Tag: DIY

NICEIC warns of potential safety risks to those considering DIY electrics over the bank holiday weekends

NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical industry, is urging householders to avoid DIY electrics during the upcoming bank holidays, as new research reveals that one in three (30%) UK adults have attempted DIY electrical work.

The research, carried out by YouGov and commissioned by NICEIC1 discovered that DIY electrical works are still being carried out in homes across the country despite 89% of UK adults either strongly agreeing or agreeing that undertaking some domestic electrical work could be dangerous or life threatening.

The arrival of warmer weather during the spring and summer months often motivates people to take on home improvement projects, transform their garden or get on top of renovations that went untouched over the winter. Plus, with many of the major DIY stores running promotions over the Easter and May bank holiday weekends, it also makes it a cost-effective time to stock up on essentials.

With nearly 10,000* monthly Google searches for ‘renovation’, social media is also playing a key role in making people more aware of home and lifestyle trends, and driving a new wave of DIYers armed with inspiration and easily accessible ‘how to’ guides.

Many DIY projects can be tackled safely but NICEIC is highlighting the importance of using an NICEIC-registered electrician to carry out any domestic electrical works. DIY electrics can have potentially serious consequences, highlighted by NICEIC’s Don’t Do DIY Electrics campaign.

Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, commented: “Many householders will choose to take advantage of the extended bank holiday weekends to make some home and garden improvements.

“Whilst it may be tempting for householders to do DIY electrical work to keep down costs, ultimately it’s a risk that isn’t worth taking and a false economy which will cost far more to put right.

“Our research indicates that people are well aware of the risks, but some still chose to attempt DIY electrics. I would urge anyone considering electrical work to use an NICEIC-registered electrician to ensure that electrics are installed correctly and prevent any risks to their home and family.”

With this in mind, NICEIC recommends that any electrical installation and repair work is completed by an NICEIC-registered electrician. There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-certified businesses that are regularly assessed to ensure that they provide quality work in line with up to date electrical standards.

Householders can find an NICEIC-registered electrician via the ‘find a trusted tradesperson tool’ on NICEIC’s website.

For more information, visit:

Experiential Christmas Gifting: Weekend  Woodworking Courses

The Chippendale International  School of Furniture’s weekend woodworking courses are the  perfect choice for those seeking a unique and experiential  gift this Christmas. 

Our weekend spoon carving and woodturning courses offer an  ideal introduction to woodworking for the craft-obsessed,  located just 30 mins outside Edinburgh in the beautiful East  Lothian countryside.  

Consumers increasingly value meaningful experiences over  material possessions, with recent statistics indicating that  33% of consumers plan to treat their friends and family with  memorable experiences in 2023 (KPMG). 

Perfect for a DIY-mad partner or crafty parent who has it all,  these courses offer a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave  memories that last a lifetime – and maybe even inspire a new  hobby!  

Where: 

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, Gifford,  East Lothian, EH41 4JA 

What: 

Weekend woodturning course: A fun and informative course  designed for those who want to dip their toe into the world of  woodworking! Students will learn the basics of woodturning and  joinery, and will create a small stool/plant stand over the  two days.

Weekend spoon carving course: Louise Forbes’ renowned spoon  carving classes are the perfect quirky gift for a DIY  enthusiast! Students will carve a small salt spoon and coffee  scoop, plus salad servers or alternative spoon of their choice  over the two days. 

All tools and materials are supplied on both courses. 

Cost: 

Weekend Spoon Carving Course: £295 

Weekend Woodturning Course: £400 

Book here:  

https://chippendaleschool.com/furniture-making courses/weekend-courses/

NICEIC warns online tutorials could put lives at risk

NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, has launched a campaign to warn consumers of the dangers of online DIY tutorials that could be encouraging them to tackle jobs they are not qualified for.

Platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have become virtual classrooms, where individuals seek guidance on a wide array of subjects.

