Tag: Handyman

Categories
Walls & flooring

How to lay carpet

Add another level of comfort to your home

Carpet can add a soft touch to any room and serve as the base for the rest of the room design. The right carpet can instantly transform a space. Aside from purchasing the carpet, hiring an installer is a major expense. If you are thinking about skipping this expense and doing it yourself, make sure you actually understand how to lay carpet. Failing to do so may end up ruining your new carpet or having to live with noticeable mistakes. If you want to do it yourself, here are some basic steps and considerations. 

Choosing the right carpet for your space

Carpeting is a big investment, and you will want to take this decision into careful consideration. This decision is about more than colour and pile. Here are some things you might want to think about. 

  • Lifestyle –This is the most important factor in the carpet purchasing decision. You might not want that carpet with the long pile if you have children and pets. Also, consider how well the pattern will hide stains. 
  • Plush piles vs loop piles – There are two kinds of piles; plush piles and loop piles. Loop piles are usually low and are typically what you find in office carpeting. Plush piles have cut ends and have a soft, luxurious feel on your feet. Short, loop pile carpets are often easier to clean than plush pile carpets. They are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. 
  • Colours – When it comes to colour, you might be tempted to go with something trendy, but trends come and go. Buying carpet is a longer-term decision, so you want to make sure that you will be happy with it in the future. Neutrals are a always a good choice.
  • Fibre types – If you want natural fibers, you will probably have to choose a rug to go on top of the carpet as an accent. Most modern carpets are made from synthetic fibers, but you can find some carpets that contain a percentage of natural fibers. The most common types of carpet fibers are acrylic, nylon, olefin, and viscose fibers. Viscose is made from natural plant fibers. All of these choices have advantages and disadvantages in terms of wear resistance, resilience, and resistance to fading. Each of these choices has an effect on the cost of the carpet per square metre. 
Bedroom with carpet
Carpeted bedroom / Source: Tradezmen

Materials and Tools

 The first thing that you need to do is to calculate the amount of carpet needed per square metre. You will want to purchase a little extra to account for any odd areas or mishaps. Once you have purchased the carpet, here are a few other carpet laying tools that you will need to do the job. 

  • Tackless strip
  • Tape
  • Tack strip cutter
  • Hand stapler
  • Wall trimmer
  • Top cutter
  • Hammer
  • Measuring tape
  • Knee kicker
  • Carpet knife
  • Stair tool
  • Razor knife
  • Power stretcher
  • Gloves

How to Lay Carpet

 As you can see, there is a lot of specialty equipment needed for laying carpet. There is also a difference between carpet installation and how to lay carpet tiles. Tiles might require special adhesive and a trowel. Once you have the tools assembled, you are ready to begin. 

  1. Prepare subfloor. The first thing you will need to do is to remove the old carpet and clean the subfloor surface. It must be smooth and clean. Remove any joint compound, paint, or rough areas. You will also want to give it a good sweep and vacuum. 
  2. Install tack strips. Now, you can cut the tack strips to the proper length and nail them about 1.27 cm from the wall. Make sure to wear gloves as they are sharp, and do not install them across doorway thresholds. The tacks can poke through and cut your feet. 
  3. Install padding/underlay. Roll out the carpet pad and staple it near the tack strips. Make sure to place the edges close together so that the surface is smooth. Staple the pad seams to hold them down. Use a carpet knife to trim the pad. 
  4. Measure and cut carpet. Roll the carpet out and notch the corners for trimming. This can be done on a garage floor or outdoor driveway, this is easier with two people. Trim the carpet to size. Now, bring it inside and lay it in the room.
  5. Lay and secure. Lay the carpet down and glue the seams. Trim around any obstacles. Attach the first edge of the carpet to the tack strip. Place the flat end of the knee kicker against the carpet and forcefully strike the padded end to stretch the carpet and cause it to grab the tack strips securely. Now you can trim any excess from the edges. 
  6. Stretch the carpet. Use the power stretcher to attach the carpet to the strips on the other side of the room and the corners. Use a binder bar to secure any areas where the carpet is not against a wall, such as a doorway threshold. Make sure the carpet is well-stretched and does not have any wrinkles or puckers. 

Contact a carpet expert

How to Hire a Carpet Installer

As you can see, laying carpet requires special equipment and knowledge. It is also physically strenuous work, and you will have to be on your hands and knees quite a bit. Also, if you do not do all of the steps correctly, the carpet can come loose or have wrinkles that represent a tripping hazard and look unsightly. These are many of the reasons why hiring a professional is a good idea in the first place. 

Carpet laying is considered a trade but is no longer licenced under the Home Build Act. Although you do not have to have a licence, you want someone who is experienced and has undergone an apprenticeship or training program. If the carpet is not installed properly, you may have to purchase a new piece of carpet and start over. When hiring a carpet installer, here are a few things to consider. 

