Small Fixes, Big Impact A quick garden refresh can make a huge difference: • Trim back overgrowth • Clear paths and entrances • Add fresh mulch • Remove dead plants Simple maintenance = instant improvement. Check Your Reticulation System Many summer garden issues come down to water not reaching where it should. Common problems across Australia: • Timers not adjusted for summer • Broken sprinklers • Blocked drippers • Systems switched off and forgotten The result? Dead lawns and stressed plants.A quick check can save both your garden and your water bill.

Overgrowth Is a Risk Unmanaged gardens don’t just look bad — they create hazards: • Blocked signage • Trip risks • Increased pests

A well-maintained garden shows your property is cared for. In summer, it’s about maintenance — not replacement. A fresh garden doesn’t need a makeover.Just the right attention. 🌿

The post Dry, Brown, and Uninviting? appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

The good news is this. The rain hasn’t soaked in yet. Your gutters still have a chance to be cleared, your roof drains can still be checked, and your property can still be protected from what’s coming next.

Why Gutter Maintenance Matters Before Winter

When gutters are neglected, water starts to build up in the wrong places. This can result in:

• Water overflowing onto roofs and damaging ceilings and walls
• Drainage pooling around your building’s foundation
• Internal leaks that interrupt operations
• Slippery walkways near entry points that pose safety risks

Ignoring the warning signs could lead to costly water damage or insurance headaches. The earlier you address it, the better.

Simple Checks to Do Right Now

You can take a few quick steps this week to keep your property protected:

1. Inspect gutters and downpipes for signs of blockage
2. Remove any visible leaves, debris, or sediment buildup
3. Make sure drainage is flowing away from the building, not toward it
4. Check roof valleys and grates for obstructions

If you can’t take these steps, locate a service that can.

Once the rain truly sets in, blocked gutters and poor drainage quickly turn into bigger issues. A minor delay now can become a major disruption later.

The rain hasn’t soaked in yet, but it will. Take the opportunity now to prevent damage before it begins.

At Men Behaving Handy, we offer expert residential and commercial gutter cleaning and maintenance services. Need help with gutter maintenance? Contact us today to book a trusted professional and protect your property from costly issues.

The post The Rain Hasn’t Soaked In Yet… But It Will appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

Failing to carry out routine maintenance will lead to visible wear and tear over time, and the costs of repairs as well as the compromised safety of the home will only escalate over time. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or a long-term resident looking to tackle routine maintenance or home repairs, this is the guide for you.

From roof inspections and gutter repairs to vital services like HVAC maintenance, read on for the ultimate home maintenance services roadmap each homeowner should have; protect your property investment for years to come, and enjoy a safe and well-maintained home with your loved ones. 

The Need for Professional Home Maintenance Services

It can be tempting to embark on DIY home maintenance projects, but the advantages of professional services can far outweigh the potential pitfalls of trying to do it yourself. Professionals will not only save you valuable time, but they guarantee the highest quality of workmanship – saving you money in the long run. 

By addressing small issues quickly and effectively, you can prevent them from turning into larger, more expensive problems down the road. Choosing professional services for home maintenance means meticulous care is taken with each task, minimising the risk of errors, and ultimately protecting the longevity, value, and safety of your home. 

Some of the risks of venturing on solo DIY home maintenance tasks include:

• Taking on too much work, and becoming overwhelmed
• Using inappropriate or unsuitable tools
• Neglecting safety precautions, risking your health and wellbeing
• Overlooking necessary codes or permits, 
• Risking leaks or serious damage due to measurement errors
• Shortening the lifespan of appliances and HVAC systems
• Skipping important steps, resulting in costly repairs

Understanding Essential Home Maintenance Services

To keep your beloved home as the haven of comfort it should be, it’s essential to know which important home maintenance tasks to focus on throughout the year. From electrical work to carpentry repairs, each service provides a key role in keeping your home safe and functional, while retaining its value. 

Taking a proactive approach to understanding home maintenance makes sure that you know the right time to call for expert services – so minor issues don’t become big expensive problems. Let’s delve into the vital services that every homeowner needs:

Plumbing

Regular inspections and plumbing repairs prevent leaks and water damage, as well as maintain proper functionality for a comfortable living environment. Expert services may include cleaning drains, checking water heaters for leaks, servicing air conditioners, and wrapping insulation around external pipes and taps in colder months.

Electrical

Consistently making sure wiring and appliances are up to code keeps the whole house safe, and minimises the risk of electrical issues and potential hazards like electrical fires. Professionals can inspect electrical cords for wear, replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and tune up home appliances as needed.

