B&Q You can do it courses

kmmr

Well I will let you know how the course goes. I couldn't do the plumbing one as it wasn't available, so am doing 'putting up shelves, mirrors etc', which is actually quite needed. I have done it before, but would be nice to get some advice. I am always very nervous using a drill!

wolfehouse

are they charging now? they used to do similar demo courses for free. (as a community service)

kmmr

Hi,

Well, if you are interested, I did the course tonight at Swindon. Really enjoyed it, and it achieved the purpose of giving me a bit of confidence in putting things up. I knew I knew how to do a lot of it, but actually getting your hands dirty really helps. It was pitched at just the right level, without being condescending, and let you get on and try everything yourself. There were 5 participants (3F, 2M), and they do a maximum of 8. You get split into little mini rooms where you put up shelves, a mirror and a curtain rail. Simple stuff, but really helpful.

The guy said that they were thinking of expanding them into a range of places, but it is kind of a pilot project at the moment. I'm going to go back to do the basic plumbing ones, which, bearing in mind it is over an hours drive away, is a sign that it was worth it.

Wolfehouse - it is kind of free. You pay £10, but you get a £10 gift card. The £10 is really just to keep down no-shows. It gives you an incentive to show up as you basically get your money back. Plus you get a 10% discount card which seems to be valid until October 2012.

thescouselander

I'm sure the courses are very good but to be honest non of the subject matter seems that complicated. You might find your tenner better spent on something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Complete-Manual-Albert-Jackson/dp/0007252609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293616317&sr=8-1

I have a copy of this book and I have to say its very easy to understand and covers most jobs you're likely to attempt.

kmmr

thescouselander wrote: »

I'm sure the courses are very good but to be honest non of the subject matter seems that complicated. You might find your tenner better spent on something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Complete-Manual-Albert-Jackson/dp/0007252609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293616317&sr=8-1

I have a copy of this book and I have to say its very easy to understand and covers most jobs you're likely to attempt.

The thing for me is that no book will tell me if the drill is working correctly and 'feels' right, or that the little bit of crumbling plaster is perfectly normal. Or show me that after one or two mistakes it will all come together.

Everyone learns in different ways, and this way was best for me!

Put it this way - I have read plenty of forums and advice books over the last few years, but never got the final confidence to pick up a drill and drill a hole. Since the course I have:
Put up 2 nice straight hooks on the back of my (solid) bedroom door
3 large coat hooks in the entry area for coats (on hollow door).
Repaired a fallen shelf by adding proper brackets.
replaced handles on three cupboards
Put up more hooks on the 2nd bedroom door
Hung up a picture on a concrete wall
Hung a clock on a concrete wall
put up my front door numbers on the outside wall.

Might be nothing to you guys, but these are jobs that have been waiting a while, and would have waited for Dad's next trip from Australia without someone nicely taking the time to show me how to do it! Knowing which tools and hardware to use (hammer vs normal drill, self tappping or 'pilot' hole screws, types of glue, rawls plugs etc) has made all the difference.

Next weekend will be putting up a number of new shelves into a cupboard that is currently almost useless. Can't wait!

Sadler2011

These courses are great, they have just extended them to more areas including BQ at Kings Cross Road, Kingsway West Dundee. Also on offer are Kids Can Do It Courses . Very helpful patient staff in this store, can book on website ,or in my opinion call in and ask the staff direct, so much easier. Something different for a childrens party idea.

Dippypud

dizziblonde wrote: »

I got most indignant when I saw the DIY courses for women our local one was doing. It was only about half a level up from "how to change a lightbulb for the ladies." I'm female, I'm blonde, if something's explained to me I can usually catch on pretty quickly - I don't need a course on how to change a lampshade!

Like some other posters on here I remember Barry Bucknell and learnt most of what I know helping Dad and Grandad around the house and car. Others need the helpful reassurance of someone to say 'your doing fine, keep going'.

andrew-b wrote: »

Yep for me there's about 2 hour travelling for a 3 hour course..would cost a lot in petrol.

Could always try your local adult education centre. Courses at them are roughly £100 for 10 week courses and i'm sure you'll learn far more...various levels beginner to advanced - general DIY, plumbing, woodworking, bricklaying etc. You'll save a hell of alot more than the £100 in the long run if you select the right courses.

Our local college runs similar courses, they are very good.
My friends think I'm a goddess, because I can change a complete toilet, (pan & cistern). But I can't knit very well, am rubbish at crochet and have only just learnt to bake bread. Skills are just that skills. (A skill is the learned capacity to carry out pre-determined results often with the minimum outlay of time, energy, or both.)

SailorSam

I did a gardening course at the B&q in Speke years ago, it was for a couple of hours each week and lasted about 3mths. The guy running it was just a keen gardener who worked in that section of the store. There was no charge, we even got free tea and biccies, he encouraged us to buy anything we needed from the store but many didn't

Sadler2011

I must admit I much prefer being shown how to do things rather than following instructions from books. When you think how much most workmen charge, these courses are great value. I love the idea of the Kids can do it courses, make things like bird feeders, garden planters, have to be between 7 and 12, sadly mine are above that. When you think how many kids sit in front of computers all day, a bit of old fashioned woodwork made fun and interesting must be a positive idea.