Summer Projects Best Left to a Tradesperson

Summer brings longer days, warmer weather and the sudden urge to tick off everything that has lamented on the DIY ‘to do’ list since Christmas. While the determination is admirable, and there are plenty of jobs you can get your teeth into, there are still some jobs that are better left to a professional.

While you paint sheds and plant flowers, a qualified tradesperson will be better suited to perform some jobs to ensure they are done correctly and safely.

Here are seven summer projects where hiring a tradesperson can save you time, money, and future stress.

1. Installing New Plug Sockets or Lighting

In theory, the installation of a new plug socket or light fitting is incredibly simple and easy, but unfortunately, working with electrical circuits, networks, and electricity itself carries risks to yourself and whoever will use the appliance down the line. Not only that, but these mistakes usually lead to fires, shocks and costly repairs.

Electrical work in the UK is governed by some very strict regulations, and in many cases, it should be signed off by a qualified professional who will ensure everything has been wired to standards, and they can also assess the environment and network it will be used on. It’s always worth investing in peace of mind when it comes to anything involving live wires.

2. Painting and Decorating Indoors

Painting is renowned for being a classic DIY task, and in many cases, it is just that. However, for the painting of living rooms and rooms that have uniquely shaped ceilings or floors, you may need someone with a little more experience. Techniques like cutting in around ceilings and skirting boards, tricky corners and uneven walls will spell disaster for the DIYer, whereas professional painters will ensure a perfect job.

Professional painters and decorators bring experience, attention to detail, and often access to trade-quality materials. They’ll also do the hard parts like sanding, filling and priming, meaning the final coat not only looks better but lasts longer too.

If you're redecorating a feature room or working with bold colours or wallpaper, a decorator can really make a difference.

3. Laying a Patio or Building Decking

Spending more time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, but if you have laying patios or decking on your list of jobs for the warmer weather, you’d better call in the professionals. Jobs like these require far more than just selecting your preferred tiles and laying them. Instead, you’ll have to consider the initial preparation and groundwork.

A tradesperson will ensure that the ground is levelled properly, compacted, and then prepared with suitable drainage, as this will help to prevent the water from pooling, warping, or shifting over time. They'll also have the tools required to deliver a neat finish that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.

Cutting corners on hard landscaping can lead to costly repairs later, especially when exposed to British weather.

4. Painting the Exterior of Your Home

Exterior painting is not as straightforward as interior painting for a number of reasons. Firstly, working at height throws up quite a lot of challenges and safety concerns, especially if involving ladders or scaffolds. There’s also the added complexity of preparing the wall to be painted, which is far different to interior walls. Exterior walls require power washing, sanding and repairing before any paint can be applied.

Next, we can look at the issue of timing, as exterior paints need pretty particular weather conditions to cure properly. If the paint is applied in damp or overly hot weather, the paint simply might not set as it should, leading to peeling and premature wear.

Professional painters will have the correct equipment, safety gear, and knowledge to ensure a lasting, weatherproof finish. It's a big investment in curb appeal — and one worth getting right.

5. Fixing Plumbing Issues or Installing New Fixtures

Many people will watch some tutorial videos on basic plumbing issues and attempt to complete them alone. However, plumbing can be far trickier than it may seem. A small leak that you may not notice for a while can cause thousands of pounds of damage, and if you’re dealing with anything relating to water pressure, the headaches can be endless.

Qualified plumbers know what to look for when spotting potential issues before they become real disasters. They will ensure that all connections are watertight while checking for hidden damage or corrosion and then ensure everything works as it should.

Whether you're renovating a bathroom, adding a new appliance, or simply fixing a drip, having a professional handle it ensures it’s done right.

6. Installing New Fence Panels

It is fairly straightforward to put up a fence, and it may seem like quite an easy garden project. However, if you want a finished result that is straight, secure and up to fighting against the great British weather, it will need to be installed professionally. Proper installation starts with digging post holes, securing the posts at the right depth, and then using materials suited to your garden’s conditions to complete the job.

A poorly installed fence won’t just look bad, but it can become a safety hazard in strong winds, which is why you should enlist the help of a tradesperson who will have the tools and experience to build a durable, level fence that adds both security and aesthetic appeal to your property.

7. Insulating and Boarding a Loft

Insulating and boarding a loft is best done in the summer, mainly because there isn’t the added headache of condensation to contend with. However, even in the summer, this is no easy task.

The space in a loft tends to be tight, and the surfaces are uneven, making it much trickier to move around and work efficiently, not to mention the added risk of damaging writing and plumbing.

A professional tradesperson will know how to work around existing loft space safely, along with choosing the right insulation materials and boarding the space efficiently. They’ll also ensure any loft ladders, lighting, or structural considerations are properly installed.

Of course, everyone enjoys DIY, and it certainly has a place for your summer projects, but don’t create more of a problem by taking on a job too large, complex or dangerous. Instead, enlist the help of a local tradesperson and enjoy the summer sun!

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