Q: I have a HUGE question for you! My husband and I have now lived in our first house for close to a year. We share your motivation, but are very intimidated by the projects that we’d like to tackle. Neither one of us is super handy, and I guess we’re afraid of “breaking” our little nest. What did you two do to get past the hump of “how on earth do we do this and not cause an even bigger problem in the end?” Thanks! -Amy
A: That’s a common and totally valid concern. When we moved into our house just a few years ago, we were complete beginners. We had little to no renovation experience—literally no tools and a lot of nervousness. We made mistakes early on (I learned the hard way that flat paint on trim is a poor choice) but the important thing is that most home projects can be fixed, redone, or improved. Making a mistake doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your home.
The best way to overcome intimidation is to start small. Begin with projects that are low-risk and manageable, like painting a room, replacing a light fixture, or updating cabinet hardware. Those tasks build practical skills and confidence, and each success makes the next step feel less daunting. As you complete projects, your comfort with tools, materials, and techniques will naturally grow.
Do lots of research before you begin. Read tutorials, watch how-to videos, and consult project galleries or books. Preparing with clear step-by-step instructions and the right tools makes a huge difference. We started documenting what we learned so friends and family could follow along, and sharing those step-by-step guides helped us solidify our own process. Preparation helps you avoid common pitfalls and gives you the context to troubleshoot if something unexpected happens.
Accept that some projects will require professional help. There’s no shame in calling in an expert when the job exceeds your skill level—especially when it involves plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes. Early in our renovations we hit a plumbing issue that we couldn’t safely fix ourselves, so we called a plumber. That decision saved time, prevented more costly mistakes, and kept our momentum going. As a general rule, know your limits and hire out the tasks that could become expensive or dangerous if done incorrectly.
At the same time, most home projects are straightforward and rewarding to tackle yourself. Even when things take longer than expected or require extra effort, you’ll usually save money and gain valuable experience. Time estimates are often optimistic, so plan for extra days and some trial-and-error. Every project you complete boosts your confidence and skills, and before long you’ll look back and hardly recognize your home—in a good way.
Here’s a short, practical formula that helped us shake off the intimidation:
- Start with smaller projects to build confidence before attempting major renovations.
- Research thoroughly—read guides, watch videos, and make a clear plan before starting.
- When you reach a point you can’t safely or efficiently handle, hire a pro to avoid costly mistakes and maintain momentum.
We’ve taken on hundreds of projects, and only a few forced us to call for help or start over. Often there are multiple solutions to a problem—if a floor is uneven, for example, you can relay the subfloor, use a self-leveling compound, or choose a different flooring approach. Research will reveal options, and estimates from handymen or contractors can help you decide whether to DIY or hire out.
Finally, consider the worst-case scenario before you begin and plan for recovery. If a finish peels, you can sand and repaint. If a demo reveals unexpected issues, you can pause and call a pro. Knowing there’s a fallback plan reduces anxiety and makes it easier to try new things.
*Safety note: always wear proper closed-toe shoes and appropriate safety gear when working on projects. Protecting your feet and eyes matters—serious injuries are avoidable with the right precautions.
Renovating is a mix of research, practice, patience, and knowing when to ask for help. With each project you’ll learn more, gain confidence, and enjoy the satisfaction of improving your home. Good luck and happy renovating!