Category: diy

5 reasons to learn DIY skills

5 reasons to learn DIY skills

DIY is becoming a lost art. There was a time when most home-owners had some basic skills in order to fix any repairs in their house. It was common for the average person to be competent around the home, being able to put up shelves in a flash or fix a leaky tap without issue.

But this level of self-sufficiency is becoming rarer, and is a skill mostly held by older generations. Young adults who are just getting on the property ladder tend to lack the fundamentals of DIY and home repair. When something breaks, they just call up a professional, hand them some money and let them solve the issue for them. However, this is a huge shame, as DIY is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess.

There are so many great reasons everyone should know how to do basic repairs, as this knowledge can benefit your life in so many ways. Here are a few of the key advantages of developing some DIY skills.

1. Cost savings

The most obvious reason to learn home repair skills is that it saves you money. Calling in an expert might guarantee a perfect job but it will set you back financially. And often, the bigger the job, the costlier it will be. It may take some time to learn the tricks of the trade, but when you do, you’ll be able to fix up your home for next to nothing. Once you’ve bought the most important tools and a few raw materials, you’ll be ready to go.

2. A valuable skill

DIY is one of the most valuable skills a person can have, and it can benefit you in various areas of your life. Whatever goes wrong in your home, you will be able to fix it using your knowledge and tools. This makes you self-sufficient and the master of your own home. Your friends and family will look to you as a person of authority in this area, and you may be called upon to share your wisdom with those who don’t know the first thing about DIY.

3. A beautiful home

Being DIY savvy ensures your home is always in perfect condition. When a pipe bursts or a crack forms in the wall, you don’t need to tolerate it or wait for a contractor to come round. You can simply pick up tools and fix the issue immediately. Your home will always be spotless and well kept. If you want to make it even more stunning, head to KOO Home Store and pick up some attractive homewares.

4. Exercise

It’s important to stay active for the sake of your health, and fixing repairs is a fantastic form of exercise. When you’re engaged in a DIY project, you’ll be moving around and working hard. You’ll work up a sweat and get the blood pumping, making you feel less stressed and happier while also benefiting from a serious workout.

5. Personal satisfaction

There are few things more satisfying than successfully completing a DIY project. It’s an incredibly rewarding skill to have and you will feel good about yourself and your surroundings as a result.

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How to build a display case for your models

How to build a display case for your models

Building a display case for your models is a great way to show them off and protect them from damage and dust. In this post, we’ll show you how to build one using materials that are easy to find and affordable. Let’s get started!

First and foremost, you need to collect the materials needed. For this project, you’ll need:

  • A piece of glass or Plexiglas
  • A wooden box (discard the lid)
  • Silicone caulk
  • Glue (we used Gorilla glue)
  • Clamps

A lot of these items can be found at local DIY stores. Though you can get your cut to size acrylic sheet at Simply Plastics.

Now that you’ve gathered all of your materials, it’s time to begin. The first thing you need to do is cut the glass or Plexiglas to fit the box. Once you’ve done that, use the silicone caulk to glue the glass to the frame. Make sure that you apply a generous amount of caulk around the edges so that it seals well. Then, use the clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries. You’ll also need to secure your model(s) to the base of the box as you’ll no longer be able to access it.

Once the glue has dried, you can remove the clamps and admire your handiwork! And that’s it! You now have a beautiful display case for your model.

What are the benefits of a display case for models?

There are several benefits to displaying models in a display case. First, it protects the model from dust and other airborne contaminants that can damage it over time. It also makes the model more visible so that others can enjoy it and can help prevent theft or vandalism.

If you’re considering building a display case for your models, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You’ll need to choose a material that’s durable and transparent. Plexiglass or acrylic is a good choice because it’s strong and clear. Then you will need to determine the size of the case based on the model size. You will also need to decide on a method of construction and a finish to compliment the model.

What type of wood should I use to build a display case?

There are a few different types of wood that can be used to build a display case, but the most common and sturdy type is plywood. You’ll want to use thicker plywood for the sides and bottom of the case, and thinner plywood for the top and shelves. If you plan on painting or staining the display case, make sure to use a type of plywood that’s compatible with your chosen finish.

How do I measure my display case?

To get started, you’ll need to measure the length, width and height of your models. Add about a ½-inch to each measurement to allow for clearance. Once you have these measurements, you can begin planning the layout of your display case.

If you’re including shelves, be sure to leave enough space between each shelf for your models. You’ll also want to leave some clearance at the top and bottom of the display case so that your models can be seen from all sides.

Building a display case isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a little planning and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a beautiful display case that will protect your models for years to come.

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The top 3 DIY projects in the UK and the best cities to find supplies to do them

The top 3 DIY projects in the UK

With the recent changes to employment habits, many people have begun to work from home. This has led to a surge in home improvements and with these updates there’s been an increase in DIY projects.

Home bar

The garden bar boom

With the restrictions in the UK in place over the last year and more, many people found a new passion for their gardens, with some even getting around to installing their own personal garden bars! With pubs closed and families stuck at home, the bar boom sky-rocketed with over 3,600 monthly searches for ‘Garden Bars’ in London alone!

From converting your old shed into your own personal gin club, to fully installing your own keg machine with taps, there are countless ways to add your own garden bar both in miniature and larger forms! So if you’re looking to get yourself your own bar set up, we recommend you jump on this DIY trend and give it a go yourself!

seating & low tables made from wood pallets

Popular pallet furniture

With the recent COP26, green issues have become more important than ever. One of the latest trends is pallet furniture. Whether you’re sprucing up your garden with a bench set and table, or making yourself an outdoor bar and stools, pallet furniture allows you to make rustic looking furniture at a fraction of the cost. You can pick up pallets from as little as £1.99 each online, and some shipping companies or warehouses give them away for free!

