Points to Note If You Want to DIY Your Home Renovation
Points to Note If You Want to DIY Your Home Renovation
A lot of homeowners really do fancy the idea of taking on the odd DIY project or two around their home. Nothing too adventurous, perhaps just installing new tile in the bathroom or adding a new cabinet or two to the kitchen. In their minds it will not only save them some money on contractor or installer fees but give them a certain sense of satisfaction as well.
There is nothing wrong with this of course. But you should keep these basic tips in mind before you begin. Just watching a Youtube video or reading a how to article online is really not enough for most people without DIY experience to be able to successfully complete a DIY project. Did that wobbly three minute clip really give you the insight needed to lay kitchen tile properly? The answer is probably not.
To avoid ending up with an expensive mess make sure you really do understand the use of tile spacers, which is the right grout to use, know how to cut tile properly and have the right tools for the job. To some people playing with all those neat power tools looks like a lot of fun. The fact is though that power tools are not toys and can be very dangerous, even lethal, in inexperienced hands. Read all of the manuals and instructions properly and make sure you follow any safety directions to the letter.
For most people the idea of doing it themselves was born out of a desire to save money. For that reason it is important that, if things start to go wrong, you know when to admit defeat and defer to the knowledge of the professionals. If things start to go south stop and call in the pros. For example, letting a tile installer come in and finish the job when you have realized that measuring the room out and laying it all straight is harder than it looks will cost you, but not as much as if you lay the whole floor, realize it looks like something you’d find in a funhouse and have to pay someone to come in, rip the whole thing out and then start again from scratch.
So you’ve wanted to know about turf but have always been too scared to ask? DIY turfing is actually easier than you think! With the right advice and preparation, you can have a great patch of grass in no time. Interested in more? Without a doubt, choosing the right turf is one of the most important factors when completing any turfing job. The right turf will depend on a range of considerations, such as how it will be used (a suburban backyard, a commercial landscape or community park), the amount of sunlight, the levels of moisture the turf will be exposed too, the level of maintenance needed to upkeep the lawn and any visual effects the turf needs to create. It’s important that you get the right advice when choosing the right turf. By speaking to a turfing expert like Hancy’s Turf you’ll be able to get the right advice for your turfing needs.
So you’ve chosen the right turf. Now, you need to really roll up your sleeves and get working! Preparing your yard or surface is an essential part of the turfing process. You’ll need to ensure the area you’re turfing has adequate draining, away from any structures, buildings or sheds. Your local council may have land preparation regulations, so it’s always a good idea to have a chat to them before undertaking any grading work. Once you’ve got your drainage sorted, you’ll need a good soil or preparatory base for your turf. Your turfing supplier will be able to recommend a suitable product for the turf you lay. Finally, make sure you’ve flattened out your surface prior to laying. Try to even out any undulations that will warp your turf or jeopardise drainage. All done? Now you’re good to lay!
Now for the fun part – laying your turf. You’ve already done the hard preparation so you should be right to go. Essentially, you’ll be laying along a linear path. This means that, unless you’re preparing a world-class sporting pitch, you’ll be laying each roll of turf in straight, parallel lines. Make sure there’s no gaps between each turf and each layer goes right to the appointed boundary. Once you’ve laid, it is essential to give the ground a good soaking. If you’re doing a big job, have the sprinkler ready to start watering some of the earlier patches while you continue through the day.
You’ve finished your laying and the grass looks amazing. The fun does not end there! Once laid, your turf will need some TLC until it is fully established. Your turfing supplier will give you specifics for the type of turf you’ve laid, but for all varieties there are some essentials. These include regular watering, aeration, sunlight and not too much rough-and-tumble until it’s established.