DONE AND DUSTED Expert advice for completing your DIY project

Words KYLIE JACKES

It’s a common situation among DIYers of all skill levels. There’s an initial rush of enthusiasm as you launch into a new project, then motivation wanes and the job languishes unfinished. Perhaps the project was bigger or more complex than imagined, or you simply became time poor. To finish the DIY projects you start, prep work is key. Here’s how. 1Assess the project Whether you want to build a bookcase or repaint the house, the first step is to get your head around the scope of the project. DIY specialist Natasha Dickins of Little Red Industries (littleredindustries.com) suggests researching what to expect in terms of time, skills, materials and cost.

“Chat with people who may have done something similar, watch DIY videos and contact trades and suppliers to gain as much knowledge as you can,” she says. With a thorough understanding of what’s involved, you can then map out a step-by-step plan to tackle each stage of the job.

2Source the materials Nothing grinds a project to a halt like running out of a crucial part or material, or not having the right tool, so plan ahead. “Work out all the required materials, choose paint colours, finishes and fixings, and ensure everything can be sourced before you start,” says DIY lifestyle creative Geneva Vanderzeil of

Factor in time-consuming tasks such as hand sanding, which hugely improves the result of a refinishing project

Collective Gen (collectivegen.com). If you don’t own the necessary tools or equipment, decide if you’ll buy, borrow or hire them.

3Create a DIY zone Set aside an area, like a section of the garage, where you can work on a task and store tools and materials. “If your work zone is accessible, easy to set up and pack up, it helps maintain your enthusiasm,” says Geneva. “It also makes it easier to pick up where you left off, particularly if you’ve only got small windows of time to chip away at a project.”

4Manage your time Setting an achievable deadline and sharing the plan with someone keeps you accountable. To give yourself a realistic completion date, try listing the major stages, estimating how long each will take, then adding about half the time again, suggests Natasha. “Issues often crop up during DIY, particularly if you’re using a material you’ve never worked with 

Natasha Dickins, DIY specialist

A project might combine several skills, from tiling to carpentry. It pays to research those you’re unsure of

Take a tip from the tradies: mark up meticulously. If in doubt, remember the maxim, “Measure twice, cut once”

Geneva Vanderzeil, DIY lifestyle creative

or mastering a new technique, so give yourself some leeway, but try to stick to the timeline so your deadline remains attainable,” she says. One way to stay on track is to allocate DIY time each week, whether it’s a few hours after work or half a day on weekends.

5Share the load Play to your strengths and outsource parts of the job that are beyond your comfort level or skill set. “If you’re building a deck, for example, and are not confident using a cement mixer but are handy with a drill, consider engaging a builder to install the posts and joists and save on labour costs by laying the boards yourself,” suggests Natasha Dickins. It’s also important to know when it’s essential to call in the experts, she adds – plumbing, electrical, gas work and structural building must be done by a licensed, qualified professional.

Learn how to make sure you have the right amount of materials for the job: bunnings.

6Celebrate progress Even well-planned projects can feel overwhelming at times, so recognise and celebrate the small wins and achievements along the way. This might mean treating yourself after a job well done or giving yourself a day off the tools.

“Rather than simply looking ahead at what needs to be done, reflecting on what you’ve accomplished boosts your confidence and motivation to keep going,” says Natasha. ◆

Chief lending officer Cory Bannister

Are you a first-time homebuyer, or a would-be renovator? Are you a self-employed tradie, unsure how this will affect your borrowing? Whatever your situation, La Trobe Financial’s range of personalised lending solutions can make your dream a reality.

Especially in these challenging and uncertain times, there are potential pitfalls waiting for borrowers, which is why La Trobe Financial’s lending “We tailor lending particularly for the self-employed,” says Cory, “so that covers a lot of builders and trade-related customers as well.” La Trobe Financial recognises that a self-employed person may find it difficult to present two years’ worth of financial statements, for a number of reasons. “Often, that means they’re left by the wayside where major bank lenders are concerned,” says Cory. That’s why La Trobe Financial treats you as a person, with real financial challenges but also real assets – a real-life human being, not just a box-ticking exercise.

experts are committed to helping with every step of the process.

La Trobe Financial supports you to make an informed decision about what you’re planning to borrow against, sending out two independent, registered valuers to assess the property, obtain a highly detailed appraisal and identify any issues up front. “We start with a granular level of credit assessment,” says Cory Bannister, chief lending officer at La Trobe Financial. “Traditional banks often use what’s called a desktop or automated valuation model, which essentially says that in a given postcode, a four-bedroom house is typically worth so and so.”

If you’re a self-employed tradie or building contractor, you’ll know how difficult it can be to get finance when the default position of banks is to expect a detailed financial history.

Visit latrobefinancial.com.au/loans/ residential-solutions to see how La Trobe Financial can help you obtain the perfect loan for your needs. Whether it’s your first break into the market or if you’re breaking ground for a new extension, La Trobe Financial can help to empower you in your decisions.

Scan the QR code for more information, or call 13 80 10. Visit latrobefinancial.com.au

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