Aphex Home Installations - Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Petersfield, Chichester, Fareham


Avoiding DIY disasters Whilst the UK emerges from the global economic crisis, many homeowners are still looking to save money wherever they can with many tackling DIY projects rather than employing a skilled tradesman, in an effort to save cash. Unfortunately for many however, this practice can prove a false economy with AA home insurance reporting that one in 10 DIY projects go wrong and could end up costing more than Ł100 to rectify. Why employ a qualified tradesman? There are many reasons to consider qualified tradesmen ahead of doing the job yourself. For one, qualified tradesmen are accustomed to dealing with the job at hand - as specialists they will work on similar tasks on a daily basis and so should be able to complete the job in a timely manner and with less disruption to you. Similarly, professionals also have access to the correct tools and materials. Attempting to buy and use this equipment yourself could be expensive and risky. In fact, it is illegal for an unqualified person to undertake work on electrical wiring or gas installations - so in many cases it is essential to employ a tradesman. Furthermore, as long as you check the credentials of the professional ahead of time, you should have peace of mind that you will be covered if something does go wrong. Check to see whether the tradesman has business insurance and what this covers. For home improvements it should incorporate employers` liability insurance in case anyone working in your home is injured and public liability insurance for any damage to your property. Indeed you should not rush into employing a tradesman and should thoroughly check their credentials before hiring. In addition to ensuring that the professional has suitable insurance in place, you should also look into how much experience they have with the task at hand; whether they offer references; and whether or not they will provide a free estimate and a complete written contract so there are no disputes over payments. What if you want to tackle the job yourself? If you are adamant about undertaking the project yourself ensure you are well prepared: - Don`t attempt jobs that require a skilled tradesman, such as electrics, gas installations or plumbing. - Check for hidden pipes and wiring behind walls by using a detector that is available from most DIY stores. - Ensure you move everything that can be moved out of the way before undertaking a task - such as furniture, ornaments and so on. Anything that can`t be moved should be covered with a dust sheet if you are painting to prevent damage from spillages. - Wear appropriate clothing including footwear with good grip and a mask and goggles to prevent breathing in any dust or damaging your eyes. - Use equipment safely as, according to a comparison website, tools are responsible for 21,300 accidents each year. So read the safety manual and follow instructions carefully. - Don`t undertake DIY alone - ensure there is someone on hand in case an accident happens and to assist you as necessary, such as by holding a step ladder in position. - Ensure you have suitable home insurance which includes extended accidental damage cover as most policies only cover accidental damage to electrical items as standard. Also look for home emergency cover that provides a speedy call-out from a skilled tradesman in case you damage an essential service, such as by bursting a water pipe. You can use a comparison website to compare home insurance quotes and find a suitable deal.

Avoiding DIY disasters

Whilst the UK emerges from the global economic crisis, many homeowners are still looking to save money wherever they can with many tackling DIY projects rather than employing a skilled tradesman, in an effort to save cash.

Unfortunately for many however, this practice can prove a false economy with AA home insurance reporting that one in 10 DIY projects go wrong and could end up costing more than Ł100 to rectify.

Why employ a qualified tradesman?

There are many reasons to consider qualified tradesmen ahead of doing the job yourself. For one, qualified tradesmen are accustomed to dealing with the job at hand - as specialists they will work on similar tasks on a daily basis and so should be able to complete the job in a timely manner and with less disruption to you.

Similarly, professionals also have access to the correct tools and materials. Attempting to buy and use this equipment yourself could be expensive and risky. In fact, it is illegal for an unqualified person to undertake work on electrical wiring or gas installations - so in many cases it is essential to employ a tradesman.

Furthermore, as long as you check the credentials of the professional ahead of time, you should have peace of mind that you will be covered if something does go wrong. Check to see whether the tradesman has business insurance and what this covers. For home improvements it should incorporate employers` liability insurance in case anyone working in your home is injured and public liability insurance for any damage to your property.

Indeed you should not rush into employing a tradesman and should thoroughly check their credentials before hiring. In addition to ensuring that the professional has suitable insurance in place, you should also look into how much experience they have with the task at hand; whether they offer references; and whether or not they will provide a free estimate and a complete written contract so there are no disputes over payments.

What if you want to tackle the job yourself?

If you are adamant about undertaking the project yourself ensure you are well prepared:

- Don`t attempt jobs that require a skilled tradesman, such as electrics, gas installations or plumbing.

- Check for hidden pipes and wiring behind walls by using a detector that is available from most DIY stores.

- Ensure you move everything that can be moved out of the way before undertaking a task - such as furniture, ornaments and so on. Anything that can`t be moved should be covered with a dust sheet if you are painting to prevent damage from spillages.

- Wear appropriate clothing including footwear with good grip and a mask and goggles to prevent breathing in any dust or damaging your eyes.

- Use equipment safely as, according to a comparison website, tools are responsible for 21,300 accidents each year. So read the safety manual and follow instructions carefully.

- Don`t undertake DIY alone - ensure there is someone on hand in case an accident happens and to assist you as necessary, such as by holding a step ladder in position.

- Ensure you have suitable home insurance which includes extended accidental damage cover as most policies only cover accidental damage to electrical items as standard. Also look for home emergency cover that provides a speedy call-out from a skilled tradesman in case you damage an essential service, such as by bursting a water pipe. You can use a comparison website to compare home insurance quotes and find a suitable deal.