Completing home improvement projects by yourself can be very rewarding. Performing simple tasks around the house can save you money; however, before you rush into a home renovation and start a long “to-do” list, it’s important to take a comprehensive look at everything ahead, considering risks, costs, and timeframes.
Projects You Can Try DIY
01 - Purchasing your own materials
You can easily take on purchasing your own materials, equipment, and appliances. Tiles, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and doors, there are plenty of materials you can select yourself or even salvage from flea markets and antique stores. While professionals can sometimes access better pricing and bulk discounts, a savvy buyer can still drive good bargains.
That said, expert advice is still valuable when it comes to how these finishes will come together. Common DIY mistakes include ordering materials before they’re ready to be installed or not ordering enough of a product.
02 - Painting
Interior painting is one of the simplest and safest DIY tasks. There’s no major safety risk, mistakes can easily be painted over, and specialised or expensive equipment is usually unnecessary. Internal painting is arguably the number one job you should definitely try to DIY.
03 - Other cosmetic improvements
Cosmetic changes generally don’t require permits, and there’s no shortage of DIY resources online. You can find countless YouTube videos showing how to install tiles, strip woodwork, apply plasterwork and brick mortar, or recreate ceiling mouldings.
However, it’s important to stay realistic. These videos often make everything look easy because the people demonstrating are experts. If you’re new to DIY, be mindful of your limits.
Laura Kemp
What to Bear in Mind
Going the DIY route can save you money, but it comes with a time cost. Think realistically about how much time you can set aside and whether the time investment is truly worth it.
For example, polishing wooden floors can be done DIY, but it’s time-consuming, tricky, and far from enjoyable. Similarly, replacing all the countertops and cabinets in your kitchen might sound manageable until you realise you’ll have limited use of your kitchen for weeks or even months if you’re only working on weekends.
When you’re just starting out, it’s best to build confidence with small projects and grow from there. For large-scale renovations, it’s often worth paying someone to think strategically. Experts can assess the systems in your home, alert you to urgent fixes, and help develop a proper plan.
When to Leave It to the Experts
There are certain jobs you should not attempt yourself. In these cases, hiring a qualified tradesperson is safer, smarter, and often legally required.
01 - Electrical work
In Australia, electricians must be certified before carrying out any electrical work. Unless you have the right qualifications, electrical jobs should always be left to a professional. DIY electrical work is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. The risk of fire or electrocution is very real.
02 - Structural repairs
Older homes often have structural wear that eventually needs professional attention. Homes that have been extended or modified in the past are especially likely to require structural repairs.
What seems like a simple task, such as knocking down a wall, can become serious trouble if there’s hidden electrical wiring, plumbing, or if the wall is load-bearing.
03 - Asbestos
Asbestos is an unwelcome but common discovery during renovations. Once it’s found, all work must stop. The material needs to be tested and removed by a licensed professional before anything else can continue.
04 - Gas appliance installation and repair
Gas work is not something to experiment with. The risks include fire, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. A licensed, trained, and insured tradesperson should always handle gas appliance installation and repairs.
While professional services cost money, they are far less expensive than hospital bills or major property damage.
05 - Plumbing
Installing a new shower or repairing a broken toilet is best left to a professional plumber. While minor tasks, like fixing a leaking faucet, can be DIY, major repairs, installations, and replacements should be handled by experts. Poor plumbing work can result in serious and costly damage to your home.
06 - Roof repairs
Roof issues can tempt homeowners to climb up and fix things themselves, but working at heights is dangerous without proper training and safety equipment.
Professional roof repairers are fully equipped, experienced, and able to complete the work faster and more safely. For these reasons, roofing work is best left to the experts.
Final Tip
If you’re looking for ideas on inexpensive upgrades to make before selling your home, Lifehacker has a useful article worth checking out.
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