H Mag - The Handy Mag for Home, Hardware and Home DIY Jun. 2014 | Page 6

6

Is DIY for me?
By Consumer Build

How much can you realistically achieve
given other demands on your time? We
take a practical look at DIY work.

You have to make a number of informed decisions before starting
a project. For example, if you decide to paint the bathroom, think
about these issues:

Many people are capable of carrying out repairs and maintenance
work on their homes, including redecorating, such as painting
and wallpapering. Some people have the skills needed for more
difficult renovations and alterations.

Do you have the patience and equipment to remove tiles or
peel off the old wallpaper, plaster and sand the wall to a smooth
enough finish for painting and apply a professional-looking coat of
paint? When you remove wallpaper, will you be able to replace any
wallboard that is rotten or damaged and, more importantly, can
you find the source of any dampness and deal with it?

Most of the restrictions on how much you can do yourself come
down to skill, time and energy. There may also be work you are not
permitted to do because of legal restrictions.

Do you know enough about the products, such as how to seal the
walls before painting, and how to choose a paint that is waterresistant?

Be realistic about what you can ac