Tag: diy

Don’t stand on a chair – use a step ladder!

Don't stand on a chair - use a step ladder!

If all you need to do is change a light bulb or reach something on a top shelf, it can be tempting to just grab the nearest chair and climb on top to give yourself that extra height. However, chairs and stools are not designed to be stood on and are therefore unlikely to be strong or stable enough to take your weight. While clambering onto a kitchen chair may seem easier, the risk isn’t worth it. Step ladders are worthwhile investments that will make your DIY tasks much less dangerous!

Why is standing on a chair dangerous?

Chairs are designed for sitting, not standing. By standing on a chair, you not only change the chair’s centre of gravity, making it more likely to tip, but you also put additional weight and pressure on individual points of the chair compared to sitting. This can affect the chair’s structural integrity, causing collapse.

A fall from a chair, even if it’s only a couple of feet, can cause a variety of injuries, from minor bruises and scrapes to serious fractures and head injuries. It’s never worth the risk of hurting yourself; even if you’re only standing on the chair for a couple of seconds, that’s all it takes for a serious accident to happen.

Why are step ladders better for the job?

Unlike chairs, step ladders are designed to be stood upon and feature a wide range of safety features such as wide, non-slip steps, rubber feet, handholds, locking mechanisms and more. Step ladders are engineered to distribute weight evenly, keeping you centred and balanced so that you can focus on the task at hand.

Chairs also tend to be too short or too tall for most DIY tasks, causing you to stretch, strain and lean dangerously to reach the area you need. Step ladders, on the other hand, come in various sizes, so you can select a height that suits your task and work comfortably without having to lean or overreach.

Plus, most modern step ladders are lightweight, foldable and easy to store, so there really is no excuse not to use one!

Step ladder safety tips

Make sure that you’re familiar with the following safety tips before you use a step ladder for the first time:

  • Always visually inspect the step ladder before use for any damage like cracks, bends or loose parts.
  • Make sure that you set the step ladder up on a solid and level surface.
  • Always face the ladder as you climb and maintain three points of contact.
  • Never overreach or lean to reach something – come down from the step ladder and reposition it instead!
  • Make sure that you never overload the step ladder’s weight limit.

If you’re not sure what step ladder is best for your task, don’t just settle for a chair – reach out to Ladders UK Direct today for some expert advice!

Author biography: Ladders UK Direct is a UK-based retailer of ladders and other height access solutions for use at work or in the home. To see their latest news and advice on ladders, check out their Ladder Blog.

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The messy truth about renovations (and how to keep your home sane during the chaos)

The messy truth about renovations (and how to keep your home sane during the chaos)

Renovations can be exciting. They can involve a fresh lick of paint, new layouts, better storage. But let’s be realistic for a moment. The messy truth about renovations? They also incorporate layers of dust in places you never knew existed, debris piling up faster than you can keep track of and a whirlwind of chaos that can test the patience of even the most Zen homeowner. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just tough it out”, you probably already know that’s easier said than done.

So, how can you maintain both your home and your sanity when the walls are coming down and the floors are being ripped up?

Why every renovation generates more rubbish than you expect

Here’s the first reality check: waste tends to stack up. You may think tearing out a few cabinets will produce a manageable pile of wood and nails. In reality, every project produces a mountain of packaging, old fixtures & fittings, shattered tiles, plasterboard and dust sheets – things that no one warned you about!

Even a “small” job like updating a bathroom can create much more clutter than expected. Multiply that by weeks of work, and suddenly your garage or driveway looks like a mini landfill. Therefore, planning ahead for the sheer volume of debris is key; don’t wait until your car is parked on the street because detritus has taken its usual space.

The tricks that stop clutter from taking over your home

You can’t avoid the mess entirely, but you can definitely keep it under control. That’s where a little strategy makes all the difference. Create distinct zones; one for your tools, another for rubbish and a third for supplies that still need to be used. It may seem simple, but having these boundaries helps to prevent chaos from spilling over into every room.

Another lifesaver? Waste removal services. Searching for “Skip hire near me” is a game-changer when the clutter starts winning. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming a sense of control. Having a single, reliable location for your debris means you won’t be spending your evenings filling black bags and stressing over what the local council will or won’t collect.

Sanity-saving tips from people who’ve been through it

If you ask anyone who’s been through a renovation, they’ll likely share this wisdom: it’s the little things that help you stay sane. Here are a few popular strategies:

  • Seal off rooms using plastic sheeting or heavy-duty curtains to prevent dust from spreading everywhere.
  • Invest in earplugs for those mornings when the drilling kicks in before you’ve even had your coffee.
  • Create a “clean zone” – just one space in your home where tools, clutter and dust are off-limits. This area will be your personal retreat.
  • Stick to routines as much as possible. Try to eat at the same time each day, take regular walks and give yourself little breaks to escape the chaos that surrounds you.
  • Celebrate milestones, no matter how small they may seem – like when you finally paint that first wall or get the cabinets installed. It’s these little victories that keep your spirits high, especially when the finish line feels like it’s miles away.

Hidden stressors nobody warns you about

It’s not just the dust and clutter that can wear you down. Renovations have this sneaky way of invading your emotional space, too. Delays mess with your plans. Budgets increase further than you planned. And living in a half-finished home can leave you feeling permanently on edge.

That’s why it’s crucial to prepare not just physically, but mentally. Acknowledge that you’re signing up for disruption and change. Build in buffer time and extra money where you can. And just a little reminder: all that chaos you’re dealing with is only temporary, even if it feels like forever when you’re brushing plaster out of your hair at midnight.