Carpentry

Addressing any structural issues should be done immediately, while regular maintenance of doors, windows, and wooden elements keeps the home’s overall stability and aesthetic appeal intact. Expert services you may require include refinishing the deck, repairing damaged flooring or furniture, and other home repairs.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint not only looks fantastic and provides great curb appeal, but it also protects surfaces from wear and tear over time. Quality paint applied by the experts will protect the exterior from weather damage while keeping the interior inviting and comfortable.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is a must, not only to maintain a hygienic living space but also to prevent the accumulation of dust and allergens. As well as weekly vacuuming and dusting, it’s recommended to have professional carpet cleaning completed once a year to maintain a healthier environment. 

Expert home maintenance services in Perth for cleaning include power-washing windows and siding, vacuuming heat registers and heat vents, and cleaning the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups – all of which make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature and decrease those energy bills. 

Repairs

Paying quick attention to minor repairs keeps them from escalating into more serious, costly issues. Experienced handymen can help with replacing or sealing cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping, replacing old, draughty windows with more energy-efficient models, replacing missing roof or floor tiles, fixing broken handles, and much more.

Gutter and Roof Maintenance

Proper upkeep throughout the seasons of your roof and gutters will prevent water damage, leaks, and structural issues – all of which can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Get expert help inspecting the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms, and make sure your home stays robust against the elements.

Our Services

Men Behaving Handy provides a wide range of expert Perth home maintenance services, designed to take care of whatever your property needs. As well as guaranteeing quality workmanship, we understand efficiency is key when it comes to many home repairs. The comprehensive selection of professional services can be tailored to suit your needs:

Kitchen and Bathroom Services

Skilled tradesmen can look after plumbing and gas installations and repairs, electrical services, as well as tiling and flooring upkeep – ensuring your kitchen and bathroom function seamlessly.

Bedroom and Interior Services

For complete comfort and appeal in your bedroom or living areas, our team supplies superior services for painting, renovations, and general property maintenance, as well as specialises in Helifix solutions for cracked walls – to ensure structural integrity.

Exterior and Garden Services

Boost your property’s curb appeal with help in gutter cleaning, building maintenance, and rubbish removal. For your outside areas, services are available for garden upkeep including raking leaves and aerating the lawn, rubbish removal, removing leaves and debris from gutters, and even mending cracks and gaps in the driveway.

Expert home maintenance services from Men Behaving Handy

Any homeowner looking for reliable, comprehensive home maintenance services in Perth can find everything they need with Men Behaving Handy. Whether you need help with minor repairs like changing the locks and repairing gutters or require ongoing services for home maintenance throughout the year, our helpful customer care team are there to help.

Take the hassle out of home maintenance while keeping your house’s value intact by trusting Men Behaving Handy with your property’s upkeep, with each service guaranteed to be timely and efficient. 

Contact us today to book Perth home maintenance services, with no job too big or too small!

The post The Essential Home Maintenance Services Every Homeowner Needs appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

This comprehensive guide examines the 10 most common errors people make when assembling furniture. We also look at pro tips on how to avoid them. It’s important to consider the benefits of hiring a Perth handyman service for a smooth and stress-free experience.

1. Not Reading Instructions

One common mistake people often make when putting together furniture is not bothering to read the instructions. Many assume that relying on their intuition or experience will suffice, but this can lead to costly mistakes. Each piece of flat-pack furniture is accompanied by a set of instructions that provide a step-by-step guide for assembly. These instructions typically include diagrams, required tools, and safety precautions. 

Failing to read the instructions can result in incorrect assembly, unstable structures, or even potential safety hazards. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly read and comprehend the instructions, so you can ensure that each component is assembled properly with sturdy, long-lasting results. 

Top Tip:

Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions, and plan out each step of the assembly before commencing at all. This will give you plenty of time to read the instructions properly and make sure that you’re familiar with what is required throughout the whole assembly process.

2. Rushing Through the Furniture Assembly Process

Rushing through the furniture assembly process is a common mistake that many people make. Whether it’s because of time constraints or impatience, trying to put furniture together quickly often leads to errors. These errors can include screws that are not properly tightened, components that are misaligned, or even steps that are missed altogether. 

All of these mistakes can compromise the stability and durability of the furniture. This may even require starting the assembly process all over again. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to allocate enough time for the assembly process; take breaks when needed, double-check each step, and make sure that all connections are secure before moving on. 

Top Tip:

If you don’t have ample time to complete the whole process from start to finish in one sitting, don’t start! We understand life gets in the way and you are most likely time short in the first place – but if you start you need to finish it. This just gives you the assurance that you won’t be rushing to get it done and potentially miss steps, which could lead to compromising the safety of the final product. If you are short on time, we have a specialised team of furniture assembly Perth specialists ready to help you!

