Tom Williams (Image: AAP)
The book is a practical guide to some of the most common Do-It-Yourself projects to improve your home, and Williams has these tips for the handyman:
MUST-HAVE TOOLS
1. Cordless drill
2. Hammer
3. Measuring tape
4. Panel Saw
And he adds that your tools don't need to be top of the range either.
"It's remarkable what you can get out there with more affordable power tools and hand tools," he tells AAP.
"Don't just think that everything's trade quality. The majority of the gear out there in standard major retail outlets is for the homeowner handyman."
LAYING CARPET
Laying carpet is a finishing trade, Williams says, so don't rush it.
"You need to make sure you've got the time and it's not something for somebody who is not physically capable. It's quite exhausting dragging carpet out and kicking it so I think on a scale that it is probably for your more skilled home handyman."
HANGING A DOOR
Williams say learning how to hang a door is one of the simpler tasks to get a grasp of, especially if you use a light-weight hollow core door, which is easy to handle.
However there are some intricate carpentry skills required, he says, so again take your time calculating where the hinges go.
"A door is a must in every household whether it's for a bathroom or a bedroom. They need to swing properly and with a bit of practice and some well thought-out planning it's definitely capable for the homeowner.
PLANTER BOXES
Treated timber must be used to make planter boxes because they sit outside in the elements, with the chemicals helping to prevent the timber from rotting due to wetness, says Williams.
"Again, a simple box, it's very easy. The trick with the planter box is just making sure it's well secured if it's on a sill or it's on a veranda so it can't blow away or it can't fall off."
THE VEGIE PATCH
Williams says when it comes to choosing timber to build a vegie patch some organic growers believe the chemicals in treated pine will seep into the plants that are to be eaten. So an easy way of getting around this, he says, is by lining the insides of the patch with plastic.
"I think you're doing a great job anyway by trying to grow your own food," Williams says. "You know, you're probably eating just as many chemicals in the bloody fruit and veg that's coming from the grocery store," he laughs.
PAINTING
To avoid making a mess or getting streaking painting, Williams says you need the right gear.
"Buy quality paint - paint technology's come a long way - and buy quality brushes and rollers. And again, keep it within your means.
"If you're going for something tricky, like cutting-in a lot, well that's going to take you longer but if you're just simply rolling (the paint) and you colour over a wall, especially a rendered wall, you'll like the result."
For those tricky spots and to protect something such as tiles, use painter's tape, he suggests.
TOP MISTAKES TO AVOID
Not allowing enough time or planning well are two top mistakes people make when setting about the home with handyman jobs and projects, says Williams. You also need to ensure you have the right materials, he adds.
"You just really need to sit down, draw a diagram or take a photo on your phone of what your friend's place looks like that you're trying to rebuild or reconstruct and take that into the department, retail hardware store and have them check it over.
"And safety, you have to be careful. All the good jobs take a little bit of time. Just make sure you've got time up your sleeve."
* DIY Around the Home: Easy Projects for the Weekend by Tom Williams is published by New Holland, rrp $39.95
By Jennifer Chapman
