Credit: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/12/02/23/48/screwdrivers-1073515_960_720.jpg
What does lockdown in the United Kingdom mean to you right now?
Restriction? Sadness? Loss of liberty? Perhaps those things are right, but if you adjust your mindset, it could well mean opportunity.
Sadly, there is nothing people can do to get around the rules. The UK Government have decreed we are in full lockdown and will be until they deem it safe for us to resume normal life, but that is not a reason to be unproductive around the home. Instead, why not consider using the time wisely to carry out those jobs and renovations that you have always planned? You do not necessarily even need a builder or tradesperson either, just a little bit of motivation and know-how.
Instead of feeling down about things we cannot change, why not set about a task you can influence and take something positive from the current situation? Here are some ideas for renovations you can carry out yourself during the lockdown.
Decorating
Decorating is a form of expression; a way of taking the environment around you and turning it into something you feel reflects your personality. It might be warm and comforting, minimalistic and functional or even edgy and unusual. It might be that your current home needs a lick of paint and a new outlook, but you have often struggled to find time and energy to get stuck in. Now is a great time to do just that, and basic decorating jobs are easy to carry out around the home. Lockdown will pass much quicker if you focus on a decorating project, and when we can invite others into our home, you will have something to show family and friends for the enforced separation.
Replace Taps
Is your bathroom looking tired and a little worn, but you do not want to stretch to a full refit? Simply giving the existing basin and bath a good clean, a fresh bead of silicone and some new taps can have the room looking fresh and new. There are plenty of sites selling taps for all tastes online, and fitting them is relatively easy. Make sure you turn off the water feed in your home, either at the stopcock or using isolation valves if you have them. It is then simply a matter of unscrewing the old taps and putting nice, shiny ones in their place. It is recommended that you investigate some form of plumbing insurance if you do make changes to your existing system, to protect you against unforeseen problems further down the line. Leading UK home assistance provider HomeServe details how a plumbing policy protects you against leaking pipes and other minor problems, as well as drainage and the water supply pipe. It is pointless doing feel-good renovations if you are wracked with worry about possible repair bills later in the year.
Insulation
Insulating your home is a messy job at times, but it is one you can carry out yourself. The first thing to do is check if you have adequate insulation in your attic or loft. You may be losing energy through the roof and, if you are, you can make it your priority to ensure it is not an ongoing problem. Most roof insulation comes on rolls and fits neatly between the joists, so all you need to do is order some rolls online, carry them up to the loft and roll it out. You may need to insulate your loft out of necessity – Home Building explains that if you are converting an attic or loft into a home office, you will need additional insulation to comply with building regulations. Fitting reflective insulation in the roof is another good way to keep heat in, and although this may require a little more skill, it is still relatively easy for anyone with a rudimentary grasp of DIY to carry out.
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