TV personality and builder Craig Phillips has shared his top tips for home improvements this spring.
The 51-year-old won the first ever series of Big Brother in 2000 and has since made a name for himself sharing home hacks online.
His YouTube channel Mr DIY has hundreds of thousands of followers and Craig has also teamed up with wife Laura for their Mr & Mrs DIY channels, specialising in 60 second DIY tip videos and in-depth tutorials. As well as making videos, Craig is also ambassador for a number of brands, including Frenchic Paint.
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Craig told the ECHO it was the outbreak of the pandemic that really led to things "spiralling". The nation went into lockdown just as he'd finished building his own workshop and studio.
"A lot of my work was racing to people's houses and doing makeovers or heading to TV studios and doing things on sets, but of course we weren't able to do that for some time. The timings for us just turned out ok. It's kind of spiralled now and it's been really good."
He added that maintaining a property, especially amid rocketing interest rates, is "very important". Craig said: "I often say to people if it's your first house or your last house you're purchasing, for most people it will be the biggest investment you make in your entire life. We have a respond to look after it, maintain it and keep the value in it."
Craig also shared some of his golden rules when it comes to DIY and home improvements.
1. Do the research
Craig "always" says this to people. He added: "Over the years we've learnt from our videos and we get direct feedback from the public. If they try to paint something and it goes wrong, they're quick to shout about the bad side of it.
"We've been trying to guide people to do things properly first time round. Do all the research, take your time and do the preparation on things as well."
2. Preparation is key
Craig said usually when people dive head first into a project it can "look great but usually doesn't last very long". He added: "People can get a bit eager and a bit ambitious."
Using painting outdoors fences as an example, Craig said people should test the integrity of the wood, make sure they're clean and give them a jet wash before diving in with the paint brush or spray gun. He also advises on giving them one coat in spring and one in summer: "That way, you tend to keep on top of jobs and fences look good all year round. That applies to decking and garden furniture too."
Craig added: "If you fail to prepare you prepare to fail!"
3. Upcycle
Craig has seen the upcycling trend "building" over the last decade. He said: "We're all guilty of being in a 'throw away society' - cheap cupboards and wardrobes. It might look nice but it doesn't last.
"Go to a second hand shop, find lovely solid wooden piece of furniture. The design of them are brilliant. They could be 60, 70 or 80 years old but they're made from fantastic wood and they're hard wearing.
"Give them a good clean up with sugar soap. Get some wire wool and give them a keying over to gently score them and have a go at an upcycled piece."
4. Think outside the box
Craig said his social media platforms are trying to inspire people with ideas that are affordable to them. He added: "We found when most people were having a go for the first or second time, they'd be pleased with the finish. All of the sudden, they get the bug because they realise how easy it is and how creative they can be."
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