How To Build

Don't be a DIY disaster - common sense prevails

2009-11-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

Don't wait until disaster strikes to find your stop-cocks and gate valves. Opening and closing them four times a year will ensure they easily work when you need them to.
Don't let a blown fuse leave you in the dark: keep a repair kit near your mains fuse box, with a torch - check the batteries regularly - screwdrivers, spare fuses, bulbs and fuse wire, rubber gloves and insulated pliers, a trimming knife and insulating tape.
Keep your head: if any of your tools has a loose head or handle, replace the whole tool or have it repaired by a professional.
Keep a tool box tidy for easy access and always use the cover guards which come with tools such as saws, knives and chisel blades.
Buy equipment and household appliances which are made to a British or European standard or carry an approved product quality and safety mark. There will be a label on the product.
Get it taped: cover electrical switches which are broken. Switch off at the mains and remove the fuse to that line, and keep it with you, so even if the power is switched on accidentally the line will still be dead and not you, while you carry out a job. The tapes are a reminder for you and a warning to others. Call in professional help if you don't know what you're doing.

Electricity can be a Killer

2009-11-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Power to the elbow makes light work of many DIY jobs but electricity can be a killer unless we use it safely and sensibly.
Keep water away from anything electric. Don't even wash walls without turning off the power at the mains switch.
Never be tempted to use a socket or plug or equipment which could still have water in or on it - allowing it to dry could mean the difference between life and death.
Read manufacturer's instructions on extension cables - they could overheat if left coiled. Check an extension is appropriate for the appliance it is connected to.
RCDs
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) can respond to changes in the flow of electric current. For example, when a flex or cable is cut or an electric tool malfunctions, and direct contact is made with a mains supply conductor and earth, the RCD automatically disconnecting the power supply to the equipment to reduce the risk of you being electrocuted.

RCDs are available in several forms:
... as portable adaptors
... incorporated in socket outlets
... as separate stand alone units for fixed wiring installations offering whole house protection
... as modular units for use in household consumer units
However, although RCDs are a vital safety aid, they can't guarantee 100% protection. Even with them in your home, isn't it better to make a long term investment in good safety practice by looking after appliances such as hedge cutters, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, drills and sanders.
Do not work with electricity in damp or wet conditions. If you MUST, always use an RCD. Always place the cable of a hedge trimmer or mower over your shoulder and keep it behind you at all times.

How to Build - Andy the handyman-DIY disasters. Health and Safety

2009-11-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Warning do not follow Andy the handyman's tips on How to Build DIY. It could seriously damage your health.

Construction sites are notoriously dangerous with a high risk of injury. It has been estimated that more than 155,000 workers at construction sites in the UK are injured every year.

When it comes to using work equipment and machinery the chances of personal injury increase, unless basic safety steps are put in place.

Work equipment can be classed as any type of equipment used including: machines such as circular saws; drilling machines;tractors and hand tools such as screwdrivers, knives and handsaws.

By taking basic safety measures you can avoid accidents. When it comes to identifying the risks of using work equipment,tools and machinery, you should take into account the following:

1: What work is being done with the equipment.

2: Who will be using the equipment; are you a inexperienced worker, or a worker with language problems.

3: What guards of safety devices are present.

4: Are they well designed and easy to use.

5: Ensure you do not bypass these safeguards either for convenience sake. Using equipment for long periods of time, tiredness sets in and doubles your risk of an accident.

6: What power source is required? eg electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic. Each type has different risks and different ways of controlling them.

Before you attempt your next DIY project step back and do a simple risk assessment.
It could save your life.

How To Build DIY

2009-11-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows DIY home improvement projects save you money. Whether you're improving your home for a better living, or to raise its market value, the greatest reward however is not the money normally. It is the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself.

Most homeowners are amateurs at home improvement projects. They over estimate their skill levels and become disappointed when they fail to complete the DIY home repair on time and within budget. More often than not, they just abandon the projects half-way through.

You don't have to let that happen to you. Take time to seek advice from friends and the professionals, do some research and compile them into a list of quick home improvement tips. This will all help to make your DIY home improvement a success instead of a failure. And give you more confidence in undertaking the projects.

You can't go wrong planning ahead and be prepared. Work out the project in your head, put it down on paper, then go through it again carefully when you do the actual work. Get more materials than you need. Wastes and scraps do occur in DIY home repair. You'll be glad when you don't have to drive back to the builders merchant for more supplies.

Divide the whole home improvement repair project into smaller tasks that are complete on their own. Don't think of painting the entire house inside and outside, upstairs and downstairs in one weekend. Think about painting your kid's room or the kitchen. They will be much easier to handle one small job at a time. And in case the whole project drags on for a while, at least things won't be so messy.

Make sure you wear the appropiate protective clothing for the job you are undertaking.Safty glasses, ear plugs, dusk masks, safety boots are all essential safety gears depending on the type of do-it-yourself home repair job. If you don't have any of them? They can be obtained from Builder's Merchants or tool hire shops. Which would you prefer: Spending money to get the proper equipment now, or spend time in hospital when your injured? Your choice.

Saving money by skimping on quality materials and tools is a bad idea. Sure your do-it-yourself home improvement will cost less. Instead of lasting for 10 years though, maybe you'll have to redo the project in another 5 years. The right tools will probably get the job done in a month but now you need 3 months or more. You may save money in the short term, but it may cost you more in the long run. Be reasonable though. don't pay for quality out of your reach.

Don't leave your DIY home improvement project hanging. Finish it. Maybe you're out of time to complete the project this weekend. So put the tools away, and remember to bring them out again next weekend. Don't ever start more home improvement projects unless you've finished the current one. If you don't stick to this rule, nothing will ever get done. Really.