With a staggering 122 million active users on YouTube per day[1] and 70% of those searching for “how-to” videos[2], many are turning to the internet for quick-fix solutions, in a bid to save time and money.

However, the new campaign launched by NICEIC, is warning that this surge in DIY tutorials could pose a serious threat to personal safety and is keen to warn homeowners against the dangers of dabbling in jobs that should be left to the professionals.

When it comes to electrics within the home, DIY attempts at repairs can have disastrous consequences. In a recent survey carried out by NICEIC, it found that 53% of Brits would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications and almost a fifth (18%) think asking for help is embarrassing or a sign of weakness.

According to recent data, there has also been a notable increase in electrical accidents caused by unqualified individuals attempting electrical repairs. These accidents range from minor shocks and burns to catastrophic fires and even fatalities. On average, 400 people are electrocuted in the home every year, resulting in about 200 deaths[3], a troubling trend that underscores the urgent need for proper education and change.

Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC said: “With the accessibility of online tutorials at the touch of a button, it’s unsurprising that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.

“However, nothing can replace the rigorous training and experience that certified businesses undergo. A botched electrical job attempted at home can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.

“Our stance is not to discourage individuals from learning and engaging with technology but rather to stress the importance of knowing one’s limits. Electrical work demands a deep understanding of the electrical installation and safety protocols that cannot be fully grasped through online videos.

“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’. If in any doubt, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical business such as those certified by NICEIC – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.”

“Our online educational campaign around home electrics will raise awareness about the risks associated with DIY electrics and aims to influence homeowners’ behaviour at critical moments.”

To learn more about the campaign and watch the videos, visit niceic.com/dontdiy. 

NICEIC urges Bank Holiday Brits to leave electrical DIY to the pros

With the summer bank holiday due, we can expect to see that traditional spike in home improvement activity. In anticipation of this, the UK’s leading electrical certification body is cautioning homeowners against dabbling in dangerous electrical DIY. 

According to research by NICEIC, more than three quarters (76%) of British households will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; and that is in spite of 60% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.  

As a result of this, almost two thirds (64%) admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, almost one quarter of respondents (24%) have ended up with a bill in excess of £1,000 – but this has even exceeded £25,000 in some cases. Over a fifth (21%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.  

Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for Brits carrying out DIY themselves (69%) but 53% admitted to being happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications. 

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, comments: “With the cost of living at unprecedented levels, it is hardly surprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to have a go when it comes to DIY as a way of saving money.

“However, a botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.  

Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, adds: “There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks.

“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’ If in any doubt, get a professional in – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.” 

Paul continues: “With almost two thirds of people admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear – when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC.”  

To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, visit NICEIC.  

Edinburgh electricians reveal the 10 most common electrical mistakes they see in homes

Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected is the most common electrical mistake seen by Edinburgh electricians

Edinburgh electricians have revealed the 10 most common electrical DIY mistakes they see in people’s homes, with some possibly leading to serious injuries or worse. 

Almost half (49%) of Brits have meddled with their home’s electrics, so ElectricalDirect, the specialist retailer of electrical products, asked hundreds of electricians to reveal the most common errors people make, and then rank them in terms of severity. 

These are the 10 most common electrical mistakes seen by Edinburgh electricians:

1. Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected

2. Installing electrical outlets close to water

3. Leaving plastic-sheathed cable unprotected

4. Installing cable without a clamp

5. Reversing hot and neutral wires

6. Installing lightbulbs near flammable materials

7. Over-stacking extension cords or electrical outlets

8. Recessing boxes behind the wall surface

9. Cutting wires too short

10. Handling electrical appliances or outlets with wet hands

The most dangerous mistake is not protecting plastic-sheathed cable. John McCallister, electrical expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, explains why this is problematic: “Leaving plastic-sheathed cables unprotected exposes them to snagging and cuts, which could lead to fires or lethal shocks. Running them through a conduit minimises this risk.” 

