We have all had our own encounters with DIY in the past, whether helping our parents fit a new shelf or attempting to repair a leaky shower head in our student rental. Indeed, despite the universality of DIY, it feels like a distinctly British occupation and one that is back on the upswing.
DIY has been enjoying a boom in popularity, for a number of key reasons. But what are they, and how can you make the most of your own forays into DIY?
The Popularity Boom
There are two main reasons for DIY’s current popularity, especially among younger people and new homeowners. The first was the coronavirus pandemic, which saw all but essential workers ordered to remain at home at key points throughout the year. Increased time at home meant more time for round-the-house jobs, and more money spent at DIY stores in the UK.
More recently, though, a still-growing cost-of-living crisis has had a dramatic impact on the average household budget. As such, fewer people hoping to improve their homes are stumping for professional labour, instead hoping to take matters into their own hands.
DIY Essentials
The beauty of DIY is that the barrier to entry is extremely low. Almost anyone can pick up a tool and have a go, and thanks to the Internet many more people can. Between comprehensive DIY how-tos, dedicated online trade courses and helpful forums full of expert advice and guidance, all the information is there for people to gain new understandings and undertake even more ambitious of home improvement tasks.
The only missing pieces of the puzzle are the tools of the trade. Without the right equipment, the simplest of DIY jobs can quickly go awry, no matter how much research you put in. If you’re investing in tools for the first time, it would be a wise decision to buy for longevity as opposed to price.
A simple and sensible way to purchase your tools would be to buy branded kit in the form of Milwaukee drills or other name-brand products – brands are a much safer bet than the no-brand products you commonly find on platforms like eBay and Amazon, which are often underpowered and prone to failure.
A Job for the Professionals
Of course, even with the right kit and all the eagerness in the world, there are some jobs you simply shouldn’t attempt alone. Roofing work requires working at height – something which simply isn’t safe without the right safety equipment, prior experience and expert supervision. Electrical work poses its own direct risk to safety, and plumbing work is highly skilled with a heavy cost if you make a mistake.
If you have the equipment and know the difference between a tough job and an expert’s job, then your DIY efforts will be all the more rewarding. There are a great many things you can achieve by yourself or with an extra set of helping hands, from painting and tiling to replacing your floor and even building your own stud walls.
