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BLOG: DIY tips from the trades

Joanna Faith
Written By:
Joanna Faith
Posted:
Updated:
20/05/2022

Brits blow £7.8bn a year on tradesman visits, according to Swinton Insurance research, and even tradesmen think we’re wasting our money.

Eight in 10 tradesmen say they think Brits are too quick to call in a professional for basic DIY jobs they could easily do themselves.

The average household spends £294 employing a tradesperson to carry out minor repairs in their homes last year, so is it time we tried tackling these jobs ourselves?

Here are some tips on five common household problems you can fix yourself and five you definitely should not!

  1. Fixing a leaking tap

Most taps drip because a rubber washer needs replacing inside. A new washer will only set you back around 20p and it is pretty easy to fit, if you have the right tools and remember a few simple rules. A screwdriver and an adjustable spanner should be all you need, and make sure you turn your water supply off at the stop cock before you get started.

  1. Dealing with squeaky floorboards

A squeaky floorboard is annoying, but can be easy to fix. The squeak is generally caused by loose floorboards rubbing against each other. Sometimes just shaking some talcum powder through the cracks can solve the problem, but the boards may need screwing down more securely.

  1. Resealing a bath

Over time, the seal around your bath can go mouldy and even start to leak. Scraping out the old seal and replacing it can be straightforward and cheap. A tube of bathroom sealant usually costs less than £10, so add a £4 cartridge gun and a £2 utility knife and you’re ready to go. Not only will your bath look much more appealing, a proper seal means no danger of damaging leaks.

  1. Painting a wall

A fresh coat of paint can give a room a whole new lease of life. Enough paint to decorate an average-sized living room, including the ceiling, should not cost much more than £40, and you can get a good set of paint brushes for £10-15. Prepare your surfaces well and use good quality brushes for an expert finish.

  1. Building a shed

Flat-pack sheds come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the fixings provided, so you should just need some basic tools like a hammer, a selection of screwdrivers and an electric drill – assuming there is a solid flat base to build on. It is not a one man job, though, so you’ll need some extra muscle to help with the build.

Despite this, there are some DIY jobs no homeowner should try to take on. A simple fix for a qualified professional can be dangerous for an amateur to tackle, and could even invalidate your home insurance.

Here are five jobs you should always leave to the experts:

  1. Knocking down an internal wall

You may love open plan living, but consult a structural engineer first. Knock down a loadbearing wall (one that supports the upper level of your house), and your home could be at risk of collapse. Loadbearing walls also often contain plumbing and wiring, which will need rerouting by a professional. You may also need to get planning approval before you start. If you employ a professional builder, it is their responsibility to comply with regulations.

  1. Installing electrical cabling

Electrical work in the home is highly regulated, and for good reason. Substantial jobs are covered by Building Regulations laws. They are in place for your safety, so get a professional in.

  1. Removing asbestos

Asbestos can be present in any home built or renovated before 2000 and can be difficult to spot. If disturbed or damaged, it releases fibres which can cause serious disease. If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don’t try to repair or remove it, leave it to trained professionals. Your local council can advise you.

  1. Fixing a gas leak

If you smell gas in your home, don’t even think about trying to tackle the leak yourself. Turn the gas off at the meter if it is safe, and call the 24-hour Gas Emergency Services line on 0800 111 999. The operator will advise you what to do next and send out an engineer. Open all your doors and windows to let the gas out, and don’t use light switches.

  1. Fitting a new bath

When it comes to complex plumbing jobs, like fitting a new bath or shower, leave it to a qualified professional or you could be fined for breaking Water Regulations and your home could even be disconnected from the water supply.

For more tips from the trades, click here.

Mark Hallam is head of products at Swinton Insurance.

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