What Can I Actually DIY? HomeRenoVisionDIY Breaks It Down in This Q&A

GoCleanCo chats with Jeff Thorman of HomeRenoVisionDIY about safe, beginner-friendly renos you can actually do yourself, without crying or causing structural damage.

Look, we love a good scrub, but sometimes a magic eraser just won’t cut it. That’s when it’s time to bust out a level, a drill, and maybe a deep breath for some actual home renovations. Whether you’re itching to fix that ugly backsplash, freshen up your baseboards, or just stop paying strangers to hang your curtains, DIY home projects can feel deeply intimidating.

So, we called in a pro who makes it look easy (because he literally does it on YouTube): Jeff Thorman of HomeRenoVisionDIY. We grilled him on what you can tackle with a little courage and caulking, what you should never attempt barefoot and blind, and when it’s time to wave the white flag and call a contractor.

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1. I want to get into DIY home renos, but I’ve got zero clue where to start. What’s the first project that won’t overwhelm me or wreck my house?

No “rip out your kitchen” advice, please. Baby steps only

Start out small to build confidence and get comfortable using some hand tools and power tools. Start with DIY home projects that make a big impact like replacing outdated hardware on cabinets or hanging new curtains. Another great beginner project? Painting. It makes a huge impact and with the proper tools, anyone can get a professional looking finish. Start in your bedroom and once you have confidence you can move into main living spaces. 

2. Be honest: how many tools do we actually need to not embarrass ourselves in front of a Home Depot employee?

We’re not trying to build a deck. Just hang a picture without calling our dad.

You only need about five tools to get started: 

• An impact driver, (USA | Canada)
• Level, (USA | Canada)
• Tape measure, (USA | Canada)
• Utility knife, (USA | Canada) and
• A stud finder. (USA | Canada)

That kit alone will let you hang art, mount shelves, and fix a lot of the home maintenance projects around your house. 

3. Everyone wants to paint like Joanna Gaines, but somehow we end up with streaky beige sadness. What’s the biggest mistake DIY painters make?

And if you say “not taping properly,” please also tell us the right tape to buy.

The biggest mistake? Not using the correct tools. Get a quality angled brush (USA | Canada), a lint-free roller, and this is super important. Attach your roller to an extension pole, whether you buy the Wooster extension pole (USA | Canada) or use an old broom stick, you’ll save your back and you’ll get a quality finish. Speaking of quality finish, I always use a radial sander (USA | Canada) to prep your wall and  in between coats. A quick little sand in between goes a long way. 

Other rapid fire tips on how to paint a room:

• Remove everything off the wall that isn’t going to be painted including cover plates, fixtures, thermostats, etc. 
• Only paint in one direction, all the way to the top and all the way to the bottom.
• Never use a one coat coverage paint, they can create a really thick bumpy surface. 

Your friends won’t believe you painted it yourself. 

4. What’s the TL;DR on patching a hole in drywall?

Because we’re more likely to wing it with spackle and hope for the best

The California Patch is your best friend here. Cut a clean square around the damage, screw in a backing board, fit in a new piece of drywall, mud it, sand it and prime. It’s like drywall surgery: take your time, precision matters more than speed. Anyone can do it, you don’t need to hire this repair out. 

5. Let’s talk flooring: Is there a version of easy DIY flooring that won’t make us cry halfway through?

We don’t need marble. Just something cute that doesn’t require a miter saw and three weeks off work.

Vinyl plank flooring is a super accessible installation. No glue or nails, it clicks together with just a knife and a tapping block. But don’t cheap out, you get what you pay for. Go for a more quality line – it’ll look better and hold up longer. 

6. What’s a common DIY reno project that seems harmless, but actually has some hidden safety risks?

We’re all for learning by doing, but we’d prefer to keep our eyebrows and floor joists intact.

Taking down a wall. You may think, oh, it’s just drywall, but if you don’t know what’s behind the wall, like wiring, plumbing or if it’s load bearing, you could cause more damage than you meant to. 

7. What’s one home reno task where a good YouTube tutorial can actually make all the difference?

We’re talking “watch this first or regret it forever” kind of content.

Drywall. I honestly believe anyone can do it as long as they take the time to learn the proper way first. Whether you are repairing drywall or drywalling an entire room, I’ve got the videos to teach you how. Plus my How to Paint a Room video is the most helpful video on my channel. Don’t paint the way you see people paint on TV. You’ll regret it, possibly throw out your back, and it won’t look great. 

8. What’s the most common mistake first-time DIYers make that costs them time, money, or dignity?

We’re asking for a friend. And also ourselves.

I always say, “Know the end from the beginning.” You need to start with a plan. Take the time to plan it all out, purchase all of your tools and materials and then double check everything. You’ll thank yourself later (and avoid multiple trips to the hardware store). Resist the temptation to change your plan halfway through. 

Don’t let a lack of planning cost you your dignity. Use our Renovation Guide to choose materials and features that will stand the test of time (and cleaning).

9. How do you know when to roll up your sleeves… and when to pick up the phone and call a contractor?

What’s the line between “fun weekend project” and “you’re about to violate code”?

Every State and every Province in North America has different rules on what a homeowner can and can’t do in terms of renovating or remodeling a home. Anything that goes beyond cosmetic, do your research or contact your local building code office to make sure you are compliant. 

A compliant project adds value to your home, a project without a permit can cause issues when it comes time to sell your home. 

10. What’s the one “wow” upgrade anyone can do that makes a space feel totally fresh without needing a reno permit or a meltdown?

Basically: what’s the DIY version of Botox for a tired room?

Swapping out your light fixtures and adding dimmers. It’s quick, affordable, and transforms the room. Same with a paint job, you’d be surprised how much a fresh paint job can transform a  room. 

So there you have it. DIY renos don’t have to mean dry rot, duct tape, or debt. With the right tools, a solid tutorial, and some good old-fashioned GoCleanCo elbow grease, you can turn your house into a space you’re proud of. Just maybe don’t start with the plumbing. Or electrical. Or roofing.

Stay safe, and measure twice. To clean your home after the DIY, see this article.