From Basics to Brilliance: How to Advance Your DIY Skills and Expand Your Home Improvement Project Possibilities

Embarking on a do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement venture can be incredibly fulfilling, yet not all DIYers are cut from the same cloth. From novices to seasoned pros, DIYers vary in their skills, experiences, and approaches to home tasks.

Whether you’re a beginner venturing into simple tasks or a seasoned enthusiast tackling complex renovations, there’s a DIY level that matches your comfort and expertise. Recognizing these levels and honestly assessing your own abilities can ensure successful project outcomes.

Let’s delve into three levels of DIYers: First Time DIYer, Moderate DIYer, and Serious DIYer

First Time DIYer

These beginners start with straightforward projects requiring minimal skills and tools, like painting a room or fixing minor household issues. They are just starting to explore the world of home improvement and build confidence through simple projects which don’t require advanced skills or specialized tools before progressing to more complex ones. While mistakes are common at this level, they are seen as valuable learning opportunities rather than setbacks.

Examples of Projects for First-Time DIYers:

• Painting a Room:  This involves painting walls, ceilings, and trim, requiring basic tools like paintbrushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths.
• Installing Shelving:  Mounting pre-made shelves on walls using a drill, screws, and a level is a manageable task for beginners.
• Building a Raised Garden Bed:  Constructing a simple raised garden bed using lumber, screws, and basic carpentry skills.
• Replacing Light Fixtures:  Swapping out old light fixtures with new ones, following basic electrical safety precautions.
• Installing a Removeable Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper:  Applying removeable wall paper is a great project for a first-time DIYer.  Today, this popular decorating product is available in hundreds of patterns and offers a risk-free journey into the world of wall decor. It’s also perfect for apartment dwellers as it can be easily removed with no chance of impacting your security deposit!

2. Moderate DIYer:

Moderate DIYers have some experience and skills under their belt, allowing them to take on a wider range of projects. They are comfortable using power tools and tackling more complex tasks, but may still seek professional help for larger or specialized projects.

Unlike First Time DIYers, Moderate DIYers are more adept at problem-solving and may be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during a project. They understand when it’s appropriate to call in professional help for tasks that are beyond their skill level or require specialized equipment. While they still enjoy the satisfaction of completing projects themselves, they recognize their limitations and are not afraid to seek assistance when needed.

Examples of Projects for Moderate DIYers:

• Installing Flooring:  Laminate or vinyl plank flooring installation is achievable for moderate DIYers with proper tools and guidance.
• Building a Deck or Patio:  Constructing a simple deck or patio involves skills in carpentry, concrete work, and using power tools like saws and drills.
• Upgrading Light Fixtures:  Swapping out old light fixtures with new ones involves electrical work and may require knowledge of wiring.
• Installing a New Faucet:  Replacing a kitchen or bathroom faucet with a new one, requiring basic plumbing knowledge and tools.
• Painting Kitchen Cabinets:  Refreshing kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or stain, including sanding, priming, and painting.

Serious DIYer or “Do-It-All” DIYer:

Serious DIYers also known as the “Do-It-All” DIYer, are highly skilled and experienced enthusiasts who are capable of handling almost any home improvement project. They enjoy the challenge of complex tasks and take pride in completing projects from start to finish. From major renovations to big repair projects, Serious DIYers thrive on the challenge of pushing their abilities to the limit.

Serious DIYers have also amassed an impressive arsenal of tools and equipment, and they are proficient in using them effectively. They take pride in their craftsmanship and often prefer to do most work themselves with limited outsourcing to professionals, such as electricians or plumbers.

Examples of Projects for Serious DIYers

• Remodeling a Bathroom:  Gutting and renovating a bathroom, including plumbing, tiling, and installing fixtures, is a major project suited for skilled DIYers.
• Renovating a Kitchen:  A full kitchen renovation, including cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and appliances, is a substantial undertaking for experienced DIYers.
• Building a Custom Closet Organizer:  Designing and building a customized closet organizer system using wood, shelving units, and hardware.
• Refinishing Hardwood Floors:  Sanding, staining, and sealing hardwood floors to restore their appearance and durability.
• 5. Installing a Skylight:  This project can truly transform a space and requires a multitude of skills such as roofing, framing and drywall.

Getting Help for Your DIY project

The secret to the success of any home improver is to know when you’re working within your skillset and when you’re stepping foot out into the wide, wide world of projects beyond and need help to fill the knowledge gap.  This is especially true for projects involving structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing. Safety should always be a top priority, and DIYers should educate themselves on proper techniques, tools, and materials before diving into any project.

One good source for tips, advice and product recommendations for your projects can be the staff at your local hardware or lumber store, like 84 Lumber who welcome DIYers and are happy to answer questions. Here you’ll find seasoned, well-trained employees who are often very experienced with the projects you’re taking on, as well as the materials you’ll need to accomplish them. 

According to HGTV host Steve Ford, “I use 84 Lumber on almost all my projects and it’s always helpful because generally the guys that work there know more than I do!”

In fact 84 Lumber recently marked National DIY Day with a nationwide campaign to celebrate and support DIYers across their 310 facilities nationwide.  84 Lumber provides their associates comprehensive training which enables them to help DIYers and pros with the expert advice and product knowledge needed for their projects.

“84 Lumber associates know their stuff and take pride in their work,” said Amy Smiley, Vice President, Marketing for 84 Lumber.  “They are impeccably trained and empowered to find solutions to help customers solve problems and service them.”  Smiley explained each of their 7,000 associates completes a thorough training program called “Lumber Camp” where they learn how to help their customers determine the materials they’ll need for a project.

Conclusion

As a lifelong DIYer I can tell you that DIY is a journey and there’s no substitute for experience.  By starting with small projects and working up, you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction and confidence as your how-to knowledge expands with every project.

The world of DIY home improvement is vast and diverse, with enthusiasts spanning a range of skill levels and experiences. Whether you’re a First Time DIYer dipping your toes into the world of home improvement or a Serious DIYer taking on ambitious projects, there’s something uniquely satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and transforming your living space with your own two hands. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, the journey of DIY is as much about the process as it is about the end result.