Nûjenkirinên DIY: Berî destpêkirinê divê hûn hûn çi bizanibin
But while DIY projects can be rewarding, they also come with important safety and legal considerations.
Staying safe around asbestos and other hazards Before you start any project, big or small, safety should always come first. That means learning how to use tools properly, wearing protective gear and being aware of hidden dangers in your home.
One of the biggest risks? Asbestos. In Australia, one in three homes contains asbestos, a mineral that can cause cancer if disturbed and then inhaled.
If asbestos needs to be removed, you should engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Source: Getty / PixeloneStocker Asbestos can be found all around the home, including wet areas (bathroom, kitchen and laundry), eaves and wall sheeting. There are around 3,000 different building products that can contain asbestos, and homes built before 1990 are most at risk. Asbestos isn't necessarily dangerous if it's left alone. But cutting, drilling or breaking it can release tiny fibres into the air. 'If you're doing DIY work where you're drilling or cutting or breaking the sheeting or the asbestos-containing material, what can happen is that mechanical disturbance will disturb the material itself, causing the asbestos fibres to become really small. So we're talking about these microscopic fibres that will get into the air and ultimately get into your lungs because you'll breathe that in,' explains John Batty, member of the Asbestos Education Committee and EDP Consultants managing director. If asbestos removal is needed, Batty recommends playing it safe by hiring a licensed contractor. Other hazards to watch out for include lead-based paint , which is common in older homes, and dust.
Control the dust at the source as much you can and go get yourself a respirator or disposable mask. John Batty
"Ensure you're wearing that during any demolition works and ensure that you're washing your hands and face appropriately before you go and eat or drink, because you've got that risk of inadvertent ingestion,' Batty says.
Safety means wearing the right gear and knowing how to use the tools. Credit: Asbestos Awareness Renovating legally: Permits and licences Each state and territory in Australia has different rules around renovations, so it's important to check with your local council and building authority. Some types of work, like electrical or most plumbing jobs, must be done by licensed tradespeople. You'll need building and planning permits for big changes, like removing structural walls, building an extension or putting up a large deck. Skipping permits might seem like a way to save time and money, but it can backfire badly. Hannon says you could be fined, forced to undo the work, or even risk your family's safety.
'You don't want to encounter the risk of something failing,' she says. 'With DIY renovations, we'll see people who haven't done the waterproofing correctly or they haven't prepared their subfloor properly. Within a couple of years, you've got mould, you've got timber rot, and you're having to replace everything that you've done.'
If you're new to DIY, start small
Geneva Vanderzeil, a DIY expert who began her journey while renovating her Brisbane cottage, says DIY can be a great way to save money… but warns that costs can add up quickly.
It's easy to imagine that DIY home renovations are going to be really cheap because you're not paying someone else to do it, but things like materials, tool hire, delivery fees and waste disposal, all those things do add up. Geneva Vanderzeil If you're new to DIY, start with smaller, low-risk projects to build your skills.
'Buy a table and tile it, and learn how to do it first before you tackle the bathroom floor,' Hannon says.
Saving money is one reason why people try DIY, but the costs can mount. Source: Getty / Maskot No matter your skill level, there's a project out there for you. Vanderzeil encourages everyone to give DIY a go:
'You don't have to be a pro to get started with DIY. Mistakes are really part of the learning process and starting with smaller projects or starting with those painting projects, those simple projects, will really help you hone your skills and make you feel a lot more confident.'
Subscribe to or follow the Australia Explained podcast for more valuable information and tips about settling into your new life in Australia.
Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@sbs.com.au
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