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A Beginner’s Guide to DIY – What you Need to Know 

A Beginner’s Guide to DIY – What you Need to Know

Many Australian homeowners are turning to DIY, as labour costs keep rising and home improvements are out of the reach of many, and in this short article, we offer some basic information to help you get to grips with DIY projects around the house.

Tools

Of course, a tradesman is only as good as his tools and when it comes to DIY, we recommend investing in the best quality tools, which, if looked after, will last a lifetime. Every tool should be cleaned and oiled after use in order to keep it in good condition. If tools get wet, they should be dried prior to storing. 

A basic tool kit would include the following:

  • Set of wood chisels and wooden mallet
  • Set of saws – Crosscut, tenon, coping saw and hacksaw.
  • Pliers and grips
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Claw hammer
  • Set of screwdrivers
  • Nail punch
  • Putty knives & small trowel
  • Short and long spirit level
  • Plane
  • Sharpening stone & oil (for chisels)
  • Sandpaper & block

Power tools

Power tools save a lot of time and effort and over time, you can acquire the following:

  • Power screwdriver
  • Circular saw
  • Electric drill
  • Electric planer
  • Electric sander
  • Nail gun

Other equipment

Aside from all of the above, you will need the following for some projects:

  • Adjustable aluminium steps
  • Set of extendable ladders
  • Power extension leads
  • Welding torch

Of course, no one expects you to acquire all of the above in a single shop, rather you should buy tools as and when they are needed. It might take a few years before you can safely say you have all the tools you need and we’re not talking sex toys here.

Planning projects

Once you make up your mind to take on a home improvement project, the first thing to do is create two lists, one for materials and one for tools and equipment. Once you’ve done that, you can cost the project; Google can help you find the best deals for materials and a local supplier will probably deliver for free.

Commencing work

The worst thing you can do is start work and then discover you are missing materials or tools; make sure that you have everything you need on site prior to starting work. Some projects will involve working off-site, in the garage or shed and when a component is finished, you can install it in the home. 

Protection

Working in the home is all about protecting the furniture and flooring, which you can do with old bed sheets or blankets. Get into the habit of working methodically, cleaning up as you go, removing rubbish as it accumulates.

Online help

YouTube hosts zillions of ‘how to’ video tutorials that cover every possible home improvement that you could think of, and some! In fact, you could build a house with zero building experience just from watching YouTube videos!

You can save a fortune by improving your home, which will boost the value of the property and add a level of comfort.

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