Home Improvement Introduction
Six short modules that take you from planning a job safely to hanging a shelf, making simple repairs and painting a room. You'll learn which few tools to buy first, and how to spot the jobs that need a trained professional.
6 modules, 24 lessons, about 2 hours. Level: Beginner.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants to look after their home with more confidence, whether you own or rent. You don't need any tools or experience to begin.
What you'll learn
- Plan a DIY job and set up a safe workspace
- Find your stopcock, consumer unit and gas valve
- Choose and use the ten most useful basic tools
- Fix things to any kind of wall, straight and secure
- Make simple repairs and paint a room neatly
- Know which jobs need a professional, and how to choose one
Course outline
1. Getting started safely
Plan a job, protect yourself and find the controls for your home's water, electricity and gas.
- Plan a DIY job before you start (free preview)
- Safety kit and a safe workspace
- Find your stopcock, fuse box and gas valve
- Check for hidden pipes and cables
2. Your basic tool kit
Choose the tools worth owning and learn to use a drill, a tape measure and a spirit level.
- The ten tools worth owning
- Use a cordless drill-driver (free preview)
- Measure, mark and use a spirit level
- Buying tools: what to spend money on
3. Fixing things to walls
Identify your walls, choose the right fixings and hang things straight and securely.
- Know your wall: solid, plasterboard or timber
- Choose screws and wall plugs
- Hang a shelf or picture straight
- Fixing heavy items safely
4. Simple repairs
Fill holes, bleed radiators, reseal a bath and fix a dripping tap.
- Fill holes and cracks
- Bleed a radiator
- Reseal a bath or sink
- Fix a dripping tap: what you can and can't do
5. Painting and finishing
Choose the right paint, prepare a room and get a clean, even finish.
- Choose paint and finishes
- Prepare a room for painting
- Paint a wall with a roller
- Clean up and store paint
6. When to call a professional
Know which jobs are for trained professionals, and how to find and check a good one.
- Gas and electrics: jobs not to do yourself
- Asbestos and other hidden hazards
- Find and check a tradesperson
- Describe a job to a professional
Questions
- Do I need any tools?
- Not to begin. The second module explains which tools are worth buying first and which can wait.
- Is it suitable for complete beginners?
- Yes. The course starts with safety and planning, then builds up one skill at a time.
- I rent my home. Is this still useful?
- Yes. Many of the skills are useful in any home, but check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord before drilling, painting or making repairs.
- Does it cover gas and electrical work?
- Only to explain why you shouldn't do it yourself. The final module covers when to call a professional and how to choose one.
- How much does it cost?
- The course is free while we're building it. You only need an account to save your progress.