  • Ask them how long they have been installing carpet 
  • Ask for references or to see pictures of their finished jobs
  • Ask if they offer any type of guarantee or warranty on their work 
Categories
Walls & flooring

How to mount a TV on a wall

How hard is it to DIY mount a TV onto a wall?

Thinking to mount a TV to the wall, but you don’t know how to do it? Don’t let it worry you too much. You can mount a TV to the wall easily enough, and not only does it look good, but it also frees up space in the home to put other things. You do, however, have a few factors you need to consider, such as:

  • Choosing the right location
  • Using the right tools
  • Finding the stud in the wall for the mount
  • Sourcing an appropriate mount

Mounting a TV isn’t difficult, but you should understand these things going into it. 

Source: Houseace

Who can mount a TV to a wall?

Mounting a TV to a wall is not a project that you need special skills or licensing to do. However, it can be a timely and costly problem to fix if it is completed incorrectly, so consider if you have the right skills to complete it yourself. 

Does the TV size impact the mounting process?

The TV screen size does matter because you don’t want to come home one day after work to find the TV in a crushed heap on the floor. 

Check the weight that the mount can handle along with its rating for the size of the TV. To be on the safe side, you may want a mount that can support more than the screen size. You can mount a large-screen TV, but you should beware of the mount size and the weight support that it offers. 

Wall mounting a TV can dramatically improve the views. You may be wondering how high to mount a TV. For a 42-inch screen TV, you want it about 140cm from the floor. For a 55-inch TV, you want it about 155cm off the floor. 

Materials and tools

  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Drill and assorted bits
  • Stud finder
  • A wall mount kit

Contact local handymen

How to wall mount a TV

  • Find and mark the wall stud: Using a stud finder, you will quickly and accurately locate the studs. This doesn’t work as well on plaster or lath walls, but it works well with drywall. Beware, however, that pipes and conduits may run through the wall. You have to use the stud finder to check to see that it runs vertically, which indicates a stud. You will also want to locate multiple studs to measure between them as an added precaution.
  • Line up the bracket: At this point, you will use the level to ensure that your marked spots are level. You will need to make sure that you have lined up the brackets correctly. Having a friend on hand may help to keep them steady for the next part. Instead of marking the points with a pencil, you could optionally use painter’s tape because it makes it easier to see. 
  • Drill holes: You will have four holes marked on the wall and ready to drill. Keep in mind; these holes should only be large enough for you to mount the screws in the wall. As you hold the mount up to the wall, you will use the level to make sure that you have it level. 
  • Attach the mounting bracket to the wall: Before you begin, remove the stand from the TV. The mounting plate attachment holes can be found on the back of the TV. In some cases, they may have screws or plastic, which need to be removed.
  • Attach hanging brackets to the TV: You will want to attach the hanging brackets to the TV because you will have greater access to the control panel. 
  • Mount the TV: Finally, mount the TV to the wall. Check to see that the mount remains stable and doesn’t wobble. Again, it’s best to have multiple people because of the cumbersome load that you have to handle. Now you may be wondering how to mount a tv without cables showing. Most people install it as close to the outlet as possible to hide the wires. 
Source: Nathalie Hailey Interiors

How to hire a handyman

Mounting a TV is not something that you want to get wrong, so hiring a handyman to do it for you might make more sense. Licensing happens by the local state and territory officials, which can vary slightly for each place. Be sure that the electrician can produce the license if you request it. They should also have a few years of experience to ensure that they know what they’re doing. Licensing matters, but having insurance matters too because if they make a mistake, such as drilling into a wire, you want coverage from liability. 

Categories
Building & renovations

Builder vs handyman: Who should you call?

Sometimes it’s tricky to work out who you need to hire when you need a job done. There are builders, architects, carpenters, tradespeople, handymen, labourers, and everything in between.

So, how do you know if your project requires the services of a builder or a handyman? Who’s going to turn your diamond in the rough house into your perfect home? Is it a builder vs a handyman? In other words, do you need a builder for a major renovation or would a handyman suffice for some quick fixes?

This article clarifies the difference between a handyman and a builder, helping you make the right decision for your home improvement needs.

What does a builder do?

finished modern open plan home
A builder is qualified to help with larger scale projects / Source: Jnaid & Sons

Building is a specialised field that requires a high level of education, experience, and training. You need a builder if you’re looking to do a large project such as building a new home, doing a major renovation, or building an extension.

A builder’s job is not only to provide a physical structure. They also need to know the legalities and regulations for doing so and ensure everything is in place, such as plans, applications, and permits, before any work is carried out.

Note that a builder isn’t necessarily an engineer or an architect; they may hire an engineering or architectural firm, however, if necessary.

Recently, sustainability and green building practices, such as energy-efficient construction, are increasingly becoming important in the Australian building industry. Builders need to upskill to new building practices in light of this movement.

What is a handyman?

white modern kitchen
A handyman can help with jobs that require skill, but not necessarily a qualification Source: Complete Maintenance & Property Repairs

There are always jobs around the home that need to be done. Some things you might feel confident in tackling yourself, for others you may need some help. For these jobs, hiring a handyman can be a great option.

