DIY Planning Checklist

DIY summer planning

Spring is right around the corner, and with warmer temperatures and longer days finally in sight, many do-it-yourselfers are chomping at the bit to get outside to tackle repairs and new projects that may have been put on the back burner due to the season or that they’ve only recently decided to move forward with.  Before you jump into a repair or project head-on, we’ve got a list of some things that you shouldn’t forget to do before you get started.  Going through this checklist early on in the planning stage will make it more likely that your project will get off the ground and will be completed without too many headaches, cost-overruns or delays.

DIY Project Checklist

  1. Take time to plan out your project thoroughly. Nothing causes more problems than a project that is not well planned.  Take some time to come up with the scope of your project, what needs to be done, what types of materials you need, how you will get those materials to your project site and other specifics, such as budget.
  2. Consider design options and potential obstacles. If you are creating something new, design is important.  You should be able to design the space or amenity, come up with proper measurements and address any issues you may potentially encounter.  Components like size, shape, layout, location and materials should all be considered at this stage.
  3. Figure out what you need. Once you have a pretty good handle on the design of your project, it’s time to figure out what materials you need and how much you’ll need of any particular material.  For example, if you are going to install a new patio, you not only have to think about what type of material will be used for the patio itself, but will also have to consider other materials that may be needed for the base layers, such as sand, gravel or dirt.  Be sure you understand how to calculate how much you’ll need to fill a particular area (you can use a materials calculator to make it easier) or ask a professional for help in calculating the proper amount of materials needed.
  4. Make plans for getting all materials before starting. The type of project you are tackling will determine the types of materials you’ll use and how much you’ll need.  If your material needs are rather large or the materials are bulky or heavy, you may want to look into bulk delivery options so you don’t have to be lugging trunkfuls of heavy and cumbersome materials, such as stone or soil.
  5. Be sure you have the right equipment and tools. Nothing can stop a project in its tracks like realizing you don’t have the proper equipment or tools to get the job done.  In many cases, you can rent items that you don’t have on hand or that you likely won’t use again to keep costs down.  Even if you don’t need something until later in the project, it’s best to reserve the item if possible if you are renting it or come up with a plan for how you will get what you need before you get to the stage of the project during which it will be needed.

 

For more information about bulk delivery of materials such as dirt, sand, gravel and stone, contact ATAK Trucking at 917-912-2900.

Save