3. Not Having the Right Tools

Having the right tools is essential for anyone attempting furniture assembly in Perth. Many flat-pack furniture items require specific tools that may not be readily available in every household. Trying to assemble furniture without the appropriate tools can result in frustration, damaged parts, or even personal injury! So before you begin the assembly process it’s important to gather all the tools you’ll need. 

This may include screwdrivers, spanners, hammers, and allen keys, etc. If you don’t have the necessary tools, you might want to consider hiring a professional service like Men Behaving Handy, whose experienced team comes equipped with a complete set of tools.

Top Tip:

Generally speaking, all the tools you need come with your furniture. For example, IKEA usually provides you with your allen key. However, before starting, check the first few pages of your instruction manual and there should be everything you need to know about putting your new piece of furniture together. This covers having the right tools!

4. Ignoring the Need for a Clean, Spacious Work Area

Creating a tidy and spacious workspace is often overlooked but is essential for a seamless furniture assembly process. Disorganised or cramped areas can make it difficult to handle parts, follow instructions, or access tools. This can become frustrating, potentially leading to damage to the furniture or even injuring yourself. 

Before beginning the assembly be sure to clear the area of any unnecessary items and make sure there is enough room to lay out all the components. This creates a systematic and well-organised approach, making the assembly process much more manageable. 

Top Tip:

No one likes being cramped when doing a hands-on assembly job! Make sure that your space is clear, clean and safe to assemble your furniture without the risk of damage! The last thing you want is to scratch your new TV unit or shelves because you didn’t think to clean the work area!

5. Not Checking for Missing or Damaged Parts

Another common error is failing to check for any missing or damaged parts before commencing the assembly process. Flat-pack furniture often consists of multiple components, and it’s not uncommon to have missing or damaged pieces; neglecting to identify these issues beforehand can lead to frustration and delays during the assembly procedure. 

Before opening any packaging it’s crucial to meticulously examine all the components – take note of any missing or damaged parts and, if necessary, contact the retailer. The meticulous attention to detail paid by a reliable handyman service ensures that your furniture is assembled using all the necessary parts, saving you time and potential frustration.

Top Tip:

Probably the most important top tip… This one is non-negotiable! Before you start, you MUST (seriously) double check that everything is in the box, all screws, connectors, and furniture are in the flat-pack package! Once you are satisfied that you’ve got everything, make sure to double check that the actual structure is not damaged!

6. Improperly Securing Connectors and Fasteners

One of the key elements of furniture assembly is correctly fastening connectors and fasteners. Neglecting this step can mean having unstable furniture that poses a safety hazard. Insufficiently tightened screws or loose connections can compromise the structural integrity of the furniture and potentially lead to accidents or premature damage. 

When assembling furniture, it is crucial to take the necessary time to ensure that all connectors and fasteners are securely tightened. Make use of the appropriate tools and carefully follow all the instructions.

Top Tip:

Never do half a job! Once you’ve started this process and you’re halfway through, it’s important that you do not cut corners. Improperly securing connectors can lead to a not so stable piece of furniture which can result in compromising your safety! Make sure that all connectors, fasteners and screws are all tightly secured in place!

7. Disregarding Safety Precautions

Safety should always be the top priority when putting together furniture. Neglecting safety measures too often leads to personal harm or damage to the furniture. It’s vital to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in the instructions, including wearing protective equipment, being cautious when dealing with sharp objects, and working in a well-ventilated space. 

At Men Behaving Handy, each team member places great importance on safety throughout furniture assembly in Perth, creating a secure environment for both themselves and your furniture.

Top Tip:

This one is important, especially if you’re not a construction minded individual! As we mentioned previously, safety needs to be your top priority! Disregarding safety precautions doesn’t only put you at risk down the line, but those around the furniture will also potentially be in harm’s way!

8. Overlooking the Importance of Levelling

Levelling is an often overlooked but crucial step in the process of assembling furniture. When furniture is not level it can cause stability issues, uneven weight distribution, and potential damage to the floor. Neglecting to level your furniture can result in an uncomfortable experience and can mean future adjustments or repairs will be needed. 

Take the time to ensure that your furniture is level, with an easy-to-use spirit level making sure that all legs or supports are adjusted correctly. 

9. Incorrectly Installing Drawers and Doors

One of the last steps in putting together furniture is the installation of drawers and doors. This particular phase demands accuracy and a keen eye for detail to guarantee proper alignment and functionality. If drawers or doors are installed incorrectly, difficulties can unfold when opening or closing them.