Conclusion: Chaos now, comfort later

Renovations can be a real hassle – messy, inconvenient and sometimes just downright frustrating. But trust us when we say, the end result makes it all worthwhile. The trick is to accept that the process won’t be smooth sailing; it’s going to be chaotic. So, brace yourself, set up some systems to manage the madness and make sure you carve out some time to relax when it starts feeling overwhelming. Because once the dust settles and your home looks fresh and new, you’ll realise that all that stress, the mess and even the noise were just stepping stones along the path to something beautiful.

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Little home upgrades that go a long way

Little home upgrades that go a long way

Small home upgrades are something that can often go a long way towards totally changing the feel of your property. But, figuring out what they are isn’t always easy. You don’t always know, especially if you’re not an expert.

That’s where this blog post will help. We look at some of the small home upgrades that can really make a big difference and leave you feeling so much more confident in your property.

LED lighting

One way you could upgrade your home is by tapping into the power of technology. Today’s LED lights are wildly more efficient than their historical counterparts, making them a must-have in any new home.

LED lights currently use 75% less energy than most other solutions, which means that you’ll pay less on your energy bills. Also, they’re available in many colour and brightness options, meaning you can design the ambience of your home exactly how you want it.

Add weatherstripping to doors

One small change you may want to think about is adding weatherstripping to your doors. This simple addition can really enhance the cosiness of your home, making it a more enjoyable space, while also helping you save on energy costs by keeping cold draughts at bay. The easiest option? Peel-and-stick strips! You can find these at just about any hardware store, and the best part is, you can easily apply them yourself.

New rendering

You could also improve your home by looking into house rendering. Many homeowners use this technique to improve the external appearance of their properties, especially if they’re dealing with wear and tear.

It’s not a DIY project, though – you’ll need to bring in the pros. Still, it’s pretty straightforward, and is something you may want to consider for the future if the opportunity arises.

Refresh kitchen hardware

Have you thought about giving your kitchen hardware a little makeover? Over time, it can start to look a bit tired and worn, especially if you’re someone who spends a lot of time whipping up meals for family and friends.

Updating your cabinetry with sleek new handles and fresh knobs can really breathe new life into the space. Plus, it’s easy to do! You won’t need any fancy tools or special skills for most of these updates. You should find the process straightforward.

Paint an accent wall

If you find yourself with a free afternoon, why not think about giving an accent wall a fresh coat of paint? Choosing a new colour can really liven up the space and transform the whole vibe of the room in no time. Plus, it’s a pretty budget-friendly upgrade – you’ll likely spend no more than around £50 for all the supplies!

Add under-cabinet lighting

Finally, you may want to investigate the idea of adding under-cabinet lighting. LED strips are quite affordable, yet they can really change the vibe of your space in unexpected ways. While many of them run on batteries, there are also options that connect directly to your mains power. If you plan to use them often, the latter choice is probably the way to go.

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Come on, let’s talk about curb appeal!

Come on, let's talk about curb appeal!

Have you ever thought about your home’s curb appeal? If you haven’t put much thought into it, you may be wondering why you should bother. Naturally, if you’re not planning to sell, it can feel like a waste of time and energy. But think about it – would you ever consider it pointless to keep the inside of your home clean and well-maintained? Of course not! So why should the outside be any different? It shouldn’t be! If you’ve been neglecting your home’s exterior, it’s time to make some changes.

In this post, we’ll explore various elements of curb appeal and share tips on how to make your home look just as stunning outside as it does on the inside. Read on if you want to learn more!

Keep it clean

Let’s kick things off by discussing how important it is to keep the outside of your home looking sharp. And when we say “exterior,” we’re not just talking about the yard or garden; we mean the actual walls and surfaces of your house, too. It’s surprising how many people overlook this! Many think that a little rain will take care of the buildup of dirt and grime, but that’s not quite the case. Of course, rain can help wash away some of the gunk, but if there’s been a long, dry spell, you can’t rely on Mother Nature to do all the cleaning for you.

Instead, you need to think about how you can get it properly clean. We recommend setting a schedule to ensure that it’s done regularly and potentially investing in a pressure washer to make the task easier. However, if you don’t want to do this chore yourself, there are always house washing services that you can use.

Keep it tidy

It’s important to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. That means regularly mowing the grass and picking up any debris that may have blown onto your property. You want to ensure it maintains its intended appearance without any unsightly elements.

If you have bedding plants, you need to ensure that you’re taking care of them. Wilted shrubs and dead flowers that haven’t been taken care of are not what anyone wants to see, especially you when you’re coming home.

Make it pretty

It’s important to put in the effort to make your home look inviting. Maybe the cladding could use a fresh coat of paint? Over time, paint can fade, so grab a tin of exterior paint, climb up that ladder and tackle this project. Of course, it’s a big job, and if you’d rather not do it yourself, hiring a professional is always an option. Just remember, you don’t have to take it all on alone

Additionally, consider adding ornaments and accessories such as planters, trellis or hanging baskets to your porch and front garden to enhance its charm. A few thoughtful purchases can really brighten things up, and you’ll feel so much happier coming home to a beautiful space.

We hope you found this post useful and now have a clearer idea of what to consider when it comes to boosting your curb appeal. Take pride in the outside of your home, just like you do with the inside; it deserves a little love and care too!

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