The 10 most dangerous electrical mistakes we make at home are: 

Second on the list is leaving switches or outlets loosely connected.  

John says: “Loose connections cause movement that can potentially disrupt the power supply or allow live wires to wiggle loose, exposing them to your fingers. This means that there’s a potential risk of electrocution or fire.”

 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, said: “Interest in DIY has massively increased over the last few years and while this is great to see, it’s important that people stay away from certain electrical jobs that can lead to injuries. 

“That’s why we consulted electricians from across the country to reveal the tasks which are best left to the professionals.” 

For more expert comments about why these 10 electrical mistakes are dangerous, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/blog/10-dangerous-electrical-diy-mistakes

DIY or DI-Why?

BAN THE BRAVADO: SCOTTISH HOMEOWNERS’ ‘HAVE A GO’ MENTALITY COULD BE PUTTING HOMES IN DANGER

  • More than a third of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt DIY in the home since lockdown
  • That is in spite of almost two thirds (65%) ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ or below
  • Almost three quarters of households in Scotland do their own DIY as opposed to calling in a professional – yet well over half (58%) admit to calling in a professional tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job; potentially costing thousands
  • In response, leading electrical certification body, NICEIC, is encouraging homeowners across the nation to ‘ban the bravado’ and go pro when it comes to electrical DIY in the home 

Whilst Scots may be known for their ‘have a go’ mentality, when it comes to safety in the home a can-do attitude may be putting UK homes and families in danger.

According to new research by NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, more than more than a third (36%) of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt their own DIY in the home since the Coronavirus lockdowns – in spite of 65% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.

Lockdowns aside, almost three quarters (74%) of households in the country will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; yet 58% admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, over a third (35%) has ended up with a bill in excess of £500. A fifth (19%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.

Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for those in Scotland carrying out DIY themselves (62%) – but well over a quarter (28%) still prefers to avoid having people in their home due to COVID-19.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners, also found that 53% of homeowners across the UK would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications – and it’s not just painting and decorating. Almost a quarter (24%) would dabble in general electricals, 51% in landscaping and 25% in plumbing.

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, said: “With so many Brits forced to stay home during the national lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, its unsurprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.

“It is worrying, however, that so many are willing to do this in spite of having a clear lack of experience, qualifications or even ability – especially when it comes to home electrics.

“A botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.

“With well over half of Scottish homeowners admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear – when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC; it could mean the difference between life and death.”  

And it would seem a reluctance to ask for help or a belief that ‘I can do it myself’ (55%) has led to over a quarter (27%) of the region’s homeowners waiting until the absolute worst-case scenario before calling a professional tradesperson to fix a botched DIY job in the home.

In fact, 11% of those surveyed admit to ‘Googling it’ and giving it a go when it comes to a DIY job they haven’t done before.

https://youtu.be/PEBC3tJBp1Y

Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, comments: “There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks.

“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’ If in any doubt, get a professional in – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.”

To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, please visit NICEIC.

Edinburgh homeowners avoid DIY tasks due to a fear of failure

  • Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh put off trying DIY tasks – such as wallpapering or building furniture – due to a fear of failure, new survey shows.
  • The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct, uncovers the nation’s attitudes towards DIY tasks and how this impacts our home décor habits.
  • Edinburgh homeowners’ least favourite DIY tasks were revealed to be decorating a room (e.g. repainting), small DIY fixes (damaged pipes), and cleaning the car.
  • Other factors that put off Edinburgh homeowners from DIY tasks include concerns around the difficulty of the task (50%), and quality of the end result (40%). 

Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh avoid a DIY task due to a fear of failure, suggesting a regional lack of confidence in home décor skills, a new survey reveals.

The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct looks at the nation’s attitude towards common DIY tasks and our home décor habits. These include the tasks we find the most satisfying to do ourselves, how much we spend on décor, and which rooms we focus on.