It’s crucial to carefully follow the provided instructions when tackling furniture assembly in Perth, taking the time to ensure they are aligned correctly and operate smoothly. 

Top Tip:

Our Perth furniture assembly specialists all say that this is one of the most important parts of assembling flat-pack furniture! Putting on doors the wrong way doesn’t only require you to take it apart again and do it the opposite way, but you may have also drilled unnecessary holes in your piece of furniture which might affect the aesthetics! 

10. Neglecting to Clean and Maintain the Furniture

Once you have successfully assembled your furniture, it’s important to regularly clean and look after it. Failing to do so can result in a buildup of dirt, dust, or stains that may prove difficult to remove in the future. By properly cleaning and maintaining your furniture, you can ensure its long-lasting durability and attractive appearance. 

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. It is important to use suitable cleaning products and avoid abrasive materials that could potentially damage the furniture’s finish. 

The Role of a Professional Furniture Assembly Service

Although assembling furniture yourself can be satisfying, it often also presents difficulties and even risks. Opting for a professional service like Men Behaving Handy for furniture assembly in Perth has some serious benefits, with a skilled team offering the required know-how, tools, and expertise to guarantee a smooth and trouble-free assembly process.

Contact our Perth Furniture Assembly Experts

By entrusting your Perth furniture assembly needs to our specialists, you can save time, avoid potential mistakes and frustrations, and enjoy your furniture without worry. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to help you put your beautiful piece of furniture up for you safely, quickly, and exactly how you want it!

The post 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Furniture Assembly appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

Time and Cost Efficiency

The first and foremost advantage of enlisting the services of a commercial handyman lies in the tremendous time and cost savings it provides. Rather than hiring multiple specialised contractors for each individual task, a commercial handyman can handle a diverse array of maintenance and repair jobs, ranging from plumbing and electrical work to carpentry and painting. This holistic approach not only streamlines the entire maintenance process but also eliminates the need for multiple service contracts, ultimately reducing overhead expenses.

Enhanced Safety and Compliance

Maintaining a safe working environment is paramount for any business, and commercial handymen are well-versed in ensuring that your establishment complies with safety regulations and standards. From inspecting fire suppression systems to addressing potential hazards and cleaning, their expertise helps to minimise risks and prevent accidents. By entrusting the responsibility of safety checks and maintenance to these professionals, business owners can focus on core operations with peace of mind.

Seamless Business Continuity

Downtime due to building and property maintenance issues can significantly hamper business operations, leading to revenue losses and customer dissatisfaction. With commercial handyman services at your disposal, you can rest assured that any maintenance issues will be promptly addressed, minimising disruptions and facilitating seamless business continuity. Whether it’s fixing faulty equipment, addressing HVAC malfunctions, or repairing broken fixtures, their quick response and efficient solutions keep your business running smoothly.

Major Services Offered by Commercial Handymen

Plumbing Services

Commercial handymen are skilled in handling various plumbing tasks, including repairing leaks, unclogging drains, installing fixtures, and maintaining water supply systems. Their expertise ensures that your business maintains a smooth and reliable plumbing infrastructure.

Electrical Services

From fixing faulty wiring to installing lighting fixtures, Men Behaving Handy’s handymen are adept at dealing with electrical issues. Their proficiency in electrical systems helps safeguard your establishment against potential hazards.

Carpentry Services

With a keen eye for detail, commercial handymen excel in carpentry tasks such as furniture repairs, door installations, and custom cabinetry, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your commercial space.

Painting Services

Commercial handymen possess the necessary skills to refresh and revitalise your establishment with expert painting services, adding a touch of professionalism to your business.

Investing in commercial handyman services offers a wide array of benefits that directly impact your business’s efficiency, safety, and overall performance. The convenience of having a versatile professional on hand to address various maintenance and repair needs cannot be overstated. As you prioritise the seamless functioning of your commercial space, these skilled individuals can be the key to unlocking its full potential. So, don’t wait for minor issues to escalate into major headaches—explore the services of a commercial handyman and witness the transformation they bring to your business operations. Contact us today.

The post 5 Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Handyman For Your Business appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

Out of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom is definitely the wettest. This is where you shower, bathe, wash your hands, and use the toilet. When you go to waterproof your bathroom, you will be applying a unique type of paint, membrane, sheet, or spray that will prevent water from leaking through it. These applications can also be made to your home’s other wet areas as well. 

Just be sure waterproof your bathroom because that is where water has the opportunity to damage your home the most. Unprotected walls and floors will result in more dampness, mould, and mildew in the room. As it continues to get worse, the timbers of your home’s structure will rot, and the metal will corrode. 

