DIY or Handyman? 10 Common Jobs Cardiff Homeowners Should Think Twice About
Spring's around the corner, and you know what that means, DIY season is kicking off. YouTube tutorials make everything look simple, don't they? Ten minutes and a drill, job done!
But here's the thing. Some jobs look straightforward until they're not. And by then, you've got a flooded bathroom, a tripped fusebox, or worse, a call-out fee that's triple what a handyman Cardiff professional would've charged in the first place.
At Assembly Ace, we live by three simple words: Assurance, Craftsmanship, and Excellence. That's our ACE promise. It means we guarantee quality work, we're skilled and precise in what we do, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards, every time. Whether it's a wobbly shelf or a full loft board-out, we're here to make sure it's done right.
We're not here to talk you out of every DIY job (painting a wall? Go for it!). But we are here to give you a heads-up on the 10 jobs Cardiff homeowners tackle themselves, and often wish they hadn't.
1. Plumbing (Full Installs & Leaks)
"How bad can a little leak be?"
Bad enough to wreck units, warp floors, and turn a quick job into a full-on repair. Water doesn’t mess about. One loose fitting behind a washing machine or a slow drip under the sink can quietly soak everything before you even notice.
The ACE Solution:
We handle leaks and full installs properly—tight connections, tested before we leave, and a 12‑month guarantee on our work. That’s Assurance you can actually feel.
2. Tiling (Walls & Floors)
"Tiles are tiles—surely they line themselves up?"
If only. One wonky first row and the whole wall looks off. Add tricky corners, uneven floors, and awkward cuts around pipes—suddenly it’s a weekend of frustration and a finish that screams DIY.
The ACE Solution:
We set out clean, cut sharp, and keep grout lines straight. That pro look comes from Craftsmanship—and we don’t compromise.
3. Pressure Washing
"Just blast it and it’ll be fine!"
That’s how you get the classic ‘zebra stripe’ driveway. Too close, too slow, wrong nozzle—boom, patchy lines everywhere. And on slippery algae? It’s a safety risk as well.
The ACE Solution:
We clean evenly, safely, and properly—paths, patios, driveways, decking. No streaks, no sketchy slip hazards, no mess left behind. That’s Excellence in the finish.
4. Loft Boarding & Access
"It’s just a few boards up there, right?"
Until your foot goes through the ceiling. Lofts are awkward—hidden joists, wiring, insulation, tight angles. One wrong step and you’re repairing plasterboard instead of gaining storage.
The ACE Solution:
We board it solid, fit proper access (hatches/ladders), and keep it safe to use. Clean install, no drama—Assurance and Craftsmanship, start to finish.
We’ll sort it.
5. Flatpack Furniture Assembly
"It’ll be quick—there’s only a few screws."
Then it’s step 14 and you’ve built it backwards. Or you’re staring at “spare” pieces that don’t feel spare at all. Flatpacks are brilliant… until they’re not level, not tight, and not safe.
The ACE Solution:
We assemble it square, secure it properly, and leave it solid—beds, wardrobes, desks, the lot. And yes, we take the packaging away too. That’s ACE.
6. Painting & Decorating
"Painting’s easy. Prep is optional."
Prep is everything. Skip it and you’ll see every lump, roller line, and patchy bit when the light hits. Sharp edges and smooth finishes don’t happen by accident.
The ACE Solution:
We fill, sand, mask, and cut-in properly—then leave crisp lines and a clean finish. Craftsmanship you can see, and Excellence in the little details.
7. Window Shutter Installs
"Measure once, drill once—job done."
Older homes in Cardiff love throwing curveballs. Frames can be slightly out, walls can be uneven, and a tiny measuring error gives you gaps, rubbing panels, or shutters that don’t sit right.
The ACE Solution:
We measure properly, fix securely, and finish tidy—so your shutters fit like they were made for the room. That’s Craftsmanship, no shortcuts.
8. Blinds & Curtain Rails
"It’s only a couple of brackets!"
Until you hit a lintel, crumbly plaster, tile, or dot-and-dab. Then your ‘quick job’ turns into crooked rails, loose fixings, and a blind that drops the first time you pull it.
The ACE Solution:
We get everything level and locked in—right fixings for the wall type, neat drilling, tidy finish. Assurance and Excellence, even on the small stuff.
9. Bathroom & Kitchen Refurbishment
"Let’s just refresh it ourselves over a few weekends."
Bathrooms and kitchens are all coordination—plumbing, electrics, tiling, sealing, fitting, finishing. Miss a step and you get leaks, movement, mouldy silicone, or fittings that don’t line up.
The ACE Solution:
We manage the whole job and the order it needs doing in—so it runs smooth and finishes properly. One team, one standard: ACE.
10. Electrical Work (EICRs & Lighting)
"Just swap the light fitting—what could go wrong?"
Plenty. Electrical work needs proper isolation, safe connections, and the right certification—especially for rentals and compliance. It’s not worth risking your home (or your insurance) on a guess.
The ACE Solution:
We coordinate electrical work through our trusted subcontract electricians—so it’s done safely, tested properly, and certified where required (including EICRs). Clean work, tidy finish, total peace of mind. That’s Assurance, Craftsmanship, Excellence.
Why Choose Assembly Ace for Your Cardiff Property Maintenance?
Here's the thing: we're not just a handyman Cardiff service. We're a team that genuinely cares about getting it right. That's what our ACE values are all about:
Assurance: We guarantee our work for 12 months. We're DBS-checked, fully insured, and mess-free.
Craftsmanship: Every job is done with skill, precision, and attention to detail: whether it's a shelf or a full loft conversion.
Excellence: We respond within 24 hours. We're punctual, professional and reliable. High standards aren't optional: they're standard.
Want it done properly, without the DIY headaches?
Ready to Get It Done Properly?
If you've got a job on your to-do list and you're not sure whether to DIY or call in the pros, just ask. We're happy to chat it through: no pressure, no hard sell.
Ready to get it done properly? Let’s get it sorted—quick, clean, and done right.
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Assembly Ace. Assurance. Craftsmanship. Excellence.