The post-pandemic world has seen a surge in DIY projects, from baking homemade sourdough bread to restoring antique furniture. Why have these hobbies – which were once considered outdated and old-fashioned – become so widespread?
Young people live in an increasingly wasteful era. The cost of living is on the rise, yet there’s constant pressure to consume. As we learn more about waste and climate change, DIY projects like crafting, upcycling, restoring, and repairing have become popular answers to consumerism. In this article, we’ll unpack Australia’s DIY home improvement revolution and explore how all the true DIYers out there are revamping their homes on a budget.
The Growing Appeal of DIY Home Improvement
Cost
Economic pressures, such as rising housing costs, inflation and the price of labour and materials, have forced people to take on projects they would once outsource to professionals. Fortunately, the internet has made DIY projects increasingly accessible. For example, let’s say an old tree falls on a young couple’s fence during a storm. They already live in a high-cost-of-living area, and keeping their expenses low is absolutely essential for them to afford their mortgage. It is now easier than ever for them to purchase fencing supplies for Australian homes online and find an in-depth DIY tutorial to teach them to repair it themselves. Though the DIY route costs more in time, it saves the cost of expensive handyman services, which for many young people is more important.
Creativity
Costs aren’t the only thing keeping people interested in DIY projects. Lockdowns made people realise the value of cultivating a home that is a warm, welcoming, and beautiful space. Sprucing up the living room with paint, retiling the bathroom, breathing new life into something old or constructing something entirely new gave people a reason to exercise their creativity. Many found joy in DIYing home improvement projects, even when money was no issue.
Sustainability
A growing eco-conscious mindset is making people realise that repairing and restoring is much more sustainable than purchasing new. With fast fashion and mass-made products under the spotlight for the environmental issues they cause, alternatives like upcycling have never looked better. Additionally, older items tend to be sturdier, as many new things are made of cheaper materials or with planned obsolescence in mind. DIYing gives people greater control over the eco-friendliness and quality of materials, lowering their environmental impact and ensuring the longevity of their homewares.
Popular DIY Home Improvement Projects
Furniture Restoration or Upcycling
Improving existing furniture has become an increasingly popular activity, whether you’re doing it yourself or watching someone else do it online. It can involve saving a vintage, solid wood dresser from peeling paint or installing IKEA bookshelves into a wall to create a luxurious library. Restoration and upcycling allow people to personalise their homes and feel more ownership over their space. With some basic woodworking skills, you can live your mid-century or brutalist dream by buying old pieces cheap from marketplaces that you can restore.
Outdoor Improvements
Outdoor beautification projects, such as landscaping and gardening, are gaining popularity as people take greater pride in their home’s exterior. And tending to a well-kept garden doesn’t just make a home look better and boost its resale value. Outdoor improvements also create a sense of peace and satisfaction as people can literally see the fruits of their labour.
This particular branch of DIY home improvement is also a well-known recreational hobby because of the fulfilling and rewarding nature of gardening. You plant something and tend to it so that it can grow over time and you can see your nurturing care creating life, and maybe even some herbs to use on dinner.
Dupes of Trending Items
Social media often shows us the most beautiful items we can’t afford. Creating dupes of expensive home decor items has become commonplace online, usually mere days after a trending item goes viral. For instance, many DIY influencers give detailed instructions on how to create your own version of a designer lamp or a trendy wall art piece, using affordable materials and simple techniques.
Considerations in DIY Home Improvement
Understanding Regulations
No matter what project you’re tackling, it’s essential to understand what regulations could apply. Do you need a permit to build something new? Are there restrictions around what colour you can paint your walls? Whether it’s your local council or your building corp, ensure you’re up-to-date and ready to comply with the rules that are relevant to you and your home.
Taking Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when undertaking DIY projects. You absolutely must wear the appropriate gear (like gloves, masks, and goggles) when using chemicals, creating dust, or using dangerous machinery. Never undertake a risky project alone, and ensure you have easy access to a phone for emergency calls if necessary.
Part of safety involves following the correct methodology. Make sure you have a basic understanding of the techniques required to finish the project. You can refer to YouTube videos to learn how to do specific techniques safely, such as sewing a hem without puncturing your finger.
Knowing When to Consult a Professional
There are certain projects that you should probably leave to the professionals. Don’t try to DIY modifications to load-bearing walls, electrical or plumbing work, or complex issues that you’ve tried (and failed) to deal with multiple times. In Australia, certain tasks must be performed by a licensed professional, so familiarise yourself with these requirements before getting started.
More Than a Trend
Australia’s DIY scene isn’t just a trend – it’s revolutionising how we see home improvement. The movement has been fueled by the need to save money, the desire to care for the environment and the simple joy of creativity. In the spirit of DIY, young people have embraced breathing new life into old items, tackling their own landscaping and fencing, designing their home decor dupes and more. But despite DIY projects’ wild popularity, there are still important things for DIYers to consider before beginning their next projects. If you’re looking to improve your home through the power of DIY, ensure you understand regulations, safety and local requirements to keep your project successful and enjoyable.
