When can you DIY?

Tradespeople tell LISA SALMON how to do simple jobs around the home... and when you might need to call in the professionals

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MOST homeowners have been faced with a problem or repair so small or simple that they've tried a bit of DIY to fix it.

But sometimes even the smallest DIY job can be tougher than anticipated, and you might need to call in a pro after all. But how do you know whether you can do it yourself?

Here, Andy and Fantastic Handyman renovation specialist and handyman coordinator Violeta Stoyanova outline common DIY problems and whether householders will be able to tackle them without the help of a professional...

How do I unblock a toilet?

Unblocking a toilet is easy with the help of a plunger, says Andy. Just push the plunger down and up in the toilet bowl with increasing force, to allow the water to start going down and for whatever's blocking to flow through. "If this doesn’t work, the blockage may be deep into the drain and will require a professional," says Andy.

How do I fix a hole in the wall?

Small holes from nails or screws are easy to repair using spackle (filler) or joint compound, which you apply with a putty knife, leave to dry, then sand and paint over, Violeta explains. She says medium-sized holes will usually require a mesh patch or a small piece of drywall cut to fit, supported from behind, then taped, covered with compound, sanded, and painted.

"Larger holes are more complicated and often include cutting and fitting new drywall, but they can still be DIY-friendly for someone who's comfortable working with tools," she says.