Here is some advice from the experts:

The Cost

The big question is, how much money will it cost to apply waterproofing material to a bathroom? It really depends on which contractor you hire to do the job. They typically have their own service rates and use their own waterproofing materials. 

In most situations, a bathroom waterproofing job should cost you per square meter. If your bathroom is extra small or big, then this will influence the price. 

If you would rather buy the waterproofing materials yourself and have a Men Behaving Handy expert do the job, here are the items you will need:

– Primer: This is an adhesive solution that gets applied to bathroom surfaces first. That way, the waterproof materials will stick better. If you purchase Dunlop Primer & Additive (1 litre), it will cost you $16.90.

– Waterproofing Material: There are waterproofing products that come in various application forms, such as paint or spray. Either one will do a good job of blocking water leaks in your bathroom. If you purchase Dunlop Express Wet Area Waterproofing (20 kilograms), it will cost you around $200 to $210. This product has an acrylic polyurethane waterproof membrane that is water-based. If you purchase Dunlop Undertile Waterproofing (4 litres), the price would be $89. 

– Bond Breaker: This product is used to seal joints in the bathroom. At $85, you can purchase Crommelin Reinforcing Fabric. 

Building Code of Australia

You cannot just perform waterproofing on your bathroom without making sure you’re complying with Australian building code regulations, particularly AS-3740-1994 of Australian Standards. This code states that bathrooms in residential homes must meet these standards:

– You must waterproof the entire floor in the recess of the shower. The walls in the shower need waterproofing too. Make sure the waterproofing height goes up to at least 1,800 millimetres on the shower walls.  

– The walls of the bathroom must be waterproofed. The minimum height of the waterproofing needs to be 150 millimetres. 

– You must waterproof 100% of your bathroom flooring if it is made of wood. You must also do this if the bathroom is located on a higher floor than the first floor. 

– When a person goes to get out of the shower by stepping down onto the floor, the area above this needs a minimum of 100 millimetres of waterproofing. 

This is a list of the minimum requirements for waterproofing your bathroom. However, you should always aim higher to reduce the risk of damage as much as possible. For instance, if your bathroom is on the first floor or is not made of wood, you should still apply the waterproofing material to the whole floor anyway. Make sure you put some of this material around your toilets and bathtub too. 

There are certain Australian locations that require a licensed waterproofing professional to perform the work. The local council of these areas would then conduct an inspection of the work afterwards. Find out if this requirement exists in your area before starting any waterproofing job. 

Who performs the waterproofing job?

If you live in Queensland or New South Wales, waterproofing jobs can only be performed by someone with a waterproofer’s license. A waterproofer must have a Certificate III in the category of Construction Waterproofing in order to be qualified. Sometimes there are waterproofers who are specialists that work in similar practices, such as flooring or tiling. They might possess the required qualifications too. 

There are certain territories and states in Australia which don’t require someone to have a waterproofer’s license. If the person you hire doesn’t have a license, they must be able to show you a statement that affirms their work conforms to AS 3740 of the Australian Standards. This is in reference to “Waterproofing of domestic wet areas.”

If you go into almost any hardware store, you will find waterproofing products for sale. Make sure you focus on the details carefully and follow the instructions set forth on them. Most importantly, you must be diligent so that you waterproof every single spot. 

Any do-it-yourself waterproofing work must be evaluated by a building inspector after you are finished. Be aware that if you file insurance claims in the future, your insurer may not like that you did the work yourself and will hold it against you. 

The Bathroom Waterproofing Process

Your bathroom needs to be waterproofed before it gets tiled. The first step in this process is to prepare the areas for waterproofing by applying primer. Be sure to focus closely on the joints of the floors and walls. You’ll want smooth surfaces left everywhere with no coverage broken. Following the primer application, you will use silicone sealants on places where the walls meet the bathroom fixtures and other features. The sealants will waterproof these areas so that water doesn’t leak through any cracks or holes around them. 

Always focus on all corners and edges of the bathroom because they are the most susceptible to water leaks. You can use neutral cure silicon as a sealant for them. But to produce a bond breaker over the joints, use a polyester fabric bandage because it is flexible enough for these areas. If you don’t apply the bandage, small cracks will eventually form in the waterproofing membrane as the building slightly shifts over the years. Any fittings, such as taps and drains, need a bond breaker around them because the membrane tends to break very easily in these places.

