My Step-by-Step Guide for Planning a DIY Project

One of the biggest lessons I have learned about home DIY’s is to have a plan. I have learned that rushing into a project without a firm plan can lead to frustrating and can actually take a lot longer. I tend to get excited and want to just start but taking the extra step of planning really does help! So, in this blog post I am sharing my DIY Project Planning tips. I hope they are helpful for you!

Free Downloadable Beginner DIY Guide here:

DIY_Project_Planning_Checklist_SheriWalker.pdf

Download PDF • 3KB

How I start: 

I find inspiration. I love looking at pinterest, instagram accounts, and even go to home decor stores to get ideas. I also love talking to family and friends about their design choices and get ideas from their experiences. I highly recommend creating a mood board or pinterest page related to your project to keep track of your ideas. Using these ideas will help launch your creativity and put your own “spin” on the design. Here is a link of a pinterest board I used for inspo when rennovating our downstairs bathroom: https://pin.it/SKCjOnfc8

Phase 1: Build your plan 

1. Once you have gathered your inspiration, sketch out your idea or write out your plan. If you want to visualize a project in your space, apps like Houzz are helpful! 

   
   

2. Create your list of materials and what tools you will need 

   
   

3. Prep and demo

Example: If you are painting: fill nail holes, sand raised areas clean walls etc 

4. Build or install 

Examples: install shelving, build closet organizers

Installing our closet organizers

5. Paint and finishing

Example: Paint walls, do touching up with caulking, wrap up all the finishing that makes a huge impact 

6. Styling and clean-up

Example: The fun part of choosing decor! And also the not so fun of cleaning up dust, washing paintbrushes, washing windows etc 

I find that breaking a project down into steps like this makes a project feel more doable!  

Phase 2: Create a timeline 

This is an important part of your project! Make sure you are being realistic about how much time you have (evenings, weekends) and create a timeline that works for YOU! If you create a timeline that isn’t doable you will end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. 

Phase 3: Write a budget 

After you have a clear idea of the materials & tools you will need it will be more doable to get an idea of cost. Make sure this is comfortable for you and be prepared to add extra to your budget as in my experience things cost more than we think! 

Phase 4: Set up your workspace

Create a space that will work for you by: 

• Removing clutter and furniture 

• Organizing your tools and materials 

• Put up painters tape if needed, cover furniture that can’t be moved 

• Creating an organized space helps even a small project run smoothly! 

Prepare for imperfection: 

Projects don’t always go exactly as we pictured but that’s ok! Your house isn’t the same one on the pinterest picture and it will have variations so don’t be disappointed and appreciate the differences your house offers. If you do become frustrated take space and come back to the project with fresh eyes- a break always helps me. 

Final Thoughts:

I encourage you to take my process and tweak it to make it your own. During a project, try to keep a mindset of learning and give yourself grace. In the end, it will work out even if it looks different than you expected.