Can a DIY job gone wrong be fixed without professional help?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a DIY home improvement mishap involving the installation of a 13amp socket, which resulted in damage to the wall, wallpaper, and carpet. Participants explore potential solutions and the implications of the incident, including whether to contact the homeowner and how to address the damage.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the initial task of installing a socket and the unexpected damage caused to the wall and adjacent room.
  • Another participant suggests getting the patchwork done first and waiting on the wallpaper, indicating uncertainty about the homeowner's preferences.
  • Concerns are raised about the new wallpaper and carpet, with one participant considering attempting to re-plaster the wall.
  • There is a suggestion to use a wet vac or steam cleaner on the carpet to remove the dust and stains, though one participant expresses guilt over the situation.
  • Participants discuss the importance of informing the homeowner about the accident rather than hiding it, emphasizing the accidental nature of the damage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on how to handle the situation, with no clear consensus on the best course of action. Some suggest contacting the homeowner, while others focus on damage control measures.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a resolution regarding the best approach to fix the damage or how to communicate with the homeowner. There are also uncertainties about the effectiveness of cleaning methods for the carpet and the potential need for professional help.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY home improvement, those facing similar mishaps, or anyone considering the implications of accidental damage during home repairs may find this discussion relevant.

wolram
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A rather posh lady called around, she had heard that i used to be a sparky, she wanted me to fit a 13amp socket
in her new house, sure i said i can do do the donkey work but a certified electrician would have to connect it up.

So i went around to her house and eyed the job up, no problem i thought i will be done in a couple of hours.
I went home and gathered my up my tools, a quick cup of tea and the lady said she was going away for the week and would i be ok on my own, no problem i said .

The first job was to chase out the wall for the cable and socket, so i fetched out my bolster chisel and started work,
all went well until it came to chasing out for the socket, the wall is made of breeze block and as i was hammering away the whole breeze block gave away (it pushed back about 2inches), oh sh1t i thought all the plaster has cracked as well.

I thought better look next door to see what the damage is, well the newly decorated room had a neat oblong
bulge in the wall, the wall paper had ripped and there is breeze block dust all over her white shag pile carpet

So what to do should i call a builder to patch up the wall. a decorator to re paper the wall (heck knows if i can match up the paper) .and what about the carpet, i have washed it but it looks grey in that area now?
 
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Oh dear, Woolie! No way to contact the lady?

I guess I'd get the patch work done, but wait on the wall paper. Who knows, she may have been ready to get rid of the old stuff anyway.
 
The wall paper is new Lisa, i guess i could have a go at re plastering, it's the wall paper and carpet i am worried about:nb)
 
wolram said:
The wall paper is new Lisa, i guess i could have a go at re plastering, it's the wall paper and carpet i am worried about:nb)
Did you have a wet vac/steam cleaner for the carpet? It will take a bit of time washing the spot this way, but it should get the white stuff out. You should let the woman know what happened rather than hide it, it was an accident and not your fault the block was loose.
 
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she is going to kill me Evo:nb) I used a wet brush on the carpet
 
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OMG Wolly. It's been good knowing you.
 
Thanks digoff, nice knowing you too, i feel so guilty i guess i must make some effort to make amends.
 
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