For important bathroom surfaces, you’ll need a waterproofing membrane application made of liquid rubber. Apply a horizontal coat to start it off and wait for it to dry. After that, apply a vertical coat to seal all the tiny gaps in the surfaces that are still left behind. This coat will need time to completely dry as well. The amount of time this will take depends on the temperature and climate of your location. It is best to wait around 5 days just to be safe. If you are applying the waterproofing yourself, there may be a 10-year warranty on the products that you used. However, if you have a licensed professional perform the job, the waterproofing should last for a lot longer than 10 years. 

Hiring a Professional Bathroom Waterproofer

The waterproofer that you hire to renovate your bathroom needs to be perfect for the project at hand. You can qualify various waterproofers by asking them questions like:

– Do you have a license to perform waterproofing jobs?

– Are you covered by insurance?

– How many years of experience do you have in waterproofing? Can you provide me with references?

– What is the estimated length of time to waterproof my bathroom?

– What is the estimated cost of the waterproofing job?

– Does your work come with any warranties? Do your waterproofing products come with warranties? 

At Men Behaving Handy, we will provide you with a quality contractor. You won’t need to spend time worrying about it and can trust the job will be done to the highest standard.  Contact our team to enquire about bathroom renovation and waterproofing. 

The post The Price of Waterproofing a Bathroom appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

Having a say over the aesthetics and design details of your home is an amazing feeling, but attempting to install beautiful tiling in Perth yourself comes with plenty of risks. 

Read on to learn just how tricky DIY tile installation can be, and why our professional flooring services in Perth are a worthwhile long-term investment.

What are the risks of DIY flooring and tiling?

From daily foot traffic to water damage in bathrooms, there are plenty of reasons to add protective tiled flooring, splashbacks and more throughout your home. The costs of renovations can make it tempting to try DIY installation of tiling and flooring in Perth, but one incorrect move can cause costly damage.

Placing down a few tiles may look easy, but there are many steps involved requiring specific knowledge and skills to complete correctly. Seemingly straightforward tasks like buying the right equipment, creating an aesthetic design, and calculating the number of tiles needed can quickly become complicated and derail the project. 

Incorrect tools

Selecting the right tools and equipment is the first step to any DIY tiling project. Purchasing the essentials such as trowels, buckets, sponges, a leveller, spacers, tile cutters, and more can seem clear cut, but too often inexperienced DIY-ers waste money on the wrong tools.

One of the advantages of our professional tiling and flooring services in Perth is that we have access to a wide range of tools as well as the niche knowledge needed to effectively prepare for each project; from bringing the right trowel (matching the tile size) to having a suitable diamond saw to cut tiles without breaking them. 

Damaged or cracked tiles

It takes experience and skill to cut tiles without breaking them. DIY projects can suffer from having too many broken tiles, leading to expensive wastage and even running out of tiles to complete the project. 

Highly abrasive tooth-free diamond saws are the ideal tool. One of the mistakes made by amateur tilers is failing to mark tiles before cutting, using too much pressure, and working too quickly. 

Unprofessional results 

There’s nothing worse than finishing a home renovation DIY project, taking a step back, and realising it looks inexpert and crude. For example, using the wrong grout or placing it incorrectly can ruin the finished look of all your hard work. 

While it may seem like a money saver to tackle projects yourself, investing in expert tile installation provides professional results guaranteed to last. This can often save you money in the long run, raising the property value and lessening damage from moisture, foot traffic, and impacts over time. 

Wrong layouts 

Installing tile floors, splashbacks, showers, and more takes careful planning, especially when a pattern is involved. Styles such as diagonal, herringbone, diamond, pinwheel, and more require careful measurements and detailed pre-planning to ensure accurate and visually appealing results. 

Failing to build your chosen design around accurate measurements can lead to plenty of lost time and money due to spoiled floor tiles designs.

A lack of durability 

Missing a few subtle steps can cause DIY tile installation and flooring to lack sturdiness over time. Failing to take correct measurements that take into account expansion joints is a common error, as tiles increase or decrease due to the surrounding temperature. Choosing the wrong tile adhesive can also cause issues, due to incorrect bonding or weight bearing.

Expert providers of flooring services in Perth understand the importance of each detail, as well as using a suitable tile sealer to keep your new floors or splashback protected and looking clean.

Lost time (and money)

One simple mistake can throw a DIY tiling or flooring project into confusion, and the resulting lost time or money can be incredibly frustrating. Failing to correctly plan ahead is one of the most common errors of do-it-yourself tasks, from not buying enough tiles to not preparing the space accurately before tiling. 

The time-consuming nature of quality flooring and tiling enterprises can often make it worthwhile to invest in professional services, freeing up your precious time to spend on other worthwhile endeavours. 

