DIY Bible

Joannaclaire

Was thinking of getting one for the other half for Christmas maybe, as we're hoping to buy somewhere that needs cosmetic work that we'll try and do ourselves if we can (the house will be to live in though, not to 'property ladder' so obviously will get in the experts for anything tricky) and we have no idea of DIY basics. Was wondering whether any DIY enthusuasts here on MSE might be able to recommend a DIY handbook they found helpful and easy to follow.

Many thanks.

weekendwarrior

Hi,

Firstly diy books are a bit outdated as there are some good diy websites that have all the info for free, such as ultimatehandyman.

I would suggest buying him a decent powertool or some decent tools instead and if he needs advice he can get it for free from most of the diy websites.

But if you are really intent on getting him a diy book then the readers digest diy manual is very good.

readers digest DIY

Becles

I've got the Collins DIY book http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007185235/qid=1132817933/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2991151-2116604

It's really good. The jobs are broken down into easy to follow steps and there are loads of diagrams and photos which help. It's helped me loads over the years!

tru

Becles I've got that one too. Technically it belongs to mr troo, but he always says

"oh I need to fix this, I think I need to blah and blah to make it work"
Me - "look in the book"
Him - "no it's ok I'll just......"
Me - "on page so-and-so it says........"
Him - "I don't need it. Oh &£$% the thing has snapped"
Me - "you mean you've snapped it"
Him - "FOR £&%*" SAKE, DO IT YOURSELF"
Me - "OK"

So I do

Joannaclaire

Thanks for those recommendations. Really helpful! Will have a browse at those links. A DIY website is probably just as good and cheaper - ta for the link will bookmark that one, but alas our router at home just packed up the other day, and so a book that doesn't rely on elecricity or computers to run it might be more what we need methinks.

madfrenchgirl

arf! Troo your post is so great! Reminds me of my parents... Hopefully my OH jokingly says "Fine, I ll do it your way, you Miss Brainy Female".