Some of us are blessed with almost professional level skills when it comes to home improvements. People who can turn their hand to most repairs or renovations, and looking like they’ve been visited by the Grand Designs team, can be the envy of their less able friends
For others, though, DIY can be a DI-Saster, and end up costing time, money and heartache in the long run. Don’t let that put you off though. With some research, some careful planning, and sometimes a visit from the professionals, you can improve your home for relatively little cost.
Here’s the HaMuch guide to DIY disasters, and how to avoid them.
1. Paint
Painting the walls is a quick and easy way to spruce up your home, sometimes damage can be caused when we whip out the emulsion. A knocked-over paint can or a dripping brush can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to your carpets and flooring.
Make sure you cover the whole floor area under where you’re painting with a dust sheet, and be careful when moving ladders around near your paint, to avoid spillages. Alternatively, you can find a decorator through HaMuch, and they will do a professional job and clean up when they go.
2. Plumbing
Never, under any circumstances, attempt plumbing on your own if you’ve had no formal training. Even though the pipes and fittings may look simple from the outside, they are incredibly complex, and can cause severe water damage to your home if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you have a plumbing emergency, the best way to deal with it is to locate the stopcock and switch off your water to avoid flooding or water damage, and find a qualified plumber through HaMuch to make any repairs.
3. Electrics
Unless you have been professionally trained, you should never attempt any electrical installations yourself. Find a trusted, qualified electrician through HaMuch, and you will have the peace of mind that the new electrics are safe and up to UK standards.
Electrical disasters can occur with basic home improvements too, as, for example, many people accidentally drill holes through wires when hanging pictures or mirrors. Most DIY shops sell basic wire and cable detectors, that can quickly tell you whether it’s safe to drill or not.
4. Building Work
It’s the brave DIY-er who would attempt any form of extension or building work on their own. If you’re looking to make any big structural changes to your home, make sure you consult your local authority to see if you need planning or building control permission before you start.
You can find a trusted, local builder through HaMuch, who will be able to give you a quote as to how much the work will cost, and can advise you on any permissions you need to seek.
5. Central Heating
Installation, servicing and repairs of gas central heating systems should always be carried out by a Gas-Safe qualified engineer (formally CORGI). DIY installations can risk carbon monoxide poisoning as well as expensive damage to your home, so always find a trusted engineer through HaMuch.
To get the best from your boiler, get it serviced every 12 months to make sure it is still safe and working efficiently. This will save you money long-term on your energy bills, as well as avoiding potentially costly breakdowns.
