Five DIY mistakes that could cost you thousands to fix
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With 93% of homeowners planning to take on home improvement projects this year, metal experts are warning homeowners to take care when renovating their homes, as new research reveals that some DIY mistakes could cost homeowners up to £23,000 to fix.
People spend an average of £3,931* repairing a mistake, so with this in mind, metal experts at metals4U have listed the most expensive and common DIY mistakes and shared their advice on how to prevent them:
- Knocking down a wall – £20,000
Homeowners looking to extend a room or upgrade their kitchen will first look to knock down a wall to achieve the space they need. However, this comes with risks including subsidence and ceiling collapse, which could cost up to £20,000 for a professional to fix.
To prevent this from happening, consult a builder for a structural analysis beforehand to potentially save thousands in repairs, and ensure it is safe to proceed with the renovation.
- Failing to prep before painting – £2,000
Preparation is key when painting, depending on the condition of the area you may need to fill in any holes or cracks, sand and clean the walls, and apply a primer and undercoat.
If you don’t prep, then it could cost anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 to repaint your home. By taking care to prepare properly beforehand, you could give your house the right finish, a clean professional look, and save money.
- Making build changes without additional planning permission- £50 per day
It may be necessary to obtain planning permission if you are looking to build something new or make a major change to your building. Projects such as an extension or a loft conversion may require planning permission from the council if they do not meet permitted development criteria. Even smaller projects such as cutting down trees in some cases require permission, so always be sure to check.
Applications are approved by your local planning authority, with most planning permission applications taking around 8 weeks to be approved, so make sure to factor this in.
Making basic changes to a property could lead to a fine of £50 a day if building regulations aren’t followed (Sections 35 and 35A of the Building Act 1984).
- Flooring installation mistakes- £1,200
The mistakes that could occur when you fit your floor include uneven surfaces, especially when not cleaned properly during the process as nails and glue may be left behind. When done incorrectly, DIY flooring can cost roughly £1,200 to refit.
To prevent this, always begin by using an adhesive remover to dissolve any remaining glue residue and inspect the surface carefully to make sure it’s nail-free, dry, and free of any remaining debris before proceeding with the floor installation
- Badly fitted tiles – £600
Tiling both walls and floors are tasks that need to be done with care and precision to avoid mistakes such as cracked tiles and uneven grouting. If this job is not done well, it can cost around £600 for a professional to come out and rectify the mistakes – this includes the cost of replacing the tiles.
With any project be sure to follow any legal requirements, and if in doubt get a qualified professional to advise. Websites such as Check a Trade can find you a qualified tradesperson.
For more information on metals4U, visit metals4U.co.uk.
