A great deal of money is saved these days, by people who are choosing to carry out repairs to their homes themselves, rather than calling in a contractor. DIY has become big business for the chains of stores that supply materials and tools for these projects, adding hundreds of millions of pounds to the economy every year.
There are many jobs that the average DIY enthusiast is capable of carrying out around their home. There is little harm caused by attempting most of them, even if things do not go well. Here are a few jobs that amateurs can attempt to complete, and some that should be left to the experts, on the outside of their property.
Repointing Brickwork
Older brick walled properties will need a little work doing to the mortar courses every thirty or forty years. The mortar becomes crumbly in places and can easily be dug out with a screwdriver or other implement. The best way to deal with this problem is to remove the old mortar, where possible, and replace it with new. It is a time consuming job that gets faster with practice.
The new mortar mix is made up of one part cement and five parts sand. Use a trowel to feed new mortar into the gap until it is full and finish of by smoothing it with a pointing tool.
Be aware when inspecting brickwork, that cracks in the mortar may not be due to erosion. If the house has begun to subside, a crack will probably be the first clue. Subsidence and foundation problems should be assessed by professionals, as serious structural damage may occur if it is left unattended. If you are in any doubt about the integrity of your substructure, get professional advice.
Repainting
The elements keep the paintwork of a property under constant attack. Every few years it is a good idea to go around and treat and problem areas with a new coat. Remember to remove all flaking paint before applying an undercoat and two topcoats if necessary.
Guttering
The rainwater guttering does a very important job. It prevents water damage to the building below and reduces the chances of rising damp problems. Any joints that are leaking must be sealed using plumbing putty, or replaced with new parts. Replacing sections of guttering is an easy job, but the worker must be confident to work on a ladder at height.
Always check your guttering and fix or replace any joints that need doing before winter draws in.
Leaning Chimney
If a leaning chimney is identified, experts must be called in to assess it at once. People are killed by falling chimneys in storms every year. Do not try this repair yourself, it is too dangerous.
Replacement Door
Fitting a new front door is a satisfying challenge that changes the appearance of the house. The door is in full view, so it must be installed to a high standard. Remove the old door and use it as a template to size the new one. Fit the hinges to the new door using the old one as a guide, and it should fit in place with no problems. Add good quality furniture and paint or varnish to a high gloss finish for a perfect result.
As long as a person is aware of their limitations, DIY is harmless and a great way to pass the time when there is nothing better to do. The money saved can be invested in something a little more exciting.
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