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We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.

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If you’ve got a computer and an internet connection, taking on DIY projects has never been easier. Deceptively easy, perhaps. The trouble isn’t that there aren’t enough resources for a beginner — it’s that there are too many. It can be hard to wade through all the click-bait and SEO-driven content to find the quality advice that will actually help you with your project.

Here are some sound sources: The best home-inprovement DIY sites, classes and channels for beginning DIY-ers, along with some general rules of thumb for seeking out the sort of guidance you need.

It may seem old-school, but if you’re a true newbie, taking a DIY course or workshop can really be the best way to begin. You’ll learn what tools to use and what to have on hand. Despite new technology and materials, every beginner is prone to basic mistakes like stripping screws. Get some hands-on guidance in a class if you want to avoid running for a break-out bit at 2 a.m. when you’re trying to finish up the new headboard you saw on Pinterest.

Most importantly, you’ll get a chance to actually construct things. Most in-person DIY classes have some small fees to cover materials, but don’t let that dissuade you. If it’s your first time using a hammer, you’ll want to practice on a cheap birdhouse in a class with instructors and not on your deck, where you’ll end up stubbing your toes on nails that aren’t flush.

National home-improvement retailers usually offer regular classes on a variety of DIY topics, but don’t forget to check out your local hardware stores too. A community college may also offer group classes at an affordable rate that can help you avoid making any DIY-fails.

During the pandemic, both Home Depot and Lowe’s rapidly expanded their virtual course offerings, taking advantage of shut-ins’ mania for home improvement. Even though people are venturing forth again, livestream learning seems here to stay. The two retailers are streaming workshops—named “Homeowner 101” and DIY-U by Lowe’s respectively—to complement their live tutorials.

An online class can be more convenient, of course, and almost as good as being there. Be sure to check if there are fees and if advanced registration is required. Also, be sure to set up a good space to work and follow along ahead of time.

A number of DIY websites are out there. But some are more geared to novices — better at explaining the basics, avoiding too-technical jargon and putting a premium on safety and good practices.

Realtor.com’s “DIY 101” section doesn’t have as many how-to guides as others on this list, but it is an excellent resource for the DIY-er who is specifically looking for projects that’ll add to their home’s value as efficiently as possible. The site’s content is driven by input from Realtors all around the country.

YouTube is a must-have resource for every DIY-er. When you’re starting out, check out these channels for some great overall tips and specific how-to guides.

While good information can be anywhere, set your sights on sites and channels that label projects for newbies, or at least rate or rank their level of difficulty. And focus thematically too. DIY can cover a wide, wide range of topics. If you want to repair your roof, and a site seems geared to crafts-type projects, it probably won’t be as useful to you, even if it does offer the odd article or class on construction jobs.

When you’re seeking resources on how to accomplish a project, don’t be afraid to be precise. Very precise. For example, it’s better to search “how to install a Kwikset 909 deadbolt” than “how to install a deadbolt.” Looking up the exact model name of the thing you’re working on can usually give you a specific step-by-step guide that’s more helpful than a general search.

DIY content isn’t always pretty or professionally displayed. Don’t be afraid of dated-looking websites or videos with poor production quality. While videos with perfect transitions, snazzy editing, and great lighting may be more pleasing to watch, they may not be the most helpful. Someone who has spent 40 years repairing faucets may not have a 4K streaming option, but they still have the best approach or information to share.

Although the range of resources can seem overwhelming at times, there has never been a better time to be a beginner DIY-er. Along with good old in-person classes (more abundant than ever), there are easy-accessed high-quality websites and YouTube channels that offer live and detailed demonstrations — much better than you could ever find in books or instruction manuals. No matter how obscure your project may be, there’s a resource out there to help you learn exactly how to get it done.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate is compensated in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Bankrate.com does not include all companies or all available products.

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