At Reddiseals, we’re definitely advocates of ‘Do it Yourself’ – see our Sash Window Kits for example – but sometimes it’s just not possible. We’ve put together some tips on when you should call in the experts rather than trying to attempt it yourself!
Do you know what you’re doing?
You may know what the outcome of the project is meant to be, but can you actually say with certainty that you can do what it takes to get it there? Asking for advice from professionals and watching YouTube videos can be a good start, we have a section that could potentially help you on your window project.
Do you have the tools for the job?
Before you start a DIY project, you must ensure you have the tools and products you need for the job in its entirety – that’s why the previous step is so important! Having reviewed the whole process of your project, do you have the correct tools to undertake this job? ‘Making do’ can often land you in hot water, so if you can borrow or buy to make sure the job is a success – it will definitely be worth it in the end.
The same can be said for buying cheap products that are really not suitable for your job. If this is something that’s going to have a lot of wear and tear, then you’ll need to make sure you have the right products in place, we can help with that too. Buying products with a guarantee or that have been reviewed is advisable.
Are there safety implications for this job going wrong?
What are the repercussions in messing up? Will it mean your house is no longer secure? Will it open up your home to unnecessary damage? Sometimes trying to save a bit of money can mean you’ll end up paying out long term for someone to come and fix your mistake. This ties into…
Have you checked if this job requires a certified professional?
Can you actually legally undertake this project? What are the rules and regulations you need to be aware of when doing window renovations? Do you live in a conservation area? Is your home grade listed? Some projects require a professional – for both safety and legality purposes. Check the facts before starting – if you are renovating a listed property or one in a conservation area, you will need to speak to your local conservation officer or Building Control before undertaking any work as regulations vary from area to area.
Do you know where to go for help and advice on the matter?
But finally – if you are satisfied you’ve answered the above questions and are ready to get going with your DIY project, we salute you! We’re always on hand to help if you need advice on any of the products we sell, please just give us a call on 01905 791876 – we’ll point you in the right direction! You could even talk to us using our ‘Chat’ facility on the website!
Our final piece of advice is; if in any doubt, always call in a professional.
Hopefully our tips will have helped you assess whether it’s a job you can undertake yourself, but in case you needed any more persuasion – take a look at our Window Fails on Facebook and Twitter! We shouldn’t really wallow in other people’s misfortune but we think our collection of ‘DIY fails’ show the importance of having a professional to do the job for you when in doubt!