The survey also found that homeowners in Edinburgh are deterred from taking on a DIY task due to concerns around the difficulty of doing so (50%), the quality of the end result (40%), and the time taken to complete (34%).

For homeowners in Edinburgh, the survey showed that the room that sees the most regular décor updates was the living room, followed by the kitchen and master bedroom. 

And the most important factors for local homeowners when it comes to purchasing a home décor product came out as the cost (51%), the quality (42%), the durability (31%), and the aesthetic (30%) – while the least important factor came out as the availability (10%). 

The survey also found that the majority of Edinburgh homeowners spend between £250-500 on home décor products each year. 

Darren Green, Managing Director at Blinds Direct, commented, “It’s encouraging to see so many homeowners, and especially younger people, happier with their homes now than they were a year ago. 

“It’s also heartening that we’re becoming increasingly confident in taking on the challenge of keeping our homes beautiful ourselves. Whether it’s fitting a wooden blind, painting a wall or building a new desk, we are becoming increasingly confident in our own abilities and the positive effect it has on our happiness reinforces the importance of doing things independently.”

Other key focus areas encompassed in the survey included which factors people deem the most important when considering a home décor product, and which DIY tasks result in the greatest sense of achievement when completed. 

To see the full breakdown of results, please visit the DIY Fulfilment Survey here: 

https://www.blindsdirect.co.uk/fulfilment-survey 

Five home improvements you can make for under £100

Most of us have spent more time in our homes in recent months than ever before, so it comes as no surprise we are seeking to make home improvements, with Google searches for DIY once again on the increase during the latest lockdown.

For anyone thinking of sprucing up their home decor, one of the most common considerations is if it will add value to the property.

Providing expert guidance, Hitachi Personal Finance has looked at the most effective home improvements you can make on a low budget, for less than £100.

1.       Painting a room – £71

Nothing brightens up a room more than a fresh lick of paint and this is something that can easily be done yourself. Rather than paying for a professional decorator, why not invest in some brushes, rollers and have a bit of fun picking the colour you want for a room.

To cover the cost of a main room, such as a lounge, kitchen or bathroom, paint will cost around £711 and will give your living space a much fresher look. If you are someone who monitors internal décor trends, choosing the right colour at the right time could even add more than £1,400 in value to your home if you came to selling2.

2.       Kitchen spruce ups – £60

They often say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but a full-scale kitchen refurb is not always necessary, and can prove very costly. It can be easy and cheap to make just a couple of subtle changes to change the whole complexion of the room.

Adding or swapping a glass hob splash back can cost as little as £603, whilst tiling a wall could be just what you need to reinvigorate your kitchen area. The cost depends on the type of tile and size of your kitchen, but the average kitchen tiling will set you back just £35 per square metre4.

3.       New curtains and blinds – £50-£90

Old drapes in your window frames can make a room feel stale and dull, so replacing those with something more vibrant and colourful can really make a difference.

Providing you have had them installed previously, just replacing curtains or roll up blinds won’t cost as much as you think. Home interior retailers sell a range of good quality curtains for between £50-£905 that can totally transform the feel of a room.

4.       Decluttering – free

A really simple way to improve the feel of your entire home is organising and decluttering from top to bottom. Excess belongings are commonplace in a lot of households and can often be forgotten for long periods, leading to even the most spacious properties feeling cramped and messy.

Taking the time to go through each room, organising items to keep and collecting ones you want to recycle or donate to charity, will free up storage space that you can then make good use of. And, of course, this will cost you virtually nothing and if donating unused items to charity it will help others and the environment too.

5.       Sprucing up your front door – £80

Make sure you don’t forget about the exterior of your home, as improvements on the outside can really add value to your property.

