So, you’ve decided to give it a go and why not? So many jobs to be done almost on a daily basis. It’s always rewarding when trying to do something that perhaps even others have said you couldn’t do, but at least you had the fortitude of mind and character to dive in and do your best. Here are a few tips to hopefully help you on your way.
First Things First
Having the right tools for the jobs you intend to carry out. Of prime importance are having those you will need that will make the job safe, such as a face-mask or a respirator when working with insulation or toxic dust. Using the wrong tool or using a tool incorrectly will inevitably invite injury to yourself and can mess up the quality of a job you’re doing. Getting the right tools and using them in the way that they were designed to be used, can make all the difference. If you’re working with steel reinforcing mesh, you will definitely need the right tools. If it is possible, don’t purchase a tool you don’t really need, but always buy the tool required by the job and if possible try borrowing or renting it.
Hammer a Nail – Not Your Fingers
If you are not used to having a hammer in your hand and using it, you just might end up with some pain. Hitting that nail square on the head perfectly is an art. The problem is, it might not happen all the time. To calm your fears of whacking your fingertips while driving a nail into a hard surface that requires some force, simply set the nail in place and hold it with a pair of pliers, as you hammer away.
Clean your Paintbrushes Yourself and Save Money
If you’re getting ready for that big paint job and then shock horror, take out your brushes only to find them rock hard with dry paint, as unbelievable as it sounds, simply boil them in vinegar in an old saucepan. Hot, boiling vinegar will miraculously dissolve the paint and bring the brushes back to life!
Silent Screen Door
If your door slams shut with a bang, try placing a couple of small beads of clear silicone caulk along the jamb at a couple of the contact points. This will soften the blow. Be sure to leave the door open for a couple of hours after application, to let the silicone dry completely.
Steel Reinforcing in Concrete Jobs
Sometimes steel mesh is put in concrete to strengthen it, help hold the concrete together and limit cracking. Concrete that will carry heavy loads should always require reinforcing steel. Even smaller jobs can benefit from reinforcing steel, especially if there are pockets of spongy sub-ground. In Australia Bestbar is the most outstanding steel reinforcement supplier around. In fact, even for smaller floors, it does not hurt to throw in a steel rod (rebar) around the perimeter of the floor to give it that added strength.
Keeping it small
If you are thinking of building a three-car garage, and you only have two vehicles and counting on the extra space for storage space, try considering other areas of the home that can do just that — space in the attic, under a stairwell, or a spare room. Try building a garden shed, which is ultimately cheaper than building a huge garage. Happy building!