Over the last few years, the pandemic, supply shortages, and economic factors have impacted the building and construction industry in Australia, leading to backlogs and other issues for those seeking to build a home. If you’re partnered with the only builders Bellarine Peninsula, Orange, or other rural areas have to offer, you may be feeling these setbacks more acutely. However, that doesn’t mean you should start taking things into your own hands.
There certainly are some things you can do yourself to perfect your home after construction is complete. However, it’s crucial to avoid the following DIY disasters:
1. Installing your insulation
If we learned anything from the disastrous Home Insulation Program the Australian government attempted in 2010, it’s that insulation is not something just anyone should mess around with. Problems with installation led to nearly 200 house fires that year, and even if you don’t make a mistake that triggers a fire, there are many ways to get insulation wrong. Depending on the type of insulation you’re using, one of the simplest errors you can make is to install it backwards. This can mess with the temperature of your home and is not always an easy fix, so leave it to the professionals.
2. Chasing wildlife out of the construction site
Most people regularly visit the construction site to check on the progress of their new home. This is understandable, but it’s important to maintain certain boundaries while you’re there. Avoid touching things, and if you encounter any snakes, venomous spiders, or even possums in your half-built home, resist the urge to chase them out. Instead, contact a local wildlife rescue service.
3. Cutting down trees
If you need to clear some trees from your property before the build can begin, it’s crucial to bring in an arborist. It may seem like a straightforward task, but so many things could go wrong. An arborist will come with all the knowledge, skills, permits, and insurance needed to ensure everything goes according to plan.
4. Installing certain appliances yourself
You can go for gold when it comes to plugging in your fridge or microwave. However, you should never take it upon yourself to install things like your cooktop. If your house is near completion and you can practically smell the delicious aroma of pancakes wafting up from your favourite ceramic cookware set, it can be tempting to just go ahead and install it yourself. After all, how difficult can it be?
If you have a gas stove, the results could be genuinely catastrophic. Gas cooktops involve both gas and electricity, and getting the connections wrong could have explosive results. If you have an electric or induction cooktop, you’ll be in for an easier time, but even then, this is a job best left to the experts.
5. Installing the hot water system
This can look like an easy job, especially if you’re generally pretty handy around the home. However, just like a gas stove, a hot water system is not something you want to mess with if you’re not a professional.
In addition to the explosive possibilities, there are permits, codes, and safety regulations governing the installation of hot water systems. There’s also a risk of having carbon monoxide leak into your home if you get it wrong. So, leave it to a qualified plumber.
It’s certainly tough waiting through lengthy delays when all you want to do is move into your dream home. However, your patience will pay off in the long run, especially if it helps you avoid the disasters described above.
