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It is easy to get in over your head when you start a home improvement project - particularly if you're working on a full-scale remodel of your property. When you're planning to undertake such a big project, it is important to prioritise your own safety and security, as there are many ways in which DIY can go awry. By taking a proper assessment of all the potential risks before you begin work, you'll know which jobs you can do safely and which should be left to the professionals. For the jobs you can do on your own, a risk assessment could be as simple as making sure you have protective eyewear or someone else around to hold a ladder steady. But there are other types of job that are best left to experts. Gas appliances such as boilers should only be repaired, installed or maintained by a professional with Gas Safe Register accreditation. This is because if these devices are not properly cared for, you could place your household at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning - which can have serious and devastating consequences. If your home remodelling plans include the installation or repair of a gas barbecue, stove, boiler, fireplace or clothes dryer, it's best to call in an expert. Don't be shy about asking to see their credentials - it is a short and simple question that could quite literally save your life. Likewise, you should think twice before carrying out electrical repairs on your own. Trained electricians are better able to assess the risks when repairing a faulty socket or another electrical problem. They are also more likely to make the repairs correctly the first time around, which could end up saving you money in the long-term. When high-risk projects are carried out incorrectly by well-meaning DIY enthusiasts, you may not only run the risk of compromising your safety, but also be faced with the expense of having to eventually call in a professional to fix a botched job. It's far wiser to err on the side of caution and recognise when you might need assistance from an expert than to take a chance and make a costly error. If you have decided to take on a DIY project on your own, there are important measures you can take to keep yourself - and everyone else in your home - safe. Your risk assessment should include the type of protective clothing you will need when carrying out the repair - you may be thankful you took a few minutes to change into old clothes if you are painting, for example. It is also wise to ensure you have a detailed map of your home before you begin work. This map should show where your property's electricity, water and gas pipes are so you don't inadvertently drill or cut into them - a mistake which could compromise your personal safety and be very expensive to repair. You'll then want to thoroughly inspect all your electrical tools, taking particular care to look for loose connections, cracks or any other damage. You'll also need to make sure you have the right tools you need for the job and that they are comfortable to work with. If your tools are too heavy, they could be less effective. Let the other members of your household know what repairs you plan to carry out, as well as when you intend to do the work. And once the job has been completed, cleaning up properly will ensure that nobody trips over any unused materials or tools. If you decide to call in experts to help with your repairs, there are also some steps to take. In addition to making sure you ask to see their qualifications, you'll also want to speak to a minimum of three tradespeople to make sure you get an accurate quote for the cost of the work. It is often easiest to enlist someone who is based in your local community, particularly if their work has been well-received by other homeowners. Being aware of other people's reviews and opinions can help you make a better decision about who to hire - these can often be found online. Whether you're making repairs to increase the value of your home or simply for your own personal benefit, you're sure to enjoy the final result when the work has been carried out carefully and safely.
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