One Hour DIY Jobs

We all have a list as long as our arm. We keep meaning to get around to it and say when the nice weather comes we will do all those DIY jobs which we have been putting off. Well, the nice weather is just around the corner and the time has come. The funny thing is that these jobs never take as long as you might think. In fact we have compiled a list of DIY jobs which will take less than one hour each to complete and can be done by even the most novice DIYer.

Filling cracks and holes

Remove any loose plaster and clean out dust with a damp towel. Fill the crack with filler using a palette knife and overlap the existing plaster. Allow to dry and fill again if required (it will shrink slightly as it dries). Come back the next day and sand until it is flush to the wall. Add a primer and paint as required.

Fitting together flat pack furniture

Start by reading the instructions from start to finish. Check all the components are there, especially the correct number of screws, dowels or nails. Work through each stage of the build carefully and follow the instructions. Don't allow stress to be the cause of any mishaps. Take care not to use too much glue on dowels as it can damage the surface of the furniture.

Putting up a shelf

Before starting make sure you consider what weight the shelf will need to bear and the wall into which the brackets will go. Partitions walls will only take lighter shelving. Use long 75mm screws in conjunction with wall plugs and screw into the strongest part of the wall, such as the joists, where possible. Take care to avoid electrical sockets or wiring.

• Hold the shelf up to the wall and mark the position, ensuring it is level. Simply mark the position of the screws with pencil, through the holes into which you will drill.
• Screw in one bracket then the other, all while checking it is level.
• Screw the shelf to the brackets and check again. - all done!

Fix a leaky tap

Start by shutting off the water and check it by running the taps. Most leaks are caused by the washer having worn out. Simply open the tap (this may be by taking off the “lid” at the top of the tap unit)and undo the nut underneath. It may be necessary at this stage to unscrew and remove the spindle. Remove the old washer and put in the new one, PTFE tape will work as well if wrapped around the shaft. Tighten the nut and put it back together. Turn the water back on and see if the leak has stopped.

So there are a few little jobs to get you started. Have a quick look around the website for a number of other jobs, which can easily be done in less than an hour. There really is no excuse for leaving these jobs undone and think of the peace of mind you will have when that long list is all completed.