Getting the most out of DIY

The recession has seen a surge of home owners digging out their tool kits and dabbling in a bit of DIY to save some money.  DIY can be a productive and rewarding hobby, and when you've got the 'bug' there is no turning back!  It can however, be a very fiddly hobby, and it is important to get it right- after all it's your home! Here are a few helpful tips to help you to optimise your DIY experience…

·        Keep a note pad.  This may seem rather simple, but it's an invaluable tip.  Keep a note pad or better still, some post-its in your tool kit.  This can be extremely useful when you need to take measurements on, and you can stick it anywhere as a reminder. 

·        Magnets.  Keep a few magnets in your tool box.  These are extremely useful for when you drop little pins or screws- instead of struggling to pick them up or see them in a thick carpet, just hover a magnet over them and they will stick to it.  This should help to keep all of your screws pins together, meaning you won't be short when building something.

·        Always keep a pair of goggles and thick gloves in your tool kit.  A lot of DIY practices can involve using chemicals or even fire/flames.  It is imperative to stay safe while doing DIY projects and avoid any trips to A&E!

·        Struggling with screws?  Sometimes screws can be a nightmare to get out of the wall or other surface, and can cause damage to the surface if pulled out too vigorously.  One way to ease them out without difficulty is to heat them slightly first.  You can do this by using a soldering iron- when heated the screws should come out without damaging anything around it.

·        Check with the council.  Before starting any work on your house which may result in the structure of your home being altered, or may add value to your home, make sure you check that the work will comply with building regulations first.  The council has the authority to pull down your work if it is deemed unsafe so remember to check this out first.

Another important factor to remember before starting any work is to consider what it will mean for your home insurance policy.  Make sure you make your home insurance provider aware of any home improvements you make as this could invalidate your policy should you need to make a claim.  These improvements may add value to your property so you may need to compare home insurance quotes to find a more comprehensive policy. 

Also, remember that the home insurance market is particularly buoyant at the moment, so before committing to one provider make sure you compare policies at www.moneysupermarket.com - where the average saving on home insurance is £132.

A Home Insurance article, written by Rachael Miller, part of the Insurance team at moneysupermarket.com