HOW WE DU IT : OUR BLOG

A Handyman is normally the ideal person to call when you have a lot of small jobs and are not sure who to call.. Handymen do all types of work from putting together flat-pack furniture, fixing leaks, windows or shelves, unblocking sinks and toilets to setting up playground equipment laying decking and external repairs.

Handyman-ready jobs

Handymen are best utilized for small, "Hubby won't do" types of home repair work. The following projects are ideal for most handymen.

Minor plumbing work

DU.IT  handymen are capable of completing minor plumbing work like installing new fixtures or repairing a leaky taps changing a toilet cistern. However if the job is more complex the handyman will let you know and call in one of our specialist plumbers who can even work on your gas central heating.

Caulking

Adding a fresh application of caulk to gaps in the frames of windows and doors is a great way to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

Decks and porches

Over time, weather can take its toll on wooden decks and porches. A handyman can replace broken boards, apply a finish or sealant and make general improvements or repairs to upgrade your deck or porch's safety and appearance.

Gutter cleaning and maintenance

Although it's a simple enough task, cleaning gutters is messy and involves climbing on the roof. Avoid the risk of injury by hiring a professional handyman with the right equipment and experience for the task. A handyman can also install gutter guards to prevent seasonal clogging. All DU.IT Handymen are Health & Safety trained and used to working at heights.

Home exterior repairs

If you have minor damage to your home's exterior, such as a loose brickwork, defective mortar or a missing shingle, hiring a handyman to repair those items may prove to be more cost-effective than hiring a specialist.

Painting and touch-ups

A handyman can be hired to repaint a wall or garage door, touchup trim and scuff marks and repair small holes. If the job is for a large redecoration job, our specialist decorators will be delighted to give you a quote.

Hanging window treatments, pictures and mirrors and installing light fixtures

These small tasks can be easily accomplished by a homeowner, but a hiring a handyman with the right tools and experience can help ensure these wall-mounted items are hung correctly without damage.

Handyman hiring tips

Homeowners should make sure they hire a professional handyman that has the skills and can guaranteed their work. At DU.IT we have customer focused staff to ensure that you are happy from start to finish and as Members of the Federation of Master Builders and The Guild of Master Craftsmen you be be assured of our qualifications.

To get the most from a Handyman:

1. Define the project. Start by compiling a list of the home repairs you would like completed. Remember, a handyman is best utilized for small jobs such as installing light fixtures, patching drywall and interior painting. If you want bigger jobs done, please contact us for a quote for all building, decorating, plumbing, electrical and refurbishment work.

2. Experience Make sure the potential handyman has the skills and experience to complete your project.

3. Watch out for scams. You want to avoid handymen who contact you with unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home. You should also avoid any handyman who refuses to guarantee the price of the job or asks for payment upfront. Reputable handymen don't expect to get paid before the project is completed.

4. Get it in writing. Agree the list of works and price to be charged in writing.

5. Ask for a guarantee. Many handymen will guarantee their work for up to one year. Ask about guarantees before you make a hiring decision, and of course, make sure the guarantee is in writing.

6. Inspect the work. Inspect the completed work before making payment. Make sure that everything has been done to your satisfaction and at the agreed upon price. Our handymen will be happy to explain the finished work because they want you to be satisfied and tell head office how good they are.

7. Refer If you are happy with the job, please tell us so we can praise the handyman. Please also refer us to people you know that need good quality help. We are happy to pay you a £10 referral fee if we get work from your recommendations.

Everyday there's a blog, article or person bemoaning the decline of traditioinal 'male skills', like hanging a shelf, in today's man. So hold your head high once you've read this 'how to' guide!

Brackets and other types of wall fixings abound but to keep this simple we've chosen one where the shelf's supporting arm is pre-fixed to the wall plate.

• My apologies! A 'supporting arm' is the bit the shelf rests on (preferably in perfect parallel with the floor). Its chum the 'wall plate' screws flush to the wall.
• Place one wall plate/supporting arm combo against the wall where you want one end of the shelf to be supported. Check there's the correct shelf overhang and take note so you can replicate the other side. Make sure it's at the right height too!
• Grow spare pair of hands and use them to hold the wall plate in place. Alternatively, engage services of another peep, preferably an admiring one with tea & biscuits.
• Use your limb combo to put spirit level on shelf and, once level, hold plate on underside of shelf. Use screw to mark where screw holes are.
• Use wire and pipe detector to ensure you won't be screwing your face plate into pipes or wires (not good).
• Place plate in position shown by screw mark and put spirit level on top of plate to ensure it is level. Now mark all remaining screw holes.
• Choose rawl plug/screw combo suitable for load shelf will carry. Ensure your wall is also suitable, i.e. that masonry can be drilled into and not just plasterboard if you plan to put up your entire Encyclopaedia Britannica (book format) on shelf.
• Choose drill bit is right for task, i.e. masonary, plasterboard etc. Ensure rawl plug is same width as drill bit.
• If your drill doesn't have a depth attachment, wrap masking tape around drill bit at required depth. If your drill is variable speed start slow and speed up as appropriate.
• Drilling will alert other member(s) of the household that you are actually working. This would be a good time to request further tea & buscuits.
• Insert rawl plugs in holes so that they are flush with wall. Screw face plate to wall until all screws are halfway in.
• Put the spirit level on to of plate until it is level. Now tighten screws.
• Repeat with second wall plate. Put shelf on and use spirit level to ensure it is actually level.
• With a tape measure centre the shelf on the supporting arms. Fix shelf in place with screws or tacks provided, remembering to check one more time that shelf is level before putting smug face on and shouting: "finished!"
• Alternatively, call a pro in while you do something more interesting, knowing that if ever asked: "Could you put up a shelf?" you could answer: "Why of course!" without any fear of your nose going all Pinocchio-stylee.