Sales of do-it-yourself (DIY) “how to” guides at B&Q are up 30 per cent since the start of the credit crunch, indicating that Britons are keen to cut back on tradesmen's fees of hundreds of pounds-plus for small household jobs.
To help readers, Times Money has compiled a list of straightforward tasks that carry big savings if tackled without help, and those jobs best left to the experts.
You can find step-by-step guides for these and other everyday tasks at the websites of retailers such as B&Q (diy.com). Also helpful are the free video guides at specialist websites, such as videojug.com and howto.tv.
For an idiot-proof introduction to DIY, however, consider taking an evening course at a local college (see below). These cost as little as £100 for ten weeks. John Worgan, who teaches the subject at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, in North London, says: “Taking a course means that you get to ask lots of questions and experiment in a safe environment first.”
Put up curtains
Hanging your own curtains is a simple question of cutting a track or curtain pole to length and screwing it to your wall. You will need a pole or track kit (from about £10), a hacksaw, cordless drill and screwdriver (about £15 in total) - all of which will, again, become staples of your tool kit. Note that thick curtains will cut heat loss and your heating bill.
Insulate your loft
The Energy Saving Trust says that loft insulation could save the average family £155 a year in heating costs. For the average loft it should take about an hour to lay roll-out insulation (about £250). You can obtain government grants towards this, regardless of income. For details go to governmentgrants.co.uk.
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