It may seem tempting to take on DIY building projects rather than hiring a professional in order to save money and feel the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, and these are valid reasons to do exactly that. It is important, however, to assess one's own carpentry or building skills before taking on any DIY building project. A person with little or no carpentry experience may be able to take on some DIY projects, but the vast majority of such projects will require some skill and training. It is a good idea to take some introductory carpentry or building classes at a vocational school or community college before taking on complex tasks.
Whenever a DIY building project is undertaken, it is exceptionally important to have plans. This means assessing the current state of a building or structure, thinking about and researching the best materials for the job and knowing which tools will be necessary for the job as well as how to use them safely, how many people will be needed to complete the project, where to dispose of waste, and where to get the proper materials for a decent price. It will also be a good idea to determine a budget for the project well before any nails or screws get driven.
DIY building techniques can vary significantly according to the type of structure being built and the types of materials used during the building process. This of course means that the skills one will need to do such projects can vary significantly. Regardless of the type of project, however, it is important to take note of all safety procedures to help lower the risk of injury or death to the builders and others in the general vicinity. If the structure or building features live wires for power, the power should be shut off before building projects begin. Safety equipment such as eye goggles, ear plugs, hard hats, and gloves should be worn at all times to prevent injury.
One of the often overlooked steps in a DIY building project is the research of the project's legality. Additions to a home, for example, may require the builder to get permits from a local government; fire codes must be adhered to when creating a new structure, which means insulation and wiring techniques must be analyzed; property boundaries need to be respected not only for the sake of the neighbors, but also for the sake of the homeowner's wallet, since the structure may need to be torn down or altered if it hangs over a property boundary.
