A lot of dads have DIY projects that they like to do in their spare time. Maybe it’s making things out of wood, or building computer systems or even something like painting pictures.
These DIY projects allow us a chance to relax and use our brains in a different way. Unfortunately, these projects can often become costly.
We need to constantly buy new tools and supplies in order to do the projects. If the price of the project gets too high, it can keep you from continuing to do them. To ensure you have the funds necessary to keep enjoying your hobby, here are some tips you can use to save money on your DIY projects.
Shop Around
First, when it comes time to shop for supplies or tools, you shouldn’t buy them from the first place you find. You should take plenty of time to consider all your options. For instance, you may find that tool you need cheaper on Amazon than at your local hardware store. Or maybe those art supplies you need are a little cheaper at a store that’s a little further away than the one you usually shop at. The purpose is to consider all the things you actually need then take the time to find the most affordable option. Just saving a few dollars here and there on each project will add up over time as you continue with your hobby.
Consider getting a used CNC router machine if you’re interested in woodworking. This way you can start making DIY decorations and small items which you can also sell on multiple online channels. Just inspect the machine carefully and make sure it’s in good working condition before making a purchase.
Rent Your Tools
If your DIY project requires some special tools, you may not have them lying around in your garage. Rather than buying tools, you’ll only use once or twice, look for a place where you can rent them instead. For example, if you need to weld something, rather than buying a whole welding kit you can simply find a welder rental. Or, if you need to work with wood and create custom pieces, consider using a dovetail jig. Think about the cost of buying the tool versus the cost of renting the tool each time you would need to use it. If this DIY project is something you do a lot, it may make more sense to invest in a purchase. But otherwise, you may save yourself a significant amount of money by going with a rental.
Buy in Bulk
Another way to save money on materials is by buying in bulk. If your hobby is something you like to do a lot, then you can save money by not buying new materials each time. Buying them in bulk will give you a discount in the long-term, even though it will cost you more now. As an example, let’s say you’re someone who makes custom coffee tables. You may be able to save some money by buying extra supplies like nails, screws, and sandpaper, rather than just getting what you need for each job. Take some time to look for bulk options on the supplies you use the most, then do the math to see if this will save you money over time.
Sell What You Don’t Need
Many dads complete a project and then it ends up just sitting in the corner of a garage going unused. To fund your new DIY projects, consider selling finished projects you don’t need or any unused materials. There are likely other hobbyists in your area who could use what you have leftover at a discount price. Even just getting a few dollars for some things that are otherwise taking up space can help you fund your next project. If you’re someone who is always looking towards the next project and forgetting about past ones, look for a way to recover some of the costs of your old projects so that you can afford the new ones.
Ask for Gifts
Finally, it’s a lot easier to afford your projects if you don’t have to buy everything yourself. Let the people in your life know that you wouldn’t mind some project-related gifts the next time to opportunity arises. Birthdays, Father’s Day and the Christmas season are all times where people are looking to get dads a gift. Even something as simple as a gift card towards one of your supply shops can make a big difference in helping you fund your next project.
DIY Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
A common reason for DIY projects is because it’s often more affordable than buying the specific thing we want. However, that doesn’t mean doing DIY projects is cheap. It costs money to get the supplies and tools you need each time you want to do a project. But with the tips above hopefully, the price will become a little bit of a smaller barrier on your way towards completing the projects you want to do.