Unless you happen to know Nick Knowles and his merry band of DIY experts, there’s a good chance you’ll make mistakes when attempting home improvements. That’s to be expected, of course – especially if you’re a novice who struggles to tell the difference between nails and screws. But as we’ve also learned from other daytime telly gems (I’m looking at you Dominic Littlewood), the results can be disastrous when things go wrong.
To make life a bit easier, and to save your from possible humiliation (and death), we’ve listed our top 5 tips to help you avoid DIY disasters. Got a DIY project in the works? Be sure to remember these tips…
Make a plan!
Forget about being spontaneous. Most DIY disasters happen when people are unprepared – usually after spotting something they dislike about their home, such as an unsightly supporting wall, and then going absolutely bonkers with a hammer. Having a clear idea of what you’re attempting to achieve is always a good start, because it ensures that you take the right steps to get there. Print out every last instruction, or if you’re planning something truly original, make a draft or two and keep checking to see if you’ve followed the steps correctly.
Don’t rush!
Back in the 19th-century, French artist Ernest Meissonier took 13 years to finish his painting Napoleon’s victory at Friedland. Yep, when it comes to creating a masterpiece, time is of utmost importance. Rushed projects almost always disappoint, so take your time, ask questions and set yourself a realistic time frame to get the job done. Cramming everything into one bank holiday weekend isn’t always achievable.
Create Some Space!
Ever painted a wall in a hurry, and realised that you’ve covered your sofa in lurid paint? We’ve all been there, and the problem usually stems from not assigning yourself a proper work space. Before starting any ambitious home improvements, it’s always a good idea to move all of your furniture and cover it with cheap blankets. Newspaper cuttings are also fantastic for sliding under doors when you paint them. Be sure to remove all animals from the vicinity, too – or else you’ll end up with a Dulux dog in a very literal sense.
Know Your Limits!
Just because you know how to wire a plug doesn’t mean you’ll be a dab hand at plastering, and vice versa. When starting any DIY project, it’s a good idea to think about enlisting help. There’s no shame in admitting that you need help with more ambitious projects, so it’s worth asking yourself if you have the right tools and know-how to get the job done.
Buy In Bulk
Once you’re ready to begin your project, you’ll need to buy supplies. It’s generally a good idea to think about what you need, and then buy all materials in bulk. Not only will this save you time and effort, lugging all manner or wooden planks and hefty paint tins to your door, but will also save you money. Many DIY chains offer savings and multi-buy discounts when you buy in bulk, so be sure to ask in-store.
Are you planning a DIY project this Easter? Be sure to check out these brilliant B&Q discount codes, and save money on future home improvements.
Featured image bytheservicesblog.com.
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