Four youths were rescued by RNLI heroes after getting into difficulty while paddleboarding in 40mph winds on a Scots coast.
19.03.2024 - 19:25 / dailyrecord.co.uk
When it comes to home improvement, we all want to make our spaces look amazing whilst spending the least amount of money.
But if you've ever been looking around at prices, you know it can be quite costly to get professionals in. Taking on some of the work you can do yourself however is a sure-fire way to keep costs down and ensure you can spend your money where you need it most.
Tracy Burns, a Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College, has shared the areas of home improvement that even a novice at DIY can take on. And of course, the mistakes to avoid.
Burns says you should learn the fundamental skills and understand how to use basic tools – and they're not as scary as they seem.
There are three things you should have in your beginner toolbox is:
She says: "Be confident in your own ability, but also understand your limitations – don't be attempting to rewire the house or reroute gas pipes. Sometimes you have to get the professionals in, but you will be amazed at what you could do yourself with just a little bit of basic skill and guidance from others."
A common mistake people make when embarking on DIY is not thoroughly prepping - and it’s a vital step that shouldn’t be skipped, she warns. For many jobs your prep should take nearly as long as the task itself.
She explains; "For example, people often forget to work in a clear space, and don’t take time to measure carefully or mark out any fixings. These are common but costly mistakes, which can create a greater mess and may lead you to repair walls afterward. You can thank me later."
Restoring or refurbishing furniture can breathe new life into your home – and even become a new hobby, the lecturer says. There are a number of step-by-step TikTok and YouTube
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