More and more homeowners are keen to save themselves a fortune and tackle some DIY at home. It’s true that the cost of skilled labour doesn’t come cheap. But if you make a mistake, you may be costing yourself more money overall. Lots of us have dabbled in DIY at some point. Perhaps you’ve tackled the painting and decorating. Or maybe you’ve had a go at installing a new kitchen. Whether the project is big or small, things can go wrong. You may need to react quickly to get it put right.
Lots of us have had some bother with dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, and baths. The drainage system can get blocked, or the tap fittings simply aren’t compatible. Even if you pay for installation when you buy your appliance, some stores won’t fit in the new plumbing if it isn’t already there and right for the machine. But if you get this wrong, you could be in for big trouble!
As soon as you spot something isn’t right with the plumbing, it’s best to call out an emergency plumber. Pick one with a rapid response. The more water that leaks over your home, the more damage it will cause. Water has a nasty habit of getting into every nook and cranny. In just a few weeks you may have mould growing in places you can’t even reach. Put a good size bucket in place to catch the leaks, and have a spare on hand for when you need to empty it. Use towels to shore up the spread of water on the floor.
Most of us know to double check the location of pipes and wiring before we bang nails into the walls. Even so, it’s quite common to get caught out. If you’ve hit a wire, don’t attempt to retrieve the nail. Instead, turn off the power at your main trip switch box if it hasn’t already tripped. This will avoid the risk of electrocution. Damaged wires could, in rare cases, become a fire hazard. It’s best to have them checked out by an electrician.
Hanging a new door can give you an enormous sense of pride. It’s such a cumbersome job! But when you come to realise that you’ve locked yourself out in the process, your pride can quickly turn to embarrassment. An emergency locksmith can normally get you out of a fix. This will save you having to damage any part of your house to regain access. Home security is very important, so it’s worth the extra cost to avoid any problems.
Bought the wrong size? Most DIY stores are very good about swapping products if you get your measurements wrong. But if you’ve cut a length of wood or metal wrong, there is little you can do other than starting over. Another trip to the DIY store may be in order! Many of us have tried to salvage little mistakes like this but then been unsatisfied with the quality of finish at the join. It’s up to you and perhaps your budget how you approach this one. Sometimes it’s just quicker and easier to start again.