Easter DIY tips: Decorating through the recession
Wednesday, 08 April 2009 11:49
From painting a bedroom to re-doing the kitchen, Easter weekend is traditionally one of the busiest do-it-yourself home improvement periods of the year - and it seems not even a recession can hinder tradition.
Johanna King puts on her overalls, finds her paint brushes and sees what she needs for Easter DIY.
People are more likely to do DIY this year than in the past few years, according to a survey by AXA Insurance, as the chances of moving up the property ladder are diminished and homeowners aim to expand on what they have.
Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com says: "As the recession continues to bite, people are looking for more ways to keep spending down."
But DIY projects are not immune to the economy, moneysupermarket has found. Forty-three per cent cannot afford to pay for improvements this Easter.
Despite all this, as many as one-third of households will embark on some type of home improvement project this weekend
M&S Insurance manager Judith Roberts says: "Easter is always a popular time of the year to get jobs done around the home.
"The current financial climate means that even more people will be having a go at DIY, either as an alternative to moving home or instead of employing a professional."
But be careful: nearly one in five has had an accident doing-it-themselves in the past.
From minor thing such as spilling paint, to creating holes in walls and ceilings and even breaking furniture.
More serious accidents are also common. Nearly one in five have caused water damage and 14 per cent have caused a fire.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates around 200,000 people per year are injured in DIY accidents - anything from cut fingers and sprained ankles to electric shock.
The best way to avoid mishap is to be well prepared - plan out the project, so you don't end up like a quarter of the nation's DIY-ers, who admit to having to call in the professionals after a project has gone wrong.
Mr Sweeney says: "For those looking to make home improvements themselves to save money, I would advise they ensure they are comfortable with any work they choose to carry out, especially those working without help or guidance from someone with relevant knowledge or experience."
But TV home improvement guru 'Handy' Andy Kane points out improvements don't have to be tricky.
"DIY is only as hard as you make it, and you don't always need an expert carpenter or interior decorator to do a good job," he says.
"The most important thing is to plan in advance and make sure you have the right tools for the job."
"There are some simple tips to make sure that your DIY projects go as smoothly as possible," Handy Andy says.
"It's not about being an expert carpenter or painter, but about good project management."
Here's Handy Andy's advice:
1. Plan what you need and how much. Nothing disrupts a project like running out of paint or realising your step ladder doesn't reach the tops of your walls. Make a list before you go to your local store to make sure you get everything you need.
2. Don't get disheartened if your project doesn't look how you imagined it half way through. Keep going and stick to your plan, and trust that when you put everything back together it will look good.
3. Be precise, and don't cut corners. A millimetre here and there may not sound like much, but when you are staring at a wonky shelf it can mean starting all over again.
4. Before you start any DIY or decorating, give the room you are working on a thorough clean. Wipe down walls and skirting boards to be painted, and clean and cover any furniture. This will make the final result look better, and minimise problems later on with flaking paint or uneven wallpaper.
5. Be safe. Make sure you wear gloves and protective goggles where necessary, and tie back long hair. If you start to get tired take a tea break, and don't rush jobs.
Insurers are also recommending that those bent on making a few repairs and improvements this weekend go over their insurance policy beforehand.
Nick Kidd, head of household at AXA says: "As well as all the other preparation that's essential for a good DIY job, it's worth checking out whether you've got suitable insurance in place."
Mr. Sweeney says: "It is vital to check the small print of their policy in case of any DIY disasters because unless they have accidental damage cover, their DIY mishap may not be insured."
Ms Roberts agrees: "It's worth bearing in mind that DIY doesn't always go as planned.
"Always make sure you plan well before attempting DIY and seek professional advice if necessary. Also check that your home insurance policy covers you for accidental damage and whether there is a limit to that cover."
Insurers also have several additional tips to make sure your remodel or redecoration goes smoothly:
1. Cut down the risk of accidental damage from water and fire by turning off the electrics and water at the mains.
2. If the worst happens, phone your insurer as soon as possible so they can help you to quickly rectify the situation.
3. Receipts of pricey purchases and photos of the damage greatly help in speeding up a claim.
4. Check with your local council if you think you may need a permit for a large project.
5. Call a professional for large complex jobs involving gas, electrical or plumbing work.
6. When choosing a tradesman, ask for references and certificates to demonstrate that they are competent and reliable.
Head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance, David Rochester says: "It all looks so easy on the home makeover programmes, but it is perhaps no bad thing that most people say they wouldn't attempt large DIY projects themselves.
"Trying to tackle areas you are not qualified for such as gas, electrics or plumbing work can invalidate a home insurance policy, leaving the homeowner liable for the cost of any subsequent damage."
What kind of DIYer are you? What help do you need? Take Handy Andy's DIY poll with Wilkinson Plus
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