DIY home projects can save you time and money and can leave you with a sense of accomplishment. But if you stretch yourself beyond your abilities, they can also leave you with a big mess that you end up having to pay a professional to come in and fix. Before you start one, it's important to know what is feasible and what to expect along the way.
Here are four key questions to help you determine whether you can handle a particular task, plus a few projects that are good for beginners.
Does this project fit my budget? Tackling a home improvement project can be less expensive than hiring a professional, but budget is still a factor, said Frank Guidry, a Lowe's store manager in Clinton, Md.
You can use HomeAdvisor, a home improvement resource that connects homeowners with contractors, to get a rough idea of how much you can expect to spend on a project. In addition to lists of service providers, the site has a section you can use to estimate costs based on surveys of homeowners. Be sure to factor in expenses for any tools or equipment you'll have to buy or rent.
Your local home improvement store is another valuable resource. "A knowledgeable employee can help you compare costs of different materials and get the most bang for your buck," said Guidry, who suggested bringing photos of your space and what you want it to look like when it's done.
Does it match my skills? Staying within your comfort zone for your first DIY project can reduce stress, so make sure to take an honest assessment of your skills. (After all, you know your limits better than anyone.)
Find step-by-step instructions for your project online and see whether you're comfortable using the tools required. "If you were learning how to play piano, you wouldn't want to try to play Bach right out of the gate," said Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz, a home improvement and interior design website. "The same goes for your first DIY home improvement project."
A smart baseline: "If you know how to do all of the steps without googling, it's a good starter project for your skill level," said David Steckel, a home expert at thumbtack.com and a general contractor.