Common DIY Disasters (and how to avoid them!)
DIY Disasters, we’ve all had one at some point or another. But some are easily avoidable with some care and attention, or an extra tool or two. Here we’ll dive into some common DIY disasters and some simple tips that you can follow in order to avoid falling victim to them.
Drilling through electrical wires
As well as being costly to repair, drilling or cutting through wires can be a very dangerous mistake to make. Despite being one of the most common DIY disasters, going through wires can be easily avoided with a little preparation using a wire detector to discover any hidden cabling before you drill into the wall.
Putting up shelving unevenly
Shelves, pictures, mirrors, they all seem to look straight when you’re close up, yet the minute you take a few steps backwards, you’re favourite family portrait ends up taking a nosedive. Not to mention the frustration of having to redo it, you can often end up with unwanted holes in your wall in the process. No matter whether you think you have ‘the eye’, to get the straightest line, it’s important to always use a spirit or digital laser level.
Breaking windows with a ladder
Ladders are a staple piece of kit when attempting DIY, but often they need to be leaning against potentially dangerous surfaces in the process. For example, when clearing out your guttering, make sure you avoid smashing your windows by carefully placing your ladder before you begin.
Damaging water pipes
What may seem like a simple bathroom DIY job, could end up quickly becoming a disaster if you happen to drill straight through a water pipe. The potential to flood your house is high if you do not take the proper precautions to check out the area fully beforehand. Err on the side of caution if you are attempting your own home drilling near potential pipes, slowly check the area frequently for any signs of pipe or use a pipe detector if possible.
Frustration with flat packs
No matter how many times you’ve put together flat pack furniture, it really does pay off to read the instructions carefully before you begin. Without following each step carefully, you could end up with missing screws, uneven panels or even worse, wonky furniture which can’t be salvaged.
Summary
Although these disasters are fairly common, they can be easily avoided with a little forward-thinking - saving you time, money and injuries in the long-run. Consider asking for help when taking on a big project, and if money allows, consider outsourcing your household jobs to a reliable provider. If you’re about to start your own Do it Yourself job, you can get all of your timber, joinery and construction products in Nottinghamshire, through us. Why not get in touch today to see how we can help you.