We all know that a little bit of DIY here and there can save a huge amount of money, when renovating or improving a home, but are we doing it right? We took a look at what professional builders and decorators claim are the biggest DIY errors made by enthusiastic novices and were shocked to discover that we were guilty of a few ourselves! We don't want you to be creating yourself even more work, or worse still, problems that you need a professional to come out and fix for you, so take a look at these critical errors that you absolutely need to avoid making!
It seems so silly, but lots of people aren't getting the right permits for new buildings or extensions! It's up to you to actually apply, pay for and acquire them, so ask you building team what they need to get started!
Why find a bolster when a chunky chisel will do, eh? NO! STOP! There is a reason why certain tools exist; because they make the job in hand easier and better! Stop substituting!
Are you making sure all of your walls are straight and ready to accept built-in units? Are your floors level before you add carpet or tiles? The prep stage is vital for any DIY project, so stop skipping it!
If you want a solid oak kitchen worktop but that beech one is tempting you because it's so much cheaper, think a little more! The beech top will need more regular oiling and care, so isn't it worth buying the best materials that you can afford, whatever your project?
This is something most of us are guilty of! Not using moisture-resistant paint in a kitchen or bathroom seems to be the most common error here, but there are plenty of others too, such as slapping emulsion on your wood trims! ARGH!
Speaking of paint… any professional painter will tell you that to get a smooth and beautiful finish, it's the wall preparation that you need to spend more time on. Cleaning, filling, sanding and priming are all crucial, but how many of us negate these steps?
You might think that working out in your garden, on some rickety old table will do, but come on! What if a power tool escapes you and causes an accident? Always work on level ground and with the right tables and equipment!
We've all had electrician bills that made us wish we had trained in a trade, but that doesn't mean you should be assuming that changing a fuse makes you capable of wiring a house! So many people seem to think that they can take on big projects, but sometimes, the pros really are the best bet!
If you've ever finished a DIY project with the thought 'that will do' in your mind, then you know you didn't do as good of a job as you could have done! It's all about precision and patience guys, so get those decking edges straight, cut in your paint properly and take a little more time!
Finally, you need to know when you should actually just be calling in the professionals. If it could cost you more, later down the road, for someone to come and fix your messes, why not sit down and think about actually hiring a pro from the start? It's no reflection on your DIY skills, we promise!
For more DIY advice, take a look at this Ideabook: DIY garden projects for summer houses.