Repairing and refurbing your own home can be immensely satisfying – and save you lots of money. But not every DIY task finishes well. One in eight ends in a mishap, while half of all DIYers confess to calling in a professional to rectify a mistake.*
From crooked countertops and fudged fireplaces to botched bathrooms and dodgy driveways, it’s amazing how – even with the best intentions – things can go wrong.
The easiest solution is to hire a professional to do the job. But with the cost of building materials rising and good tradespeople in hot demand, many homeowners don’t have that luxury.
If you’re planning to take matters into your own hands, here are some tips to ensure you get the result you’re after and that no one gets hurt:
Do your homework: People often start DIY tasks in a rush of enthusiasm without having a clear plan. But it’s essential to measure, sketch and measure again to ensure you get things right. Pay attention to the fine details as these separate an excellent job from a bodged one.
Budget: Collate a detailed budget that includes everything you’ll require for the project and a small contingency fund for extras. This will prevent you from being hit with unexpected costs down the line.
Be realistic: Don’t try to cram too much work into a short space of time. Mistakes tend to happen when you’re in a rush and trying to cut corners. Also, be honest about your capabilities. Taking on a big job beyond your skill set could end in tears.
Look for value: It’s tempting to go for the cheapest materials, but sometimes this can be a false economy. For example, good quality paint will require fewer applications than cheap paint. And leave staple guns and hot glue guns to the Changing Rooms team. Short-term solutions often look tacky and create long-term problems.
Safety first: Always use the right tools for the job and ensure they’re in good working order. Leave risky jobs, like repairing a boiler or tinkering with a fuse box, to a trained professional. Never undertake work that might undermine the house’s structure without getting advice from a structural engineer.
From all of us here at Spencer Harvey, thanks for reading.
*Source: Poll conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Shawbrook Bank, 2021.