Beginner's Guide to DIY & Home Repair E-Book

Jo Behari

• Herausgeber: Creative Homeowner
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 208

Beschreibung

Start doing your own household repairs and simple renovations without the expense of calling in a professional! If you are frustrated by your own inability to handle a repair, or resentful of having to pay someone to take care of simple home maintenance—you've come to the right place. Full of expert advice, this practical handbook features easy instructions for all the home DIY basics, from painting and wallpapering to simple plumbing, changing a lock, using power tools, fixing a squeaky board and much more. Beginner's Guide to DIY & Home Repair will provide first-time homeowners and renters with the basic skills and guidance to get the job done. This ultimate reference guide for the DIY novice offers help for anyone who has a busy working life but still wants to make their home look good—without spending a fortune.

Leseprobe

Copyright © 2011, 2019 Jo Behari, Alison Winfield-Chislett and Creative Homeowner

Beginner’s Guide to DIY & Home Repair is an updated and revised edition of ISBN 978-1-84773-754-0, originally published in 2011 by New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.

This book may not be reproduced, either in part or in its entirety, in any form, by any means, without written permission from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts for purposes of radio, television, or published review. All rights, including the right of translation, are reserved. Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with manufacturer’s instructions for tools, equipment, and materials before beginning a project. Although all possible measures have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material presented, neither the author nor the publisher is liable in case of misinterpretation of directions, misapplication, or typographical error.

Creative Homeowner® is a registered trademark of New Design Originals Corporation.

Beginner’s Guide to DIY & Home Repair

Vice President-Content: Christopher Reggio

Editor: Jeremy Hauck

Copy Editor: Colleen Dorsey

Designer: David Fisk

Indexer: Johanna Egert

Print ISBN 978-1-58011-828-6eISBN 978-1-60765-903-7

The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

Creative Homeowner®, www.creativehomeowner.com, is an imprint of New Design Originals Corporation and distributed exclusively in North America by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 800-457-9112, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, and in the United Kingdom by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

PART 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN

ONE STEP AT A TIME

A SHORT GUIDE TO HOUSE CONSTRUCTION

TIME TO GEAR UP

BUILDING MATERIALS: A PRIMER

BASIC SKILLS TO MASTER

PART 2: PROJECTS

ORGANIZATION & STORAGE

WALLS & CEILINGS

DOORS & WINDOWS

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

FLOORING

FURNITURE

EXTERIOR DIY

GLOSSARY

PHOTO CREDITS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PREFACE

WELCOME TO THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DIY.

Being a homeowner is one of the most satisfying things that can happen to an adult. You’ve finally made it; you own your own pile of bricks and mortar. But now what!? A home is as big a responsibility as the family you put in it. It needs tender loving care and plenty of nurturing. So, learn how it works, know when it needs attention, and learn how to make it your own.

The knowledge you will gain from owning this book will not only give you a great understanding of how your home functions but will also provide you with the skills needed to make that house your home. Tackling small DIY jobs like putting up a shelf or wallpapering a room will give you so much satisfaction while keeping your bank account in the black.

Over the years I have lived in many different types of properties and having this knowledge behind me has allowed me to keep those homes in good condition and customize them to my own style. For me home improvement skills are some of the most important life skills we should possess. We all know how important it is to learn to cook a meal or do the washing, so why not put using a drill on that same list?

This book will guide you through the basics of how your home works, giving you confidence to know when things are going wrong and how to fix them when they do. You will also benefit from step by step projects to allow you to customize your own home. Perfect for any beginner and a must for any new homeowner.

—JO BEHARI

We hope that as a result of reading some of this book you will feel able to tackle that first long-awaited DIY job in your home that has taunted you for too long.

Even if the task is just tightening up some hinges or hanging a coat hook, that moment of standing back to admire your own handiwork is the payoff. Pleasure receptors in the brain kick in and reward you for all your planning and doing.

Besides the amazement that the house didn’t fall down as a result and the relief of not handing over hard-earned money to someone, there is a special relationship that starts to form with your home itself. That useful shelf you hung, or the room you painted (even with its imperfections) adds to a feeling of connection to your surroundings and develops a satisfaction and pride you can’t buy.

Since 2011, many more tools are now cordless and affordable. No more tripping over cables of circular saws, sanders, and drills. Designs are easier for smaller hands to use, with intuitive controls so you won’t be trying to find the manual before you begin.

Cordless power tools have become even more empowered. The batteries have upgraded from containing heavy nickel cadmium that took hours to charge and have been superseded with smaller, lighter, super-fast charging lithium-ion ones that keep their charge even when they aren’t being used so you have no excuse to put off that emergency job.

Let’s get going!

