How do you become "handy" at DIY?

[redrabbit]

I really want to be good at DIY however it seems most things I attempt go wrong. I've realised that preparation is key and so too is not rushing.

However, when I'm not sure on something, it seems that looking online is very limited.

I'd love to have the confidence to tile myself, or install a new kitchen, put new skirting boards on.

It seems some people are just better at this, even without training. Is it a case of practising and making mistakes, or is it just natural to some?

 

[EddieM]

Have an interest in it, know your limitations, don't be disheartened when the inevitable screw ups occur, take your time, do one job at a time and of course this site is ram packed with experienced DIY'ers and pros, who in the very vast majority will give good advice. Yes experience is the key, you always have to learn from mistakes, just be wary of electrics (fatal if you get it wrong) knocking down walls, that your unsure about and of course unless you're qualified absolutely no gas work.

No one is naturally better at DIY than anyone else.

 

[Newboy]

Small jobs first

Plan how you're going to do the job

Allow enough time (usually about three times as long as you think!)

Use decent/correct tools

Use decent materials

 

[big-all]

to be honest if you haven't naturally wanted to tinker over the years through interest theres a fair chance you wont be good at it so not worth pursuing
but as others have said give it a go and don't be disheartened with mistakes
start with small jobs as damage and repair cost will be less this will help you learn your level and ability

be prepaired to reach a point where you decide that its costing you more to diy than get someone in

 

[redrabbit]

Last year I did want to sort out my downstairs spare toilet.

It needs a new toilet, new sink installed, plus flooring. Great opportunity as it's spare and already in a state. So I can't really make too big a mess unless I screw up the plumbing and flood the house... but with the water off at least I can control that.

The toilet has a concrete waste pipe and goes into a boxed in water pipe, so hard to know what to do about that.

Obviously need special tools to saw the toilet off.

I also wanted to remove radiator, and try to maybe even tile some of it.

 

[big-all]

i personally would start with task a fraction off the size
perhaps tile a kitchen splash back

i would not even consider any electrics or plumbing as you don't even have a clue as to your ability to any task at any level

 

[redrabbit]

Well next week I've put aside two days in the week when I'm off to do some decorating.

This I think will include putting up a new curtain rail, and also a blind for the bedroom.

I'm considering new skirting boards too, but planning on re-carpeting soon so not sure if I should wait (probably should). Plus I've read up on this and it looks a bit tricky.

 

[EddieM]

Well next week I've put aside two days in the week when I'm off to do some decorating.

This I think will include putting up a new curtain rail, and also a blind for the bedroom.

I'm considering new skirting boards too, but planning on re-carpeting soon so not sure if I should wait (probably should). Plus I've read up on this and it looks a bit tricky.

Which bit? putting new skirts on is generally fairly easy (depending on how easily the old ones come off!) Scribe the internal joints and mitre the externals. Laying carpets is not worth the DIY hassel IMHO as you wont have nor can justify the outlay for the right tools, but in reality its usually not difficult.

If you want further advice on skirting then ask away. Woodworking section.

 

[foxhole]

Don't agree with Eddie, some people have a natural aptitude for picking up skills, never had any training apart from training as a chef.
I can observe most trades and then replicate the work with a fair degree of skill, I'm slightly autistic, maybe that helps.
Logic and problem solving skills are the most important as they help prevent errors by being able to anticipate and avoid them .

 

[redrabbit]

Sorry, when I said about carpet I didn't mean I would do lay it.

I just mean, at some point i will get new carpet

I will think about skirting. I just think that they can really make a room look really nice, especially when compared to my horrible ones I have now

 

[cajar]

there's more effort involved than most people imagine. just don't expect to get the same finish as a tradesman on your first go, and be prepared to redo shoddy work and you will get better each time. then picking up new skills becomes easier cos you know how to handles the tools, cut materials etc.

also what newboy said about decent tools and materials- no tradesmen would get as good results if they used DIY tools and /or the cheapest materials

 

[EddieM]

Well next week I've put aside two days in the week when I'm off to do some decorating.

This I think will include putting up a new curtain rail, and also a blind for the bedroom.

Let's hope you don't hit any rebars, or steel lintels

 

[redrabbit]

Well next week I've put aside two days in the week when I'm off to do some decorating.

This I think will include putting up a new curtain rail, and also a blind for the bedroom.

Let's hope you don't hit any rebars, or steel lintels

Haha, well I have my fancy new hammer drill to get through anything!

 

[redrabbit]

Decided to try wallpapering - just the one wall in the bedroom - a feature wall.

I wallpapered (well helped my Dad) about 2 years ago when he came up to visit once.

I will see how it goes!