{"id":18794,"date":"2018-12-03T05:56:14","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T05:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=18794"},"modified":"2018-12-03T06:01:24","modified_gmt":"2018-12-03T06:01:24","slug":"major-diy-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/major-diy-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Major DIY Mistakes and How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a lot of pride to be had in domestic DIY. Not only can you save a ton of cash, but you also get to learn new skills and be able to show off your own handiwork when the job is done. Sure, throwing money at professionals will probably get the job done quicker, but where\u2019s the fun in that?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trick is in getting the balance right between doing it inexpensively and doing it well. The last thing you want to have spent weeks botching a job only to have to call in (and pay for) an expert to fix your mistake then get around to doing it properly themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you avoid this? Well, there are always elements that can\u2019t be accounted for (what\u2019s a DIY renovation without <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/boredomtherapy.com\/hidden-time-capsule\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uncovering a hidden safe?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), but there are a few good rules to stick to if you want your project to be a success. Here are five of the biggest mistakes you can make when carrying out a major DIY job, plus some advice about how to avoid them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Getting started too soon<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve just moved into a new home, you\u2019re probably itching to start putting your \u201cstamp\u201d on the place. Well, before you start busting out the toolkit and paints, hold on a second.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living in the house or apartment for a little while can help you get a better idea of how you\u2019ll be using certain areas day to day. For example, you might immediately want to create a nice laundry space near the bathroom, but after a few weeks you\u2019ll realise that keeping washing nearer the kitchen is more practical for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognising the habits that you naturally pick up from living in a new space (like where you put your shopping when you come home, or where mess tends to build up) will help you plan a much more rewarding design when it comes to changing things.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Not telling your neighbours<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your project involves major work to a wall, fence or boundary that you share with your neighbour, you\u2019ll need to follow a formal process to inform them and obtain consent. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 if you\u2019re simply putting up a shelf or hanging some pictures then this isn\u2019t necessary. However, if you intend to cut into, remove or replace sections of the shared wall (known as a \u201cparty wall\u201d), then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squarepointsurveyors.co.uk\/blog\/party-walls-what-options-does-an-adjoining-owner-have\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you will have to serve a Party Wall Notice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failing to do this in the right order can result in your neighbours taking out an injunction against you, forcing you to stop the work. Given the delays and expense this can cause, it\u2019s best to consult a surveyor beforehand to understand exactly what your responsibilities are. They\u2019ll answer any questions you may have \u2013 for example, whether you can serve Party Wall Notice retrospectively\u2026 (hint, the short answer is \u201cno\u201d!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Investing in tech<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plenty of people dream about having a fully automated house <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.postscapes.com\/internet-of-things-award\/connected-home-products\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that connects to the Internet of Things<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While it\u2019s true that our lives are becoming more saturated with tech, it\u2019s not always wise to make a big investment when it comes to integrating gadgets completely into your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between wireless sound systems, portable computers, smart plugs, universal controllers, exponential TV picture quality and all kinds of clever appliances, domestic tech is getting better and better at an astounding rate. It can be very hard to predict which bits of kit will take off, stay around forever or become outdated incredibly quickly \u2013 potentially leading to an unrecoverable waste of money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Fudging the budget<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re planning the finances of a project, a good rule of thumb is to work out what the maximum amount is that you\u2019re willing to spend, then aim for just 80% of it. With unexpected delays, hidden costs and surprise mistakes bound to happen, it\u2019s much smarter to build-in a buffer (and hopefully come in under budget) than to spend everything you have then get caught with an unforeseen expense. Be savvy with your spending, and think about how you can mix a few \u2018investment\u2019 purchases with lower-cost features.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise, don\u2019t make the mistake of aiming for the cheapest of everything. It\u2019s sensible to splash out on the things that you\u2019ll use every day, otherwise inescapable wear and tear will mean that you\u2019re replacing items much more than you need to. For example, choose quality when it comes to flooring in high-traffic areas and hardware for doors, kitchens and bathrooms \u2013 your budget will thank you later. There are also a few sneaky ways in which you can make a low-cost renovation look expensive \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.houselogic.com\/remodel\/windows-doors-and-floors\/budget-home-improvement-ideas\/?site_ref=right-rail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take a look for ideas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best thing to keep in mind is that you design for your budget, not the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18795\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/major-diy-mistakes-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"690\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Guesstimating measurements<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the scale of room features and furniture is essential for carrying out a DIY renovation that looks professional. With that said, having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.johnlewis.com\/buying-guides\/measuring-up-for-furniture-guide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a list of accurate measurements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is non-negotiable. Include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Floor area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ceiling height<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcoves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shelf and window depths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Door widths (for getting things in and out)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sizes of key furniture you already have<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preferred sizes of items you\u2019re looking for<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You never know when you\u2019re going to stumble across the perfect rug, armchair or curtain fabric, so being armed with all the essential numbers will keep you one step ahead. The last thing you want is to purchase your dream sofa and find that you can\u2019t get it in the room, or buy a rug that ends up looking like a postage stamp.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a lot of pride to be had in domestic DIY. Not only can you save a ton of cash, but you also get to learn new skills and be able to show off your own handiwork when the job<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/major-diy-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":18797,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[1,14,16],"tags":[],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":null,"_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/major-diy-mistakes-1.jpg","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/major_diy_mistakes_and_how_to_avoid_them","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18794"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18794"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18794\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18799,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18794\/revisions\/18799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18794"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=18794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}