# Baby on the way? Best DIY projects when you’re expecting

Take a look at what projects you should tackle now, ahead of your new arrival. This blog helps get those projects done smarter before your baby arrives.

- **Published:** 26 November 2021
- **Type:** Blog
- **Tags:** Flooring & Tiling

Being a new parent means your priorities change, and you may have less time on your hands (and energy in the tank!) for DIY.

Getting your home DIY projects sorted ahead of your new arrival; means you can relax and enjoy this special family time, in a functional and safe home.

Everything from baby-proofing your house to overdue [hedge trimming](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-use-a-hedge-trimmer.md) and the all-important nursery setup jobs are likely to be on your mind, so let’s take a look at what projects you should tackle now and how you can get the projects done smarter before your baby arrives.

## When to start preparing your house for a baby

The time it takes to get your house into a safe, warm and functional condition will very much depend on the current state it’s in.

To decide where to start, it’s a good idea to first walk around your home and write down everything you want or need to do. It should go without saying, but a large list would benefit from being tackled sooner rather than later. Starting your nesting and DIY projects early means you’re less likely to run out of time and you can budget more effectively.

Try to categorise your projects into:

**‘Need-to-do’ projects**

This list should include DIY projects that will make your life easier when you have a baby, and make the home safe for your family.

That might include ensuring your home is warm with insulation, and free from major hazards like uneven flooring. Bathrooms prone to mould or kitchens with no storage might also be on your priority list for reno work.

**‘Want-to-do’ projects**

This list might include more cosmetic changes and DIY projects that you would like to get done while you still have the time.

This might include painting touch-up jobs, getting the garden into a tidy state or re-decorating a room in the house.

Planning your DIY projects is a great way to ensure you stay on track with time and within your [renovation budget](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/budgeting-for-home-renovations-how-much-should-i-save.md?from=10134), which is especially important when you have a very special deadline coming!

![pregnant-women-DIY](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/wgifrla2/img_4679-2.jpg?width=1441&height=963&mode=max)

## How to create a safe home for your baby

The number one priority for most new parents is ensuring the new addition to the family is safe. There are a number of DIY projects you can do yourself to ensure your home is ready, so you don’t have to worry about juggling tools and diapers at the same time.

### Ensure there is good ventilation

Ventilation is important for reducing condensation and mould, which can be damaging to the health of the whole family. Fji

- Look at installing extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom

You can speed up this job with the use of a [sabre saw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/523e-sabre-saw-battery.md) to (carefully) cut into walls, as well as a [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders/442a-step-ladder-1-2m-4.md) and [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md).

- Check your windows are all working well and repair any that don’t open properly

Open windows provide great ventilation for the home. Tighten screws with a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md), and add some lubricant to squeaking hinges. Rotten frames should be replaced so you can keep drafts out.

- Have a ventilation system installed

Ventilation systems do all the work for you. If you already have one, be sure to get up and clean dust from the vents.

### Keep your home warm and dry

Babies need to keep warm especially in the early months, so taking some time to insulate will ensure heat is not escaping the home.

- Replace or install insulation

Check your underfloor insulation, wall insulation and ceiling insulation is up to scratch and get on to replacing it if not. Complete this job safely with [gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves/pv2xl-pro-vibe-gloves-2xl.md), [goggles](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses/4900-pro-clear-lens-goggles.md) and a [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders/442a-step-ladder-1-2m-4.md).

- Replace GIB

If you live in an older home, you may need to remove wall or ceiling linings to properly add insulation in these spaces. Once insulated, you will need to re-line the room with wallboard or plasterboard. Make easy work of lifting the sheets with a [drywall lifter](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/accessories/394b-drywall-lifter.md), then secure with a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md) or [screw gun](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/tools-equipment/screw-drivers/354c-wallboard-screw-gun-collated-cartridge-type-battery.md). Make use of [scaffolding](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/scaffolding/445k-mobile-scaffold-tower-3m.md) or [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders/442a-step-ladder-1-2m-4.md) for easy reach.

