Darren Drumm, Founder of Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes, says he has seen a significant rise in DIY interest, with more people taking on home improvement projects.

As more individuals take on projects like fitting cupboards, laying flooring or designing custom pieces, DIY continues to grow in popularity. While it can save money and provide a rewarding experience, inexperience can lead to frequent mistakes that increase overall costs. With proper planning and the right tools, these issues can be minimised and projects completed effectively.

DIY Mistakes to Avoid

“We all think we can take on any job,” Darren says, “but the truth is most people just haven’t got the skillset. Some jobs, like fitted kitchens and built-in sitting room furniture, require a professional to make sure it’s done safety, and correctly.”  

Here are some of the most common errors Darren says DIY enthusiasts make: 

• Underestimating the complexity: Some DIY projects seem simple at first, but improper preparation or techniques can turn them into bigger issues. 
• Skipping safety precautions: Many people overlook the importance of protective gear. Always wear safety gloves, goggles and ear protection when using power tools. 
• Incorrect measurements: One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to measure accurately. As they say, “measure twice, cut once!”. 
• Using the wrong tools: Every DIY project requires the right tools, so make sure your toolbox has what you need. 
• Ignoring instructions: Whether it’s a DIY kit or expert guidance, skipping steps or not reading through the full instructions can lead to mistakes. 

The Amateur’s DIY Toolbox

When taking on a DIY project, Darren recommends that homeowners approach each task with their skillset in mind. For those keen to take on smaller projects safely and effectively, Darren says to start with a core set of reliable tools, including: 

• A quality tape measure. 
• A spirit level to ensure accuracy. 
• A screwdriver set. 
• A claw hammer. 
• An adjustable spanner. 
• A reliable power drill. 
• A sturdy ladder. 
• Safety gear such as gloves and eye protection. 

Darren says that these tools will cover most beginner-level home tasks, from hanging shelves and assembling furniture, while also ensuring DIY enthusiasts don’t get too ahead of themselves.

About Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes

Established in 2016, Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes offers a range of bespoke kitchens and wardrobes, while also specialising in full home renovations. 

Urban centres throughout Europe, including Dublin, Belfast and London, are increasingly affected by noise pollution linked to road traffic.

Health experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), advise that traffic-related noise should be limited to below 53Db to reduce the risk of harmful effects. Although addressing traffic levels is part of the solution, Robert Kennedy, Managing Director of Sky Windows, says modern windows and doors can do more than just improve energy efficiency; they may also help block out deafening levels of noise pollution.

A Continent Annoyed by Noise

Studying leading publications for noise-related data, Sky Windows can reveal that:  

• Over 20% of Europeans are exposed to harmful transport noise levels, while almost 16.9 million people experience long-term annoyance due to noise from transport and approximately 4.6 million suffer from severe sleep disturbances. 
• Around 2 million people in London are exposed to road traffic noise above 55 dB Lden’. 
• In Ireland, over 552,200 people in Dublin are exposed above 55 dB Lden. 
• Between 30–40% of Edinburgh’s population is exposed to road traffic noise above 55 dB Lden. 
• There was a total of 9,719 noise complaints received in Northern Ireland in 2024/25. 

With noise pollution affecting communities across the UK and Ireland, Robert says that upgrading windows and doors is a practical way to create quieter homes. 

“When people think about upgrading their windows and doors, they often focus on warmth and energy savings, but noise reduction is a major hidden benefit.” 

Anti-noise Pollution Options

Modern glazing systems are also proven to significantly reduce external noise. Robert says that modern windows and doors can quickly reduce the impact of noise pollution: “Modern aluclad, aluminium and composite systems are designed with advanced sealing, multi-layer glazing and improved frame construction. These features help prevent sound waves from penetrating the home, creating a noticeably quieter indoor environment. 

The Data Explained

Sky Windows analysed information from official sources such as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Environmental Protection Agency and DEFRA Strategic Noise Mapping. 

The EU’s END mandatory noise level reporting thresholds are 55 dB Lden and 50 dB Lnight. Lden is the day-evening-night long-term average noise indicator.  

About Sky Windows

Sky Windows is a family-run business and one of Irelands leading supplier of high-quality windows and doors.

A newly launched UK company specialising in social media visibility checks is urging job seekers to reconsider how much of their online activity can be seen by others.

The message from right2socials comes as employers increasingly incorporate digital profile reviews into their hiring practices.

Surveys suggest that over 70% of employers now look at publicly available social media content when assessing potential hires. Despite this, many individuals still underestimate how long their posts, comments and photos remain accessible online.

This gap in understanding means that older content, offhand remarks or jokes taken out of context may resurface during recruitment. Such material can appear alongside CVs and application forms, creating an additional and often overlooked layer in the evaluation process, especially in competitive industries.

right2socials, as a new entrant in the UK market, aims to help individuals gain insight into how their public-facing social media content could be perceived by employers. Its service aligns with a growing national focus on digital identity and personal reputation management.

A spokesperson for right2socials said: “Lots of people feel unsure about what employers can see online. With more organisations reviewing publicly available profiles, understanding what is visible can help individuals feel more prepared, confident and more in control before applying for a new role.

“This is not about judging anyone’s past. It is about helping people see what is already visible, in one clear place, so they can make informed decisions about how they want to present themselves professionally.”

The platform has been created to address this shift by giving users a simple way to view and assess their online presence. It is designed to provide clarity and support informed decision-making.

The increasing use of social media screening highlights a broader change in the relationship between personal and professional life online. Employers are becoming more mindful of digital conduct, while job seekers are recognising the impact their online footprint can have on perceptions of professionalism and suitability.

With more people considering career transitions, returning to work, or applying for roles in areas such as healthcare and education where reputation is particularly important, understanding online visibility is becoming ever more relevant. Awareness of one’s digital footprint is now emerging as a key part of preparing for employment opportunities.