Home DIY can be an excellent project for you and your family, as well as being a fantastic way to put your stamp on your home. With any home improvements, some things might go wrong, and some jobs are riskier than others. It is essential to thoroughly prepare for your home DIY projects to minimise the risk to yourself and others.
Here are some of the best ways that you can stay safe when carrying out home improvements.
Make A Plan
With any home project, you will need a clear plan of action. It may help to research the work you plan to do and look at some online tutorials if it is work you haven’t done yourself before.
You could make a list of the supplies you need and work out a full budget. It may also help to have advice and input from friends and family, particularly those with experience in home DIY.
Start Small
You should start with smaller jobs around the house before jumping into significant renovations. For instance, it may help to start by putting up some shelves and doing some painting around the house first. This will give you a taste of what home DIY can be like, without putting yourself in any potentially hazardous situations.
If you struggle with smaller tasks, it may be a sign that you aren’t ready for more extensive renovations. You could consider doing some more research into DIY methods until you feel confident enough in your skills.
Do A Risk Assessment
Professional tradespeople will always carry out a risk assessment before doing any work, and you should, too, for your home DIY. You could go through your plan step by step, identify any potential hazards, and then develop a solution for those hazards. For instance, if you have pets, you could ensure they are removed from the area you will be working on for both their and your safety.
Consider Specialist Equipment
Some work will pose more risks than others, and to mitigate this risk, it may be a good idea to invest in specialist equipment. There is plenty of equipment out there used by both tradespeople and DIY-ers alike. For example, if you plan to do some work on your roof, you could invest in specialist roof safety equipment to reduce the risk of falling.
Have Someone With You
If you are undertaking any potentially hazardous work, it may help to ensure there is someone else in the house with you. This will ensure that there will be someone there to aid you if you are injured or need assistance. You could consider asking your partner or a friend to be around when you are doing the work.
Play It Safe
If in doubt, it is better to be overly cautious. Some jobs should only be done by a qualified professional, such as boiler installation, electrical works, and plumbing. If you are unsure whether you can complete the work safely and correctly, it is a good idea to call in a professional.