- Get your heat pump serviced or fireplace flue cleared out

Even if you aren’t due to do this yet, it might be a good idea to tackle this now while you remember, or set up a reminder for yourself. Unserviced heat pumps can pump out unclean air, and [dirty chimney flues are a fire hazard](https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/residential/119637437/chimney-sweeping-essential-for-house-insurance-cover).

### Baby proof your home and tackle home hazards

General safety proofing in the home is important even before the baby is walking and moving on their own. It’s a good idea to tackle any hazards now so you are prepared later.

- Childproofing your home

Install powerpoint covers, baby gates, soft covers on sharp furniture and cupboard locks. Speed this up using a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md).

- Tackle home hazards

Things like uneven flooring and sharp or exposed edges can be a risk for trips and scrapes, so it’s best to get onto repairs now before anyone is hurt.

Bracing large furniture to the wall is a great way to make your home earthquake safe. Make fast work of it using a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md) and [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders/442a-step-ladder-1-2m-4.md).

![baby-gate-DIY](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/n2nlznxf/baby-gate.jpg?width=1431&height=1033&mode=max)
[source](https://www.purewow.com/family/best-baby-gates)

### Give your home a deep clean

Deep cleaning and sanitising around your home helps to prevent allergies flaring up, and surfaces from becoming thick with dirt and grime.

- Carpet and rug cleaning

This is great prep for tummy time and your baby learning to crawl, and can be done easily with a [high-power vacuum](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/accessories/141a-vacuum-cleaner-medium-wet-dry.md) and [carpet cleaner](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/carpet-cleaners/142b-carpet-shampoo-plant.md).

- Getting rid of dust from high shelves

Dust and pet dander can settle on high shelves over time, so tackle it now with the use of a [ladder](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/ladders/442a-step-ladder-1-2m-4.md).

- Wipe mould from windows

Mould is dangerous for the respiratory system, so a good wipe down of windows inside, and a [water blast](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/water-blasters/145b-water-blaster-electric-1450-psi.md) outside will keep it at bay.

![baby-dog-carpet-floor](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/10qldkq3/baby-dog.jpg?width=1390&height=928&mode=max)

## Set up the nursery

Nurseries can be fun spaces to decorate, and there are also a lot of things you can do to make them functional as well.

- Installing shelves

Easy access shelves can be great for books, toys or even essentials like baby wipes. Hire a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md) to speed this job up.

- Installing thermal curtains or blinds

A baby's room will benefit from the insulation that thermal curtains provide, and black-out curtains can help your baby get some much-needed rest (which is good for you too!).

- Build nursery furniture

A big must-do when you are expecting a new baby is setting up the nursery and building furniture like cots, storage and change tables.

Make sure everything is put together well by using a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md) and cutting with good quality [saws](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws.md).

- Painting the room

Choosing a nice colour and painting is a way to make the room special.

Prep with a [wallboard sander](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/sanders/511d-wallboard-sander-225mm-9-sander-only.md) and speed up painting with an [airless sprayer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments/448a-airless-spray-painting-unit.md). Need to remove old wallpaper before you paint? Make light work of this messy job with a [wallpaper steamer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/preparation/441a-wallpaper-steamer-heavy-duty-2-5kw.md?addToCart).

![furnished-room](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/pmjp3e45/room.jpg?width=1565&height=883&mode=max)

### Tackle any odd jobs

Tackle odd jobs while you still have the time and energy, as they may fall right to the bottom of your list later!

- Give the garden a good cut back

A good cut back now will help to keep your garden in a reasonable condition while you have other things on your mind.

Hire a [chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526a-chainsaw-battery-14-to-16-bar.md), [pruner saw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/421b-pruner-saw-extension-battery.md) or [hedge trimmers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/hedge-trimmers/418b-hedge-trimmer-petrol.md), then a [high side trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers/611d-trailer-high-side-single-axle-up-to-2-47m-x-1-5m.md) to get rid of green waste.

- Get rid of rubbish

A good spring clean will help to ensure your house is free of clutter with plenty of room to store your new baby items. Hire a [trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers/611a-trailer-standard-single-axle-up-to-1-8m-x-1-2m.md?addToCart) to get rid of rubbish in one go.

