Scope My First DIY Project Before I Buy Anything

You've decided to build something and your instinct is to drive straight to the hardware shop. Don't. This scopes the job first: what 'finished' actually looks like, the phases in plain words, the three risks a first-timer never sees coming, and a realistic time read for your spare hours. You walk in knowing what you're doing.

I want to build {PROJECT_DESCRIPTION} as a complete beginner. Before I spend any money, help me scope this project properly. Break it down into: (1) a clear definition of done: what the finished item looks like and does, (2) the main phases of work in plain language, (3) the top 3 risks a first-timer might not see coming, and (4) a realistic time estimate for someone with no prior experience working {HOURS_PER_WEEK} hours per week. Flag anything that might require professional help or permits. Keep the language simple and encouraging.