With more light and milder weather, Spring and Summer are ideal times for getting stuck into some of those pending decorating projects that can breathe fresh air into your home. Decorating projects not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but they can also make a real impact on your property value. Whether you’re thinking of selling up and moving on, or looking to make your home feel more “yours”, we have prepared a selection of indoor home improvement projects for anyone who has been bitten by the DIY bug this Spring.

Remember that at MPH we stock an extensive range of tools and equipment for all of your projects, get in touch for our helpful advice.

Indoor DIY projects that add value to your home

Electrics, plumbing, heating, structural maintenance and repairs are all vitally important when it comes to keeping your home up to date and appreciating in value. That said, some projects are quick wins when it comes to enhancing the cosmetic appeal of your home. These projects are rewarding and even fun (for some), and can also contribute greatly to the value of your property. These projects include:

Sanding floorboards, doors and skirting boards

Refurbishing woodwork in older homes, particularly period properties, can be a deeply rewarding project, breathing new life into neglected floorboards and hardwood doors.

The process typically begins with the removal of skirting boards and the reparation of damaged wood. Various sanders such as walk-behind floor sanders and edge sanders are used to strip old varnish and smooth the wood. Effective dust management during sanding is essential, using dust extraction systems, vacuum cleaners and proper ventilation to ensure a clean workspace. Wood finishes protect against wear and tear, with options including quick-drying water-based polyurethane for a clear finish or oil-based polyurethane for a richer appearance and less maintenance.

Refurbishing doors, door frames and skirting boards are also some of the jobs done alongside floor repairs. Sanders such as a Makita belt sander can be used to remove finish, while a Makita orbital sander can be used to achieve a smooth surface.

Stripping wallpaper

Removing wallpaper is another easy job that requires little to no experience and is made easy with the Earlex LCS Prosteam. This wallpaper stripper projects hot steam onto the paper, loosening the adhesive so it can be easily removed by hand or with a scraper. This essential preliminary step sets the stage for painting or adding new wallpaper, which can make a house look much brighter. 

It is important to make necessary preparations for this job, such as removing skirting boards and wall fittings. Floors should be protected with plastic coverings secured with tape, and a towel should be kept handy to manage any water drips from the wallpaper stripper. Furthermore, the wallpaper should be scored with a scoring tool to allow moisture to penetrate more effectively.

Retiling a wall for a bathroom or kitchen

Retiling a kitchen or bathroom wall demands attention to detail and a methodical approach. While it is not as simple as the other two tasks mentioned above, it can be quite rewarding. A tile cutter such as the Rubi DC 250 Xpert will facilitate the job when it comes to cutting precise angles and adhering to the exact measurements. It’s important to have tools such as a tape measure, spirit level or vacuum cleaner as well as to calculate the required number of tiles, factoring in extras for potential breakage.

The first step involves ensuring the wall is clean, flat, and dry, providing a solid base for the tiles. A small Hilti breaker can be used to break tiles. Once the surface is prepared and measurements have been made, tiles must be cut to fit the wall's dimensions. The adhesive should be applied in small sections to prevent premature drying, following precise guidelines for tile placement and using spacers to maintain uniform gaps.

Once the adhesive sets, grout should be mixed according to instructions and applied with a grout spreader, using upward and diagonal strokes to fill the gaps. Excess grout should be removed before it sets. Before grout fully dries, tiles should be wiped down with any remaining gaps filled as necessary.

Putting up paintings and mirrors

Putting up pictures on a wall is a simple job in most cases. However, when dealing with a staircase there might be areas that are hard to reach. This is where indoor scaffolding for stairs comes in useful. Stairpod podium steps can be positioned on stairs and provide a stable platform for drilling, painting, plastering, or doing other jobs.

For drilling holes in a wall or fastening screws, there are various options available, including drills and impact drivers. A standard rotary drill applies constant rotational force, making it ideal for drilling. On the other hand, an impact driver delivers quick bursts of rotational force combined with concussive blows, making it ideal for fastening items securely to walls.

Choosing the appropriate tool depends on the specific requirements of the project and the materials being worked with. A Makita 8419B rotary drill comes equipped with a hammer action, making it the ideal tool for drilling, while Makita right angle drill is perfect where space is not available.

Spring into action with MPH

At MPH we stock a comprehensive range of tools and equipment for all of your springtime projects. Contact us today to ask for helpful advice from our friendly team.

Call our depot on 020 8351 3434 (option 3)
Email: info@mrplanthire.co.uk
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