DIYing instead of buying new has its advantages, and really most times the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, at least for me. But if you are not sure I am sharing a few of the advantages of DIYing versus buying new.
While buying something new for your home is a simple and quick way to improve the look of a space, DIYing is often a much better option. From the satisfaction that comes from a completed project to the ability to add something truly unique to your home.
DIYing has so many amazing benefits! If you’re on the fence about whether to tackle that next project on your own, consider these six reasons to DIY instead of buying something new.
You Get To Be As Creative As You Want To Be
As a creative by nature, this is one of my favorite reasons to DIY. Projects allow me to get creative.
In addition to creating something new and unique for my home, DIYing instead of buying gives you the chance to put your own creative spin on every single project you do.
You Get To Customize All The Things When You DIY Instead of Buying New
And once your creative juices are flowing, you can start thinking about ways to customize your DIY project just for you.
Whether you’re using a premade product as your inspiration or have a DIY plan in mind, customizing the project to suit your needs is a great way to ensure you’ll use it for years to come.
Save Money When You Do It Yourself
If I am being honest, this is the number one reason why I DIY. I have Champagne taste on a water budget. Not even beer. And DIYing allows me to have nicer things, at times, for more than half the cost.
While it’s not always the case, more often than not DIYing a project will cost significantly less than buying the product or hiring someone to do the job for you.
In fact, labor is one of the largest chunks of the cost when you have to hire someone. And I get it, people’s time is valuable, AND they have families to feed. But so do I. Which is why I DIY.
If you DIY a lot of projects, as I do, chances are you end up having the tools and supplies you need to tackle one more job, making the next project even cheaper (or completely free)!
Here are some examples from my blogging friends where they were able to get the look for less than store bought prices.
Simple & Easy DIY Growth Chart For Half The Cost of Retail
West Elm Knock-Off Bookshelf
Click through to see just how she pulled this thing together and to have all the heart eyes 😻 over it.
Easy Round Stool
DIY Garden Trellis for Vines
A simple project that lends so much beauty to the outdoor space.
DIY Farmhouse Hall Tree
DIY Modern End Table
It might be small in size, but it is so full of character. And character is the name of the DIY Game guys.
This table could be a staple in any room, whether in the living room as an end table or the bedroom as a night table.
DIY Storage Basket Side Table
Simple + Easy DIY a Blanket Ladder
DIY Outdoor Porch Chairs
Click through to see how they look on her porch. I promise you won't be mad you did it!
Restoration Hardware Inspired DIY Dining Table
There Is Always Something New To Learn
No matter how many DIY projects you have under your belt, chances are you’re going to come across a step in the process you don’t know how to do. At least that happens to me. Lol.
Every DIY project comes with some awesome chances to learn something new. And the more knowledge you gain as you DIY, the better you become!
DIYing Helps You Become Self Sufficient
There’s something really cool about knowing that you can take care of yourself. When we bought our first house I had no experience with tools beyond a hammer and screwdriver.
And there’s no better way to become self-sufficient than to DIY things around your house. My first home project was spray painting my kitchen cabinets in our very first home, almost ten years ago.
All I knew was I didn’t want the white cabinets painted with flat paint in my kitchen. I took them out to the garage and spray painted them with textured spray paint and bought new hardware.
Now I have stepped up my game in my current home, I stripped and repainted my kitchen cabinets for a whole new look. I’m semi-pro our here guys!
From learning to use power tools to tackling a creative project, you’re sure to gain a ton of satisfaction from finishing a DIY job on your own.
DIYing Instead of Buying Helps You Enhance Your Relationships
While taking on a DIY project can sometimes be an individual task, getting your friends and family members involved is a great way to finish a job.
My husband and I have bonded over many a project. Me and my parents experimented with chalk paint together on a file cabinet they scored at Habitat. And one time my girls all got together to build my friend a wooden headboard.
There were adult beverages, going down memory lane, and all kinds of in-your-thirties-pettiness with people you have known forever. I don't know that we even were able to finish the project that night, now that I think about it.
In addition to allowing you to complete the project faster, coming together to finish a project is a wonderful way to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
DIYing Takes To Much Time
I have been told more times than I can count that DIYing just takes time that people think they don't have.
While yes, some projects are very involved and take time and can even affect relationships like when we tried to epoxy our counters and almost got a divorce. There are some really cool projects you can do that take no time at all!
Here are a few to prove it.
DIY Dog Bed
DIY Plant Stand
DIY Seashell Wall Art
Realistic Hanging Boston Ferns
DIY Paint Pouring Wall Art Idea
DIY Jewelry Organization
DIY Mirror Frame
Simple DIY Wood Sign
DIY Toilet Paper Holder
DIY Anthropologie Inspired Lamp Makeover
DIY Wood Tray
Tacky Folding TV Tray Makeover
DIY Wood Planter Box
Jute Rope Footstool
DIY Curtain Rods & Brackets
DIY Hanging Plant Holder
DIY Large Entryway Sign
DIY Frosted Mirror from Thrift Store Artwork
DIY Basket Weave Planter
No-Sew Easy Embroidery Wall Art
DIYing is awesome. And in case you wonder why some of us are always doing it, these are just a few of the reasons why. But I can honestly say, I have never wasted my time DIYing a project. But maybe that is just me…
Love this! I have been “upgrading” my place recently by buying used and fixing it up. Thank you for the ideas!
I prefer to fix up something used rather than buy new. It allows you to get more creative that way!