The Complete Encyclopedia of DIY and Home Maintenance [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONTo appreciate your home fully and get the most out of It, you will need to look after it. This not only involves maintaining the overall appearance, both inside and out, but also making sure that all the systems are working properly.It is an often painful fact of life that problems occur at the most inconvenient times - and this is as true in the home as anywhere. So a basic knowledge of DIY around the house will come In very handy when your are faced with an emergency.Even when the job that needs doing Is not that urgent, the fact that you are in a position to handle It yourself will certainly save you money - and maybe time as well.The Complete Encyclopedia of DIY and Home Maintenance Is invaluable in either situation, for the Information It provides will ensure that, whatever the job, you will get it right. And, of course, this is just as important as being able to do It yourself, since there is little point in carrying out work or making a repair if it is not done correctly. In this case, the problem is almost certain to occur again -and this time it may cost you a lot more to put it right.You must pay particular attention to planning and preparation. The golden rule In any situation is to stop and think about what needs to be done. Are you clear in your mind exactly how to tackle the work? Have you considered all the possible problems you are likely to encounter. Have you got the right tools to hand? Have you bought all the materials you need?All these may seem obvious, but It is surprising how often people rush into the work without giving it proper consideration and either hit a snag halfway through or end up with a sub-standard result.Never rush Into a job, particularly if it is one you are tackling for the first time. By taking alittle longer to plan and prepare thoroughly, you will save time and effort in the end. Bear in mind what it would cost to do the job again.Never neglect safety. Although a job may appear simple, there could be unseen hazards in using worn or damaged tools. For this reason you should always look after your tools, store them carefully and treat them with respect. This way they will not only do the job you want them to do - and correctly - but they will also last a lot longer.If you are working at a height, make sure you are standing on a secure base. This applies just as much when reaching for the ceiling as when working outside from the top of a ladder.There are certain basic precautions that must be taken when working on the domestic systems. With electricity It is essential that you switch off the power or Isolate the relevant circuit when handling electrical fittings and connections. On the plumbing system, make sure you have turned off the supply and drained the relevant part of the system before starting any repair, maintenance or installation work.If there are young children in the house, keep them well away from the work area and never leave tools lying around for them to play with. Pets, too, should be kept away while you are working.The guideline should always be - think before you act. It is far easier and safer to get the job right from the start than to have to iron out problems later.The Complete Encyclopedia of DIY and Home Maintenance gives you the infomiation you need to plan and prepare for each job, and Its step-by-step guide to techniques will help ensure you get it right. In achieving the best results each time, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that each job you do Is a job well done.