Avoid DIY accidents with Ward Homes’ DIY amnesty

Even though 250,000 people suffer DIY-related injuries every year*, many Kent homeowners will be using the final Bank Holiday weekend of the year to dabble in a spot of home improvement.

But Ward Homes is calling for a special DIY Amnesty on the grounds that anyone who buys one of their brand new homes won’t have any need to undertake any improvements.

“All our properties are built ready to move into and depending on the build stage you can even choose your preferred finishes such as tiles and floor coverings,” said Bryn Reeves, Health and Safety Manager for Ward Homes.

“Our kitchens are fully fitted and come complete with appliances such as integrated oven, hobs and hood. Bathrooms are fitted with sanitary ware from leading manufacturers. For added peace of mind, our homes come with the National House Building Council’s ten year build mark warranty.”

“So we’re calling for homeowners to put down their tool box this weekend and instead spend a few hours looking around one of our developments. We’re currently offering a great range of incentives and highly competitive prices which make moving to a new home easier and more affordable than ever.”

Of course, some homeowners will still not be able to kick the DIY habit, so Bryn is offering some tried and tested tips on how to avoid injury.

1. Plan every project in advance; too often people rush into jobs that they can’t complete or lose interest in.

2. Always read instructions and warnings on products before opening even if you think you know how to use them.

3. Don’t wear loose clothing, remove jewellery, tie long hair back and put on sensible footwear.

4. Remember the ‘out one, four up rule’ when using a ladder: ie, match every single measure from the wall with four vertical measures to get the safest angle.

5. Don’t forget to check the latch is closed when using a stepladder.

6. Don’t cut corners. For example, always turn the electricity off at the mains before beginning an electrical job and don’t adjust electrical tools while they’re still plugged in.

7. Make sure your tools are clean and well-maintained - loose heads or handles could spell disaster. Either buy a new one or get it fixed professionally.

8. Keep children and pets well out of the way, for their own safety as well as yours. The last thing you need are distractions.

9. Beware not to overload a socket with lots of plugs and adapters.

10. Finally, keep a fully stocked first aid kit to hand just in case.

Ward Homes is building a wide selection of brand new, DIY-free homes at its developments throughout Kent: Eden Village in Sittingbourne, Priory Meadows on the Isle of Sheppey, The Woodlands in Boughton Monchelsea, White Sand in Camber and Pavilion Place in Snodland.

Homes currently available at Eden Village include two, three and four-bedroom houses, priced from £147,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at Eden Village, Bluebell Drive, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4EL, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Two, three and four-bedroom homes are currently available for sale at Priory Meadows, priced from £139,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at Priory Meadows, Lilac Road, Minster On Sea, Sheerness ME12 3GA, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Three-bedroom houses are currently available at The Woodlands, priced from £224,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at The Woodlands, off Brishing Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4SG, open from 10am to 6pm.

Two-bedroom cottages are currently available at White Sand, priced from £195,000. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at White Sand, Whitesand Drive, Camber, East Sussex, TN31 7UP, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Two, three and four-bedroom houses are available at Pavilion Place, priced from £199,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at Pavilion Place, off Mill Street, Snodland, Kent ME6 5AN, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Further details are also available online at wardhomes.co.uk.

*Figures are based on the Department of Trade and Industry’s Home Accident Surveillance System report.