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How are your DIY skills?
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By *bi Haive OP Man 44 weeks ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
When it's something you've never attempted before?
Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre?
So you do things properly or cut corners?
Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on?
I mean, what could possibly go wrong.......    |
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When it's something you've never attempted before? I research as much as possible. My Dad was a builder so he is always first for advice source.
Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre? The jobs I do always seem to turn out well. I know my limits.
So you do things properly or cut corners? Prep is the key here. Get that right and the actual job is much easier and finishes better.
Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on? Yes I have consulted youtube but Dad and a friend of mine are also good advice. |
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Better than I thought. A couple of years ago I would have said nope, can't do it, no way, I'll end up chopping my arm off.
I often need a bit of a nudge and some reassurance, but no limbs have been lost in some fairly major (for an amateur) work. |
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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Apparently I cut corners with IKEA furniture as I always have bits left over. But with DIY I'm meticulous, attention to detail is key. Most things I can turn my hand to once I have someone that can read out instructions or measurements to me, I'm dyslexic and had a few disastrous results from my attempts without an assistant. |
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"When it's something you've never attempted before?
Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre?
So you do things properly or cut corners?
Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on?
I mean, what could possibly go wrong....... "
If you are fitting skirting board or coving you absolutely must cut corners
YouTube is an amazing resource, I’ve learned a great deal from some amazing people who have made time to teach, explain, offer advice.
My plastering skills all developed from following a YouTube channel. I can now plaster a wall to a better standard than the ‘pro’ plasterer that did a room for a friend. I’m slower but I care more about the results and the finish being truly paint ready.
Problems I was having laying very large format floor tiles were solved with a 5 minute vid where I saw a tool I didn’t even know existed.
My TIG welding problems I was having - YouTube. The master welder patiently teaching a technique that I was struggling with - the camera work was amazing allowing me to see his movements in detail. There would have been no way I would have ever have had an opportunity to attend a class or trade school to have learned from this incredible master craftsman.
Truly standing on the shoulders of giants.
There are also some total fuckwits - fucking do one with your ‘hacks’
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro. "
Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled? |
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"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro.
Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled?"
Haha that’s one of my personal services that aren’t delegated. Same as giving a right good poundin. Some things are too much fun! |
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Terrible but I do plan to get better over the next 18-24 months.
But also the cost of me researching, prepping, making and correcting mistakes and the time it would take to do all that it’s typically quicker and more efficient to hire a professional  |
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By *inaTitzTV/TS 44 weeks ago
Titz Towers, North Notts |
I'm supremely gifted in creating more problems than I solve whenever I attempt DIY. It's almost uncanny just how badly even the smallest of jobs go.
I get in someone who knows what they are doing to come and do it properly.  |
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By *a LunaWoman 44 weeks ago
South Wales |
I watch You Tube videos but I only attempt basic stuff pertaining to decorating or putting up shelves. Anything involving a ladder is a no go as I’m scared of heights.
I’m quite handy with a drill. |
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro.
Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled?
Haha that’s one of my personal services that aren’t delegated. Same as giving a right good poundin. Some things are too much fun!"
Don't wear yourself out though!! |
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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If it’s something I’ve never attempted I’ll research for ages until I’ve got it.
I did that when attempting to skim my bedroom and it worked great, my plasterer brother in law was very impressed! It encouraged me to do a ton of DIY around the house.
YouTube and TikTok are great for learning a new skill, also Reddit where you can ask professionals and enthusiasts.
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I'm really good at DIY inmho. there are things I would prefer a professional to do as it takes me longer otherwise and i am less confident but I research if I don't know then plan and do. Apart from gas work and the type of stuff that requires certified professional I do everything. And I love doing it too. |
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I'm ok at DIY. It's usually lack of correct tools that lets me down, I have borrowed in the past.
Biggest project, was a large decking area and fencing.
Worst bit of DIY, replacing skirting boards.
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We're bloomin good at DIY we've renovated the whole house together including building a conservatory, converting the garage, laying concrete, fitting a kitchen etc.
The expertise is mostly Mr N's but I can turn my hand to many things and have mixed many a load of cement (I have refused to ever do it again though).
The only thing we got someone else to do was fit the bathroom |
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If I’ve got something that’s knackered such has a washing machine I will take it apart and look what might be wrong sometimes I’ve managed a fix, same with my car, I don’t like paying someone £30 an hour to repair something I can do myself |
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I’m pretty good with stuff whee you need patience preparing well & then the process itself is quite logical & easy. So things like decorating, tiling, flooring, restoring wooden kitchens, pointing and simple brick laying. I’m less good at fitting bathrooms, kitchens, plumbing, electrical and bigger projects. |
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By *hloe_TTV/TS 44 weeks ago
Nottingham |
Enjoy it, like most people said. Watch a load of YouTube tutorials first x i can do Most things now, its still expensive you always need to buy some new tool to do the job but atleast then you have the tool for next time and a new skill  |
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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I'm great at DIY. I DI Myself all the time. Infact! I DIY'd twice last night before bed, and then again in thr shower this morning.
I'll probably DIY in a minute aswell to be honest |
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Moderate to poor, I'd say. I've improved in my dotage, but I'm still a child of divorce that never had a handy dad teaching me how to do stuff so I've had to figure it out myself.
I'll have a crack at most things, unless I've already established I'm no good at it. I'm happy enough with basic electrics - changing a light fitting/switch or socket, but I won't mess about with the consumer unit or rewiring - but I tend to struggle with plumbing for some reason. As someone before mentioned, I have a "household" tool kit, I don't have the right tools (or knowledge!) for a lot of more involved stuff!
I'll also have a crack at simple stuff on my car that doesn't involve ramps or axle stands. What's the worst that can happen, eh? |
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Try my best to not use trades, building is one I can't do and plastering but I can do basic electrics, plumbing, fitting stuff, painting (to a good standard) probably a few more bits too if I put my mind to it. |
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Used to be rubbish, couldn't saw straight for the life of me.
Then i worked for a Traditional Builder and Stone Mason, a few years of Roofing, Pointing, Building, Installing Velux Windows, Stonework, Joinery etc and i am considered semi skilled and can now learn most things if taught or watched on YT.
Having ADHD (for me) means having a fear of failure that can put me off starting but most things i try look harder than they are x |
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