The Right Tools For The Job

renovating

Another weekend always means another little (or big) DIY chore here and there. We’re always torn between those tasks we think we can do ourselves and those that it would just be easier and far less time-consuming to bring someone else in to do. I’ve spoken to Pete quite a lot about outsourcing lately and there’s probably more value in me putting my time into the blog rather than all these DIY projects but then I’m so paranoid that work won’t always be completed to the level that we want it and so it’s less stressful if I do it (or we do it together).

In the two and a half years we’ve been in the house, we’ve learned new skills and accrued a serious amount of extra tools, tricks and information – I can’t believe that in my first ever bit of painting (the kitchen), I just used one paint for walls, woodwork and the radiator. It didn’t occur to me that it would be better to use a separate paint for the woodwork, such a novice!

Now we’re a little more accomplished but I’m definitely more impatient than Pete at preparing and we could definitely do better at making sure we have the right equipment for the job. Our current project being tackled is a little makeover of our front door which you can read more about the reasons behind here. Some parts of it, like replacing the glass panel to the side of the door, we’ve needed to call in professionals to do. Other parts of it, like stripping and repainting the roof supports and woodwork, we’re tackling ourselves and are making slow but steady progress.

Front Door After

So here are my tips for equipment you will need to tackle a similar project:

  • A heat gun to help strip stubborn (and in our case, leaded) paint
  • A selection of paint scrapers (some heat gun packages come with these)
  • Sand paper or sanding blocks
  • An extension cable suitable for outdoor use
  • A ladder
  • Goggles
  • Overalls

Sadly, we don’t have the last two in our repertoire yet which is so annoying because paint stripping and sanding is one of the messier DIY jobs and as we’re taking it in turns to work our way round the wood, we’re both ending up covered in dust. We tend to pick items up from B&Q or Wickes as they’re local to us but Engelbert Strauss is a great online alternative, offering a wide range of workwear clothing and safety wear.

It won’t be long until we finish this project and move on to the next one…and there is probably about another 20 years’ worth of work to do on this house so investing in the right clothes for the job will definitely be next on the agenda.

This is a collaborative post but all words, opinions and images are my own.

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11 Comments

  1. Alana - Burnished Chaos
    August 13, 2016 / 12:56 pm

    I was a complete novice before we bought our current house too. It needed a complete renovation though so over the years I have learnt how to take down a ceiling, hack plaster off walls, dig up a floor, chisel chasers into the walls for the electrics, plastering, rendering, laying decking. It’s amazing how many talents you can pick up along the way. Thankfully after 10 years we are about done now, but the hubby gets bored easily so I’m sure it won’t be long before he finds another project for us to embark on!

    • Lins
      August 15, 2016 / 11:30 am

      Lol funnily enough my husband says the same about me! He’s convinced in a couple of years I’ll be tired of this home and wanting to move on but I’m hoping he’s very mistaken. Well done on those new skills and thank you for stopping by X

  2. Alana - Burnished Chaos
    August 13, 2016 / 12:57 pm

    Meant to say, stopping by from #PoCoLo xx

  3. August 14, 2016 / 4:05 pm

    I agree that if you think you will do a lot of work you have to invest on those protectice clothes! Will save you so in the long run =) #pocolo

    • Lins
      August 15, 2016 / 11:23 am

      Definitely! Pete spent another hour or so sanding around the front door yesterday so it will definitely pay off to have the right protective gear X

  4. August 14, 2016 / 7:19 pm

    Good tips! Our DIY has come to a standstill since having our son! It all just gets so messy. Its nice to have an online alternative to DIY stores! #pocolo

    • Lins
      August 15, 2016 / 11:21 am

      I can totally appreciate that Karen! Ours feels like it stops and starts all the time and we don’t have children to distract us. Sigh. We’ll get there eventually X

  5. Stephanie Robinson
    August 15, 2016 / 10:34 pm

    I’m not so good at the prep either – I just want it done and can always see what it’ll look like at the end. MOH wants it done just right but often can’t see how it will be until we get part way through. Like our garden circles – he thought we were taking circles of grass out and putting slate in instead… And breathe. It’s nice to do things yourself, but it’s also good to know your limitations. And I’m sure you’d rock the overalls 🙂 Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo x

    • Lins
      August 17, 2016 / 9:55 am

      that sounds SO similar to us – I really appreciate Pete’s level to detail I just wish he’d move a tad faster when working on the prep 😉

  6. September 10, 2016 / 9:50 am

    Wow you’re brave! I don’t think I’d want to tackle a project like that, I’d prefer to hire someone to do it for me. Good luck with it hun. xx
    Thanks for linking to #pocolo (sorry it took me so long to comment!)

    • Lins
      September 26, 2016 / 11:05 am

      Haha I go through moments of bravery, sometimes I feel I can tackle any project, other times I just want to outsource the lot!! Thanks for hosting Xx

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