How have you found the school holidays so far? Is it a constant juggle between family time, work, and jobs that need doing around the house? Or have you managed to get away for a bit? If you’re very much in camp one, then you may have found that the summer DIY jobs and successful building projects you had planned have fallen by the wayside.
Tips to help your summer DIY projects run smoothly.
As much as the six-week holidays can be a welcome break from the school term routine, there’s a lot to factor in and those home improvements you had in mind can easily get pushed to the back of the queue. If you’re still determined to get a few things ticked off your to-do list, we’ve put together some pointers to ensure your building projects are successful and you avoid a DIY SOS over the summer holidays.
Are you confident in tackling your home repairs?
Are you a confident DIYer? Someone who loves getting stuck into home improvement? If you’re a dab hand at painting, and mending a fence panel is second nature, then tackling some home repair jobs probably won’t feel too overwhelming. However, if you’re thinking about trying some DIY that you haven’t attempted before, going into unfamiliar territory while the kids are at home may well be a challenge too far, even if you’re optimistic!
Factor in extra time to complete your DIY and building projects.
If you want to make improvements to your home and get some successful building projects under your belt, be realistic about the time you have available and the experience you have in that area. Ask yourself what could go wrong if you make a mistake and whether the impact of that could cost more money in the long run.
Also, be aware that some DIY jobs such as electrical or plumbing work may need to comply with certain regulations so shouldn’t be attempted for safety reasons. Roofing jobs should also be left to the professionals because working at height is dangerous and it’s easy to cause further damage. So don’t be afraid to delegate your building or repair projects to contractors in Derby who will both save you time and get the job done quickly.
Do you have the right tools and equipment needed to complete the DIY project?
If you’re keen to tackle home repair and DIY tasks yourself, make sure you weigh up the safety risks they impose. This means making sure you have the correct tools to do the job properly, buying PPE if you need it, and preparing your home before you start your project.
If you’re keen to get started on some painting and decorating work, for example, you’ll need the correct brushes, a ladder, perhaps a pasting table, and coverings for your floors and furniture. Likewise, if you want to give your garden a makeover, you might need to stock on up on tools and materials such as a wheelbarrow, a pruning saw, shale, or fence panels. You may also have to organise a skip to dispose of any waste correctly.
Speak to a professional for safety advice.
Although safety should always be a priority when completing DIY jobs, it goes without saying that extra precautions need to be taken when the kids are at home and may want to ‘help.’ If you’re unsure of what you need to buy to ensure your building project is both successful and safe, it’s worth speaking to a tradesperson. They will help you decide whether the work imposes any risks that are best left to experienced and trained professionals.
Have you factored in enough time to do your DIY work?
If you’re planning on fitting a home repair project into the summer holidays, it helps if you’re realistic about how long it will take. With all the will in the world, tackling a DIY job that you expect to complete in a morning is a less realistic goal if the kids are off school. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should shelve the task completely. But it is a good idea to be aware that the work could take longer amongst school holiday chaos. By allowing yourself more time, you’re less likely to rush the work you’re trying to complete and make costly mistakes.
Remember that rushing can incur extra costs.
There’s no denying that the summer holidays are a good opportunity to get through a DIY list that’s been neglected for a while. Just be aware that rushing and cutting corners to save time can affect the end result and cost you more to correct the damage. This is particularly important if you’re trying to complete DIY work because you want to put your home up for sale and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Are there any DIY jobs on your list that are best done in summer?
If you have a lot of DIY jobs that have built up, it can be difficult to know where to start when you finally get a chance to get cracking. Unless there are urgent home repairs you need to get boxed off, it’s worth prioritising the tasks that best lend themselves to the warmer months.
Summer means more drying time.
We’re the first to admit that the rain has made completing some home repairs difficult. But when the weather is kinder to us, jobs such as exterior painting, fence maintenance, and attending to decking/patio areas are good ones to get started on. As a rule, anything that needs drying time is best done when the temperatures are warm and the days are longer so your handiwork isn’t ruined by dampness or frost.
Summer is also ideal to get started on any indoor painting and decorating jobs you’ve had planned because there are more daylight hours to see what you’re doing. It’s also a good opportunity to clear out your drains and gutters so they’re free of the debris that builds up over winter. While this job might not be your preferred way to spend a day off, it’s a much quicker task if you’re not battling the elements and a good one to get under your belt before autumn kicks in.
Contact ASK Building and Repairs for help with successful building projects.
If you’d like advice on completing DIY jobs successfully or need some help in getting through your to-do list this summer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call Guy on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com and he will answer any questions that you have.