Do-it-yourself decorating

Whether it’s in an effort to go green or simply to give a fresh look to your space, do-it-yourself renovating is a fun way to learn new things and spend time with friends and family. So here are a few tips to help make your transformation easier:

• Attend courses to learn new skills. More and more renovation retailers are offering education workshops that teach project-specific skills like tiling, painting and plastering
  

• Plan. Be prepared for everything; keep the necessary first aid supplies like Plastic Value Pack bandages and Elastoplast Handpack on hand. Familiarize yourself with the legal, insurance and safety issues that may relate to your project, you would be surprised what kind of projects require city permits.
  

• Re-use what you can. If you are remodelling the yard, conserve some of the larger stones you dig up, they may be a nice addition to your flowerbed. Discarded bricks can also be used outside to line your garden, build up retaining walls or make a pathway.
  

The most important thing to know about home improvement is when you can do it yourself and when it’s best to hire a professional. You can count on any job costing more and taking more time than you originally planned, but would it cost more than hiring a professional? If the answer is yes, or the job requires a certain expertise or license that you don’t have, then hire out.