DIY virgins unite: start up tips for first-time home improvers

Article Written By: Sarah Maple

Not all of us can tackle the big jobs - indeed, it's often the overconfident types that make costly errors - but given the right grounding there's no reason why everyone shouldn't feel up to taking on some simple DIY. With that in mind, here are a few tips to consider when starting out:

It seems like a no-brainer but if you're completely new to DIY then make your first job a small one. Putting up some shelves is good starting points - while it's a relatively simple job, it'll be enough of a challenge to make you feel like you've achieved something. And that's the key; boosting confidence so that you can build up to the bigger jobs as you go along. Conversely, if you start with a huge task and lose your way then your confidence is going to take a big knock.

Kitting out your starter tool kit with the right equipment is an important task. Some basics you should think about including are: 5m tape measure, spirit level, claw hammer, screwdriver set, electrical test screwdriver, insulated pliers, Stanley knife and a small adjustable spanner. Don't go for the cheapest of the cheap when selecting your tools; it's a false economy as they'll need replacing many, many times. Even when going for decent quality equipment, a toolbox kitted out with the above equipment shouldn't cost any more than and#163;60.

Don't get stuck in until you know what you're doing. Find a well-written step-by-step guide with clear illustrations either in a book or online - and be sure to print it off if it's the latter, so you can have it with you as you carry out the job. Even then, don't just plough into the job straight away; read through the guide thoroughly a couple of times before you pick up your tools so that you have a good understanding of the task at hand. When you're ready, be sure to follow the guide to the letter.

The temptation is often there to get a job finished as quickly as possible so you can head off in pursuit of something a little more fun and a little less labour intensive. Rushing a job, however, can easily lead to sloppy mistakes that could have been avoided with a little patience. Correcting a poor job will likely take t least twice as long as it should have done in the first place, so take your time and make sure you're tackling the job in the right way.

Approaching DIY jobs in the right manner will mean a happy experience the vast majority of the time. There are times, however, when things aren't turning out quite the way we planned and we have to just hold our hands up and admit that a job is beyond us. Stubbornness is not a good trait when carrying out DIY; carry on chipping away at a job that you aren't up to and you could end up seriously out of pocket. Swallow your pride and call in a professional instead.

About the Author

Sarah Maple - power tools and home improvement guides from decorating your house to fitting a new kitchen.

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This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 and Read 323 Times

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