The job will take longer than you think. You’ve calculated in extra time already? It’ll still probably take longer. Prepare for the worst; hope for the best. Ask yourself, in an ideal world how long will this take? Then double, or even triple, that amount of time. If you get it down in your original time, then it’ll seem like a bonus. If you don’t, you won’t be surprised.
Have a spirit level handy. You’ll probably need it. Otherwise you’ll end up with the proverbial, out-of-kilter DIY project.
Choose the right paint for the job. Painting dressed timber? Use this kind of paint. Are you painting a room? Use eggshell or satin paints for the walls and flat paint for the ceilings.
We’ve all been there. You get super excited about a new DIY project and you wade in without asking whether you have the right skill-set and experience for such a task. As with anything else, walk before you can run. If you’ve never picked up a hammer before, perhaps attempting to fit a kitchen by yourself is not the best idea. In fact, in general we would recommend you not attempt roofing repairs, window replacements, or any plumbing or electrical work.
You’ve worked out all the plans for that extension. You’ve bought the materials. The builders are coming tomorrow. Have you forgotten anything? Yes, planning permission. For any job bigger than basic upkeep of your property, you might just need a permit. According to the gov.uk website: ‘You will probably need planning permission if you want to:
Firstly, do you have the right tools? Does the screwdriver fit the screw? Secondly, do you have the best tools? How much, ahem, screwing will you be doing? Are you sure you don’t want to invest in a electric screwdriver?
Does that sound like you? Don’t be overeager to make that cut. Measure at least twice and when you cut, err on the side of caution. It’s easier to saw off a bit more wood, but it’s hard to stick it back on!
DIY is expensive. Have you budgeted properly. Remember you want to buy the right materials – the best timber. You want your DIY project to last. The way to make sure you have the right budget is to buy your materials before hand, not as and when you need. This will also save you time!
Prepare your site before you start whatever you are doing. Are you expecting a delivery of timber boards, for example? Where are they going to go? Are you painting your timber? Don’t just slap it on. Sand and hoover it first and make sure it is clean and ready to take the paint.
That’s the question you should constantly be asking yourself – you know, before you climb the twenty foot ladder, or turn on the power-saw! Of all the items on this list, lack of awareness over health and safety is the most important. The rest on this list will result in some shoddy DIY outcomes, but at least you’ll have your health!
The 8 July 1984 was one of those stifling days, the sky charged, hyperreal, when the world feels like it’s holding its breath. The storm hit in the late evening. Fire crew from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue watched the lightning streak across the sky as they made their way to their headquarters in Northallerton, […]
Raised beds are great. They boost drainage. They can easily introduce new soil types. They’re at an easier working height. The soil is consistently warmer. You can easily move them. They even add a bit of sculpture to your garden. What’s not to love? In this helpful guide we’ll talk you through the construction process […]
Timber merchants supplying decking, fencing, sheds & timber products thought Scotland
Enter your postcode to check whether we can deliver to you. If not, you can still collect from our store.
Your delivery total will be calculated in your basket, pick up is always free.
Continue Shopping
but you can still pick up from our yard for free.
If your order is over £500 we may be able to make special allowances contact us to enquire about this.
Continue Shopping