For many of us, a bank holiday weekend presents an opportunity to get on top of those jobs that need doing around the home. Indulging in a little DIY can be relaxing and even enjoyable, and it can save you a chunk of money. However, it’s not always plain sailing. If you had a DIY disaster this bank holiday, then you’re definitely not alone. It may be a slightly amusing story to tell at the office, but there can be some serious ramifications. Here’s what you should be aware of moving forward…
Some jobs always require a qualified professional
Research by @GoCompare found that only 43% of homeowners would employ a professional tradesperson to undertake home maintenance jobs, while 58% would attempt the work themselves or enlist help from friends or family. Sometimes doing it yourself is fine, but there are often serious safety implications. Electrical, plumbing and gas work, for example, should always be carried out by a professional.
Check whether your home insurance will cover you
Safety aside, it’s important to note that undertaking some projects could render your home insurance invalid. This means that you would be liable to cover the costs of any associated damage. Before you start any work, you should always check your insurance policy to assess the potential implications. You may be surprised to discover what you won’t be covered for. From there, you can make an informed decision about your next steps.
What’s done is done, but it might be time to change your approach
Of course, you might have already learned these lessons the hard way. If that’s the case, you’ll likely be kicking yourself. If this is you, then the most valuable thing you can do is to change your approach going forward. Painting a wall is something you can realistically do on your own. Beyond that though, you should perhaps consider working with a tradesperson. It could save you a lot of hassle, stress and time in the longer term.