—ALISON WINFIELD-CHISLETT

INTRODUCTION

You are entering a world of scratch awls, claw hammers, and hacksaws—welcome to Beginner’s Guide to DIY & Home Repair. If you carry on a little further you might just pick up a skill or two, although you may already possess transferable skills you can use to transform your home. Like following a recipe to produce a fantastic dish, a successful do-it-yourself project is the result of thoughtful planning, putting together the right ingredients, using a method that works, keeping an eye on the clock, and adding a splash of flair.

NEWBIES ALLOWED

We hope that everyone can take something from these pages. If you are a complete novice, we hope you will be emboldened to give it a shot. And don’t be daunted by the tools. Think of electric drills as egg beaters on steroids and remember that sanding machines are just a cooler, coarser iron. It’s the correct tool if it gets the job done.

This book is intended for people with a range of abilities. By learning about tools and how to use them, you can then put these to use with the appropriate materials and techniques that will become skills when practiced over time. Plan starter projects in less-frequently used rooms if possible— practice might not make perfect, but it will do.

Remember this is DIY, not master crafts. You’ll never produce a dish from a famous chef to the same standard that they will, so don’t expect your DIY project to come out like that of a master carpenter. Even if you think you are ham-fisted, can burn hot water, and are a menace around the house, we hope you will gain courage and confidence. For those in possession of basic skills already, there are plenty of projects to increase your know-how and we think that even the hardened DIYer will find some tips to add to their repertoire.

WHAT’S IN THE BOOK

Whatever your ability now, this book provides a starting point. We have laid out the projects kind of like a recipe book and hinted at where the task fits in with abilities. So let’s talk symbols. You will see scattered throughout the book a number of DIY Hacks and Techniques boxes (see below for Symbols explained).

The first part of the book explains the value of good preparation, what to wear, and how to get yourself ready to DIY. It also outlines how your home works and what’s going on behind your walls. We give you a guided tour around a basic tool kit and tell you how to use it, and there is a pretty comprehensive discussion about materials—what to buy, what to look for. And we also give you an idea of when NOT to do it yourself; sometimes it’s just not worth all the hassle and it is better to employ a skilled contractor who really knows his or her way around thorny issues such as plumbing and electricity.

The second part of the book—the projects— includes a whole range of jobs and projects to try, from hanging stuff on walls to decorating and revamping your kitchen cupboards. Mainly, we show you how to beautify your home on a budget. To battle against a fear of loud tools, to struggle with new skills, and to suffer the thankless task of cleaning up afterward, the goal has to be worth it. For those with an inclination to climb ladders in the rain to clear out and fix gutters, there are other books with that information.

SYMBOLS EXPLAINED

DIY Hacks

These are simple tricks we’ve picked up over the years that will help you take shortcuts, to save money or time or both, or just make your life easier.

Techniques

Basic things you should learn as you go in order to effectively DIY are marked out by the paintbrush icon.

Hints

From us to you, these are our advice, to help you on your DIY journey.

ECO-FRIENDLY, TOO!

Where we can, we have suggested materials and methods that are kinder to our planet, and kinder to us, too. Because not everything can be recycled with no negative environmental impact yet, we have had to stick with more traditional products in some circumstances. We have encouraged the mantra of “remake, reuse, and recycle.” You can feel slightly smug when you breathe new life into an old wardrobe by adding a new shelf, and a tree somewhere will be thanking you for it, too!

AN ARGUMENT FOR BRAIN VS. BRAWN

Not all of us are endowed with big muscles and the stamina of a marathon runner, but not being buff isn’t a hindrance to successful DIY. There are several ways to compensate for lack of heave-ho.

• Let sharp, good-quality tools do the job. Power tools raised the bar and created a lot of equality as far as strength is concerned.

• Use sharp, good-quality drill bits. Let the drill bits work at their maximum ability.

• Replace blades in the jigsaw and sandpaper as soon as these become dull.

• Grip over-tightened nuts with long-handled pliers and use the extra power of the lever effect to aid you. Mechanics use wrench (spanner) sets because it’s the easiest way to loosen something. So should you.

• Use a cordless screwdriver when possible and a long screwdriver if you are using a manual variety. The extra length increases “torque” and provides more power.

• Loosen screws by spraying WD-40 into the screw. Scratch any hardened paint from the screw slot with a utility knife to maximize the effort.

• When lifting and carrying, carry smaller loads. As long as you get the load moved it doesn’t matter how many journeys you make. It’s a workout and cheaper than the gym.

• Support heavy stuff by using steps if you have a stepladder or a workbench to hold the other end in place. Use clamps and vises where you can.

DIY HACK

•Screws and nails and drill bits need a place to live. A plastic box with separate compartments works well. Keep the different sizes separated so you don’t have to sort through every screw to find what you want.

• Alternatively, keep old glass jars (jam jars) and jewelry boxes for screws and nails— stick a nail through the top so you know what’s in each box before you open it.

