DIY Tips for the Summer

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 06/09/12 — Long days of sunshine make the summer months ideal for finally getting round to some home improvements. But if tackled incorrectly, quick DIY jobs can actually end up causing damage to our homes, health and wallets. Here are some simple tips to help home DIY plans go without a hitch this summer:

Safety. Every home improvement job should begin with a basic safety assessment of any potential dangers, including checking the location of electrical wiring, water and gas pipes. Anyone working in the attic should double-check the weight restrictions of the floor and lay extra boards if necessary.

Start small. Beginners to DIY should walk before they run. Cleaning or basic rewiring of old electrical appliances is a good place to practice, before moving onto larger projects.

Toolbox. A bad workman always blames his tools; so it–s important to use the right tools for the job at hand. Good-quality products are well worth the investment, as a cheap tool that botches a DIY job will prove to be a false economy.

Plumbing. A blocked toilet can normally be fixed at home with a wire hanger or plunger, but homeowners should be careful about tackling any other major plumbing job without the help of a professional. Flooding and water damage can end up being hugely expensive and difficult to repair. Good options for anyone struggling with their pipes include and .

Ventilation. A calm summer–s day may be great for a BBQ, but dangerous for anyone working inside with toxic chemicals. Homeowners planning to use paint, paint stripper, varnish or thick bleach should open as many windows as possible and invest in a fan if ventilation remains poor.

Protection. Local DIY shops should be able to advise on the best protection for a particular job, whether it–s just rubber gloves or a full face mask. Inside the house, dustsheets and newspapers will prevent dirt or debris from staining furniture and carpets.

Contacts:
Sutherland House
Maple Road, SURBITON, Surrey
KT6 4BJ
020 8481 2200
020 8481 2288 (FAX)