The benefits of professional tiling and flooring in Perth

When done properly, tiling in Perth adds immense value and aesthetic beauty to any space. Hiring professionals for your next project not only saves time but provides helpful expertise on the best solution for you. Key advantages of expert flooring services in Perth include:

• Flexible and fast services
• A wide selection of patterns, styles, and designs
• Fully insured and licensed installers
• Niche experience from years of 
• Competitive pricing
• Clear and friendly communication, and advice
• Quality tiles installation guaranteed

Expert flooring and tiling services in Perth

Men Behaving Handy is here to help, providing superior tiling and flooring services in Perth. Highly qualified and experienced tilers can complete any project to suit your schedule and budget, from beautiful bathrooms and kitchens to swimming pools and mosaics, including grouting, timber flooring, floor prep, and more. 
Get in touch today to book expert flooring or tiling services, or fill out a Job Request Form now!

The post Why You Should Avoid DIY Tile Installation and Flooring appeared first on Men Behaving Handy.

Home renovations involve a lot of planning, stress, investment, and hard work. You’ll certainly want this effort to pay off in the end, right? The rewards will be there after your home is renovated because it will have a higher market value, whether you’re selling it or renting it out. If the house is being rented, the owner will usually raise the rent price to make up for their renovation costs.

In the end, a renovated home will add value in many ways. You just need to plan carefully and do your research.

Conducting Research and Creating a Concrete Plan

Don’t start renovating your home until you know what you’re doing. Home decoration magazines and home improvement television shows might have motivated you to get started. But you need to plan out what you’re going to do first. If you have not finished renovations that are needed, buyers will be worried. The visual appeal of your home is everything when attracting buyers. They don’t want to purchase something that looks awful unless you’re selling the home as a fixer-upper. But then, you won’t get a good price for it.

Therefore, figure out how many renovations your home needs and what the cost of them will be. Then estimate what the value of the home will be after you complete the renovations. If the value outweighs the renovation costs, then go for it. Sometimes you may only need to renovate a few areas of your home rather than the entire thing. Keep that in mind too.

Also, see what other houses in your neighbourhood are selling for. This will give you a good indication of what the value of your home will be afterwards. You can seek help from real estate agents regarding the sales pricing and the typical cost of houses in your neighbourhood.

Good First Impressions are Everything

Your home’s exterior needs to give prospective buyers a positive first impression. It needs to look fresh, new, and clean. You can do this yourself by cleaning the windows, mowing the lawn, and giving your home’s siding a new coat of paint. A new fence in your yard might be a good touch too. Smaller renovations like these will go a long way in making your house look more presentable.

Make a Budget

The first thing you should do is make a budget for what you want done. This will help ensure that you stick to your original plan and not get sidetracked with other investments. It may even be a good idea to have a separate budget set aside for each room that you’re renovating. When you are finished making your budget, add up the total amount it will cost to do the renovations. If it is equal to over 10% of the home’s market value, then it is too much money. Your renovations should cost 10% or less of the home’s value. That way, you don’t spend excessive amounts of money and end up with little profit in the end.

20% of your budget for renovations should go toward the bathrooms and kitchen. Buyers care a lot about these rooms. Not only do they care about their looks, they also care about whether the plumbing and appliances work too. Any problems with these areas need to be addressed first. You should have another 10% of your budget reserved for contingency expenses. These are surprise expenses that you don’t plan for during the renovation process.

Simple Works Great

You will want to keep your spaces simple for the most part. Buyers like open spaces that are bright and beautiful. Consider adding new flooring and a fresh neutral paint coating to the walls. Install some new door handles and light fixtures too.

If you want to go even farther, add plantation shutters to your windows. This will give style to your existing rooms. You can even put plantation shutters inside your home between various rooms. They can be converted into sliding doors that are adjustable.

Should you hire a professional or not?

There are certain tasks that you can do yourself and there are tasks which a professional should do. Figure out which ones you’re capable of doing without making any mistakes. If you’re not sure or you know you can’t do certain tasks, then have a professional do them. Otherwise, you could mess the entire project up and must start over again. If you are making changes to the structure itself, try to obtain multiple quotes from various contractors. Lastly, you need to trust the people who are working on the renovations with you.

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Seriously, how can I safely tear down my wall?

Load-bearing Wall

If you are going to break down a particular wall, make sure it is not a load-bearing wall. If you make the wrong choice and tear down a load-bearing wall, your entire home could collapse. If you are unsure, have a structural engineer or contractor give you the proper information.

Remember that all houses are different. Building regulations change frequently. This means older structures are conforming with older building regulations and not the most recent ones. So, you can’t figure this all out yourself. Even if you knock on a wall and it seems hollow, it could potentially be a load-bearing wall if it is made form plasterboards and timber studs.

