DIY can be a brilliant thing. There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing something you like, dreaming up a vision that would suit your home and setting about making it a reality. The trouble is that not every task is achievable by mere mortals with limited skills. Sometimes, your creativity runs away with you, and before you know it, you’re stuck. Most DIY mistakes won’t cost you the earth or set you back in terms of a renovation schedule, but occasionally, you may come up against jobs that shouldn’t even be attempted. These arduous, potentially dangerous tasks are always best left to the experts. Even if you view yourself as a pretty accomplished amateur, there’s no sense in risking life and limb just so you can bask in the glow at the end of it all. If you’re keen to revamp your home, here are some simple DIY tasks to indulge your creative side and some more complex jobs to leave to the experts.
DIY dos
In the most basic terms, the criteria for selecting DIY jobs you can manage at home boils down to your skill level and your safety. In some cases, access to equipment or specialist tools may also be a factor. If you’re confident that you’ve got the skills and you can complete the job in a safe manner without risking injury, go for it, but don’t take unnecessary risks. Simple jobs most can manage include:
Assembling flat pack furniture
Arguably one of the most frustrating jobs on the planet, assembling furniture should be perfectly achievable provided that you’ve got all the parts and tools you need. Follow the instructions, be patient, and try not to get worked up if things aren’t going to plan. To save on stress, you could buy pieces that are ready to go. If you’re on a budget, search salvage stores, online auctions, and thrift shops.
Hanging shelves
Shelves are a great addition to any home, not least because they enable you to save space as well as creating eye-catching features on your walls. If you are hanging shelves, check your walls for pipes and wires first and use a spirit level to make sure your shelves are straight. You’ll need a combi drill handy and plenty of screws.
Painting walls
Splashes of color can transform spaces, and if you’re planning to switch up your color themes or try out new trends, painting is a straightforward task that will save you money if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Protect your furniture with dust sheets, wear old clothes and prep the walls first. Use a roller for large spaces and a brush to cover the more intricate details. If you’re covering a dark shade, you’ll need a few coats so make sure you’ve got enough paint.
Leave it to the pros
Many people enjoy the thrill of taking on a new DIY project, but often, tasks are attempted in a bid to save cash. The problem is that giving things a go that you shouldn’t touch with a barge pole can end up costing you a lot more than the original quote. If you’ve got an issue at home, raising cash quickly can be paramount, but it’s better to fork out to get the job done properly than to do a botched job yourself. You’ll save time and money by admitting defeat and letting the experts do the business.
Anything that involves a high risk of injury should be left to those in the know. It’s unwise to try and tackle anything that involves electrics or heights. Plumbing is another area that should be left alone unless there’s a very simple issue and you know exactly what you’re doing. If you try and fix a socket that’s not working or a pipe that is blocked, you could end up with serious injuries, as well as a hefty repair bill.
There’s also a case for seeking expert help if you’re desperate to get a design feature right and you have little or no experience. If you’re making a statement with printed wallpaper, you don’t want overlapping panels, wonky edges or scruffy corners. You may feel that it’s worth paying for a pristine, perfect finish.
When it comes to redesigning or renovating, you’ve got a choice between doing the work yourself or enlisting the help of others. Sometimes, it’s really fun to get involved in the project, and you get an amazing sense of achievement once you’ve successfully brought ideas to life. However, there are instances when your skill level, your experience and your ability to access specialist equipment may make life difficult. If you’re looking at potential injuries, you’re worried about doing a great job, or you’re short on time, there’s nothing wrong with calling in the pros.
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