Home decor: Do it yourself or hire an interior decorator?

DIY

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by Linda Bayley-Brown

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Without doubt a professional painter cannot be replaced if either your lifestyle doesn't allow the time or for health reasons a person is unable to do a decorating job themselves. Also they can be helpful in resolving issues like covering persistence stains which never disappear after being painted over several times, or if there is other issues such as paint not adhering to the surface properly due to underlying problems. However, by and large most painting projects can be handled quite skillfully by someone who can use a brush. paints and possibly a step ladder. As long as commonsense prevails there is no reason not to undertake the work yourself, for instance Asthmatics in particular, should keep windows open as hopefully anyone would, wanting to keep fumes out of their breathing space. Ladders should be carefully stood on even ground. Children stopped from playing in the area or rushing about etc..

Personally I would also suggest taking tea or coffee breaks away from the project since I once found myself dipping my paintbrush into my drink which stood next to the paint pot ! Since that time as a decorating novice I have gone on to decorate and refurbish several houses and have reaped many rewards, such as the obvious saving of money which helped me to afford other projects that I couldn't do myself. Compliments from friends and neighbours and last but certainly not least, my own satisfaction and enjoyment from doing things in my unique style and way.

Preparation and good tools are the key to a job well done. Also invest in some dust sheets or similar to cover all furnishings and flooring to save a massive cleaning job of any dripped paint. When painting wood with gloss be sure to make the surface as flake free and smooth as you can by sanding thoroughly. Afterwards I vacuum before painting to prevent the possibility of dust and fluff getting onto the wet surface. Two coats of undercoat are better than one for giving the ideal base to take the gloss. Have to hand a rag or two and some white spirit to clean up any unforeseeable accidents. When you are tackling a job that doesn't need to have a highly professional finish, perhaps the inside of the garage or shed then invite friends to a wine and painting party. Provide the wine and tools and see your task finished in no time at all. indeed a lot of singles take this route. The DIY job needn't be a chore and with regard to small children and teenagers they can enjoy poring over paint charts and designs. On an even more economic point, try mixing your own colours too. firstly maybe experiment with the sample pots

There will always be debate for and against the hiring of a decorator. Surely though, it is understandable that during this economic climate and the cut back of employment in general householders will be governed by budget and take the affordable option of doing the work themselves ? Sadly in this instance the professional loses out employment wise too. but would hopefully still retain work via the many larger establishments such as Hotels, Hospitals, Schools and other Government owned buildings.

Finally, give a thought to any of your insurance policies. Did you know that for instance, your content insurance becomes invalid should you try to claim for loss if you have innocently invited into your home any person with a criminal record ? It is your responsibility no matter who you hire, to check out who they are and if they are covered by liability insurance for loss or damage.

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