Basically, a handyman is a person who is ‘handy’ or ‘skilful’ with basic repairs or minor renovations and is easily available to perform common household projects, installations, and maintenance. These are mostly jobs that require skill, but not necessarily an extensive qualification to perform. Handymen have a variety of skills and are usually available without much notice.

You might need several things done at once, like painting a room, fixing a broken tile, or putting together a piece of furniture. A handyman’s skills can cover these in a short space of time at short notice.

Builder vs handyman: Know who to call

Understanding the differences between builders and handymen is crucial when deciding who to hire for your home project. Let’s examine these professions in terms of their skill sets, project types, costs, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.

In terms of skill set and expertise

kids playhouse in backyard
A handyman can do a variety of odd jobs, including erecting kids’ playhouses / Source: Inner City Property Solutions

Builder skills are typically broader and deeper, most of them related to construction and renovation. They have extensive knowledge of building codes, structural engineering principles, and project management. Builders are equipped to handle complex, large-scale projects that require coordinating multiple trades.

Handymen, on the other hand, have a diverse set of general skills covering various aspects of home maintenance and repair. While they may not have the know-how in any single area that a niche tradesperson would, their versatility allows them to efficiently handle a wide array of smaller assignments.

In terms of project types

Builders are best suited for:

  • New home construction
  • Major renovations or home extensions
  • Structural changes to existing buildings
  • Large-scale commercial projects
  • Projects requiring multiple subcontractors

On the other hand, a typical handyman services list includes:

  • Minor maintenance and repairs
  • Small-scale home improvements
  • Basic carpentry work and small building jobs, like erecting sheds
  • Basic plumbing and electrical work
  • Painting and decorating
  • Prefabricated item assembly, such as furniture assembly
  • Other odd jobs around the house and maintenance work

In terms of responsibilities

Builders take on comprehensive project management roles. They’re responsible for:

Handymen are generally responsible for:

  • Completing specific tasks or repairs
  • Providing their own tools
  • Advising homeowners on simple maintenance issues
  • Recommending when more specific help is needed
  • Advising homeowners on do’s and don’ts regarding renovations and home maintenance

In terms of cost

Builders generally charge higher rates due to their expertise and the complexity of the projects they manage. Their fees often include costs for subcontractors, materials, and project management.

Handymen typically charge hourly or flat rates for their services. They’re often more cost-effective for smaller jobs that don’t require a particular skill set or large-scale planning.

In terms of licencing and regulations

a homeowner shaking hands with a handyman
Ask friends and relatives for a handyman or builder recommendations | Source: iStock

Licencing requirements vary by location, but builders must be licensed, bonded, and insured. They must pass exams and demonstrate considerable experience in the field. This is why builders are often costlier than handymen.

Builder certification may vary across states and territories. Some common builder certifications and qualifications across Australia include:

The specific requirements vary by state and territory, but generally involve completing relevant vocational education and training (VET) courses, gaining practical experience, and applying for a builder’s licence through the regulatory body in each jurisdiction. For example, applying to the Western Australian Building Commission for a licence if the builder is in Western Australia.

Meanwhile, some jurisdictions require a basic handyman licence for handymen, but further qualifications and insurance requirements are usually less stringent. However, for certain types of work (e.g., electrical or plumbing), they may need specific trade licences, extensive experience, and demonstrable various skills.

Always check your local regulations to ensure any professional you hire meets the necessary legal requirements for the work they’ll be performing.

Build your dream home

When it comes to home improvements, picking between a builder and a handyman isn’t just about project size—it’s about matching skills to your needs. Builders excel at major renovations and complex constructions, while handymen are ideal for smaller repairs and maintenance.

Builders manage large-scale projects from start to finish, handling permits and ensuring code compliance. Their higher costs reflect this comprehensive service. Handymen offer affordability and versatility for those everyday household fixes and minor upgrades.

Whether you’re planning a complete home transformation or tackling a list of repairs, calling in professionals can save time, stress and potentially costly mistakes.

Next time you spot a home project, ask yourself: Does this need a builder’s comprehensive skills or a handyman’s versatile touch? Make the right call, and watch your home improvement plans come to life with the perfect pro for the job.

FAQs on builder vs handyman

What is the highest-paying handyman job?

The highest-paying handyman jobs often involve special skills or niche markets. In general, the more impressive the handyman’s qualifications and credentials, the higher they can charge. Handymen specialising in high-end home renovations or luxury property maintenance can command premium prices. Those with electrical or plumbing licences can also earn significantly more, as they can legally perform more complex tasks.

What are building and construction skills?

Building and construction skills encompass various technical abilities essential for creating and maintaining structures. These include proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, knowledge of various building materials and their applications, and mastery of construction techniques.

Practical skills involve carpentry, bricklaying, concreting, plastering, and roofing, but technical skills are also essential, such as understanding building codes and safety regulations. Builders also need to be proficient with construction tools and equipment, both manual and power-operated.