Sanding down and re-painting your front door will help alleviate any looks of tiredness from the outside and will certainly add kerb appeal. Although this sounds like a big job, the average cost of the paint and tools required to take this project on are attainable at just £80

Vincent Reboul, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, said: “The start of the year is often a time of reflection, and this applies to our homes as well as our careers and personal lives. The lockdown means even more of us will be looking to take on home improvements in the coming months.

“Although a lot of DIY jobs can be quite large and costly projects, there are certainly tweaks and changes we can be making ourselves to have similar benefits without forking out huge sums of money.

“We hope this guide inspires homeowners looking to try their hand at a few upgrades to give their house a fresh feel for 2021.”

For more information on the home improvements you can make on a budget, visit: 

https://www.hitachipersonalfinance.co.uk/latest-posts/homeimprovements/make-the-most-of-your-home-improvement-budget/

DIY SOS star Billy helps keep Edinburgh DIY enthusiasts safe

TV electrician helps to share SP Energy Networks’ electrifying safety advice

Popular TV electrician Billy Byrne is helping people in Edinburgh stay safe with a series of videos sharing his top tips for people turning to DIY at home and in the garden.

The 65-year-old, famous for his role on BBC television show DIY SOS, is working with SP Energy Networks to promote good practice when it comes to working near electricity.

The number of safety incidents involving electricity around homes and gardens has risen steeply since last year, with more people digging out the toolbox or paintbrush during lockdown.

Figures from SP Energy Networks show a surge in DIY garden projects led to a 24% increase in reported incidents across the UK – rising from 126 incidents from January to June 2019 to 161 incidents in the same period this year. This spike in domestic incidents involved activities such as digging up trees, cutting high hedges, hammering in fences and painting over electricity service positions.

Billy, who has witnessed his fair share of electrical disasters over the years, has worked with SP Energy Networks to develop straight talking advice to ensure people stay safe while working in the garden, in the home and near overhead power lines, which people can often forget about when they take on DIY.

Billy, who has starred on DIY SOS since 1999, said:“Most of us have spent more time at home over the last six months than we have in the last six years. For me, it was a chance to tackle the odd jobs I’ve been putting off. But before you get cracking, you need to stop and think about the risks.

“The guys at SP Energy Networks really are a go-to source for easy to understand advice that anyone thinking of undertaking DIY should check out before they get started. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Billy’s top tips are:

  • Electricity cables and power lines should always be treated as live. Check for overhead power lines when working with ladders, scaffold or when pruning and cutting trees in your garden.
  • Shut off the power. If you’re doing any work near electrical wiring or power supplies, where possible, shut off the power in your fuse box and use battery powered tools.
  • Use a cable detector to locate cables in your walls. A common DIY mistake is accidentally drilling, nailing or screwing things into cables hidden inside your walls.
  • Don’t assume that overhead lines on wooden poles are telephone wires – look for the “Danger of Death” sign as this tells you it’s an electricity pole. Touching anything with power lines can be deadly so remember you don’t have to make direct contact with an overhead line to receive a shock as electricity can jump gaps.
  • Underground cables don’t run in straight lines, they can change direction and depth. If your electricity is supplied by an underground cable and you’re planning digging work in your garden, please proceed with caution. If you are planning deep excavations, network plans are available from SP Energy Networks by calling 0141 614 0085.
  • In an emergency, dial 999 and let the emergency services know your location and that live electricity is involved. This can save lives.

SP Energy Networks’ safety campaign is designed to get people thinking about the dangers of electricity before attempting DIY.  

Guy Jefferson, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Since the start of the year, there has been a sharp rise in safety incidents as people do more DIY around their homes and gardens where there are lots of hidden electrical hazards.

“It’s important to consider these risks and make sure you follow the advice Billy outlines in the videos to ensure you can carry out projects as safely as possible. We want to help people plan ahead so we’ve put together some top tips to avoid some of the mishaps Billy has witnessed over the years.”

SP Energy Networks provides free safety advice on its website for those who are planning to do work near powerlines and underground cables. 

For further information please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/safety.aspx