Home Improvement Precautions
by Guest on Jul 16, 2010
If you’re partaking in a little DIY or other work around your home, there are a huge number of things you should consider before you grab the angle grinder. This guide is a quick checklist of questions you should ask yourself before you start – if not for your safety, then for the safety of others.
Do I know what the job entails?
This may sound obvious, but one in three people end up leaving DIY jobs unfinished and calling in a professional, resulting in extra costs, disruption and time that needn’t have been wasted had they simply called in the professionals to do the work – there’s a reason why it’s their job, after all!
Can I do the job safely?
Again, another simple sounding suggestion, but you’d be amazed at the sheer amount of injuries home improvement causes every year. Step ladders alone are responsible for around 40,000 injuries every year, and 1 in six DIY jobs end in someone being hurt.
Just be honest with yourself, are you overstretching yourself?
Will the insurance cover me?
1.5 million British homeowners do not have complete buildings and contents insurance, which means that if disaster strikes, the likelihood is that the cost of the repairs is coming straight from their pockets. If you know you’re likely to be doing work yourself, make sure whatever you’re working on is properly covered – Not only will it protect your property, it also means that you’re covered should you damage someone else’s property – or worse, another person! The most common insurance claim in the UK is for spilled paint ruining carpets, and believe it or not this is valued at over £1000 a claim.
Do I have the right tools for the job?
Before you disappear into the attic with a hammer and a good idea to look at the immersion tank, find out what equipment you’ll need, and make sure you either buy or hire decent quality gear. The last thing you want is to cut into a pipe or disconnect the electricity and then not have the correct tool for the job to get it going again. If you’re hiring, make sure the equipment has been safety checked and tested (And has been recorded as such) before leaving the shop, and always, ALWAYS follow the instructions and warnings to the letter. You should also make sure you have all the correct safety gear; goggles, dust masks, ear defenders, etc.
Can I do this on my own?
Be honest; how many times have you started doing a job, and after the sixth time you’ve dropped that tiny screw into the hole that you can’t see into, thought “This isn’t a one person job”? Quite a few I’d imagine, especially if you’re a typical man like me. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hand early and in plenty of time, get stuck in the house on your own when something goes wrong and you’re in trouble.
Consider the professionals
Yes, it might seem like a lot of money initially, but consider this: If you attempt a job and do it wrong, you then not only have the cost of your materials to worry about, but you also have the cost of the builder, his materials AND time spent repairing your mistakes.
By asking yourself these few questions, you could potentially save yourself a lot of money and heartbreak. Just be honest with yourself before you begin a job, and if you doubt yourself even a tiny amount, then there’s no shame in ‘getting a man in’.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
73993 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67740 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
63646 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43679 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27124 Views
Latest Articles
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment for the Next Generation
on Oct 18, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Investing in real estate is something that people have been doing for a long time. Most people invest in a home, so they can stay at the home. This...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
3 Reasons to Ventilate Your Home
As we take a breather with our families over the festive season, it is important to stay healthy and get the most out of the time with your family!...
Having a New Wood Fence Installed
Wood fences are by far one of the most common types of fences you will see. The main reason for this is because it is one of the most affordable...
Glossary of Real Estate Terms A - D
Anyone planning to buy or sell real estate can benefit by using this free real estate glossary of common terms. While this information provided is...
The A1 Herty Gerty: Do I need one or not?
No matter whether you’re a long-running business or starting afresh, having the right piece of kit to complete your tasks is essential. And when it...
Commercial Property DIY: Three Jobs You Should Never Try Yourself
There are some DIY projects that most people can do in their own home, and these can be tackled by anybody with little knowledge and the correct...