With two Bank Holiday days back-to-back, the long Easter weekend is the prime time to put in some elbow grease and get out the paint and power tools.
But don't let this Easter break end up in a DIY disaster. Doing a little home improvement can do wonders for the resale of your home. But only if it is done right.
Su Snaith, Head of estate agency for Harrison Murray Estate Agency and Nottingham Estate Agency, has this advice:: "DIY is a pet hate or favourite pastime for homeowners. Whether they have enthusiasm or not, they must still have the basic skills required to carry out larger or more complex projects.
It's essential to remember that only qualified contractors should alter gas or electrical installations. Putting a house on the market can be a big step forward, but people should remember not to be over ambitious.
However, that's not to say that some DIY isn't a good idea. If a homeowner is thinking of selling, or their home has just gone on to the market, there are a few simple ways they can boost the resale value of their home."
Harrison Murray and Nottingham Estate Agency have some tips for homeowners looking to spruce up their home this spring:
1. Think about what viewers will see when they first arrive at your property. If you have a fence, give it a new coat of varnish, cut the lawn and clear away any obstructions to paths and driveways.
2. From hallways to bedrooms, give your house a new lick of paint. Keep the colours neutral and bright throughout.
3. Get your kitchen cupboards and units looking fresh without a complete (and expensive) kitchen overhaul. Simply buy some replacement doors and handles, and fit them yourself.
4. Get your bathroom looking sparkling by replacing old grouting and silicone sealer.
5. Opt for a spring clean. Sometimes all a home needs is a deep clean throughout and a serious amount of de-cluttering. Make sure your every room is clutter-free, especially the hallway. Put umbrellas and coats away, and stash any muddy boots away from the front door.
6. Don't forget the back garden is important too. Hire or borrow a pressure washer to make the patio sparkle after the winter weather.
But be careful. A bank holiday DIY mishap can lead straight to A&E. According to RoSPA, around 220,000 DIY enthusiasts end up in hospital every year.
They sensibly say that even the most basic DIY jobs still require the right safety precautions. Make sure to have adequate protection by wearing goggles, gloves and/or masks for the appropriate jobs. And make sure your ladder is still fit for use, after a long winter in a damp garage.
Factfile (source RoSPA)
Ladder and stepladder accidents send approximately 41,000 people to hospital annually - often resulting in some of the most serious injuries and even death when people fall from high up.
Splinters, grit, dust, dirt and other particles result in another 60,000 people seeking treatment in casualty.The most dangerous tools according to the Home Accident Surveillance System (2002) are:
Knives and scalpels (21,300 accidents in the UK each year)
Saws (15,100)
Grinders (6,400)
Hammers (5,800)
Chisels (3,900)
Screwdrivers (3,400)
Power Drills (3,000)
Axes (2,200)
Planes (2,100)
Welding Equipment (2,000).
Common DIY accidents include cuts from knives while cutting cable and carpets, slips with saws when cutting wood and paving slabs falling on to hands and feet.
