We are a nation of Do-It-Yourselfers- and that’s official. Six out of 10 adults claim to be good or very good at DIY but 12 per cent of people admit that creating a DIY disaster costing hundreds of pounds to remedy, according to an Alliance & Leicester poll.
So if you've got big plans to do up your home this spring, here are some helpful tips and our top 20 hardware stores in the UK that you should probably give a visit.
Decorating
Make sure you unscrew electrical sockets and light switch covers to get the best finish, use a long-handled roller for ceilings (and a mini one for behind radiators)
Bleed radiators
Buy a key from a radiator shop, turn heating off and open each radiator valve - air escapes but as soon as water seeps out, the job is done.
Putting up shelves
Get appropriate size and strength brackets and timber, use a spirit level to get it straight and rawl plugs to keep those screws in.
Filling wall cracks
Apply the wet filler, let it dry thoroughly, then sandpaper flat and smooth before you paint over.
Seal window draughts
Old sashes or loose-fitting windows leak hot air out so fill with self-adhesive foam weather strips. Use the smallest size to do the task to keep it neat.
While you can do a lot yourself, there are some jobs you should probably leave to the professionals...
- Any work involving gas can produce leaks, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning and must be left to a Gas Safe-registered professional listed on the Gas Safe Register.
- Complicated electrical work can also be dangerous if botched so use a professional electrician with certification to handle Part P buildings regulations.
- Roofing should be left to those who understand building regulations and best eco-practice regarding membranes, bitumen and tiles, and with access to appropriate scaffolding.
- Frozen water pipes have to be replaced by a professional familiar with cutting, bridging and welding pipes if necessary (but you can lag the new ones to prevent a repeat).
- Unblocking drains is easy with the right length, diameter and strength of brush, but most DIY-ersuse small makeshift items which get stuck and worsen the problem.
Top 20 hardware stores
B&Q
With 300 stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland selling more than 40,000 products, B&Q has earned its reputation as one of the leading home improvement retailers in the country.
Hunts of Marlow
Situated in the Marlow, Hunts is afamily-run business caters to all your DIY needs and also offers a key cutting service too.
The Range
For all your basic DIY and crafting needs visitThe Range - with 80 stores across the country, and still expanding.
Pickles
An independent homeware and hardware shop in rural Devon, Pickles also sell fuel supplies from coal to sticks.
Maxwells
Maxwellsspecialises in power tools and has 10 branches in the north of England.
Homebase
With 340 stores across the country, Homebase is one of the UK's most recognisable home and hardware store.
Wickes
With more than 200 stores around the country, Wickesis aimed mostly at the serious and well-informed DIY enthusiast.
LangbridgeHome Hardware
Customers say Langbridge is one of Bath's best home and hardware stores, while the website also has a blog that offers helpful DIY and baking tips.
Firn's
This long-standing Cumbrianfamily hardware store and ironmonger should cater to all your DIY needs and offers high standards of expert service.
Worleys
Visit Worleys in Cardiff for pet supplies as well as DIY tools - specialising in electrical equipment.
Potters
Based in Hockley, Essex, Potters has alarge garden, decorating, tools and plumbing sections as well as kitchen and cooking.
Screwfix
With over 480 stores across the country selling thousands of items, Screwfix's click-and-collect service is particularly useful.
Crocketthe Ironmonger
From Black & Deckers to Barbour jackets, this Glasgow DIY heaven even has an equestrian section too.
Lindley's
Lindley's is a family-run business in Castlefordwith extensive supplies and free local delivery.
Toolstation
There are over 250 Toolstation stores across the UK - from Inverness to Truro - open seven days a week from 7am to 7pmselling tools (of course), workwear and landscaping kit.
Toolstation was named the 2016 Retailer of the Year at the annual Which? awards, and the best Online Retailer in the DIY & Decorating category.
Partridges
Located on Ipswich High Street, thisshop has everything from home fencing to wheels and castors.
Ray Grahams
Based in Newtownards, N Ireland, Ray Grahams haseverything from duvets to downpipes.
Moles
Stores across South Wales and southern England, Moles (formerly Scats)specialisesin agricultural DIY - everything for those working on smallholdings and equestrian properties.
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