Winter is the perfect season for those indoor DIY projects. If you’re a Des Moines homeowner ready to get creative with your home, there are countless DIY options, from tiny projects to major updates. To make your experience a bit smoother, here are a few DIY dos and don’ts that we’ve found helpful:

Do Seek Out Inspiration // Don’t Worry About Trends

Going online or checking out some design magazines can be a great start for DIYers. You can find inspiration for the types of projects you want to do and the overall style results you want to achieve. While a quick online search might introduce you to the latest trends, it’s important to pick the things that appeal to you, not just what’s popular. You want your DIY projects to last, and trends can fade and change quickly.

Do Clarify Your Vision // Don’t Set Unrealistic Expectations

Once you’ve gotten your dose of inspiration, it’s time to get clear about the projects you want to complete. Listing out the materials you’ll need, for example, is a good place to start. While Pinterest can help buyers nail down their vision, it can also create some unrealistic expectations. One project might not transform your space, and that’s ok. Set your expectations for yourself ahead of time so that you’re excited about your end results, not disappointed.

Do Budget in Advance // Don’t Skimp on Quality

What’s your budget for your DIY project? This is a question to ask early on as it should guide the rest of your process. Giving yourself a bit of a range is also a good idea so that you leave yourself some flexibility. One important thing to remember is that it’s not usually a good idea to compromise on quality for the sake of your budget. This doesn’t mean you should overspend either, though. Instead, homeowners need to shape their project around their budget and the supplies and materials they can afford.

Do Watch Tutorials Only // Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities

There are endless DIY tutorials online available for homeowners to learn new skills and techniques. These can be the perfect motivation to try something new, but it’s important to be realistic here. If a project is way outside of your skillset and involves major tools electrical knowledge, for example, it’s probably best to bring in the professionals for those projects if you don’t have the experience to do them yourself.

Have you done any DIY projects in your home recently? Do you have any planned for the near future? I’d love to hear your thoughts!