We all love our home and carrying out regular improvements is on most property owner’s priority list; if you are about to receive the keys to your very first real estate purchase, you will obviously be keen to acquire the skills and the know how to carry out a few DIY home improvement projects.

Risks & Dangers

There are risks with older properties;If your home was built pre-1980s, there could be asbestos present and with asbestos removal in Melbourne, you can have your home tested for the presence of asbestos. In the event there is asbestos, the team can safely remove all traces of this harmful material. Minute asbestos slivers soon become airborne when you rip out old sheeting, they are not visible to the naked eye and if inhaled, they can lodge in your lungs and stay there for a few years before disease emerges. You should always wear eye protection when working with power tools and be very careful when working at height, especially when using power tools.

Essential Tools & Equipment

Most DIY-ers start out with a basic tool kit, which they add to as and when things are needed.

Here are some of the items you need;

• Set of wood chisels
• Power screwdriver & power drill
• Circular saw
• Claw hammer & wooden mallet
• Hand-saws – Tenon saw, cross-cut saw, coping saw, hacksaw (for metal)
• Tape measure
• Steps for working at height
• Spirit level (long & short)

Of course, this is just a basic list and over the years, you should acquire everything you need for DIY improvements and home repairs. Whether installing solar panels or renovating the kitchen, do make sure you have all the tools you need before starting work.

Painting & Decorating

This is classed as home improvement and you will need:

• Wallpaper scissors
• Adhesive brush
• Assortment of paintbrushes, paint roller & tray
• Wallpaper table
• Putty knife & scraper
• Old bedsheets and blankets to protect furniture

Preparing surfaces is a large part of painting and decorating; while attention to detail is a good trait to have.

Planning a Project

Ask any seasoned DIY enthusiast and they will readily confirm the secret to a successful project lies in the planning. Create two lists; one for materials and one for the tools & equipment that you will need. Once you know exactly what you need, you can go online and cost the project, then plot each stage of the project to make sure you fully understand the process. Know each stage from planning, preparation, doing the work and the clean up. Home improvements add value to a property, while also boosting comfort levels.

YouTube – All the help you need

You might not know that it is possible for a person with zero experience to build a house from scratch, watching only YouTube ‘how to’ videos! Whether you are building a cabinet, hanging a door, or installing the wiring, YouTube has you covered and if you run into specific problems, there are online building forums, where you can pick the brains of the professionals.