DIY Errors to Avoid at All Costs
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Home & Garden
DIY doesn’t always save you money, as some DIY fixes can end up causing your home more harm than good. Before you pick up that toolkit, be sure you can avoid these mistakes.
Not taking out necessary permits
Altering your home might seem like something you can do as you wish, but many projects require building or planning permission. For instance, if you are doing a loft conversion or thinking about building a garden shed, you need to make sure you have all the permits for the job. Any job bigger than painting might require a permit.
The gov.co.uk website has great information when you might need building permission or planning permission and how to apply.
Starting without Planning
No matter how small your job is, don’t just get stuck with it in an instant. Proper planning will guarantee you have all the necessary equipment at hand and you know what to do at each step, limiting the likelihood of mistakes.
Overlooking Safety
One of the biggest DIY hazards is hurting oneself while finishing the job. Safety should always be the first thing you think about; you don’t want to risk your own health with something as mundane as clearing the gutters!
Make sure you know the risks involved with your project and prepare for them well!
Measuring Only Once
You don’t want to end up cutting your tiles or laminate floor multiple times, and the best way to avoid this is by measuring everything at least twice. If you are adding new floors or doing your bathroom tiles, make sure you measure the room well before you get started and double check everything as you start your project.
Inaccuracy can give you a shoddy finish, not to mention cost more as you need to buy more tiles, other equipment, or even hire a professional to come and do the job properly!
Wrong Tools
The reason trusted and successful tradesmen do a quality job is because they use all the right equipment for the project. Don’t try to cut your wallpaper with plain scissors or fix a leaking toilet with duct tape – these sound extreme but we’ve heard of this happening!
When it comes to painting, ensure you use the right paint, as indoor and outdoor surfaces require different things.
Saving Money on Equipment
While DIY is a great way to save money, it doesn’t mean you need to do everything cheaply. Don’t pick the cheapest and thinnest plywood for your walls just because it costs less than proper plywood.
You can find plenty of tools and materials for great prices, yet still trust they are a quality product to do the job properly.
Ensure you shop around so you get the best deals on high quality products.
Overstating Your Ability
The biggest DIY error is often biting off more than you can chew.
You might think you are saving money by painting your walls or doing your tiles, but if you have no experience or the skills to do it, you can end up having to get it all fixed by a professional in the end.
Only attempt projects that are easily re-done, or that won’t cause too much damage to your home, even if things go wrong.
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