Toolkit essentials for the DIYer

The DIYer should start with the basic tools first. Add in extra tools that have different functions as your handyperson skills improve. You can add different sized tools, and upgrade existing versions to more expensive ones as time goes on. There are also powered tools to extend your tool collection. Ask for advice on the tools that you want to buy from the person selling the tools. Most hardware shops will be able give you more information about the various tools and their uses. Tell them what job you are doing so they can help you find the right tool.

DIY Underfloor Heating Tips

Underfloor heating rapidly becoming the heating option of choice in both new housing developments and when undertaking major renovations

DIY Timber Floor Repair

The restoration of timber flooring can range from the removal and replacement of a portion of a single board to replacing the entire floor. In the latter case, it is a relatively simple matter to remove the old flooring and re-lay completely new flooring using conventional methods.

DIY carpet laying

Carpeting your own floors is a cost effective and quick way to add value to your home. It can instantly freshen the look of a tired home and is quite simple to do.

DIY internal wall repairs

Wall damage is one of the most common types of interior damage that occur in the home. Most internal walls are covered in either plasterboard or render (on block or brickwork), but some old homes also have laden plaster and fibrous plaster as the finished wall surface.
Plaster surfaces are by nature soft, and over time (due to bumps and structural movement) plaster will crack and present holes in both walls and ceilings. Holes from picture screws, gaps between cornice and walls, and accidental damage are perhaps the most common problems that a home owner will come across.

Top 8 Design Tips to Consider When Building Your New Home

Are you planning to build a new home? Then be sure to read the tips from home building expert Metricon, one of Australia’s leading home builders specialising in contemporary and modern homes. If you want your home to be as functional as possible, the following top 8 designs tips will put you on the right path.

DIY kitchen design

DIY kitchen renovations can be a satisfying and cost saving process, but should you DIY?
You need to assess whether it’s worth spending your free time renovating or paying the professionals to do the job properly (that comes with a warranty).

Twelve most common mistakes made when building a deck

When you are building a deck, pergola or something similar, there are some very common mistakes that can be made in the construction process. This article will cover some of the most common mistakes made. DIY gurus right through to building professionals have been known to commit these errors of building practice. With some simple advice, you will be able to both recognise, and avoid these simple mistakes. Knowledge of the pitfalls can avoid heartache with your project.

How to make the most of the sun in your home

Whether you want to watch sport on TV away from the glare of the afternoon sun, or have a sunny kitchen window to grow basil and parsley, the way that your home is oriented can make a big difference to how you use your home.

DIY Retaining Walls

Many Australian yards have the annoying trait of being a little on the sloping side. In order to create a patio or a garden area, or if you simply want to make your job of mowing the lawn simpler, you have probably thought about leveling out your yard. This may then bring up the question: “How do I build a retaining wall?”. Unfortunately constructing a retaining wall is not a small job, but if you are willing to do some digging and lifting, and enjoy working in the garden, it is manageable as a DIY project.

DIY home building inspection

As a potential homebuyer it is easy to miss the obvious signs of construction problems on your first viewing. If you are not planning a professional to assess the condition of your building it is essential to organise a second viewing and assess the building from a non-emotion position.

Removable wall decal installation

Removable wall decals are one of the simplest ways to add a mural-like decoration to any room (or office). They are self adhesive, come with easy to follow instructions and can be removed later without damaging the wall surface or leaving behind any sticky residue. Decals are made from vinyl and can be used in any internal room of your home or office

DIY Wallpaper

Wallpaper options
Gone are the days when you hear the word ‘wallpaper’ and you think of old English homes with a faded floral brocade on every wall. In fact, if we look further into the past, we’d be surprised about the extent to which wallpaper was used in homes to create glamour and decadence.

DIY interior design & decorating

Why can some people make their home look stylish, cosy or just plain brilliant when others, no matter how hard they try, simply make a mess of it? The answer is simple – they have not read this article and learned the rules! (Which are not complicated, nor difficult.)

Home Office

Create your own home office
If you’re lucky enough to be able to work from home, then you probably already know how important it is to have the right home office set up. It’s amazing how much a work environment can affect productivity and quality of work. A good home office work environment means you’ll work more efficiently and will be more likely to enjoy working in your home. Learning how to set up your home office can take a lot of trial and error and hopefully this article will help if you’re starting out or even thinking of starting again!

DIY Paving in 4 easy steps

Sprucing up your yard is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Most people are quite comfortable implementing the planting (soft landscaping) side of landscaping but what about the hard landscaping, such as paving? Paving is not as hard as you may think. Here are four easy steps to creating a paved courtyard.

DIY Floor Tiling

Want to save money and tile your own floors? Follow this step-by-step process to tile your own floors. Once you get started you will find that most of the tiling process is quite simple.

DIY bathroom renovation

DIY renovations can be a satisfying and cost saving process, but should you do it all yourself? Most DIY renovators do the project management, demolition, colour scheme selection, source the fixtures and fittings, remove and install most fittings such as hooks and towel rails and paint. However, unless they are really skilled, they contract the specialist trades of bricklaying, electrics, plumbing and tiling.

DIY 3D Wall Panel Installation

For years Gyprock has been seen as the standard wall lining in the typical Aussie home, but there are other options and you can DIY. Until recently there has been a limited selection of interesting internal wall linings and many people are still unaware of the other options. Three dimensional (or 3D) wall linings are now available in Australia and it’s easy to install.

Cost Effective DIY Fencing

In this article we summarise the typical construction method of back yard fencing including traditional timber paling, tubular fencing and rendered “look-a-like” panel fencing. The building of a fence, no matter what type, is similar in construction and not difficult; it just takes a little planning & preparation.

DIY House Plans

Many people planning to renovate or a build a new home often like to play with plans before they commit to hiring a draftsperson or architect. The thought of drawing your own plans may seem like an impossible task, but why not give it a go?! DIY plans are not as difficult as you may think.