Latest Interiors: Why DIY?
Latest Interiors calls in the professionals and keeps it local when it comes to home improvements
Got the home improvement bug? A recent survey of 2000 households, carried out for Allianz Insurance, found that 16 per cent of us have damaged our homes or property by botching DIY and home improvement jobs. Even worse, 20 per cent of us have injured ourselves or others.
In fact, the Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates that 200,000 people a year attend hospital as a result of DIY mishaps. All good reasons for leaving challenging home improvement tasks to a qualified professional… this week, Latest Interiors considers the pros and cons of professional help.
Don’t do it yourself
Times are tough: the idea of saving money by taking on home improvement tasks yourself can be tempting. A bit of redecoration is one thing – but laying floors, planning or building an extension, fitting kitchens, plumbing and the like are best left to people with a bit of professional know-how and training.
When it comes to the big stuff, most of us aren’t qualified plumbers, carpenters, plasterers or anything else useful. For some home improvements – if they involve fitting or altering a gas appliance, or replacing electrical wiring, for example – it is a legal requirement to use a qualified professional.
Builders and designers
Hiring a professional for major projects will save you time, stress and money. A good architect, builder or interior designer will listen carefully to your ideas, ask lots of questions, and get a feel for what you want – and your budget.
They should also be able to use their contacts to help you identify all of the professionals you need for a major project, without you having to do any of the leg-work, and they can source materials quickly and efficiently. They – and the trades people they recommend – should also be fully insured against any damage or mishaps. Finally, by giving control of your project to someone who knows what they’re doing, you avoid costly mishaps and avoid paying to have your mistakes put right.
Furniture and fittings
Got a plan for the perfect kitchen cabinet, or want to build your cupboards from locally sourced, natural materials? The only place to find that sort of specialist knowledge is a local craftsperson or artisan. Local cabinet and furniture makers can offer a more personal service. There is also peace of mind to be found when the craftsperson you choose to make your new wardrobe or hand-built kitchen has been in business locally for years.
It should be relatively straightforward to see other examples of their work, find out where they get their materials from, and talk to previous clients. If there is any snagging to sort out once the work is done, a local supplier can pop back and fix it in an instant with no long waiting times. Word of mouth is often the most reliable way of finding these local gems, but failing that you can always check out Latest Homes’ services section, or local trade associations.
Getting it right
If you’re looking for professional help, ask around for a personal recommendation and check out local listings. Take time to talk to at least three prospective suppliers – look at their portfolio, ask them about influences and experience. They should be willing to give you some outline ideas along with a quote.
It’s worth spending a little time to make sure you find someone you click with and can trust to get on with the job, especially if they’re local. Supporting local traders and craftspeople keeps money in local circulation and our trades alive helping to ensure a good range of diverse local services – and choices – when we need them.
