IF you are planning to tackle some DIY jobs this Easter weekend instead of paying a professional to fix up your home, you won’t be alone.
A fifth of people are considering doing their own home improvements to save cash, according to a new survey.
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And the long bank holiday weekend provides the perfect opportunity to get stuck in.
Painting (37 per cent) and tiling (15 per cent) were among the most popular tasks people tackle solo.
But if you are a complete DIY novice, it is wise to seek a bit of advice before going at it hammer and tongs.
Here, Tom Revill, DIY expert and founder of Plank Hardware (plankhardware.com) shares his top renovation tips — and how to avoid a domestic disaster.
UPCYCLE CABINETS
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GIVING existing cabinets a fresh new look is a brilliant way to breathe new life into your kitchen and transform it in an eco and budget-friendly way.
You will require paint or varnish, any hardware you might need and new handles.
Apply a coat of primer before painting to help achieve a professional finish.
I would always recommend two coats of your chosen colour for durability.
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You can add peel-and-stick tiles to quickly and cheaply transform your backsplash, too.
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RE-GROUT TILES
THIS can be a very satisfying task as re-grouting can single-handedly renovate your bathroom on a budget.
To save time and effort, apply new grout right over the top of old for instant makeover results.
Just remember to strike out at least 2mm of old grout using a grout removal tool, to ensure your new layer comfortably sits between tiles.
Keep an eye on your tiles and make sure they are maintained well before any problems arise.
It is a job well worth tackling ahead of time to mitigate the risk of broken tiles and leaks — which are far pricier to rectify and might need the help of a plumber.
GARDEN GLOW-UP
SMARTENING up outside spaces is easy to do on a budget with DIY raised beds or planters, which you can then use for growing fruit and veg or flowers and shrubs.
Don’t spend a fortune on ready-made beds though. make your own budget-friendly landscaping touches using some wooden crates or pallets.
Simply cut to size, line with old compost bags or pond liner and fill.
You can even try growing plants in unused furniture.
Could you use that old wobbly drawer as a new herb garden?
Why not!
KERB APPEAL
SPRUCING up the exterior of your home creates instant kerb appeal and can even increase the value of your property.
There is no need for a new front door, either.
Painting your existing one is an easy way to give your home a whole new welcoming personality.
If the weather isn’t playing ball for outside jobs this bank holiday, why not replace your letterbox with a new one?
You could even give the one you have a polish with brass cleaner.
It will cost you only a couple of quid and the difference it makes might surprise you.
SHELF HELP
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PUTTING up shelves is a simple one, which is why it is such a common DIY task.
Have a go yourself with a drill and brackets to add storage, depth and interest without getting a professional in.
Just be sure to use a spirit level to make sure they are straight.
To avoid mess when drilling into a wall, fold a piece of A4 paper in two and seal both shorter sides with masking tape.
Stick one half of the open section to the wall using masking tape, and add a fold to the other side to create a pocket to collect the dust.
A good money-saving tip is to recycle old planks of wood to use on your walls. This could be left-over pieces of floorboard.
Or try using reclaimed scaffolding boards which look striking in a kitchen space, giving an industrial, contemporary look.
They are ideal as a load-bearing structure for whatever you want them to hold.
Even better, they can be picked up relatively inexpensively from online marketplaces or builders’ yards.
DOOR MAKEOVERS
REFRESHING doors can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of your home.
It is a quick and easy task to attempt yourself.
Simply sand down and then decide if you want to smarten them up with a lick of paint, add wax or varnish for that raw wooden look.
Consider changing hardware such as handles too. It is easy and can transform your look.
TACKLE TAPS
IF you haven’t quite got the cash for a full kitchen or bathroom renovation, do not underestimate the transformative power of switching up your taps.
For confident DIY-ers, updating kitchen mixers or sink hardware can make a huge difference to your interiors.
Be sure to select the right style of tap for your sink and have your spanners in easy reach before you start.
And don’t forget to turn the water supply off at the stopcock, or isolating valve, before you begin.
SMART ART
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HANGING paintings or pictures can give your living room or bedroom an instant interiors lift.
Professional framing can be expensive, though, especially if you need custom sizes.
I would suggest sourcing cheap frames from discount home stores then mounting each print or picture yourself on to backing paper that fits the frame.
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Get playful by working with coloured papers or cards. You could even spruce up your frame with trendy wooden bobbin detailing.
You will get a gallery look at a budget price.
