PRODUCT NEWS


Experts reveal the best order to follow when taking on a DIY makeover or renovation


A new nationwide study by home improvement specialist, BLACK+DECKER, has revealed that over a third (36%) of Brits are guilty of “winging it” when taking on home renovation projects, and experts are warning homeowners against doing a botched job that could result in a DIY disaster. Providing a helping hand to those looking to take on their next DIY project, Nick Ee Product and Training Manager at BLACK+DECKER is offering his step-by-step guide for completing a whole room renovation in the right order to reduce the risk of wasted time and money or compromising health and safety.


Nick Ee, comments “When


renovating a home, it can be difficult to figure out what to tackle first but don’t let this overwhelm you. The most important advice I would give is to never ‘wing’ it, whether you’re a DIY novice or class yourself as a pro as this will almost always result in a mistake being made that could cost in many ways.”


1. Planning is key The order in which home renovation jobs should be done can vary based on the specific needs of the project, but one of the most important steps to remember is the planning and design.


Nick comments “Planning and design should be the starting point of any DIY project. You should plan out your renovation, create designs, set a budget, determine the scope of work and gather the necessary equipment. Prepping helps to avoid mistakes and ensures a smoother workflow.


When you rush into a project with no adequate prep you not only risk the quality of work but also the safety of those involved in the project.”


2. Address any structural issues Depending on the condition of the house whether you’re starting a full renovation from scratch or just a DIY makeover, it is important to address any major structural issues first.


Nick says, “Your house may look perfect at first glance, but I would always recommend checking the foundation for any cracks, repairing the roof, or addressing any issues with the walls.


If this is ignored and you start decorating the interior, you could end up with a bigger job on your hands. If you spot any cracks, the general rule when repairing them is to firstly clean the area by removing any loose debris or cracked paint, then you’ll need to fill in the crack with filler or joint compound using a putty knife. Make sure its level with the wall and once dry you can sand to smoothen the area and repaint.”


3. Let there be light


Most will know that one of the key features of a functioning home include electrics and plumbing. This should be one of the earlier steps when renovating a home.


Nick comments “It makes sense to work on electrical and plumbing systems before the walls and floors are finished but those that like to ‘wing’ it could be making this simple mistake that will end up wasting time and money. You may want to get some professional support at this stage. Always wear appropriate safety gear – safety goggles, gloves and protective footwear when working with electricity and power tools.”


4. Get the painting done Once you’ve installed or upgraded insulation for energy efficiency benefits and put-up drywall, it’s time to start working on the more fun renovation jobs like painting and wallpapering.


Nick comments “Much like


renovation projects, preparation is key when painting your walls. I would suggest properly preparing the surface by cleaning it thoroughly, filling in any holes or cracks, sanding rough spots with an orbital sander and using painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint. Once you’ve got the painting done, you can start adding in fixtures like kitchen cabinets and add any small finishing details. One tool that’s great for completing these finishing jobs is a cordless screwdriver, ideal for flat pack furniture assembly, electrical equipment, hanging decor and general household repair work.”


www.blackanddecker.co.uk 16 DIY WEEK NOVEMBER 2023 www.diyweek.net


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