What You Can Actually DIY—Without Regretting It Later

You’re a first-time homebuyer—congrats. Now don’t screw it up!

Some jobs are totally doable. Others will wreck your weekend—and your wallet. This is the line between smart DIY and “should’ve called someone.”

Your DIY Profile

First, pick your profile, find your lane—then see what projects actually make sense for you.

Mistakes Can Be Costly…. Hiring A Pro Reduces Risk

Some DIY mistakes are reversible—others aren’t. This chart helps you know the difference.

Plan It. Or Let Us.

Start with a guide—or with us.

Grab our free planning guides or schedule a consult—whichever gets you moving faster.

What Kind of Tools Do You Actually Need?

For a first-time homebuyer, not every project needs a garage full of gear—and not every tool is worth owning.

Cheap Tools Everyone Should Own

Good for: All Thumbs Rookie & up

No matter your skill level, these are worth keeping around.

• Tape measure

• Level

• Stud finder

• Multi-bit screwdriver

• Hammer

• Utility knife

• Painter’s tape

• Cordless drill + basic bits

Cheaper to Buy Than Rent

Good for: Power Tool Borrower + Weekend Warrior

If you’ll use it twice, just own it.

• Step ladder

• Manual tile cutter

• Caulk gun

• Pry bar

• Orbital sander

• Basic painting gear (roller, tray, extension pole)

• Brad nailer (if you’re doing trim)

Tools You Should Rent

Good for: Weekend Warrior + Project Whisperer

These cost more and take up space—rent when needed.

• Wet tile saw

• Flooring nailer

• Drywall lift

• Table saw

• Concrete mixer

• Large demolition tools (reciprocating saws, jackhammers)

Just Hire It Out

Good for: Everyone (yes, even the Project Whisperer)

The gear alone isn’t worth it—and neither is the stress.

• Anything needing a permit (electrical panel, gas lines, plumbing moves)

• Major framing or roofing

• Stone countertop cutting + install

• Precision tile leveling systems

• Spray foam insulation rigs

First-time Homebuyer Tip: If the rental fee plus learning curve adds up to frustration or rework, skip it. Pay the pro and save the weekend.

Ready to DIY? Let’s Gut-Check That First

Answer a few quick questions to see if it’s a go—or a good time to call in help.

Landed on calling a pro? Skip the search—we’ve rounded up reliable, vetted subcontractors we trust in our Subcontractor Directory.

Where to Buy (or Borrow) Tools in Tallahassee

Looking to build your first-time homebuyer starter toolbox or pick up that one tool you’ll only use once? Here’s few local spots.

Build Your Starter Toolbox

Lowe’s

Best for: First-timers and small upgrades
Why we like it: Solid selection of starter kits, painter’s gear, and cordless drills

Harbor Freight Tools

Best for: Budget-friendly backups and quick jobs
Why we like it: Great deals on hand tools and small power tools—often under $20

Home Depot

Best for: Browsing everything in one trip
Why we like it: Full range of basic and pro-grade tools (plus rentals)

Rent the Big Stuff

Sunbelt Rentals

Best for: One-off big projects (flooring, drywall, tile, etc.)
Why we like it: Easy rentals on specialty tools you won’t use often

Home Depot Tool Rental

Best for: Day-use on tools like wet saws and sanders
Why we like it: Convenient, especially if you’re already shopping there

A Closer Look at Your DIY Profile

By now, you probably have a good idea of what kind of first-time homebuyer you are. But the real question is: What can you actually do—and where should you tap out?

The “All Thumbs” Rookie

You want the win. Something simple that makes your space feel better fast.

You’ll spend more time watching tutorials than doing the actual project—and that’s okay. But you can lose momentum if something feels too technical or unfamiliar.

What works best:

• One-step upgrades with visible payoff

• Projects with clear before-and-after impact

• No surprises behind walls, under trim, or inside plumbing

Call in a pro for:

• Swapping light fixtures

• Installing faucets

• Mounting a TV

• Anything with wires or pipes

The “Power Tool Borrower”

You’re confident—until you aren’t. You get excited, dive in, and then realize halfway through that you should’ve measured twice.

You’ve probably done a few things around the house already. You know your limits… most of the time.

Where you thrive:

• Upgrades that require precision but not perfection

• Projects where having the right tool makes the job doable

• Fixes with minimal teardown or clean-up

Call in a pro for:

• Replacing a toilet

• Installing a new vanity

• Patching drywall seamlessly

• Anything behind a wall

The Weekend Warrior

You know what you’re doing—and you want it to look right. You’re not just checking boxes. . You’ve probably already redone a small space in your last home or helped someone else do it.

Your sweet spot:

• Projects where careful prep pays off

• Anything with measurements, assembly, or layering steps

• Tasks where YouTube is confirmation, not instruction

Call in a pro for:

• Shower installs

• Load-bearing walls

• Waterproofing anything

• Tiling a large area

The Project Whisperer 

You’ve been waiting for this moment ever since you became a first-time homebuyer. You already have a list—and a method. You’re not afraid of complexity, but your biggest challenge is time.

Life happens. And full-blown projects take more of it than you expect.

You’re best at:

• Room-scale upgrades that follow a system

• Projects with finish work—molding, trim, tile

• Renovations where you’ve already planned ahead

Call in a pro for:

• Major plumbing updates

• Electrical panel upgrades

• Moving walls

• Anything that needs a permit

Other resources for first-time homebuyers

Need a little extra help before you start your next project as a first-time homebuyer?

YouTube Channels

DIY Creators

Super clear tutorials on home projects, from building shelves to laying floors. Great if you want to get hands-on but need a visual walk-through.

Watch DIY Creators

Home RenoVision DIY

This guy breaks down big jobs into smaller, doable steps. Want to try tiling or plumbing? Start here.

Watch Home RenoVision

Making It My Own DIYs

Think budget-friendly projects with big style payoffs. Especially good for first-time home buyers on a budget.

Watch Making It My Own DIYs

Instagram Accounts

Francesca Stone

She has DIY projects that feel totally doable—even if you’re not “crafty.” Worth a follow for clever ideas alone.

Follow @fallfordiy

Medina Grillo

Clever, approachable projects from a real-life DIYer who gets what it’s like to learn as you go. Easy-to-copy ideas for every room.

Follow @grillodesigns

Kara Fidd

A first-home renovation journey in real time. Great before-and-afters, honest takes, and tons of inspo if you’re just getting started.

Follow @diy.ourhome

Local Tallahassee Spots

Making Awesome

A makerspace where you can use big tools without having to own them. Think laser cutters, 3D printers, and more.

Check Out Making Awesome

AR Workshop Tallahassee

Book a workshop and walk away with something cool you made yourself—like signs, decor, or furniture.

Visit AR Workshop