The most important part of any home improvement project is what happens before you even start. Just like you can’t build a house without a foundation, you can’t start a DIY job without setting yourself up for success. It’s your blueprint stage.
Whether replacing an interior door or doing an entire exterior remodel, these tips will help you start your project on the right foot. Build these pre-project habits to ensure every undertaking goes smoothly.
Plan Out a Supply List
First and foremost, you need a supply list. It should be exhaustive and specific.
If you’re refreshing the front of your house, plan out what porch posts you want, the paint you need for your door, how many planters you need, and all the tools you’ll need for the project. And don’t forget supplies like nails, screws, and sandpaper. They run out fast, so you need plenty.
The best way to build a supply list is with help from your favorite home improvement store. In-store, their employees can help you get everything you need, while their website should have lists of what you need for certain projects.
Write Down the Steps and Schedule of Your Project
Now that you have the supplies planned, it’s time to build a schedule.
If you’ve ever started a weekend project only to have it stretch out over the course of a month, you know how important this step is. Planning ahead helps you forecast how long the project will last and what you need to adjust to work with that schedule.
For the most accurate estimation, plan out each step as small as possible. You don’t know how long it takes to build a deck, but you can plan how long it’ll take to clear the crass, transport the wood, build the frame, apply stain, and so on. Combine all those, and you have a reasonable calculation for how long this project will take.
Check Out Deals and Offers on Supplies
A great pre-project habit that helps you save money is researching deals and sale prices on everything you need.
The best time to do this is a few months before your project if you know what you want to do that far in advance. That way, you have time to wait for sales, compare prices, and maybe even time your purchase for the offseason of your project.
Also, the best home improvement stores offer rebates on many of their products. Be sure to take advantage of this for even more savings.
Watch Some How-To Videos
Even if you’ve been DIYing for years, it’s still helpful to watch some how-to videos before you get started. They give you a refresher on everything you need to do. Plus, it can be helpful to view another perspective on your project. Maybe there’s a common mistake you didn’t think about or a way to do something quicker.
A good place to look for these videos is on the website of your favorite home improvement store. Often, they’ll share videos of some of the most popular projects using their products and walk you through step-by-step how to complete them.
After the video and all this planning, you’ll be ready to go. You’ll feel more prepared to conquer this project than ever before.
About Menards®
It’s time to take home improvement back into your own hands. With Menards®, you have everything you need to tackle every DIY project on your list. From a bathroom remodel to redoing your garden’s landscaping, not only do you have all the supplies you need for the job, but Menards® helps you Save Big Money® on every purchase with unbeatable prices, great sales, and mail-in rebates. Plus, with its online Project Center, Buying Guides, Project Calculator, and Project Gallery, the Menards® website is the best helper in the business. From contractors to weekend warriors, Menards® helps everyone get their jobs done on time and under budget. From stair treads to batt insulation and every tool you’ll need, find it all at Menards®.
Set yourself up for success with help from Menards® at https://www.menards.com/
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