I’m a DIY expert – these eight hacks will improve your home and could also save your life
PLANNING to tackle jobs around the house this Easter?
If you are and it doesn’t go to plan, don’t despair. Around a fifth of us end up calling in the professionals to fix our DIY blunders.
Here building expert and Checkatrade member Andy Kille offers tips on how to Do It Right.
DO YOUR PREP: Whether you are tiling, decorating, putting up shelving or assembling furniture, always prepare properly. Measure up and have the right tools, fixings and materials to hand.
That way you won’t make mistakes by rushing, or waste time going back for more supplies.
Andy adds: “Prepping is vital as failure to do this can be dangerous and expensive. Cover items that are easily damaged, such as sinks when removing old tiles, or furniture when painting.
“Don’t forget to clean the area before applying new materials. Remove grease, dust or even old silicon if re-sealing a bath or window.”
GET TOOLED UP: Using the right gear can make or break a task. While value is important, saving money by using incorrect materials could end up costing more in the long run.
Andy advises: “It’s easy for me to say as a builder, because I have a wide range of tools, but I’ve seen many DIY jobs where budget items have meant poor results.
“Cheap paint brushes leave a messy finish, cheap screwdrivers chew up screws and cheap chisels take lumps out of wood.
“You get what you pay for — so for a good finish don’t always choose the cheap option.”
TURN OFF THE MAINS: Basic plumbing and electrical jobs will be on lots of “to-do” lists, with tasks ranging from fixing a dripping tap to replacing a light fixture.
If you are planning any tasks that involve wiring, circuits, faucets or pipework, ALWAYS turn off the mains supply first.
Rudimentary tasks are usually safe to attempt yourself, but anything more complex needs a professional. Andy says: “With anything involving electricity, you MUST turn off the mains.
“Also, leaks from loos, sinks or pipes could easily track across to cables — and obviously water and electricity is a recipe for disaster, so turn off the electrics.
“Drilling holes in walls can also be dangerous. As a rule of thumb, cables run up from sockets and switches, so stay well clear of these areas.”
ALLOW TIME: A proper schedule can be key to completing a project over a long weekend.
DIY-ers often overlook one crucial “step” in the task, resulting in jobs taking longer than needed.
A classic example is forgetting that gaps, cracks and dents need to be filled and sanded before painting.
Andy says: “Tradespeople know all the steps. It’s easy to look at a task and think, ‘I only need this and that’ then realise you forgot the basics.”
STAY SAFE: DIY can be dangerous, and even when doing simple jobs it is important to use equipment designed to protect you. Wear safety glasses if sawing, drilling, hammering or working with chemicals.
Use masks to prevent respiratory issues and gloves to protect hands. Also, wear suitable footwear if appropriate.
Andy adds: “Never go up a ladder without someone to foot it.”
KNOW YOUR LIMITS: If you aren’t sure about a job, call the experts.
Andy says: “Be cautious about anything involving water, gas, electricity or anything structural.
“Mismanaged, these projects can cause extensive damage and even land you in hospital.”
DIY WINS: Plenty of tasks can be easily achieved over the Easter Bank Holiday, which can save you money and be very satisfying. You might even learn new skills.
Andy says: “If you want to tackle projects, I’d suggest the aesthetic jobs — painting, plastering and tile-laying can all be done relatively easily and safely.”