Planning and Preparation – Starting a home remodel or other do-it-yourself project is exciting, and it's easy to dive in head-first without being fully prepared. Starting a project unprepared is a recipe for disappointment, so take your time. Read the instructions thoroughly, make a list of all the supplies you need, draw out some diagrams and do whatever you need to do ahead of time to make sure you're more than ready before you begin your project.
Leaving Yourself Enough Time – There's no way around this simple fact: DIY projects take time. Many homeowners simply don't have the time between family and work to tackle a major remodel. Some do, but fail to budget their time in a way that allows for completion of a project. Before you get started, make sure your DIY project is something you can realistically complete in the time you have available. Set aside the time you need, create a timetable for your project, and stick to it.
Getting In the Zone – Only you can accurately judge your own abilities, but it's important not to give yourself too much credit, or too little. Starting a home improvement project far beyond your abilities is sure to lead to disappointment, but a job you can complete in your sleep won't give you any satisfaction at all. The key is to look for the sweet spot. Pick a DIY project that offers a challenge but isn't completely out of reach. As you complete more and more projects around your home, you can challenge yourself a little more each time.