Access panels are important in the home, but many people just ignore them outright. Usually, even homeowners don't think about panels unless they have something to fix or repair inside the house. This is pretty much expected since panels really are designed to blend in and not be too noticeable.

But the thing is that a lot of people also don't realise that access panels are actually very important. One of the most important uses of these panels is in the ability to hide the important wires and tubes of your home. Behind the panel you will find the most important workings that keep your home running smoothly. These are not exactly aesthetically pleasing, and can therefore be kept hidden.

But it's not just for vanity's sake that panels were invented. When you have wires and breakers exposed in a home where kids and pets also live, you're courting disaster. The wires can be chewed on or pulled and that would cause damage and spark tragedies. As such, you see just how important the panels can be.

In some cases, access hatches are used to hide the passageway to additional storage rooms or crawlspaces. The loft is one area that commonly uses the hatch. With these hatches and panels performing multiple functions, there is no denying the fact that they are highly important to any home.

The great thing here is that you can install these panels and hatches all on your own. They are some of the easiest projects to handle even if you're not that adept in handling home repairs. It's true that a lot of panels can be installed by DIY. Now isn't that great? Here are the steps to follow:

€ Take note of the area that needs the access panel. Make sure you know your purpose first before making any other decisions. This will help you in selecting the material of the panel that you need. For example, panels to be installed in the bathroom should be made of plastic in order to be waterproof.
€ Make measurements as accurately as you can. You need to know how big the hole you need is. This can be done two ways. One, if you already have the approximate size you think is needed for the hole (as in for lofts and crawlspaces), the panel size should follow suit. Otherwise, you need to buy the panel first then measure.
€ Cut the hole out and check if this matches the panel you have. You can still make the necessary adjustments but it's better to be thorough with your measurements before you cut anything.
€ The access panel can now be installed. For most models, you can just read the instructions and get on with it. It differs depending on the maker and the model, so make sure you read the instructions properly.

For rookies in home repair, you can always get the Handi access panel. This is a very easy to use model so even if you're new to DIY you won't have any trouble. Handi access panels are very easy to install and the entire process should take less than an hour. You can also rest assured that Handi access panels are durable.