Get step-by-step guidance for home improvement and DIY projects with materials lists and tips
I want to tackle a DIY project and need guidance on how to do it right. The project I want to do is: [PROJECT_DESCRIPTION] My DIY experience level is [EXPERIENCE:select:complete beginner,some basic experience,fairly handy,experienced DIYer]. Tools I already have: [TOOLS?] My budget for this project is [BUDGET:select:as cheap as possible,moderate - willing to buy what I need,flexible for quality results]. Timeframe I have available: [TIME:select:a few hours,a full day,a weekend,flexible - can work on it over time]. Space or area where I will be working: [SPACE?] Create a complete project plan including a materials and tools list with quantities, step-by-step instructions for each phase, estimated time for each step, safety considerations and precautions, tips for getting professional-looking results, common mistakes to avoid, and how to know when to call a professional instead. Include photos or videos I should look up for techniques that are hard to describe. Note any steps where I should pause and let things dry or cure. Suggest ways to save money without sacrificing quality.
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Get Early AccessThat shelf you have been meaning to hang for three months? The bathroom tile that needs regrouting? Home improvement projects stall when you are not sure where to start, what tools you need, or whether you are about to make a $500 mistake.
It gives you a complete project plan before you touch a single tool. Describe your [PROJECT_DESCRIPTION] and it returns a materials list with quantities, step-by-step instructions for each phase, time estimates, and safety warnings. It also tells you when to stop and call a professional instead.
The plan adjusts to your [EXPERIENCE] level. A beginner gets simpler techniques and extra explanation for tricky steps. An experienced DIYer gets efficient methods and pro-level finishing tips. Your [BUDGET] matters too. The prompt suggests where to save money with cheaper materials that still look good, and where cutting corners will cost you more in the long run.
Pair this with the Home Organization Guide to plan what goes where after you finish building. If your project involves the yard, the Garden Planner handles outdoor layouts and plant selection. Open it in the Dock Editor to keep your materials list and instructions in one place during the build.
Copy this template into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the Dock Editor to get started with your project planning.
In [PROJECT_DESCRIPTION], explain what you want to accomplish. 'Install floating shelves in a plaster wall' works better than 'put up shelves.' Include dimensions if you know them. Mention the material of walls, floors, or surfaces you will work on.
Be honest about [EXPERIENCE]. Picking 'experienced DIYer' when you have never held a drill means the instructions will skip steps you need. List your [TOOLS] so the plan tells you exactly what to buy versus what you already have.
The plan includes safety precautions for a reason. Read the 'when to call a professional' section before starting. Some projects, especially electrical or structural work, cross a line where DIY savings are not worth the risk.
Select 'as cheap as possible' for [BUDGET] and mention you are renting in [SPACE]. The plan suggests reversible modifications and renter-friendly techniques like command strips instead of drilling, and removable wallpaper instead of paint.
Set [TIME] to 'a weekend' to get a plan that fits two days of work. The instructions include clear stopping points so you know when to break for the night and what needs to cure or dry overnight.
Select 'complete beginner' for [EXPERIENCE] and the plan includes basic tool explanations and technique references. It flags which projects are good starter builds and which ones you should gain experience before attempting.
Describe the project in [PROJECT] and mention the age of your children. The plan adjusts for kid-safe tools, shorter attention spans, and tasks children can actually help with. It separates the fun steps kids enjoy from the parts you should do alone after bedtime.
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