Life, the Universe, and D.I.Y.
Created | Updated Nov 7, 2004
Most builders are incredibly frustrated men (and women). The recent rise in television DIY shows has left the country thinking that with a coat of paint and some MDF any room can be turned into a wonderland of new, fresh, exciting ideas, and will only take a couple of days. For the professionals, however, this is our biggest nightmare. Shoddy workmanship, poor grasp of the basics, even the downright dangerous - the list of classic mistakes by the beginner goes on and on. Let's not even start talking about classic DIY injuries. In fact, the new building regulations, which come into force in January 2005 have been altered to prevent anyone but competent persons from touching electrical systems. For those who are thinking of doing a DIY project, here's some advice - DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING or do you just THINK you do. For starters, here's a checklist
1. Have you got all the tools you need?
Even the most basic DIY task needs tools. Have you got all of them? Do you know how to use all of them? In the right order? For the right purpose? If you're confused now, GIVE UP.
2. Are you clear on your objective?
Do you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want to achieve? Good. Do you know all of the steps you need to take to get to your objective? If not, GIVE UP NOW.
3. How long is this going to take?
If this is your fist attempt, take the time you think it is going to take, and treble it. If this is not your first attempt, double it.
4. What's in the wall?
This is a great game for all the family. Guess what's in that wall - plumbing, wiring, soft cinder or breize block, plasterboard... the list goes on.
Finally, some general advice on jobs around the home:
Wiring:
Changing a plug isn't difficult, but rewiring a kitchen takes a good understanding of basic electrics, and a keen eye for safety. Basically, each socket should be on a wiring `loop`, i.e. one cable supplying the power to the socket, and another taking the power to the next socket in the loop. There may be a third cable (called a `spur`)going to another socket. IF THERE IS ONLY ONE CABLE GOING TO THE SOCKET, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD ANOTHER SOCKET ONTO IT. Some appliances require a `fused spur`, which is a little box with a separate fuse and a switch on it. Check the manufacturer's reccommendations.
The same principal applies to lighting, but you have THREE cables normally (loop in, loop out, and switch) - the three red wires are `Common Live`, the earth wires all go together, but two of the black ones are neutral (normally paired together) and the third black wire is the `Switched Live` from the switch.
IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT ALONE!
Plumbing:
Call someone who knows what they are doing. There was a classic case recently of a problem in a friend's house where the toilet cistern fills up with hot water after it is flushed. Don't even think of touching the gas supply. There is a great temptation to use plastic pipes and connectors, but many professionals still prefer to use copper tube and soldered joints.
Hanging Shelves:
Please make sure they are level. There's nothing worse than going into someones house and feeling seasick all evening.
The Ikea flat pack:
It's you. The instructions are perfectly clear.
Laminate flooring:
Passe (imagine an accent on the e) and considered rather tacky. However, pick a straight bit of wall to start from, use the correct underlay, and make sure all the joints are tight. Don't forget to leave an expansion gap all the way around.
Painting and Decorating:
Gaps in skirting boards and dado rails etc. can be filled with decorator's caulk. It is water based, easy to apply, and gives a good finish. Do one wall at a time, start with the cutting-in, then use the roller. Use a good paint - find a trade supplier and buy Dulux Trade paint (they will match any colour you want). It is more expensive, but you will use less of it. For a strong colour change (e.g. blue to yellow) thin down some undercoat with white spirit and paint this on first - it will kill the colour.
Plastering:
This is a tricky process, and requires good surface preparation, an eye for detail, and good timing. Practice really does make perfect, as first attempts tend to resemble a ploughed field.
General tips:
The biggest tip is that you tend to get what you pay for. Cheap stuff looks cheap no matter what you do.
Keep your tools clean and in good condition (that goes double for cleaning paint brushes)
If you decide you want to hire a builder, thay are generally efficient, professional, and reasonably priced. Get a written quote, specifying the works to be done and to the required standard. Get a total price and arrange staged payments if it is a big job. The best way of finding a decent builder is generally through personal reccommendation from friends and collegues.
Try not to change your mind half way through the job, as this will add to the cost and the time taken.
Remember that any major works will cause mess and disruption to your life. BE PREPARED!
Any questions (there's a mile of stuff not covered) just ask...
1. Have you got all the tools you need?
Even the most basic DIY task needs tools. Have you got all of them? Do you know how to use all of them? In the right order? For the right purpose? If you're confused now, GIVE UP.
2. Are you clear on your objective?
Do you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want to achieve? Good. Do you know all of the steps you need to take to get to your objective? If not, GIVE UP NOW.
3. How long is this going to take?
If this is your fist attempt, take the time you think it is going to take, and treble it. If this is not your first attempt, double it.
4. What's in the wall?
This is a great game for all the family. Guess what's in that wall - plumbing, wiring, soft cinder or breize block, plasterboard... the list goes on.
Finally, some general advice on jobs around the home:
Wiring:
Changing a plug isn't difficult, but rewiring a kitchen takes a good understanding of basic electrics, and a keen eye for safety. Basically, each socket should be on a wiring `loop`, i.e. one cable supplying the power to the socket, and another taking the power to the next socket in the loop. There may be a third cable (called a `spur`)going to another socket. IF THERE IS ONLY ONE CABLE GOING TO THE SOCKET, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD ANOTHER SOCKET ONTO IT. Some appliances require a `fused spur`, which is a little box with a separate fuse and a switch on it. Check the manufacturer's reccommendations.
The same principal applies to lighting, but you have THREE cables normally (loop in, loop out, and switch) - the three red wires are `Common Live`, the earth wires all go together, but two of the black ones are neutral (normally paired together) and the third black wire is the `Switched Live` from the switch.
IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT ALONE!
Plumbing:
Call someone who knows what they are doing. There was a classic case recently of a problem in a friend's house where the toilet cistern fills up with hot water after it is flushed. Don't even think of touching the gas supply. There is a great temptation to use plastic pipes and connectors, but many professionals still prefer to use copper tube and soldered joints.
Hanging Shelves:
Please make sure they are level. There's nothing worse than going into someones house and feeling seasick all evening.
The Ikea flat pack:
It's you. The instructions are perfectly clear.
Laminate flooring:
Passe (imagine an accent on the e) and considered rather tacky. However, pick a straight bit of wall to start from, use the correct underlay, and make sure all the joints are tight. Don't forget to leave an expansion gap all the way around.
Painting and Decorating:
Gaps in skirting boards and dado rails etc. can be filled with decorator's caulk. It is water based, easy to apply, and gives a good finish. Do one wall at a time, start with the cutting-in, then use the roller. Use a good paint - find a trade supplier and buy Dulux Trade paint (they will match any colour you want). It is more expensive, but you will use less of it. For a strong colour change (e.g. blue to yellow) thin down some undercoat with white spirit and paint this on first - it will kill the colour.
Plastering:
This is a tricky process, and requires good surface preparation, an eye for detail, and good timing. Practice really does make perfect, as first attempts tend to resemble a ploughed field.
General tips:
The biggest tip is that you tend to get what you pay for. Cheap stuff looks cheap no matter what you do.
Keep your tools clean and in good condition (that goes double for cleaning paint brushes)
If you decide you want to hire a builder, thay are generally efficient, professional, and reasonably priced. Get a written quote, specifying the works to be done and to the required standard. Get a total price and arrange staged payments if it is a big job. The best way of finding a decent builder is generally through personal reccommendation from friends and collegues.
Try not to change your mind half way through the job, as this will add to the cost and the time taken.
Remember that any major works will cause mess and disruption to your life. BE PREPARED!
Any questions (there's a mile of stuff not covered) just ask...
