Now I’m not afraid to give things a go
THOSE who claim they are unable to do basic home renovation tasks are often just plain lazy. If you can hold a paint brush, you can decorate.
Even more demanding tasks – such as tiling and woodwork repairs – can be done by those willing to apply themselves to learn new skills.
Details of local adult education courses that offer training for skills such as woodwork and tiling can be obtained from the local council or library.
You can also visit websites including Hotcourses, Floodlight and Training And Courses to see what is available. A ten-week carpentry course will cost about £100.
The Goodlife Centre, for example, provides practical skill courses that can help with DIY projects. These include an intensive one-day workshop for £175, which offers basic plumbing training to fix leaky taps and drilling skills.
Stefanie Danevoy, 41, from Sydenham, South-East London, went on the Goodlife Centre oneday DIY course last month after buying a one-bedroom Victorian flat – and deciding she did not want to pay others to tackle basic DIY tasks around her new home.
The office manager says: ‘For the same price of employing a tradesman for the day I have picked up some great skills for life. The course teaches you not to be afraid, but to give projects a go.
‘I can now put up shelves, use sealant in the bathroom and also do basic plumbing – as well as all the decorating.’
Stefanie says Easter is ideal for DIY as it gives her a chance to get on top of practical chores around the house in free time.
She says: ‘Being a long weekend, you have lots of time to get on with jobs. You can then go out and enjoy yourself to celebrate all the good work you have done.’