Don’t let Bank Holiday DIY develop into a disaster
As another Bank Holiday Weekend approaches, there are a couple of things that are almost certain - rain and the opportunity for DIY!
But don’t let your DIY dreams turn into a disaster, as it does for the 220,000 people who end up in hospital each year as a result of accidents in the home.
While some home improvements may add value to a home – provided they are carried out safely and to a high standard – others could actually hinder a sale, and see sellers themselves forking out for repairs.
It is estimated that 13 per cent of all DIY projects undertaken will go wrong in some way, resulting in Brits having to cough up a collective £169 million to sort the problems out.
Estate agents Harrison Murray has a few tips for homeowners to follow to help them avoid become one of the statistics!
Managing director Nick Salmon said: “If you are planning to put your home on the market, don’t bite off more than you can chew.
“Numerous homeowners do enjoy DIY, but while they may have bags of enthusiasm and a will to succeedsome may lack the basic skills required to carry out larger and more complex projects. Don't forget that only qualified contractors should alter gas or electrical installations.
“A few simple DIY and housekeeping tricks may have the desired affect without tapping into the home insurance.”
Spruce up your paintwork with a fresh neutral look throughout, simple and effective.
Hire a carpet cleaning machine for the weekend and give your carpets a deep cleansing shampoo.
Give your kitchen cupboards and units a new look with some replacement doors and handles which is far cheaper than a complete kitchen overhaul.
Replacing the grouting around sinks and baths will give an instant brighter and cleaner look.
Make sure the doorbell and smoke alarms are in good working order and replace the batteries if necessary.
Hire or borrow a pressure washer to make the patio gleaming again following the wintry weather – but do check first to see if you are in a hosepipe ban area.
According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) injuries from tools and machinery are estimated to account for the 87,000 of the 220,000 accident victims turning up at hospital each year.
Ladder and stepladder accidents send 41,000 people to hospital annually, with 60,000 people seeking treatment in Casualty for injuries caused by splinters, grit, dust and other particles.
RoSPA also claims that the most common DIY accidents – many of which could be avoided through better planning or adequate safety gear like gloves, masks and goggles – include cuts from knives while cutting cables and carpets, slips with saws while cutting wood, paving slabs falling onto hands and feet, or paint from ceilings dripping into eyes.