Even in these leaner times, it is vital to maintain the upkeep of your home. And while you're about it, you can make changes to add value to your property too.
However the old adage that a job worth doing, is worth doing well, is never so important as when doing up a home.
With many people currently counting the pennies, DIY is increasing in popularity, but with this come reports from FMB builders that they are being called in to finish or re-do DIY projects which have overrun the available time, become too complicated or gone badly wrong. Sadly, this type of damage control often costs far more than hiring a professional from the outset. Unfinished projects can be dangerous and reduce the value of your home.
Careless DIY also brings with it the chance of injury - more than 200,000 people are injured every year whilst carrying out DIY activities to upgrade or maintain their property, according to the FMB. It's also worth checking your home insurance for accidental damage cover before you embark on any home improvement.
Do remember that professional tradespeople spend many months at college learning individual skills, so don't underestimate a home improvement job.
No Way!
Gas and electrics should always be left to the experts, as should plumbing. Whether it is installing underfloor heating, moving light sockets or mending a leaking loo, it is vital and - in the case of gas and electricity - the law that you involve a professional.
In terms of value, extensions and loft conversions add the most value to your home but neither of these should be undertaken as DIY projects. New kitchens and bathrooms are next on the 'adding value' list, and although complete rooms should not be undertaken as DIY projects, easier DIY repairs include replacing mouldy sealant around a bath or cabinet doors to spruce up a tired room.
Best Left Alone?
Unless you know what you are doing, undertaking most building jobs yourself is likely to be a false economy.
Conservatories:
DIY stores sell DIY conservatories and lean-tos, but don't be fooled. They always take far longer and are more complicated than you first imagine. Talk to a reputable local builder to compare project costs before considering these.
Flooring:
Choose the flooring yourself and you can even do the preparation too, but if you want an even, level and neat floor surface, get a professional in!
If You're Really Determined
If you are determined to DIY, then painting and external maintenance might be the best place to start.
Wallpapering and painting:
Keen DIYers with time and patience can take on wallpapering and painting, but the key to success is preparation, having the correct tools and knowing what you are doing.
- Make sure you have allocated sufficient time and resources. It is unrealistic to expect that you can look after 3 children and wallpaper the hall in a weekend.
- Not quick and dirty, be slow and methodical! Don't cut corners - do all the preparation well, such as thorough cleaning and sanding of surfaces and apply the correct number of coats of paint.
- Finish the job properly. Bodged wall papering, painting or unfinished tiling just looks a mess, so if in any doubt about your abilities, get a professional in.
Outdoors:
Simple demolition of a fence or wall, tree pruning and external maintenance may all be DIY jobs, but make sure you hire a skip for debris and do not touch anything which is linked to gas, electricity or water supplies.
If in any doubt, contact a local builder. Find reputable, local tradespeople at www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder.
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If you are planning to get the builders in, then the FMB's 'Keep the builders happy' kit should keep you happy too.
Building is thirsty work but you need to preserve the sanctity of your kitchen, so this month's prize is: a kettle, mugs, spoons, biscuit tin, flask and a month's supply of Make Mine a Builders tea (6 packs). This should smooth the way to a better client/builder relationship.
» Click here to enter
Closing date 31st July. |
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Don't forget to think green!
Whenever embarking on any home improvement work, always consider your home's energy performance and how you can improve it during the work. You can visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk to check your home's energy performance.
Looking for some suggestions on how to make your building work green?
Are you interested in creating an eco friendly, sustainable home? On the 11th & 12th July The National Self Build & Renovation Centre in
Swindon will be holding a free weekend on the basics of Eco building and Renovation.
So whether you're looking to add solar panels, to research which technology will save the most energy or planning to build a carbon-neutral home from scratch, this weekend event will provide a practical introduction to all things eco. There will be eco-seminars, case studies and an open house debate with leading independent experts to help de-mystify 'green living'.
BuildStore's National Self Build & Renovation Centre is the UK's only permanent centre dedicated to self builders, renovators and small developers. For free tickets visit www.buildstore.co.uk/eco or call 01506 409616.
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