Whether you’re installing your own stair railing or just trying to fix the stairs, DIY projects might seem like a daunting task. But home projects shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you plan ahead. With the right tools, research, and some diligence, you can have a solid railing or new front door installed just as well as if it had been placed by a professional contractor.

1. Speak With a Contractor

While you should be able to carry out this project on your own, you might still want to speak with a professional contractor. Those individuals must undergo an incredible amount of training, and one of them will be able to help you come up with a solid plan for how to tackle your DIY projects.

They can also inspect the area and make sure that there are no safety hazards that could put you and your family in danger, and give key insights that first-timers would never think of. You can get these inspections for free if you ask a local contractor to come and give an estimate and evaluation of the job, as many contractors offer this.

2. Invest in the Right Tools

You are going to need at least a handful of high-quality tools for this project, and you should consider picking up a kit from brands like Milwaukee Tools. Most power tool kits are going to include a wide variety of useful gadgets, and you won’t have to worry about using different batteries and chargers if you buy all of your tools from the same company.

At the very least, you should invest in a circular saw, drill gun, measuring tape, screwdriver set, hammer, framing square, and level. These basics come up in most DIY home improvement projects and can make even IKEA furniture assembling easier.

3. Prep the Area

Getting the area ready for your project is going to take a little bit of time initially, but it could save you hours when you are cleaning up after the project is complete. To prep the site, you must put up tarps or plastic covers so that sawdust doesn’t get into your home’s ducts. You can also seal up any smaller cracks and openings with painter’s tape that is designed for indoor use.

4. Break the Project Into Manageable Steps

Just like mail order furniture comes with assembly instructions, you should set your own list of steps for your project. Big DIY projects have a lot of aspects and steps that can be overwhelming if not broken down and organized in order of priority.

Step one should always be to clear and prep the area, as mentioned, but after that, walk through the project in your mind and anticipate what must happen in what order so that you don’t end up sitting with extra parts at the end, wondering where you went wrong.

Before you begin any major construction project in your home, you should always check the local laws to see if a permit is needed. Completing a project without a permit could result in huge fines, and you might be forced to take the installation down if it wasn’t built to code. For little things like stair rails and mantles, permits aren’t generally necessary, but bigger projects like accessory housing, extensions, and outdoor improvements often do.