April is officially here and, we’ve started thinking of all the odd jobs around the home we want to be sorted out in the next couple of months. It’s the perfect time of year to get them done!

Home improvements can seem like a scary prospect when you’re not a professional and haven’t done much DIY before, and a lot of the time we end up paying much more than necessary. Whether your dining room needs a new lick of paint or a few of your bathroom tiles need replacing, you could save a lot of money by doing the job yourself. If you take it slowly and make sure you read up about what it is you need to do you may find it easier than you think.

We’ve put together some money-saving tips for you that’ll help when it comes to the odd DIY jobs you need doing around your home…

Start with a plan…

Before you get into the grind of things, it’s always good to have a general idea of what exactly you’ll be doing. Whether you’ll be painting, building or fixing having a plan will help you in the long run. Your plan can include areas around the house that you’d like to work on, supplies you’ll need, colour schemes and a general step by step guide. Without a plan, DIYing can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task but with some proper planning, it can actually be an enjoyable task.

Watch some “How-to” guide…

You can easily sort out all of those small DIY jobs you’ve put off in the past without splashing the cash just by watching some helpful videos on YouTube – there are loads on there! From fixing leaky taps to putting up a new fence, you’ll find a video for every DIY job imaginable. You’ll become a DIY pro around the home just by watching a professional do it himself, and the best bit is you don’t have to pay anything to watch him!

Do your research…

Before heading off to the big industrial DIY shops, why not check out your local, independent DIY store because chances are they’ll have everything you need for half the price. By browsing in different stores before buying the materials you need you’re more likely to find some great deals and keep the cost of your home improvements down.

Take your time…

If the job you need doing is painting a room in the house, make sure you take your time. If you chuck some paint in a tray, grab a roller and start speed painting, you’re going to end up making more work for yourself in the long run. It’ll cost you money to sort out splashes of paint on the carpet and furniture. If you plan the job and take your time you’ve got an increased chance of getting it right the first time.

Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help…

There are some jobs that you’ll be unable to do and will need a professional for – anything that involves electricity or gas. Although for these bigger projects you will have to pay someone else, that doesn’t mean you won’t still be able to save money. Make sure you talk to as many friends and family members as possible as they may have some great recommendations, and always get at least 3 quotes before making your decision on who to let take on the job.

If you decide to start a DIY job, please remember that accidents can sometimes happen so make sure your insurance policy covers you before you start drilling holes around the house; it’s better to be safe than sorry so just give your insurance company a quick call to double-check.