Easy tips to kickstart your spring home projects

When the weather starts warming up, it’s your cue to get started on those spring home projects you’ve been planning all winter. Read our tips for how to make the most out of your time and budget, when to DIY and when to hire local professionals to help you finish the job.

Prioritize to-do tasks

When you have a slew of things to get done — yard cleanup, painting, repairs — it can feel a little overwhelming. Make a to-do wish list, then prioritize each item. Which are must-dos and which are want-to-dos?

Getting your trees trimmed in time for an imminent city cleanup may be at the top of the list. Dreams of adding a firepit could be put off until later. Give yourself a realistic estimate for how long each job will take so you know what you can really get done this spring. 

Make a complete list of supplies needed, so you don't waste time on multiple trips to the hardware store.

Plan before you start

As much as you want to dive right into that major DIY home project, you’ll be grateful if you take some time to plan ahead. It’ll help you avoid costly mistakes — buying unnecessary parts, for example. It can also save you time — and a lot of stress.

What supplies will you need to complete the job from start to finish? Do you have the right tools? Stopping mid-project because you need a different kind of screwdriver or didn’t buy enough paint can be frustrating. Instead of wasting time on multiple trips to the hardware store, make a shopping list so you can pick it all up at once.

Again, when making plans, it’s helpful to consider how much time your project will take. If you’re hoping to host guests on your newly finished deck for Memorial Day, you’re going to want it finished before then. Give yourself deadlines to make it happen, then plan your workdays accordingly.

Give yourself a schedule so you can get multiple jobs done in a timely manner.

Use smart shortcuts

Having the right tools makes any job easier. You could use a hammer and nails to install new baseboards in your guest room, but a nail gun would be much quicker. Instead of trying to make-do with what could work, invest in the right equipment. It’ll make your spring home maintenance projects go much smoother.

It pays to start gathering supplies early, so you have time to look for deals. You never know when a bargain on a secondhand cordless drill will be listed on KSL Classifieds.

Shop for project supplies on KSL Classifieds

Be budget conscious without cutting corners

Spring projects can get expensive, but they don’t have to be. Depending on the job, you may be able to save significant cash if you shop secondhand. You can often find supplies such as flooring and deck materials on KSL Classifieds for much less than retail prices.

Quality tools will work just as well as new ones, but cost you much less. On KSL Classifieds, you can find deals on all types of gear you may need, including power and hand tools, table and circular saws, air compressors and woodworking tools.

Rent instead of buy

If you’re working on a one-time project, consider renting equipment instead of buying. You only need a trencher when you’re laying sprinkler pipe, so it doesn’t really make sense to purchase one. You can find equipment for rent on KSL Classifieds too.

Share costs

Enlisting friends and neighbors to share costs is another way to cut down on your budget. If you’re ordering a load of mulch for your spring yard cleanup, for example, ask a neighbor if they’d like to split the cost of delivery. If you have a large load of trash, enlist a few neighbors to rent a dumpster with you.

Hire a local pro for projects that require a bit more expertise.

Know when to hire local professionals

There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help when you need it. For major jobs, or even something you don’t feel qualified to handle, consider hiring a service professional. 

Where it may take you hours to figure out how to properly wire new outdoor lighting, an electrician can probably complete the work in a few minutes. Never poured cement before? Or you’ve tried it, with less than stellar results? A professional knows how to make it smooth and level the first time.

Not only can hiring help save you time, it can also ease your conscience that the job was done right. If you need contract work, consider booking your job early; schedules tend to fill fast during the busy season.

From landscapers to fence installers, electricians to general contractors, you can find service pros for the job on KSL Classifieds. Listings include Google reviews, so you can see what other customers are saying — and hire local professionals with confidence.

Find local professionals on KSL Classifieds

Use trusted local resources

Find the tools, materials and even professional service providers for your next project on KSL Classifieds. Decide what job gets first priority, plan your schedule, then start searching for deals to make the most of your time and money. 

Search KSL Classifieds for all your project needs