Five common DIY mistakes to avoid when sprucing up your home this bank holiday
ARE you a dab hand with a paintbrush – or a DIY disaster waiting to happen?
Tonight is the final of Interior Design Masters (BBC1, 9pm), with Alan Carr hosting as our best amateur designers battle it out.
If you have grand designs for the coming bank holiday, don’t let common mistakes cost you.
POOR PLANNING: Printed wallpaper can add a pop of colour but without forward planning, you might underestimate how much you need.
Do your sums and buy a couple more rolls than you require (checking unopened rolls can be returned) in case you need to create that repeat pattern perfectly.
Some of Wilko’s most popular wallpaper is reduced, including a pale rustic brick print, £8 for a ten-metre roll, instead of £10.
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IT’S A COVER-UP: If you are itching to get colour on your walls, remember to protect furniture, sockets and light switches against paint flecks.
A bargain roll of masking tape is £1.30 for 50 metres at Ryman.
Make it go even further by attaching strips to newspaper to cover sockets and skirting boards.
Spread old sheets to protect floors and furniture.
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No sheets? Head to a charity shop.
BAD ANGLES: You might think putting up shelves on your own is easy.
But even a slight angle will put your favourite ornaments in danger.
Get it right first time with the £12 spirit level at Robert Dyas, currently just £9.99.
TOOL UP: Using the wrong tools can cost you time and leave you out of pocket.
When painting, pick synthetic brushes over natural.
They are less likely to splay and leave marks you will need a pro to sort.
Wickes has a great value Prodec trade ten-pack of brushes for £10, designed to help you reach difficult spots.
IMPROPER PLANTING: What you plant outside can end up seriously costing you in the long run.
Sturdy roots bring up driveways and stubborn ivy is tough to remove.
The quickest way to save your cash is to ask your local garden centre for advice before you plant to avoid hefty future bills.
- Prices here are correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.
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