- Complete any half-done DIY jobs

Some DIY jobs can end 99% done, so now is the time to cross those niggly things off your list.

Finish off [painting](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments/448a-airless-spray-painting-unit.md) and complete the final touches you’ve been putting off.

![rubbish-in-yard](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/ac0hske2/rubbish-yard.jpg?width=1420&height=1065&mode=max)

### Have a big declutter

Babies may be small but they come with a lot of accessories, so make room now!

- Clear out cupboards and drawers

Make room in kitchen cupboards for bottles and sterilising gear.

- Clear out the garage to make room

Things like prams and car seats can take up a lot of room, so you may prefer to keep them out of the way in a garage.

Get rid of unused items, using a [trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers/611a-trailer-standard-single-axle-up-to-1-8m-x-1-2m.md?addToCart) for drop off at charity shops or the landfill.

![moving-house](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/ioshidjc/moving-house.jpg?width=1575&height=1049&mode=max)

### Get the big projects out of the way

Have plans to gut the bathroom? Dust and dirt from larger DIY projects aren’t ideal when you have a little person in your home.. Tackle these jobs now while you have the time and patience - life is about to get busy!

- Replace old flooring

Floors typically harbour a lot of dirt and dust so [replacing old flooring](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-remove-old-flooring-without-doing-serious-damage-to-your-home.md) should be done now. There are lots of benefits to installing cozy carpet in bedrooms, or high performance flooring that will stand up to wear and tear from kids.

- Lay new lino in the bathroom

Bath time may cause a lot of water to spill which can encourage flooring to lift and mould to develop in the gaps. [Laying new lino](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/how-to-remove-old-flooring-without-doing-serious-damage-to-your-home.md?from=10134) will make sure it’s sealed up tightly.

- Fence off the property

[Fencing the property](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/attaching-fence-rails-palings.md) before the baby starts walking is a good idea to keep the home secure.

Use a [post hole borer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/post-hole-borers/412z-post-hole-borer-motorised-two-person.md), [concrete mixer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/concrete-masonry/concrete-mixers-wheelbarrows/201a-concrete-mixer-non-towable.md), [nail gun](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/staplers-nailers/125f-gas-nailer-to-90mm.md) and [airless sprayer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments/448a-airless-spray-painting-unit.md) for efficient and secure fencing and staining.

- Painting or redecorating the house

Time-consuming projects like decorating are better done now while you have the time to decide on design choices.

Get painting done safely and quickly with [scaffold towers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/scaffolding/445k-mobile-scaffold-tower-3m.md) and an [airless sprayer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments/448a-airless-spray-painting-unit.md).

You might even have some exciting [family DIY projects](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/diy-mum-or-dad-goals-5-fun-family-projects.md) in mind like building a sandpit!

![baby-washing-bathroom](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/vuxjzptb/baby-washing.jpg?width=1768&height=997&mode=max)

### DIY for peace of mind

Finally, tackle the security of your home to protect your family. Not keen on unexpected visitors in the early months? Worried you won’t be as alert as normal? Security DIY will help you to sleep a little easier.

- Consider installing a DIY security system

Lack of sleep might mean you aren’t as aware of your surroundings. A home security camera can do the work for you, and the latest systems are easy to self-install.

- House security

Tired parents can rest easy knowing the house is secure. Install locks on the garage, windows and doors, using a [drill](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/drills/327b-drill-battery-13mm-chuck.md). Install outdoor sensor lighting to deter unwanted intruders.

![security-camera](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/4jhmjxnf/baby-security.jpg?width=1409&height=938&mode=max)

## Get your home ready for baby with Hirepool

[Hire the equipment you need](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation.md) to create a safe space for your family to enjoy. Order all the hire gear you need easily online or call your [nearest hirepool branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md). Check out the [Inspiration](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/inspiration.md) page for more great home improvement and DIY ideas.

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/baby-on-the-way-best-diy-projects-when-you-re-expecting