The breadth and length of the wall need to be examined. This will require you to go in back of the plasterboard, into the basements, and below the floorboards. Again, use a professional for these tasks. If you find that a wall you want to tear down is a load-bearing wall, a professional contractor should do the job instead.

Partition walls are only meant for separating rooms. They have no effect on the structure of the home.

Inside the Walls

There could be many things inside your walls, such as electrical wires, pipes, and/or air vents. If you smash your walls without knowing what’s inside them, it will create all kinds of problems.

An easy way to figure this out is to look at the wall and see if there is a thermostat or light switch there. You can also use an A/C voltage detector and scan the walls for electrical currents with it.  If you detect a current, then you need to be more careful. Don’t use a sledgehammer. There is another type of device for detecting pipes too.

The Start

Before working, turn off all the water, power, and gas in the house. Take down anything that is attached to the wall, such as ceiling moldings and skirting boards. You can do this job easily with a crowbar or prybar.

With a utility knife, cut out a small portion of the wall that you want gone. You need to be accurate here, so use a pencil, ruler, and spirit level for precision in your plan. A utility knife is good for cutting drywall and paper. That way, you can remove what you want and leave the rest unharmed.

The Challenging Part

Use a hammer on the outer portion of the drywall to punch a beginning hole in it.

Be careful of studs. These are those lengthy wooden slats which make up the wall’s skeleton. You can worry about this later, though. For now, break through the wall with the hammer until you get to the scored line that you made. If the hammer hits a stud, do not panic. Just hammer around it and continue on. As you get closer to the scored line, be extra careful because you’ll want the edge to be clean.

A saw is good to use as well. Place the saw into the beginning hole of the drywall and use it to cut big panels from out of the drywall. Saws are great for people who want to limit the mess that is made. Hammers cause more of a mess, but they are fun too. If your drywall is nailed to the studs, then you need to take extra caution with the hammer.

After you have gotten off the drywall, you will see the interior of the drywall on the opposite side as well as the studs. Do not touch the studs. Take down the drywall on the other side. Learn what is on that side; usually it is plastic sheets.

In Conclusion

Cut away the studs with a reciprocating saw. Place the saw in the middle to start it, and then them down the middle in half. Grab the stud and pull it away or toward you. By doing this, you will know how it is connected to the ceiling or floor. It may be toe-nailed or nailed straight.

After you take off the nails, that should be it. The wall is now gone completely. Many people don’t do this perfectly and that is okay. You’ll just need to add some paint to the adjoining ceilings and/or walls. Use a spirit level to analyze your cut-out wall one more time. This will let you see how great your outline has been kept. You can level anything with replacement drywall.

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It is the smallest details that often get over looked during the building process that can really impact on the overall end result. It isn’t also widely understood by many that when you see the end of result of a space or a home, that it was achieved through a lot of planning, designing and long processes. It does not happen over night, it takes time to collect and research all the bits and pieces to make the “perfect” end result.

Here are my top tips on what you should really think about when renovating and styling.

1. Make lists!!
I cannot stress this enough, make lists of what you require and need out of each space. Say you are designing and renovating a new bathroom. 
Think about the functions required in this space, what you do in the space and what you need it for… and the key is to be specific! For example: You are a husband & wife (newly married) renovating the main bathroom that will not be renovated again for a long time, so you need to plan ahead for children. Think about necessities such as a bath vs a shower or do you need both, storage, power points and lighting. If you have an ensuite you aren’t going to need space for your blow dryer and or your hair straightener. Keep that for the ensuite and then use this space to be a lot more adult friendly.

2. Have a vision
Doing your research and having references of spaces and looks you like is so important and will really assist in creating a good idea of how you want your home or space to look.

3. Finishes
Picking the right finishes is imperative so make sure to think about what is going to stand the test of time for major areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and do not get stuck in the “ oh it must be neutral to go with everything. “ If you have a clear vision, it is all about making surfaces and textures of finishes working together. Always start with the larger finishes like floors/walls/bench tops/tiles and then work down from there. Think about features if they are only decorative later on, if they are structural, make sure to get them sorted and decided with major finishes and the initial design stage. It is like a mini food chain, once that is all decided then you utilise the main finishes as your base to work in your style, furniture and decoration.

4. Always plan for it to take longer than you anticipated
It is the reality of renovating and re designing. It can take a lot of time and because there are many different stakeholders involved such as suppliers, trades, builders and processes, you must always be patient and plan for it to take a little longer than anticipated. It is just the joys of renovating, my advice is do not fight it, just go with it.

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