOING IT YOURSELF.
Related Article: One of My Biggest Projects I Almost Chickened Out On
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE HOUSE BEFORE AND AFTER
…………………………………………………
Only YOU can decide if you are fully prepared and ready for a DIY Project. But, if you have a project that is on the back burner and you’ve been wanting to tackle it for a long time – stop and ask yourself why it hasn’t happened yet. Sometimes, it’s the small things that are holding you back. Hope this helps figure it all out.
……………………………………………………
Do you follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram?
I would love for you to Pin & Share this image on your fave social media sites.
Simply scroll the center of the image and click the icons of your choice.
……………………………………………
Thank you for spending a few
minutes of your day here with me.
You can follow along with
The Everyday Home here….
PINTEREST FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM
Here are some of the Link Parties I may be sharing this post with.
You can find more parties on my Linky Party Page.
” …finding the joy in the everyday! “
Anne Marie says
Wonderful post – I am so guilty of all of these points.
View CommentBliss says
You could have put my picture under all the reasons- at least lately!
View CommentBarb says
Me too.. I should have added #6 – that reason would be LIFE. 🙂
View CommentPatty says
Dear Barb,
Unrelated post – I missed reading the last two chapters of At the Water’s Edge because of life happenings (too much to go into detail). Now it seems they are no longer available on your site? Is there anywhere that I can read those last two chapters? Thanks so much.
View CommentBarb says
Hey I am trying to get the book published and had to un-publish them but I will email them to you. 🙂
View CommentTanya DerreyBingham says
I am soooo guilty of over-thinking a project sometimes! I have been wanting to paint a wall in my home black (super well lit and will look awesome) but I have let a bit of anxiety creep in. I AM BUYING THE PAINT NOW!!!
Thank you for the boost Barb!
View CommentTalitha F Wright says
Love reading your blog posts! They are both entrtaining and informative. Thanks for all the great inspiration.
View CommentKim Lennie says
I understand completely what your talking about getting over the fear is your first big step. I have now taken the plunge in getting my kitchen remodeled. I though am going professional for it is too much for me to handle alone. But even going with a contractor and such you still need to do your homework and research. Thank-you so much for your input.
View CommentMaria Brittis says
Yep, I think you are right on on 5 ways people preventing people from DIY. I do over think things and it can waste a ton of time. Fear is a big one too. But I feel that if you don’t be a bit daring it can be boring.
View CommentGreat post.
Maria
Mary says
I think I am guilty of the last one Over thinking. I start something and then end up not being sure if that is the way to go and then I procrastinate to no end till I finally come up with a plan to finish it.
View CommentBarb says
Yep procrastinator here too. :-/
View CommentMaureen Beaucond says
Barb, your site is great and has inspired me to get started with some indoor projects! Our home is in desperate need of updating, refreshing in every area except the main bathroom which we gutted and replaced last year. I am going to use your list to prioritize.
View CommentCarolann says
All so true! Overthinking is one of my big ones. Now that I am aware, I will have to stop doing it! Thanks for sharing!
View CommentBarbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal says
Hi Barb!
All good and true confessions of a DIYer {like me!}, 😀 I love doing DiY projects! Our usual thing preventing them starting is budget, or has been in the past. Great article and it is good to take a look at the psychology of WHY we don’t get things done. Currently noodling what color{s} I want to paint a little cabinet. Pinned several photos for you!
Thanks for a great article,
View CommentBarb 🙂
{the other one, LOL!}