•Anchors (wall plugs) and other small bits of stuff can be kept in a box or a bag to start off with (depending on how much you gather).

• If you invest in a toolbox, make sure it’s big and sturdy enough for you. A toolbox isn’t just great storage—you can also use it as a mini workbench, and you can stand and sit on it if you don’t have anything else around.

•Wedging and levers—you can lift heavy things using a lever made from a garden spade or long length of wood. Use a cold chisel or the claw of a hammer to inch under the heavy item and wedge in a long length of wood. Use the other end of the wood as a lever to lift.

•Take breaks. Don’t get discouraged by getting exhausted. A nice sit-down with a cup of coffee and a cookie provides a short break to raise blood sugar and plan the next stage.

•HALT—don’t do anything when you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Those strong emotions can help sabotage good work.

•Team up—two are stronger than one. Find a friend who has a project in mind and work together on each other’s jobs. Setbacks become challenges that you can talk over, and putting heads together can turn up a better creative solution.

—ALISON WINFIELD-CHISLETT

PART 1

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The door closes. The keys are in your hands. You are finally in your own home. Maybe elation is arising or despair is descending. It can be overwhelming to look at a new home and not know where to begin to make your mark. Maybe every room needs some changing but you have to move in regardless. You may hate every color the previous occupant used. If money is tight, there may seem to be no budget to renovate. Whatever the reason, the desire to do everything may clash with a lack of confidence and the result is that nothing gets done. Once all your furniture is in place it can be easy to rationalize that it’s too late now, or to allow apathy to gain the upper hand. However, there is always something you can DIY to cheer things up.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Brace yourself. You CAN do it. Choose small bits of work. However much that pattern offends, deciding to remove ALL the wallpaper from every room at the same time will invariably leave you exhausted and demotivated. Instead tackle one wall at a time. Set a goal to change one thing about one room every week.

There are several really easy quick fixes that will brighten up your home and help change that depressing space into a happy land. Even if your place is a dingy rental property, changing simple things that can be replaced at the end of the lease will make it seem more like a home. Have a look at the projects section for easy fixes to brighten up your mood and make you feel safe and secure.

GSI (GET SOMEONE IN) VS. DIY

Some jobs are simply not suitable for the DIY treatment, either because they are too complex and have safety issues, or because you just don’t have time. So if you are going to Get Someone In (GSI as opposed to DIY), here are a few things you need to know before you do.

The best way to get someone who is reliable and trustworthy is to ask people you know for recommendations. Make sure you get a number of estimates. The bigger the job, the more estimates you should get. For something like a bathroom refit, three is a good number but for something more complex like a loft conversion or extension then perhaps five. When a contractor (tradesperson) visits, he or she should be respectful of your home and listen to what you want. And remember, your gut instinct is a very powerful tool; if you don’t get a good feeling about someone then don’t use them.

An estimate should come through promptly, showing that the person is serious about the work. It should be very detailed and outline all the work that needs doing and include notes that need to be considered when the work is being undertaken (i.e. if there might be potential additional work once the job starts).

GETTING A QUOTE

People often confuse estimates and quotes. It is a common belief that a quote is a fixed price for the job and an estimate is a rough idea of what it might cost. It is often confusing and it is difficult to separate the two in law, so it is important to clarify with the contractor the detail of work they will be doing and, if any additional work is necessary, that you are consulted and the cost agreed beforehand.

A good contractor will outline each stage of the work and the costs associated. Materials and labor costs should be separated out and if there is likely to be any additional work, a note should be attached to the estimate or quote so you are aware beforehand. This is not always possible as unforeseen problems do arise when work is in progress. If the unforeseen does arise, make sure you see the problems that have occurred; make the effort to see it while the contractor is there so they can show you and discuss the solutions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how dumb they might seem. This is your home and you have the right to understand the work that is taking place. If you are paying for an estimate then you should be getting a more consultative approach. It is not uncommon, especially in larger jobs, for a contractor to provide a less detailed estimate initially and then when you have decided to choose them, they may visit again and spend more time talking through the finer details.

DIY HACK

A good contractor will be busy and so if someone says they can start immediately and has no other work lined up, get a reference and check their last job.

DONATE YOUR LEFTOVER STUFF

Your cast-offs could be someone else’s start-ups. Find out if you have a local online recycling network to hand on anything you will not be using. Charities sometimes collect and you will be keeping what you don’t want away from wasteful landfill. Anything from leftover paint to kitchen cabinets could find a new home so it’s worth doing some research rather than just sending everything to the dump.

