Is it really possible to DIY your own home?

Kba24818707
by Kba24818707
  7 answers
  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Aug 03, 2017

    Do you mean do all DIY projects in your home? I think for major renovations, it is possible, but takes alot of research and planning if you do not have expertise in it. As far as just doing furniture and decor, it is very doable, and you get better with time.

  • Absolutely! Just start small and gain experience with tools on bigger projects over time. Then one day you can design and build your own home and almost everything in it!

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Aug 03, 2017

    Yes you can!!! It really depends how handy you are, and how much you can realistically do. If you are willing to learn, and spend time, then you can certainly do a lot yourself.

    I remember when I was young, a family member took an electical and a plumbing evening course for the diyer (was not the term back then) at a community college.

    They learned how to install sinks, toilets , fix leaks, reroute simple plumbing, and install and change lighting fixtures, outlets etc. They installed a bathroom from scratch in a basement (no pre-existing rough-in), moved a plumbing stack, and rewired part of the house. This was all pre-Internet. They then had their work inspected by a certified plumber and electrician for a nominal charge.

    I think if these courses/workshops still exist, they are a good idea if you want to do all the work yourself. Although the Internet is great for many things, it can be dangerous if you try to do electrical or gas work from a video or forum.

    Some people accidentally remove loadbearing walls, unknowingly expose asbestos/ lead, or cause fire hazards.


    Decorating can be redone easily enough (some mistakes can be exprensive), but health and safety should always be a priority. If you are observing building codes and permits, these will help too.


    I'm personally not the handiest person, but have decorated, installed cupboards (not because I wanted to), maintenance/repairs, flooring and plan on doing a prehung door soon. DH does lighting fixtures and the like, as well as roof repairs and crawlspace maintenance. I have had my ceilings tested for asbestos and lead, by providing scrapings to the local University, before scraping and painting.


    We try and prioritize our needs, and hire trades when necessary. Sometimes it is cheaper to do so, due to their discounts. We had our house painted many years ago. The painter used Sherwin Williams paint. With his discount, it was as if we only paid $100 for his job, because he had such a good discount, and the work was guaranteed.


    We just had a bathroom done. With the sale price on the fixtures, it was as if the installation by a Master plumber and a Master carpenter was free. They discovered problems with the plumbing and addressed them. Had we done the work ourselves, we may have missed them. They even made suggestions that saved us a lot of money, and ended up looking better. The fixtures are really good quality: solid wood vanity with a granite top, and thick fibreglass shower. They are much better than what we could have found at a Big Box store.


    Have fun making your house your own!





  • Sharon Sturm Sharon Sturm on Aug 03, 2017

    Yes it is. There are websites and workshops available, just type in tiny homes.

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Aug 03, 2017

    Hello Kbaker; Yes, you can do this!!

    You might need some help along the way, but you can do a large majority of things yourself!!!

    What I have done when I start doing this, is first I make lists, on what I want to do and what needs to be done.

    Then I decide on Paints, and what I am going to take out and complete redo.

    From there, If I need help, I get help.

    I pay for anything that I am unsure of or that I do not believe that I can handle, such as say Plumbing!!!!

    You will be surprised what you can accomplish on your own and how Happy that it will make you!!!

    I hope that this helps you!!! Good Lick with your Home!!! Take Care!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 03, 2017

    With all the skills you can. Try night school, or tutorial books.

  • Susan Mays Susan Mays on Aug 06, 2017

    Of course you can, but I think the important piece of the equation is that everyone in the family has to be on board or it is not going to be a very successful or enjoyable venture. But if everyone agrees, there is enough information out there today and plenty of people available to answer questions that it is definitely possible.