When it comes to DIY, most people are of the opinion that you either have the genes for it, or you don’t. While there is no denying that there is a good reason why we have trade professionals (think about all the amazing work electricians, plumbers, builders, etc. do), there are some jobs around the house that you can absolutely do yourself, provided that you do a bit of prep and get the right tools. Mastering small jobs can help you save money, as you don’t have to pay for someone else’s expertise and time. Still, you’ll also have the opportunity to say ‘I did this myself!’ to anyone who wants to hear it. Ready to get started? Here are 3 DYI project ideas that you could tackle yourself.
Set up baseboards
Without baseboards, walls can sometimes feel a bit bare or unfinished. Their main purpose is to hide where the wall meets the floor, which sometimes can be a bit unsightly. They also have a practical purpose as they can protect the plaster from being kicked or scuffed (by shoes, for example), which is why most houses have baseboards. Replacing old baseboards can be a great way to freshen up a room. If you upgrade your ceiling trims, it’s also recommended to change the baseboards if the style will be drastically different.
You may need to use power tools for this type of project, in which case you should always take the necessary precautions and wear protective equipment such as eye protection. It’s always best to take your time and do a job right rather than wrong.
Replace taps
Who hasn’t searched for ‘how to repair a leaky tap’ in a desperate attempt to stop an annoying drip keeping you up on a Sunday night? Chances are most of us have, at some point, had to improvise being plumbers for a day. If you’ve been reluctant to tackle more complex jobs, you’d be surprised that with a good how-to guide and the right tools, there are some jobs you can complete, like replacing an old tap.
Make sure to cut off your water supply when working on any type of plumbing and protect the area from any water spills. You’ll need to disconnect your tap from the mains water supply before removing your current taps, fitting the new ones, connecting to the mains supply again and testing the taps when turning the water back on. Most taps should come with detailed fitting instructions. As with all good things these days, I recommend watching a few videos on YouTube to get a clear idea of what needs doing.
Install an electric heater
Electric radiators and towel rails are a popular choice for people who either don’t have access to gas/central heating or want an additional heat source in a room. That’s particularly the case for bathrooms, as heated towel rails will not only heat the room but also provide warm towels whenever you need them!
Take measurements to find out what size you need a pick a style. When in doubt, chrome towel rails will look good in any bathroom (Trade Radiators have some great ones on offer just now). Electric heaters don’t need to be connected to any pipes, so it’s usually a matter of drilling holes to place brackets, placing and securing the towel rail before plugging it in. It is so surprisingly easy you’ll come away thinking you are a radiator guru!
Whether you are a DYI novice or expert, we have more advice and guides in our DYI section, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for more inspiration. We hope this has inspired you for your next project and that you feel ready to dive in!
