23rd May 2012
Don't go to tradespeople for DIY, an expert urges
Many Britons opt to hire tradespeople in order to complete their DIY work, but such action is often unnecessary.
This is the verdict of TV presenter and interiors expert Julia Kendell, who believes that many jobs can be carried out by residents themselves, rendering expert intervention unnecessary.
Specific tasks that homeowners have steered clear of include fixing potholes and patio slabs, with Ms Kendell noting that these procedures fill many people with "DIY dread".
However, she suggested that jobs such as touching up mortar and outside walls are "perfect" for the current time of year.
"More and more people, particularly women, are having a go these days at interior decoration. That's fantastic, but still the less glamorous jobs are not being done, and they could be," Ms Kendell stressed.
In order to address DIY fears, she advised people to start by working on jobs that are fairly straightforward, allowing them to develop their confidence.
"Go to a good website with videos on using specific products. It's just about getting that confidence. The more you achieve the more you can progress and take on other jobs," Ms Kendell continued.
It is also key for homeowners to remain motivated when undertaking home improvement work, as it can be easy for them to lose their will, the interiors expert underlined.
"I think part of the reason why people fail at DIY is because they think about doing something on a Friday evening. It gets to the end of the weekend and they're only halfway through, at which point they lose their will," she noted.
As well as offering aesthetic benefits to a home, DIY has many other upsides, as chartered psychologist and founder and director of research at Mindlab International David Lewis believes that such work can lead to more positive moods.
Mr Lewis explained that bright colour schemes in particular can help to trigger positivity among residents.
Posted by Penelope Fitzgerald
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