Home Improvements

The best investment you can make is your home. And the best way to look after that investment is to keep it up to date.

There are many types of home improvement from extensions and refitting to repairs, maintenance and simply applying a new coat of paint.

DIY?

Most home owners enjoy a spot of DIY, but not all. You might prefer to call in a professional and for some jobs that’s certainly worthwhile to make use of their skill and expertise.

However, there are thousands of jobs and improvements that anyone with a little bit of DIY skill and knowledge can do and hundreds that require very little skill at all.

Home improvement jobs can be broken own in several areas and there are jobs within each area that you may or may not feel qualified to tackle.

The worst thing you can do, however, is to ‘have a go’ if you’re not sure you can do the job both correctly and safely. Not only could this be a safety hazard for yourself and your house - it could also knock thousands of the price as and when you come to sell it. You will also likely be faced with a larger bill to put things right as it’s easier for workmen to do it right from scratch.

Decorating

Decorating is something that almost everyone has tried although some do it better than others. Although in the DIY scheme of things, painting is not difficult, there’s more to it than simply slapping a coat of paint on an existing door or wall.

Depending on the surface to be painted you may have to prepare it, prime it, and possibly seal it against damp before applying your chosen paint.

Building Work

Building work covers a multitude of tasks from full-scale extensions to replacing banisters and skirting boards. You might want to include a new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom suite, too.

Also, many outdoor jobs are classed as building work, such as garden design, shed building, patio laying and so on.

Most of these jobs do require skilled workmen at some point and often, at the least, the help of another person, but if you’re good with your hands and can follow instructions you should be able to tackle many building projects.

Electrical

Some electrical work is definitely off-limits and requires the employment of a skilled electrician. However, most people can change a light fitting or a switch but whatever you do - don’t take changes. Electricity can be fatal so if in doubt, call an electrician.

Heating

Heating maintenance and repair is usually another skilled job, often combining the talents of a plumber and electrician. You may well be able to clean out heating vents and ducts, however, but make sure there are no electrics involved.

Home Security

You can secure your home in many ways and it’s certainly something you should consider for peace of mind if nothing else.

Most people will employ the services of an established home security company for this, not only to do the installation but to get their expertise on what may be required.

However, infra-red detectors, alarms and CCTV systems are relatively available and can be installed by most competent handymen so you may feel this is something you want to do yourself.

Plumbing

Although not as dangerous as electrical work, plumbing can have disastrous results if not done correctly!

Most DIYers should be able to change a faucet washer, fit a new tap and plumb in a washing machine or dish washer but you may want to call in an expert to fit water pipes, kitchen and bathroom plumbing, and radiators.