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Some thoughts on DIY

 DIY is a great idea, whether assembling a flat-pack or doing more complex construction work, but is it always the most cost-effective route? Flat pack is a truly great invention and an excellent way of acquiring furniture, usually at a much more reasonable cost than buying a ready-made piece. They are specially designed to be put together by people with limited skills in joinery and carpentry, with limited tools. Often they arrive with an Alan-key which is the only piece of equipment you will need, but I have found that some simple equipment is a good idea if you plan to make up several items. These are also useful for many other tasks around your home. My most basic tools are two screwdrivers, one flat and the other star or Phillips head, and a rubber mallet. You can hire more sophisticated equipment or use them in-store eg. at Leroy Merlin. With a bit of experience of using hired tools, you can decide what to buy in the long-term. For example, I find a power drill very useful, as it can also be used as a power screwdriver.

It is essential to read through the complete instructions, paying special attention to the orientation for each piece - if you have a large space, lay out everything on the floor. Then assemble strictly in the sequence that they provide in the instructions - it is sometimes tempting to do it your own way, but this is not a great idea, as often the stability of the piece of furniture depends on getting the steps right.

Laying out the flat-pack
Creative Commons Licensed: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/holz-kreativ-schreibtisch-haus-5805489/

For more complex DIY projects, a lot depends on your expertise - many construction tasks look very easy when you watch a skilled artisan, but turn into an expensive nightmare if you just launch in. Even if you have some experience, it may still be more cost-effective to get in a small contractor, who has access to the correct tools and materials. I have sometimes been too ambitious, and had to call in a specialist who then had to remove my work to rectify it.

Likewise, it is always good to take a long look at any DIY work you are planning - sometimes a "quick fix" results in back-tracking a couple of months or years later. By planning out what your end-state is, you can make more rational decisions about the sequencing and whether to DIY or bring in a contractor. 

Some tasks are completely manageable if you have the time and attention to detail, such as repainting or hanging wallpaper. For painting, the most important thing is to ensure that you have prepared the surfaces well - sand down any rough patches and fill all the old holes with Polyfilla or a similar plaster repair material. It is also a great idea to wash down all surfaces before you begin, with sugar-soap for brickwork and plaster or with a damp cloth and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid for timber and metalwork. When you have finished the preparation, check with your hardware store about  whether you need a primer and undercoat. 

For wallpaper, to get a professional finish, first check where the pattern needs to line up and also measure the wall so that you do not have a thin strip on the one side of the wall. Sugar-soap is also essential as a preparation, being sure to rinse the wall down well before you begin. It may take a bit of trial and error to get the quantity of adhesive right, which you will need to apply with a paintbrush if it is not self-adhesive.

Not everything is possible to DIY: electrical work (replacing light switches and wall plug points) need a qualified electrician so that you don't void your insurance. Likewise, for external doors, a reputable locksmith is worth the expense, although changing an internal lock is quite easy with no security concerns. In my experience, it is also advisable to bring in a plumber unless you are simply clearing a blockage - this comes at a cost, but will save you time and money in the long run. Another building operation that is worth getting in a specialist is for refurbishing timber floors - my experience with this is to choose a reputable firm, preferably who has done work for friends or relatives. It requires special equipment and a high level of expertise for a successful result. 

In the end, DIY is a great way to save money and can be fun, providing you have the skills for the task. If not, you will save yourself a lot of heartache and wasted weekends - rather save up and bring in someone who has a good reputation.




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