After getting your hands on the main construction supplies, all you really need is the tools; some paint or gloss and some nails! If you want to take it a step further, American artist, Kat Scott, has incorporated the use of pallets into her art, with her pallet mosaic pieces!

Wall rustic wood panelling

Wonderful wall panelling

According to the latest figures, the most popular and Googled DIY trend is wall panelling! Wall panelling is the act of putting up panels on one or more of a room’s interior walls to add a physical structure or effect. This is first noted to originate in the late 15th century and became a popular trend in the 16th & 17th centuries. Recently, it has seen an increase in popularity as it can add a classic and expensive look to any room or house.

This simple and uncomplicated method allows you to change a room’s entire look. So whether you’re looking to add a classy look to your room, or hoping to modernise it and give it a more structured look, wall panelling is the way to go.

Hardware store graph

Best DIY cities

If one of these trends catches your fancy, or if you’re interested in doing a completely different project then you’ll need to know the best places to shop for supplies!

According to the latest figures the best place to get into DIY is in the capital itself. In London you are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a large DIY store, with 19 to choose from. Comparatively in the North, the best city to find a big DIY store is Manchester with 8, whilst in Scotland both Glasgow and Edinburgh have 4 each, and in Northern Ireland, Belfast has 5.*

In stark contrast, over the West Midlands, Birmingham has 8 large hardware stores, ranking it joint 2nd with Manchester in terms of number of stores. However, Birmingham also holds the highest number of registered tradespeople with nearly 4,500 according to the latest figures.

Hire Station undertook a recent study that looked at the most DIY cities in the UK and even developed their own scoring system to calculate which city really is the most DIY city.

Hire Station studied the top 14 most populated metropolitan areas and looked at the cities with the greatest number of tradesmen, which cities have the most big DIY stores and which cities searched the most for DIY Trends.

If these trends have inspired you to start your own DIY project like wall panelling or furniture making, make sure you feel confident in your ability, and if you find yourself uncomfortable with or unsure of the work, we recommend you hire a professional to help you – especially when undertaking tasks that may compromise your health & safety if done improperly.

**These figures are according to Hire Station’s latest study.

#DIYLeagueTable

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Why home improvement shows are so popular

Why home improvement shows are so popular

Home improvement TV shows are a staple of multiple cable channels. These shows use industry experts to show how anyone can make their home fashionable and functional. If you dissect these shows, you can see how these shows gain and maintain an audience.

Illustration of a decorator with paintbrush and roller in front of a red brick wall

Personalities

Every successful home improvement show features one or multiple personalities who make people want to tune in. These individuals must use their charisma to draw viewers in and help them understand how to complete a specific project. Modern, energetic hosts have helped to evolve the genre from the technical jargon-heavy style of the past to the brighter style of today.

Many of these personalities achieve a level of fame that eclipses the overall show. An example of this is Chip and Joanna Gaines. The pair starred in the popular HGTV series “Fixer Upper” and have parleyed their fame into multiple companies and endorsement deals. After the pair moved on from “Fixer Upper” they were highly in demand by other networks and advanced their careers even further.

In addition to having charisma, these personalities must also be experts in their specific areas of home improvement. Viewers may come for the TV personality’s charisma, but their expertise will keep them watching.

If viewers tune into a show that claims that it will help them choose and install dark wood kitchen cabinets, they want a knowledgeable and experienced cabinet expert to present it to them. Similarly, they want actual interior designers to explain their thought process, and real estate agents to explain what sells and what doesn’t.

Illustration of a person giving a presentation

Viewers want to hear a story

One of the most timeless truths in entertainment is that people are attracted to a story with a beginning, middle and an end. You may not be aware of it, but each of these modern home improvement shows tells you a story while they instruct you in DIY projects.

Typical home improvement shows follow a broad formula:

  • Problem – The living room floor is structurally unsound
  • Formulation and execution of a plan – The experts examine the floor and make a plan to fix it. They purchase the supplies and execute the plan
  • The finished product – They present the finished project and wrap up the segment/show

Years of consuming entertainment have psychologically conditioned viewers to expect this type of formula in any entertainment medium. Sticking to this outline gives viewers a sense of comfort and will keep them coming back.

Illustration of a person thinking about home ideascredit

Viewers like to imagine what they can do to their home

Most people are not 100% happy with their homes. No matter how much energy and love they have put into it, there are always some things that they would change. Home improvement shows stimulate their imagination and gives them a chance to explore the possibilities within their own space.

They may watch the show and decide to hire a landscaper to finally redo the garden they’ve been putting off for years. They could also be inspired by a kitchen renovation to completely gut their own and start from scratch. Or to contact a Flat Roofing Specialist to install a new roof. These shows teach people that the possibilities are endless when it comes to the improvements they can make on their own homes.

Illustration of a man's head with an idea lightbulb

Some viewers want to learn

Home improvement shows have been around for decades but, the current crop of shows is very different from those that aired in the 1970s. Past eras of home improvement shows placed a large emphasis on the correct procedures without worrying about making the show flashy to appeal to viewers.

However, many people use modern home improvement shows as a jumping-off point for their own personal projects. They learn the buzz words and trends, then research deeper to understand how to carry out the project.

Home improvement shows attract viewers because they feature big personalities, a cohesive story, and informational content but, there are also intangible reasons for their success that are hard to describe. According to CNN, the Review Home Warranties website is offering money to find out exactly what attracts viewers. The website offered $1,000 to someone who’ll watch a variety of home improvement shows and write down their detailed opinion.

The popularity of home improvement shows has endured for decades and, there’s no sign that the public taste will turn against them any time soon. People just love to watch them. The reasons for their success are many, but at their core, they appeal to every person’s desire to improve their living space and their lives.

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