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Home DIY Tips for Dads

HOME HACKS: Some DIY jobs such as plumbing and childproofing your house are suprisingly easy to get done on your own

Summer's the perfect time to get cracking on those little 'man projects' you've been putting off awhile

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Published: Fri 31 Jul 2015, 12:02 PM

Last updated: Fri 31 Jul 2015, 2:16 PM

As families escape to cooler climates for the summer and many dads prepare to fend for themselves, it's possible your better half has already started dropping hints about all those little jobs and 'man projects' that can be accomplished before the family returns. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or prefer to project-manage from the golf range, here are some top tips to ensure your family returns home, wowed by the transformation.
Painting
Painting is the easiest way to transform a dull and lifeless room into a space that the whole family will love. Whether you are painting all four walls from top to bottom, or just touching up, careful preparation is essential for achieving the best results ?possible. We recommend the following steps to guarantee a flawless finish:

  • Clean the wall to make sure it is free from dust and dirt so the paint can be applied evenly.
  • Move all the furniture to the centre of the room, cover with plastic sheets and tape these to the floor to protect from sanding dust.
  • Fill any cracks or old picture holes with a good quality filler. Once dry, use sandpaper to create a flat finish.

  • Use masking tape around electrical sockets and switches, windows, door frames and skirting to avoid over-painting.

  • Use a primer paint, particularly if painting a lighter colour over a darker one, so the colour goes on evenly.

  • Give your paint a good stir before pouring into a roller tray.
  • Paint your walls in long continuous roller strokes to achieve a smooth and even look.
    Use a brush for smaller areas where a roller won't fit.

  • Always apply a second coat, and a third, if required - believe us, the colour will look better.
 

Childproofing
Childproofing your home is essential to keeping your little one safe - and there's no better time to do it than when your family is away. Make your house safer by following our childproofing guide.
  • Number one on the childproofing list should be to protect your children from plug sockets. It's very important to put caps over any electronic sockets or covers to stop curious fingers. If you have any power strips, we recommend that you cover them with a childproof strip cover.

  • Even before your child is walking, it's a good idea to install a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. This will keep your baby safe from crawling into harm's way and will give you peace of mind.

  • Make sure you fit safety catches on your bathroom and kitchen drawers to keep curious little ones away from any potential dangers.

  • We recommend adding edge and corner guards to any sharp edges in ?your home to protect your children, especially those who are starting to walk or have hit the terrible twos!
 

Living room
The living room, for most, is the main family room where everyone comes together to relax and spend quality time, so it's essential the room feels warm and homely.
  • A TV is often the main focal point in the room, but it's important to make ?sure it's positioned in the right place too. Where possible, mount your TV onto the wall, to maximise floor space.

  • Hide TV and speaker cables using trunking, but make sure you screw this to the wall as hot weather can melt the glue from adhesive backing tape. You can paint the trunking to match the wall colour.

  • Old is in, so try to restore any vintage furniture you have. It's amazing how good something looks after a clean or fresh coat of paint.
Bathroom
The bathroom always seems like a mammoth, unpleasant task - but you don't need to be an expert plumber to make small changes that will make a huge difference.
  • Changing the taps in the bathroom will make your bath and sink look brand new and is surprisingly easy to do with simple tools, such as a couple of adjustable spanners and plumber's tape. If access is tight, a sink wrench might be needed too.

  • Cutting out and re-sealing the edges of the bath and shower with a good quality silicone is a straightforward job and can make a huge difference to the appearance of the bathroom.
Tasks to manage from the golf course
Although there are plenty of jobs that are ideal for DIY dads in Dubai, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals, including the below:
  • Anything electrical. Electrical work can be extremely dangerous and should only be worked on by qualified technicians. Replacing pumps and water heaters requires electrical wiring and, hence, should be avoided. The same goes for AC servicing and repair - the combination of water and electricity can be fatal and should only be worked on by trained professionals.

  • Studies show that up to 40 per cent of the UAE's residents experience hair loss. Thrill your other half by asking a plumber to fit a filter to the water supply in your bathroom, to reduce hard water elements and leave users with softer skin and hair.
Courtesy: Jim Will Fix It

Published: Fri 31 Jul 2015, 12:02 PM

Last updated: Fri 31 Jul 2015, 2:16 PM

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