'Plan ahead' for home improvement

Proper preparation and planning are the keys to cost-effective and safe home improvement, according to one DIY guru.

Managing director of the National Self Build and Renovation Centre Tim Doherty advised homeowners to gather materials they might need, which could include timber for wood flooring and paint, well in advance of a project.

"It always pays to plan and prepare properly, before you begin any DIY project. For larger projects, set a budget, shop around … and do your research," he said.

Mr Doherty went on to explain that the majority of people tended to take a reactive approach to home maintenance, only doing work once a problem became apparent.

He promoted proactive maintenance as a way to prevent problems from becoming serious issues, in addition to being more cost-effective.

Recent research from Churchill found that many UK homeowners were failing to take action on pressing home improvement problems such as damp and unclean gutters, which can lead to a range of problems.

By Ellen Campbell
 

Date : 16/09/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news