My grandfather took me on as his apprentice on the condition that I attend college to gain a formal qualification. I chose plumbing, but as my grandfather specialised in property extensions so I was fortunate enough to gain experience in everything from digging foundations to putting tiles on a roof. After three years, I decided I needed to spread my wings and work away from family for a while. It was then that my eyes were opened. I gained employment with a social housing repairs team and met many people, some were very young and starting out adult life in their first home away from parents and having not yet mastered the sills of even basic DIY tasks. Many of my co workers begrudged people getting such small repairs done for free, but I found myself feeling sorry for them for not having the guidance I had. Some of the tenants lived in properties unfit for habitation, the company’s excuse being that we, as a repairs team, were only responsible for maintaining these properties. Frankly, many of them were beyond maintenance. I recently discovered DIY on a budget , and find it very encouraging that there are so many of you with little or no experience who have been inspired by Toni and her group to get your hands dirty and make the most of what you have .As a builder of twelve years I hope to be able to help you by offering my years of experience to aid you with larger projects , not only for your own satisfaction , but so that your children may have the same awe and wonder as I once had at a job well done.
Come back next month offering you my advice on replacing taps.
Written By Jame Hopkins.