Best of 2011 – #2: 5 Ways to Prepare for a DIY Weekend During the Week

Entry #868, December 30, 2011

Best of 2011 – #2

5 Ways to Prepare for a DIY Weekend During the Week

We continue with Stagetecture’s Best of 2011! At the #2 spot is dedicated to all of you DIY’ers who are trying to find ways to make your home remodeling project take less time, money, energy, and oh yeah… preparation! It’s not a surprise that the second most viewed post of 2011 was how to prepare for a DIY weekend during the week. I for one have found these 5 tips will make you look forward to your DIY project, save more money/time and you may not have to travel back and forth to the home improvement store 10 times in one day… with these tips, maybe only twice. 🙂

Are you ready for your weekend project?

Image via: Stylizimo

Original Entry #422, February 18, 2011

I have always been a strong advocate for learning to do things yourself. Whether it’s to have the knowledge for yourself or it’s to empower you to take on greater challenges… doing things yourself will make you feel better and the rewards are immeasurable!

Tomorrow is already Stagetecture’s 36th D.I.Y. Saturday! That means for 9 months you have been armed with great DIY projects to get things done! After 9 months of bringing you DIY ideas, I started realizing that many people wait until the weekend before they arm themselves with materials, instructions… even what project they are going to do!

I thought I would give you 5 ways to prepare yourself during the week so when you get to the weekend you are ready to start when the rooster crows!

Get yourself ready this week for your DIY weekend project

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5 Ways to Prepare for your DIY Weekend during the week

1.) Pick your project early:

While this may not stand true for small projects, it can certainly help for larger projects. Instead of trying to pick your project on the same day you gather materials, go to the home improvement store and start – take the week to pick your project. Research the difficulty level, research how many people you will need, and the pros and cons of taking on the job yourself.

2.) Ask for help before you need it:

Just because it is termed “Do it Yourself” does not literally mean to do it yourself! Ask for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers help before the weekend! Ask people you know have the time, energy, and patience to help you through your project. If you can’t find someone to help for this weekend, consider holding off on your project until you do.

Ask for help from friends and family BEFORE you need them!

3.) Budget and buy supplies now:

Not only does traveling to the home improvement store on the weekend make your day seem longer, but its THE busiest time at the home improvement stores! If you can buy your materials during the work week, you will be surprised how quickly you get in and out, and how much more store associates can help you if you need it.

Budget how much you plan to spend now. If you wait until the weekend, you will most likely spend more because you have 50 more things to think about. Plan during your lunch break at work, when you have quiet, time, and a clear head.

4.) Prepare your space during the week:

Depending on your project, you may be able to start preparing the space for your project now. For example if you are painting the basement, why not start preparing the space now? Taping up trim, removing switch plates and moving and covering furniture with drop cloths is time consuming. Start little by little during the week and see how much smoother your weekend project will run.

Prepare your room in advance for ease of construction over the weekend

5.) Get plenty of rest:

While many DIY projects don’t require you to lift 2 ton rocks, there is something to be said for being physically ready for your project. Many repetitive motion projects, such as painting, sanding, hammering, etc.. will make you use muscles that you forgot you had! Ensure you get plenty of rest to arm your body with endurance and stamina to get started and finish your DIY project. You also will make less mistakes when you are alert and not tired and groggy!

To see Stagetecture’s Best of 2011 – click here.