Doing the DIY - NHBC Tips for New Homeowners 05/08/05

It's exciting moving into a brand new home untouched by any previous owner's penchant for a palette of outlandish colours. NHBC, the UK's leading warranty provider for new homes, was established over 65 years ago. Since then its aim has been to raise standards in new house-building through setting construction standards, inspecting at key stages of construction and providing the 'Buildmark' warranty, the most comprehensive new home cover in the UK.

While NHBC's Buildmark gives protection for problems that may occur in new homes, NHBC is offering the following advice to homeowners to ensure their purchase stays as good as new:

• New homes are often painted with a light paint which lets moisture work itself out during the drying period (normally nine to twelve months). When you redecorate use a filler to make good any fine lines which have arisen from normal drying out
• When redecorating, ceiling finishings like Artex should never be sanded or washed - instead lightly brush them with a clean, dry paintbrush before painting. Then use one or two coats of emulsion. Don't apply water to these ceilings before this is done as it may spoil the texture
• Be aware that new woodwork absorbs a lot of paint or stain on the first application. If painting, always read the instructions and prepare the wood properly first. Never paint on wet wood.
• Try not to paint on hinges and doors as it stops them working efficiently. The extra effort spent in removing door handles and doorplates, and replacing them when dry, will ensure the best looking finish.
• Avoid solvent cleaners on U-PVC windows as they can damage the plastic
• Heavy pictures and mirrors should not be hung on picture hooks, it is better to use a screw fixed in place with a wall plug. Make sure that the drill hole for the wall plug goes deep enough (approximately 1 inch) into the masonry
• Be careful when nailing or drilling into walls and ceilings to avoid contact with any pipes or electric cables - if in doubt use a cable detector as it can reduce the risk of serious injury
• Be aware of the noise you make when putting up new items as neighbours can hear clattering and banging on adjoining walls, try to do the job when they are out or let them know in advance about the noise.

For a free copy of NHBC's practical guide to looking after your new home, please call 0800 688 788.

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