From putting up a picture to re-grouting your tiles - get it done this bank holiday weekend

Hands up if you've got at least one household <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/dept/home-outdoor-entertainment/painting-diy-car-care/1215477099174" target="_blank">DIY job</a> which you still haven't completed?We&rsquo;ve all been there.Simple DIY projects such as <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george-home-leighton-60cm-shelf-white/001796818,default,pd.html#choice:productType" target="_blank">putting up some shelving</a> for all your lovely ornaments or filling in unwanted holes can often get pushed further and further down our to-do list. But with the May bank holiday on its way this weekend, now would be the perfect time to finish all your incomplete DIY projects once and for all. No more excuses! We can promise it's not as daunting as it may seem and to help out, we&rsquo;ve spoken to <a href="http://www.jobehari.co.uk/" target="_blank">entrepreneur, TV presenter and DIY expert Jo Behari</a> who has given us some top tips and tricks to make sure you're doing it right.  <h2>Putting up that shelf…</h2><img alt="shelving__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/shelving__hero_GL?scl=1"><a href="http://direct.asda.com/george-home-leighton-60cm-shelf-white/001796818,default,pd.html#choice:productType" target="_blank">Shelving is always</a> an easy way of adding a bit of character into our rooms and it also makes a great focal point on your walls.Jo said you first need to make sure you know what kind of wall are you drilling into. Is it hollow or solid?She said: "If it's hollow, you need to ensure the shelf won't be carrying a heavy load. Also make sure there aren't any cables or pipes where you want the shelf to go. This is usually quite rare as cables and pipes don't tend to run behind the walls. But you can check easily using a metal and voltage detector. You may need someone else to help decide where you want the shelf to go and mark it out. It's quite hard to hold a shelf in place and then gain perspective on your own!"What you'll need:<ul><li>A <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/diy-and-hardware-supplies/fix-it-house-tool-kit/910002515644" target="_blank">drill, and the correct drill bits</a> and fixings for the type of wall it is.</li><li>A <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/diy-and-hardware-supplies/fix-it-spirit-level/910002025507" target="_blank">spirit level</a> to ensure the shelf is straight</li><li>A <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pencils/staedtler-pencil-yellow-5-pack/910001722781" target="_blank">pencil</a> to mark out where you are going to have to drill holes. </li></ul><h2>Finally getting round to putting that picture up…</h2><img alt="woman_putting_up_a_picture__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/woman_putting_up_a_picture__hero_GL?scl=1">Pictures can help make any home, homely. And with the use of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/diy-and-hardware-supplies/command-mini-hooks/910000499108" target="_blank">command hooks</a>, your lightweight pictures could be on the wall in no time. Jo said:"It may seem like a simple job but if the picture is heavy you might need to drill a hole and put a screw into the wall for the picture to hang on rather then hammering a picture hook into the wall."Also getting the height can be tricky as you need to factor in the tension of the picture wire. The best thing to do is measure twice, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/diy-and-hardware-supplies/fix-it-spirit-level/910002025507" target="_blank">use a spirit level</a> and have a friend on hand to help out. For lightweight pictures you can just use a hammer and a picture hook. For heavier pictures drill a hole into the wall, use the right fixing and then screw in a screw leaving it slightly proud of the surface for the picture wire to hang on."<h2>Quickly filling in those holes…</h2><img alt="person_filling_in_a_hole_in_the_wall__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/person_filling_in_a_hole_in_the_wall__hero_GL?scl=1">Say 'good riddance' to your holes in the wall once by filling them with a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/preparation-cleaning/asda-ready-mixed-filler/910000899823" target="_blank">pre-mixed filler.</a> Jo said: "These even come with their own scraper to apply the filler, so you don't need any additional tools. For deep holes apply the filler in layers so the bottom layers get air to them and dry properly. Always apply the filler so it's slightly proud of the hole and once dry sand it back so it's flush with the wall." Simple!<h2>Oiling that squeaky door…</h2>Jo said: "This depends on where the squeak is coming from. If it's the hinges, oiling them is an effective way to relieve the squeak. If the squeak is due to the door rubbing against the frame you can relieve the squeak by <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/hand-power-tools/black-decker-sander/910001770586" target="_blank">sanding</a><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/hand-power-tools/black-decker-sander/910001770586" target="_blank"> the section that </a><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/hand-power-tools/black-decker-sander/910001770586" target="_blank">rubs</a>. Or even applying a wax to the sticking area to stop it making a noise. The wax will eventually rub away though so this is not a permanent solution."<h2>Re-grouting your bathroom tiles…</h2><img alt="a_person_regrouting_tiles__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/a_person_regrouting_tiles__hero_GL?scl=1">Jo said: "I'm afraid there are no shortcuts or quick tips when it comes to re-grouting tiles. It's not necessarily a difficult job but it can be arduous. You need to remove all the grout from the current tiles. I would recommend investing in an electronic grout remover as they cut down the labour on this job. It looks better if you don't do patches as you'll never get the old and new grout to match. "Once the old grout is removed, clean all the grout lines and wait for them to dry. They need to be dust and old grout free before applying the new stuff. Once you're happy that the area is prepped, applying the new grout is actually the fun part. Spread it into the lines with a grout spreader and smooth it over with a rubber smoother."Once the grout has started to dry slightly you can remove any excess grout from the tiles by polishing them with a lint free cloth. Depending on the size of the space this job can take a while so make sure you set aside the time if you want to get it done properly."Feeling inspired to finish all your DIY projects? <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/dept/home-outdoor-entertainment/painting-diy-car-care/1215477099174" target="_blank">Make sure you stock up on everything you need at Asda</a> or <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/" target="_blank">pop into your local store</a>.

5 tips to help you finally finish your home DIY projects

By ASDA Admin,27th April 2017

TAGS

RELATED ARTICLES