Auto body work can be expensive. If you have a dent on your vehicle and don't want to take it into an auto body shop, here are the three things that you are going to need to do dent repair work on your own.

#1 Time

The first thing you need to realize, if you want to do at-home dent repair, is that dent repair takes time and can be a very involved process. You should only take up at-home dent repair if you have enough time to dedicate to the job.

For example, for most dents, you are going to need to use a sander to sand down the affected area until it is down to bare metal. Then, you are going to need to clean the area off. Next, you are going to need to apply body filler or patches to this area to build your vehicle back up. You are then going to need to wait for this material to cure, up to a full day, before going onto the next step. Once the body filler has cured, you are once again going to need sand the area until it is smooth. Then, you are going to need to put primer over the area and let that cure. Finally, you'll need to paint and clear coat the area that you repaired, allowing each layer to dry before moving onto the next.

This can take multiple days, so you are going to need free time not just for one day, but for multiple evenings in order to complete most dent repair jobs effectively on your vehicle. You are also probably not going to want to drive your vehicle during this time; if you do, you are going to want to tape over the area where you are working to protect it.

#2 Space

Second, you need to make sure that you have the right space to work on your vehicle. If the weather is nice outside, you can do most of this work in your driveway. However, if the weather is not nice outside, you are going to need access to a covered area, such as a carport or a garage, to do all of this work.

If you are doing a major dent repair job, such as fixing a bumper, you are going to need to remove the bumper. You are going to need space where you can leave all the parts safely for the duration of the project.

#3 Tools

Third, you are going to need to make sure that you have the necessary tools. If not, remember that you are going to have to purchase and invest in the right tools in order to do this kind of work on your own.

If you are trying to fix a large dent, you are going to need a variety of different tools. You may need a drill and screwdrivers to remove and damaged area. You are going to need a sander or a sanding attachment for your tools. You are also going to need to have the funds to purchase one-time supplies such as auto-body filler, auto-body patches, primer, paint, clear coat and painters tape. You are also going to need to purchase protective wear for yourself, such as glasses and a mask.

Before you forgo the auto body shop and try to fix your vehicle on your own, make sure that you have the right amount of time, space and tools to complete any repair that you start on your own. Check out websites like http://www.autobodyomaha.com for more information about the process.