The dream team of DIY, Colin and Dan, from WeWillFixIt.com in Dubai.
The guys got in their last show with Nightline before the program, Nightline, goes off the air June 20th.
Lots of Q&A this week.
Click for the podcast.
Here are the notes.
DIY Hour- 9th May 2018
Intro:
- Temperatures- Whilst its mega-scorchio now, according to Accuweather, from the 17th its going to be relatively chilly for the second half of the month! Well its still 36-38 degrees but lower than the historical average. No need to get your skiwear out yet!
- Heat-related breakdowns been the main theme of the last few weeks. Poorly maintained AC units are under extra strain as the heat increases making more breakdowns inevitable.
- Tank Cleaning- crazy busy at the moment. Extra heat also means extra bacterial growth in water so lots of people getting their tanks cleaned now. Dubai Municipality recommends getting your water tank cleaned every 6 months. Can only be done by an authorized provider approved by Dubai Municipality using their official process & chemicals. If not either tank may not be cleaned properly or the chemicals could provide a risk for occupants of the property.
Section 1: Questions
· Paints- Different types & uses:
o Gloss, Satin, Eggshell, Matt- Most shiny and most resistant to least shiny & least resistant
o Latex= Emulsion (US vs Europe). 2 main types being vinyl silk & vinyl matt. Silk more durable but shows up every error in the wall.
o Oil-based vs Water based- wood/ metal vs walls (changing due to environmental regulations but not worth changing in domestic properties yet.
· Kitchen Cabinets-What do I need to look at when thinking of replacing kitchen cabinets? Affordable, durable, sexy! Surely this describes me to a tee! Unless you want to spend a fortune, I can’t look past IKEA. Price, huge amounts of testing, replacements if needed etc. Other options- wrapping, door fronts only, spraying.
· Grout for Kitchen Tile -Any simple grout replacement for kitchen tile? No unless the old grout has already fallen out. Grout removers- available but good chance of damaging tiles.
· Silicone-There is grout around the kitchen sink and it is mouldy any way to stop this when I have the grout replaced? Think they mean silicone rather than grout (but maybe not). Silicone- flexible & normally used as a sealer. Grout- used around tiles to fill gaps. Mould-resistant silicone available- Ace.
· Low Flush Toilets-Low flush electric toilets like in europe do we get them here? No & difficult to retro fit due to both H&S & lack of original fit power in the right place. Safety- Power & electricity! Bricks/ interlock in the cistern to reduce usage- unproven, trial and error!
NEW QUESTIONS 05/06
· Washroom extraction fan- is really noisy are these easy to change this unit is in the window. Need to be confident with basic electrics but apart from that easy enough. ISOLATE AT BREAKER FIRST NOT JUST SWITCH. TEST! Replacement needs to be compatible & same size as old one so remove old & take with you to the shop.
· Toilet tank seems to not be attached to the base, oh dear that is not good, and there is a leak is this a simple fix or is a toilet replacement coming? Best case- screws attaching the tank to the bowl have come loose & the movement of the seal is causing the leak. Likely case- tank cracked & the tank (at least) needs replacing.
· Guys is it possible to install urinals in a home? Technically there is no reason why not but it is likely to look ugly. We are not experts (as no demand!) but main issue will be water supply location & regulation of water to clean the urinal. Ceiling void solutions available but then needs a regulated (volume or time controlled) pipe to go from there to urinal height I would guess.
· Any tips on upholstery people, you men know Satwa! We have both used Amrit Furniture (04-3445549) on Plant St in Satwa who are good
· I want to install bike hangers any tips? Use expansion bolts (M6 should be enough) & make sure you allow enough space between the hangers for handle bars etc.
· Tips on running wire in the back of the villa to light up a palm tree, do we need a new breaker, cover wire with metal tube… If its just one light it should be relatively straight forward especially if you already have some outside lights. Ensure all connections are made inside an IP-rated junction boxes with glands to be water-tight. Only use exterior-grade double-insulated cable and this really should be armoured for safety (gardener with spades are notorious). In addition I would use plastic conduit but metal GI can be used for even more safety.
· Ever install a gas fire pit? Easy? No- never done! Surely its just like a BBQ though so should come with a standard high pressure pipe & regulator to attach to a gas bottle which is hopefully integrated into the housing. If a custom build FIND A PROFESSIONAL! BBQ Warehouse, Gulf Leisure etc. Ace??
Section 2: DIY Can Really Mean Do It Yourself!
· Definition: the activity of decorating, building, and making fixtures and repairs at home by oneself rather than employing a professional.
· We do lots of ‘Do It Yourself’ on behalf of our customers (& appreciate it)!
· It’s a funny one that putting up pictures, curtains, painting is classed this way yet we have a team of 10 specialists focused on this alone.
· The reality for many people in Dubai though is that they work long hours & DIY just isn’t a top priority when they have free time.
· However for those that fancy a crack, here are some hints & tips:
o Measuring- Measure twice, cut or drill once.
o Drilling- Use a good quality hammer drill & the correct drill bit for the task. Old bag held by masking tape below the hole reduces dust clear up.
o Curtain Hanging- If you are moving into an older property in Dubai, decide if the curtains would look OK if placed higher than normal above the top of the windows. (Below is often full of non-structural filler due to previous curtain-hanging which will disintegrate when you try to drill it.
o Picture Hanging- ALWAYS use a drill, rawl plug and screw & not a nail!!
o Electrics- Don’t even attempt unless you are sure you are competent for the required task. Hire a professional to keep you safe!
Section 3: THE PVC PIPE SHOE RACK
MATERIALS:-
- 150mm width PVC pipes from hardware stores in Satwa
- Marker pen
- Measuring tape
- Hacksaw
- Pipe cement
- Clothes pegs
INSTRUCTIONS:-
- Measure the longest shoe you want to store
- Add 3cm extra and then mark the pipe into equal length sections
- Cut pipe lengths using the hacksaw
- Wash pipes in the shower/bath
- Use a bookcase as a guide to help you stack the pipes
- Add pipe cement along the areas where you want the pipes to stick together
- Use clothes pegs to hold pipe lengths together while the glue dries
- Place against the wall and add shoes
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