DIY always carries some risks with it, whether that is because you are working at great heights or using powerful, heavy machinery. It is therefore vital to safeguard against potential dangers as much as possible, by taking sensible precautions and using the right tools for the job.
With that in mind, here are a few top tips to keep you safe when undertaking home improvement tasks. Some of them may seem like common sense, because frankly they are, but they are well worth remembering when you are doing some DIY.
Dress for the job
A great way to prevent yourself from coming to harm when doing jobs around the home and garden is to dress appropriately. And that means more than a pair of stonewashed jeans and a check shirt, however much this makes you feel like a real home improvement pro. Items like safety boots with steel toe caps and tough boiler suits will protect you. Then there are more specialist garments and accessories available such as safety goggles, ear defenders, protective gloves and hi vis vests.
Consider the weather
The weather can be an important factor in DIY, so take a look outside before you make your plan of chores for the day. If it’s a blue-skied day without a breath of wind maybe it is the right time to clean out those gutters. If it’s blowing a gale and tipping down rain, perhaps not. Straightforward advice, but there are people who don’t think about these things and working in inappropriate conditions does often lead to injury.
Buy the right tools
Having the right tools for the job is essential, not only so that you can do the work you need to quickly and efficiently, but to minimize risks too. For example, use a trolley for conveying heavy loads, don’t overestimate what you can lift. Also use cable snippers to trim the cover off wires, not your teeth. Cutting corners may seem shrewd at the time but it pays to use the right tools in the long run. It is also quite satisfying building a good quality tool collection.
Invest in a stepladder
Balancing on a dining chair might allow you to reach the ceiling that you want to paint, but you’ll be in serious trouble if it isn’t built to hold your weight. A stepladder is an inexpensive item that will be incredibly useful for all kinds of DIY tasks, and you can feel safe and secure, rather than anxious and wobbly. A real home improvement essential.
If needed, call in the experts
There are many home improvement jobs that the average person can tackle themselves, saving a bit of cash and learning some new skills at the same time. However, there are some that must be left to the professionals. If it involves gas or electricity the sensible thing to do is call in an expert. Don’t risk your health or even your life to save a bit of money; it’s definitely not worth it.
Wow looks like your having fun there, i know what its like i have been painting all the windows of my parents house and its taking me ages and i have only got half way so far 🙂
Yes, i agree. If anybody is unable to do DIY, then they should hire some expert handyman services, but if you are good at such type of stuff, then all the best. You can give your Home, a look according to your heart.