insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 13 - March 2016 | Page 97

PROPERTY

THE ULTIMATE HOME ‘TO-DO’ LIST...

WHEN SHOULD I DIY?
From prepping the garden ready for summer fun, to finally fitting that new kitchen you’ve
had your eye on, or painting the weather-worn fence, there is always DIY that needs
to be done to keep your property looking pristine. But, where do you start? It’s too easy
to overwhelm yourself with a long list that has little rhyme or reason behind it, so, with
spring finally peering its head around the corner, Chandlers Building Supplies, a builders
merchant with branches in Ringmer, Lewes, Brighton and Petworth, has helped us put
together a handy ‘when to’ guide for getting DIY jobs done throughout the year.

SPRING

AUTUMN

As the weather begins to turn from winter to spring, Chandlers
recommends getting out into the garden, as Simon Cook, branch
manager at Chandlers’ Ringmer branch, explains: “Most people want to
be able to enjoy their garden during the summer months, so by planting
bulbs, repairing a decking or patio, and laying a new lawn in the spring,
everything should be ready for outdoor fun come July.”

“In the autumn, it’s all about protecting a home from the conditions that
come with winter weather,” says Simon. “Whether that’s insulating the
loft, checking that roofs, doors and windows are rain and draft proof, or
clearing chimneys, it’s best to get these jobs done sooner rather than
later. We also recommend checking the health of a boiler before winter
sets in, and ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in full
working order.”

“Spring is also a good time to check gutters to make sure they are clear
of any leftover leaves and winter debris. Keeping gutters clear helps to
prevent damage to a roof, as well as the damp problems associated with
over-filled gutters leaking down the side of a property.”

WINTER

Once the weather gets colder there is little point tackling any outdoor jobs
that aren’t urgent; it is a great opportunity to get on with some interior
decoration, though. What’s more, there are always deals to be had on
kitchens, bathrooms and bedro oms during the winter months, so it’s a
great time to plan any renovation projects for the year ahead.

SUMMER

Summer is all about getting outside and cracking on with outdoor jobs
like re-painting the outside of your house, or creating a patio or decking
area for drinks and dinner al fresco. Routine maintenance that needs to
be done annually, but is all too easy to put off, like cleaning out gullies and
patios, is just as important, as is applying protective preservative coatings
to your fences and sheds, so they’re prepared for the winter months.

“Doing a few simple checks and spreading work throughout the year
not only helps to ensure jobs are completed at the right time, but can
also mean that no nasty or expensive jobs take you by surprise,” says
Simon. “At Chandlers, we encourage people to drop into the branch and
are always happy to give advice to help our customers choose the right
products for their project.”

Summer is the ideal time to plan ahead for the rest of the year: check
the weather and aim to refresh outdoor paintwork, or get varnishing jobs
done on sunny days. Don’t dismiss internal DIY like decorating or tiling
during the drier summer months though; doors and windows left open for
fresh air to waft in will dry new work much quicker.

Find out more about Chandlers Building Supplies at
www.chandlersbs.co.uk
@ChandlersBS
/ChandlersBuildingSupplies

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