How to Get a DIY Job Done in Under an Hour
Have you got a list of DIY jobs that you’re putting off? Maybe you never got round to finishing that ‘quick fix’ you started over a month ago, or perhaps the to do list got so big that you just don’t know where to start? We’ve all been there.
According to a recent poll of Jasmine’s followers, being time-poor was found to be one the biggest challenges to navigate when tackling DIY projects with almost half (48 per cent) saying they delay or abandon tasks around the home because of this.
Why Do We Put Off DIY Jobs?
It’s so easy for DIY jobs to build up quickly around the house, especially when life gets busy. Between work, family time, hobbies and other life admin tasks like the big shop taking up most of the week and weekends, home improvement tasks often end up at the bottom of the pile. When the idea of DIY feels daunting, this can also factor into how willing we are to get stuck into that to do list.
In this step-by-step guide, Jasmine shares how with the right tools and just an hour of her time she finally installed a bedroom blind that had previously laid idle in her home for around two years.
Jasmine’s Speedy Step-by-Step guide For a Blind Installation
Prepare The Recess and Decide Bracket Positions
With a recessed fit blind, the brackets will sit in the far corners of the recess. You can mount the brackets on the UPVC frame or on the lintel above; whichever you prefer.
Identify Control End vs Pivot End
Establish the control end and pivot end of the brackets and decide which side you want the cord on. Position the control end of the blind to match.
Mark Bracket Positions
Measure and mark each bracket point with a tape measure and pencil, leaving around 2 cm of clearance for smooth roller movement.
Fix The Brackets
Drill your pilot holes using a combi hammer drill. If drilling into the lintel, which is masonry, be sure to use the masonry drill bit. Insert wall plugs and screw the brackets securely into place.
Make to measure
Calculate exactly how much width of the blind to remove for your window using the blind’s full width, recess size and bracket depths. Take your blind's width minus the recess measurement and minus the combined depth of both brackets.
Cut The Headrail
Mark your cut line and use a metal hacksaw to trim the aluminium headrail cleanly. High tension blades are best for giving a clean, straight cut.
Trim The Blind Fabric
With the blind fabric, don't forget to take off a few millimetres using the instructions as a guide. Mark this all the way along the blind, then use a spirit level to join all your marks and cut down with a pair of scissors.
Trim Bottom Rail and Fit Blind Into the Brackets
Trim down the bottom rail to match the width and roll up the blind. Slot the trimmed blind into the brackets and secure it with the supplied end caps.
Test The Blind
Pull the blind up and down to ensure it operates smoothly without catching.
Install Chain Safety Device
Fix the chain safety hook at full extension to keep the chain neat and child-safe. Mark the area with a pencil and again, take the combi drill again to drill pilot holes into the wall where the control end will be placed. Secure screws with separate drill bit and loop in the chain.