SUPPORTING MATERIAL

An estimate should be supported by additional materials such as testimonials, copies of insurances, and details of terms and conditions. If they don’t provide this kind of information, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you are having a very large job done then try to speak to the previous client directly and if you can, go and see the work yourself. If you build up a friendly relationship with a contractor (tradesperson), don’t be afraid to ask their advice for projects you want to tackle on your own. Most will be flattered enough to share their knowledge. Even if you feel a job is too advanced to take on, reading this book and learning HOW to do it yourself will make you more comfortable and less intimidated when contracting contractors (tradespeople). Next time you hear that infamous sharp intake of breath followed by “That’ll cost you!” you’ll know if they are talking out of their builder’s bum.

PREPARATION

We are all familiar with cooking shows (cookery programs) where the calm chef surrounds him or herself with a multitude of tiny glass bowls of ingredients in expectation of a smooth performance. You will find that like the TV chef, your project will run much more smoothly if you have taken time to lay out all the tools and materials before starting.

Un-DIYing

Each generation morphs their homes to reflect their individuality and times. In the 1950s, when DIY became all the rage, everyone was busy boxing in the banisters and covering panel doors to simulate “modern” flush doors. Now we are ripping out what went before. More than likely as you become more confident, you will want to take out something old and replace it. Check out the tool kit section to learn how to hold a cold chisel and claw hammer to remove old work (see here).

Scheduling Time

Obviously don’t plan a project just before a big wedding, going away on vacation, or an important work deadline. Although DIY can become a delightful distraction, it can also drag you down if you are drowning in a project when you should be prioritizing something else. Although toddlers can happily live around bags of dusty plaster, you might find your spirits flagging trying to keep up appearances day in and day out.

Where to Work

Consider your workplace. You don’t need an enormous garage packed with state-of-the-art machinery or even a humble shed at the bottom of the garden; they are luxuries that aren’t required to get a DIY job done well. The most practical area in many homes is the kitchen. It is likely to have a work surface that won’t wobble and a floor that is easy to clean. The disadvantage is that mealtimes may interrupt grand preparations. You can use kitchen chairs as a simple trestle for cutting wood. Remember to cover them with a drop cloth. If using the countertop, protect it with newspaper or cardboard. A portable bench vise will clamp onto a counter or table—protect these with a fold of cardboard. A hallway can be commandeered for a project and stairs make useful work trestles.

DIY HACK

Place your phone in a clear plastic sandwich bag before you begin. This extra piece of preparation will be worthwhile if you receive a phone call while your fingers are covered in wood filler or bath sealant.

Get Started

Early. Leave yourself enough time to hunt out the tools and discover any extra items you will need to buy. This includes an inspection of any half-used filler or sealant that may have hardened over time. There is potential for exasperation if you arrive at the hardware store after it has closed.

What tools will you need? Like a recipe, you will need to gather your equipment and tools in the work area. Use a bucket to carry tools and have a small cardboard box (a shoebox is ideal!) in which to place small items; that way they won’t get kicked into can’t-find-it land.

If the work you are doing is messy, think about dustcovers (dust sheets), spare clothes and rags to wipe down and clean hands. If you gather these first it will save valuable mopping-up time if something spills.

DIY HACK

Wrap your paintbrushes and rollers in plastic wrap (clingfilm) or a plastic bag to stop them from drying out overnight. If you wash them through they may not be dry enough to use the next day so this is a great hack. You can also leave them in the freezer overnight but remember to keep these away from food.

Cleaning Up

As with preparation at the beginning, it’s also important to leave plenty of time to clean up. It’s really tempting once you’ve finished a job to want to show off your success to friends but just remember that leaving time for cleanup makes the next job go faster. When you are carrying on a project the following day, make sure you have cleaned any gunk (paint, filler, glue) from your tools and leave them somewhere to dry so that they can be used again quickly.

To clean brushes properly, use water and dish soap (washing-up liquid) for soluble paints and turpentine (white spirit) for oil-based paints. Run a putty knife (filling knife) down a roller to get the excess paint off, and keep the water running. For oil-based paints, leave brushes to soak in turpentine (white spirit) for 30 minutes or so then run through with warm water and dish soap (washing-up liquid) to clean thoroughly. Dry bushes flat to stop water from running into the handle and loosening the bristle adhesive.

Don’t be tempted to leave your brushes standing in paint cleaner for days. The bristles will bend out of shape. If you don’t clean your brushes properly, they will go crusty and won’t be very effective when used again and you’ll have to buy new brushes.

Clean your putty knives (filling knives) or spatulas quickly, otherwise filler dries on the blade and the bumps make it impossible to get a smooth flat surface when you come back to use them.

It’s useful to have a narrow spatula and one with a wider blade and when you clean them, you can use one knife against the other to scrape off the excess gunk. But be careful because the edges of these knives are very sharp and can cause nasty cuts.

Put all your tools away in the right place. No one likes it when something goes missing. Shake your drop cloths outside and away from the wind, otherwise, when you next come to use them, they could be the wrong way up and you will have the last project’s dust and debris all over your floor before you even start.

CLEAN UP NICE