Whether you are refreshing outdated d cor in your home, or have just purchased a new house that you want to redecorate and put your stamp on, it can be tempting to try and do the work yourself to save on the money and hassle of hiring someone to do it for you. While there are lots of updates that you can make to your home yourself with some hard work and a few tools, there are some things that are always best left to the professionals. Read on to find out our top DIY dos and don’ts.
Do: Paint walls and ceilings
Painting is probably the most common type of redecoration that homeowners feel confident enough to carry out themselves, and it is certainly a good place to start if you are new to DIY. You will need to arm yourself with the correct kit such as a suitable primer, painters tape and a range of different sized brushes. Don’t forget to calculate the right amount of paint you will need for the job- there is nothing worse than running out halfway through!
Don’t: Mess with the electrics
Even seasoned DIY-ers shouldn’t attempt to work on the electrics of a house, as the risks are just not worth it. If you need anything more complicated than changing a fuse, it is better to bring in the professionals and pay an electrician to do it for you. Especially in a room like a bathroom where you have a mixture of water and electricity. You can have a look at barnettelectrical.com/residential-services/gfci-installation/ to see how they can help you with having ground fault circuit interrupters installed. These are designed to trip when an electrical imbalance is detected which is perfect for outlets that are close to water sources.
Do: Replace flooring
Installing flooring is easier than you might think, providing you take precise measurements of the space so that you can get the right materials for the job. If you want to add timber flooring to your home, find a timber supplier who can provide cut to size boards to match your exact spec and measurements, to save you the time and effort of having to prepare the timber yourself.
Don’t: Make changes to your plumbing
If you are making serious changes to your bathroom such as installing a new shower, it is best to involve a professional at least for a consultation. Tasks such as connecting the pipework are not necessarily as simple as turning the mains water off and on again, so employing a plumber is your best bet for a safe bathroom renovation. You could take a look at craftsman-plumbing.com/service-areas/professional-plumbing-services-eastlake-neighborhood/ and see how they might be able to help you with what you’ve in mind.
Do: Add tiles
Whether you are replacing existing tiles or adding a new area of tiling to your kitchen or bathroom, it is surprisingly easy to do. Measure the space carefully and when calculating how many tiles will fit, make sure you leave room for the space between each tile.
Don’t: Knock down any walls
Any structural changes to your house such as adding or removing walls, or moving doors and windows are all best left to the professionals. Even smaller changes can be risky if they affect load-bearing joists or walls. If in doubt, consult a local builder who will be able to advise you on what you need to do and whether you need to call in anyone else.
