Every woman should learn some essential DIY skills. With this knowledge, she can then fix basic problems around the house without having to call in an expensive professional. Some things should be left to the experts, but there are a number of issues that are easy to fix when you know how. It will save you a lot of time and money. Here are the essential DIY skills that every woman should know …
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Clearing Blocked Pipes
The first of the essential DIY skills that every woman should know is how to clear blocked pipes. It's a lot cheaper to do this yourself, even if you need to get tools for the job. If I can clear them, anyone can! It's a simple if messy job, so put down old sheets and have a container to catch water (I use water bottles). You can even clear blocked drains, although you will need specialist equipment for this.
To tackle a clogged sink or shower drain, start with a plunger. If that doesn't work, a handheld drain snake can be used to hook and remove hair or debris. For tougher blockages, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders—just be sure to let it sit before flushing with hot water. For regular maintenance, boiling water poured down the drain weekly can help prevent build-up. Remember, always wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from dirt and potential chemicals.
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Building Furniture
Funnily enough, I actually enjoy putting flat-pack furniture together. Rather than ask a man to build your furniture, do it yourself. Yes, you may need help to hold pieces of larger furniture, but it's very satisfying putting it together. Use a small container to hold the screws and stop them getting lost, and do read the instructions carefully. The trick is to make sure you have the pieces the correct way round …
Assembling furniture can be empowering—you'll feel a sense of accomplishment once you see the finished product. It's an excellent exercise in following visual diagrams and detailed instructions. Start with something small, like a stool or side table, to get comfortable with the process. As you gain confidence, you'll soon be able to tackle larger projects like wardrobes or bed frames. Organization is key—separate and label the different types of hardware before starting. This strategy will streamline the assembly and reduce any potential frustration. And remember, if you can build a bookshelf, you can build your world!
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Painting
Does your apartment need painting? Then grab a brush and roller, and paint it yourself. You don't need a man to do it for you! Just make sure that the walls are properly prepared, and don't forget those old sheets to catch splashes and protect furniture.
Choosing the right kind of paint is also crucial. Opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish in high-traffic areas, as they are easier to clean. Remember to cut in around the edges with a smaller brush before using a roller on the larger wall surfaces. Always start from the top and work your way down to avoid drips. If you're feeling courageous, why not try a bold accent wall or some stenciling for a personal touch? With a bit of patience and precision, you can achieve a professional-looking finish without the hefty price tag.
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Car Maintenance
Learning how to do basic car maintenance can not only save you money, but also reduce the chances of experiencing a breakdown. Take a class, or get someone to show you how to check the oil, water & tyre pressure. You should also know how to change a wheel and the bulbs.
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Paper & Tiling
The thought of stripping old wallpaper and hanging new paper may seem a bit daunting, but there's a first time for everything. Get the hang (sorry) of it, and decorating your house will be a lot cheaper than calling in a decorator. Tiling the bathroom isn't that difficult either, as long as you mark the position of the tiles and measure carefully.
When approaching wallpaper tasks, invest in a good steamer to remove old layers. It can be a great bonding activity, too—invite your friends over and make an event of it! As for tiling, you don’t need a stash of specialized tools; a simple tile cutter and some adhesive can go a long way. Practice makes perfect, so start with a small area. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you'll feel a swell of pride every time you walk into your freshly redecorated room. It’s empowering to know you did it all by yourself!
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Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.
Woodwork
Master some simple woodwork and you can make all kinds of things for your house and garden. The obvious use for basic woodwork is to build shelves and, with the help of a spirit level to make sure the shelves are level, you can also put them up. The next item will also come in handy for putting up shelves …
Simple woodwork skills extend far beyond just shelves. Consider crafting a beautiful spice rack, a charming birdhouse, or even a petite coffee table for your living space. The satisfaction of creating functional art from a few planks of wood is immense. Moreover, acquiring the basics of cutting, sanding, and joining wood pieces will empower you to customize projects to your taste and space requirements. So pick up that hammer and saw, and start transforming those wooden slabs into personalized home treasures.
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Drilling
Power tools aren't just for the guys! Get a drill, and you can put up shelves, hang pictures, and build furniture. Using a drill does require some safety precautions, such as wearing safety glasses and ensuring that your hair doesn't get in the way. When drilling indoors, it's wise to use a gadget that checks for the presence of pipes and wires in the wall. Otherwise you could be needing a plumber or an ambulance!
Women are perfectly capable of doing DIY. We should all learn some DIY skills so that we can do our own work around the house. Besides, it can be a lot of fun to fix things, and very satisfying to know that you Did It Yourself. It's even better if we can do things that the guys can't! What DIY jobs can you do?
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