One of the things I pride myself on is my ability to do many things for myself. I made it a point long ago to learn about the basics of house and car maintenance. I can plug a car tire, change the oil and filter, and jumpstart it if need be. Likewise, Im just as handy around the house when ites to basic maintenance and home improvements. Ive found that knowing how to do these things for myself has been both a great money-saver and a source of satisfaction.

However, just because I know how to take care of my house and car doesnt mean I alwaysplete the work myself. I have other things to take care of during my busy days, many of which directly relate to my job or personal life. Sometimes these necessary chores and jobs around the house are not worth the trouble.

If youre ever considering taking on some Do-It-Yourself project, then you might want to take a few minutes to consider the following questions. Theyve been extremely helpful for me when I decide whether or not to pursue my own projects, so hopefully they can help you too! And of course, feel free to add some of your own suggestions in thements.

How much time are you willing to devote to this project?

First of all, you have to figure out how much time you can afford to devote to this project. For example, if you only have weekends free for the next few months, then do you really want to spend your free time repainting the outside of your house? On the other hand, if you have too much time, then maybe youd benefit from doing some work that will stimulate your mind and your creativity. Another consideration is whether or not youve done this task before. If youve never hung a closet door, then maybe you should double your estimated time it will take toplete the project.

Howfortable are you with your current level of skills and knowledge?

Another thing you always have to keep in mind is howfortable you are with the demands of the project, as this will affect the time it takes, your enthusiasm, and even your safety. If you consider yourself to be fairly good with a power tool, then maybe you can tackle installing the crown molding on your own. The important thing is to know your limits, but to also try to learn as you go. Youll want to strike a balance; thats where youll find yourfort zone when ites to DIY projects.

Do you have the tools and materials necessary to successfullyplete this project?

Nothing can be more frustrating than starting a project and suddenly realizing you dont have the correct tools. Imagine my frustration when I realized that the new oil filter required a special wrench to install it; the car I would have used to drive to the auto parts store was sitting in my garage, empty of oil! I learned that lesson pretty quickly: before I start a project, even the simplest ones, I always look to see if I have everything I need. It makes everything a bit more efficient and less expensive.

What is your budget for this project?

Speaking of expenses, youll definitely want to consider how much money youre willing to put into your project. Expect to pay a little more; give yourself a cushion for delays or errors or other obstacles that might cause you to spend more. You might also consider getting quotations from contractors, if the project isplicated, in order topare your budget to theirs.

Will you gain satisfaction knowing youpleted this project on your own?

Finally, think about what kind of satisfaction you can derive from doing the project on your own. Its one thing to be able to proudly look everyday at a new set of built-in bookcases that you sanded and stained on your own. Its another to invest a lot of time and energy into a project that might be less glamorous, such as rewiring a room to install canister lights in the ceiling. Of course, everyones preferences are different, which is why every few thousand miles I get down under my car and change the oil myself!

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