We all like to think we can handle jobs around the home, whether it’s papering a wall or putting up a set of shelves. And while doing these tasks ourselves is a great way to expand our knowledge and save money on professional tradesmen, it can be very expensive – not to mention dangerous – when things go wrong. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, an average of 200,000 people a year in the UK injure themselves while carrying out jobs around the home.
If you want to avoid joining their numbers, take note of these tips before doing a DIY task. Don’t forget to contact your insurance provider before you start any large project – providers like Can Can Cover might be your last defence if something goes wrong!
- Use a wire detector before drilling – drilling through water pipes and electrical cables is one of the most common DIY mistakes, and can cause serious injuries, as well as being very costly to fix. Be especially careful when drilling near light switches or around radiators.
- Give yourself plenty of space and time – rushing through a job in cramped conditions is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. Plan the work step-by-step, ensure you have all the tools you need close to hand and clear the room of all clutter to make the whole operation smoother.
- Stay safe when you’re high up – another common DIY mishap is falling from ladders. Always move the ladder closer to the space you’re working on rather than leaning over at the top of it! And if you’re working in the loft, make sure you put down sturdy boards between the floor joists to walk on.
- Don’t skimp on tools – saving money on a discount chisel won’t do you any favours when it bends in half! It’s worth paying a bit extra for high-quality tools that will be with you for some years to come. Take care of them by giving them all a wipe down when you’re finished.
- Always know when a job is too big – sometimes it’s much better to admit defeat and call in the professionals than to risk your health and home trying to do a job you don’t have the skills for. Anything to do with electrical wiring, plumbing and gas should always be left to a qualified tradesman.