Do It Yourself ... not Destroy It Yourself!

DIY is both challenging and rewarding. It may appear that the rewards are a far off dream and the challenges have become your new annoying neighbour, especially when the work has just begun, but once the work is finally completed, you can look proudly at your workmanship and hopefully not have to call the professionals in to right the wrongs! 

Preparation ... Prevents ... Poor ... Performance

Before the destruction and construction begins

Some top tips:

• Anything that's to be kept needs to be put into storage, adequately out of the way or covered before any work commences. This can even involve throwing things away (remember to re-cycle where you can). Completing this task will help clear your work space helping remove the old ready for the new to come in. It's much easier to work in a tidy environment and it's very therapeutic to have a Spring Clean!

• Try not to under-estimate how long the work will take. If you're running short of time, don't rush or take short-cuts. This can ruin the finish and even cause accidents. To get the quality finish you want, take your time
   
• Follow a plan or structure. There's no point in putting brand new carpets down when the pipes under the floor boards need fixing. It would also make more sense to paint the walls and ceilings first before a new carpet is fitted. Look at the most cost effective way that will cause the least amount of damage and the most convenient for you

• Keep children and pets away from the work area and store equipment safely and out of their reach. They could not only ruin your masterpiece, but they could get hurt

• Make sure ladders are properly assembled and stable. Always double check the safety and stability of a work platform, making sure it will not move or give way and never use a ladder on top of a work platform
   
• Always read the instructions and manuals, especially if you've not used the piece of equipment before. Be sure you know the correct way to use all the tools
   
• Choose the right tool for the job and wear the right protective clothing. Wear safety goggles whenever there is a danger of flying debris, for instance when using power tools. Also make sure that jewellery is not loose and that long hair is tied back or under a hat
   
• Always read the labels on materials to ensure that you know what safety precautions are required and action to be taken in the event of an accident. Many products give off harmful vapors. The recommendations regarding ventilation and/or respiratory protection should always be followed
   
• When working in the vicinity of electrical items or cables, make sure the electricity supply is off and the fuse is removed. Be sure that others will not inadvertently re-connect the supply
   
• Guard against contamination and/or damage to appliances and boilers. New plumbing work should be flushed through before connecting to the system. This will prevent the possibility of small amounts of debris remaining in the plumbing installation
   
• If the job is too big, don't let your ego get in the way. Call for help from friends or professionals

Useful websites:

Books:

DIY & Homes Maintenance for DUMMIES - Jeff Howell
The Housebuilder's Bible: An insiders guide - Mark Brinkley
Collins Complete DIY Manual - Albert Jackson

Magazines:

Major Stores:

Have a look in your local directory where you'll find local DIY stores.