The DIY Advice Everyone Hears— But Almost Nobody Uses

Independence and self-reliance are hallmark traits of any DIY enthusiast. There’s a real pride in the ability to figure it out yourself and tackle any home project, but complete self-reliance can come at a cost. Failing to listen to time-honored advice can lead to wasted materials, time and money, as well as serious injuries.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best DIY advice that no one follows, with help from Daniel Cabrera of Roof Direct San Antonio and engineer and DIY enthusiast Peter Bell of Built By Pete.

Measure Twice—and Then Measure Again

We’ve all heard the adage, “Measure twice, cut once,” and for good reason. This simple tip takes only a few seconds but can save tons of time and money by preventing incorrect cuts. “The 1/4 inch that’s too short for a cut means a waste of a board and an extra run to the store, which turns a Saturday project into a three-weekend project,” Cabrera says.

Resist the urge to rush to the saw; take the extra time to verify your first measurement. For highly detailed work like finish trim or molding, take a third or fourth measurement for the most accurate results.

Buy the Right Tool Instead of Improvising

Using the right tool for the job always makes a project go more smoothly. If you need a chisel, use a chisel, not a screwdriver just because it’s nearby. Improvising usually just leads to wasted time and energy.

However, buying costly tools every time you tackle a new project may defeat the purpose of doing it yourself to begin with. “Tools are expensive, and I would recommend building your tool collection slowly,” Bell says. “Taking your time not only hones your manual skills, but helps you buy the right tools once you have more DIY experience behind you.” Consider renting expensive tools or those you may only use occasionally.

Practice on Scrap Materials First

When it comes to making complex cuts on expensive materials, practicing first is sage advice that’s seldom followed. You may think that this extra step is a waste of time, but it will likely save both time and money in the end.

“Practicing on scraps is the step no one takes, but pros do before any job starts,” Cabrera says. “In order to cut the complex detail for roof flashing, one of my guys does it on scrap first, because the second attempt is always better than the first.” It’s well worth it to practice first for a better final result that you’ll likely look at for years to come.

Keep Extra Materials

“Saving offcuts or buying a little extra for a DIY project is the best way to make sure future projects are a success,” Bell says. “It doesn’t just save money and time, it also means you can try out an idea with a prototype before you commit to the final build.” Material availability can also change, and products can be phased out, making future repairs difficult. Flooring, siding and tile are all worth buying extra in case it’s not available when you need it in years to come. Add one percent to your materials total to allow for extra pieces to store just in case.

Wear Safety Gear Every Time

It’s easy to skip safety gear, especially if you’ve never had a DIY related injury. This creates the belief that because you’ve never gotten hurt, you never will. But mistakes can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to always be prepared with the proper safety gear. To increase compliance, try reducing any friction or hurdles to donning necessary gear.

“As a younger DIYer I made plenty of mistakes not using safety equipment,” Bell says. “I now keep my safety equipment right next the tools that warrant them most.” Consider buying lots of inexpensive safety glasses, gloves and earplugs to always have some handy when you need them. Additionally, always operate tools with safety guards in place.

FAQ

What is the biggest mistake beginners make in DIY projects?

“Underestimating preparation time and rushing are the biggest mistakes,” Bell says. “In my experience, proper preparation accounts for at least 80 percent of a successful DIY project; rushing it almost always guarantees failure.”

How do I avoid wasting materials during a DIY project?

Take your time to measure and plan your project, then double-check the math before purchasing materials. Another tip is to plan projects with stock lumber sizes in mind to save time and avoid wasteful cuts.

About the Experts

• Daniel Cabrera has 16 years of residential remodeling experience in the San Antonio metro area. He is the owner of Roof Direct San Antonio.
• Peter Bell is a trained engineer and head of Built By Pete, a YouTube channel where he shares DIY builds, smart home tech guides and network tutorials.

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