I am totally hopeless at D.I.Y !

geek84

Hi folks

I am in my mid 40s and totally hopeless at DIY. I have problems even changing a light bulb!

The reason for being 'totally hopeless' is in fact because I am partially disabled. It is a type of invisible disability in that I cannot hold DIY tools properly (I have a slight problem in hand coordination). Therefore, ever since I was young, whenever there is a mention of any DIY that needs to be done around the house, I get a feeling of nervousness & fear, let alone the fact that I would be able to carry out the work!!

Up until present, I have been living with my parents, and for personal reasons (I have just got married & wife is expecting) I now need to find a place of my own, or rather, our own. Obviously if I do manage to get a place, I will have to do some sort of DIY for general maintenance of the place.

My question is - Do you think I should enrol on some kind of DIY course which would help me gain knowledge and perhaps practical skills in general DIY around the house, or do you think that would not be a good idea, since I may not be able to operate the tools effectively, anyway.

Finally, are there not any tools at local retailers that are designed for easy use - i.e. for disabled people?

Thanks in advance for your response.

jc808

Dont buy a wreck (or rent a wreck), and when you do need something doing get the missus to do it or a professional

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Hold on, you have a condition whereby you are legitimately excused from doing 'jobs around the house'

And they call this a disability???

sancho

My local college does/did a few basic courses. Bricklaying for beginners, general maintenance for beginners, carpentry for beginners etc.

I really enjoyed them, messing up all their stuff gave me the confidence to fit TRVs, install a yale lock, remove a radiator, hang a door amongst other things.

Have a look to see if your local college does such stuff, they won't laugh at you, they didn't even laugh on one of mine when one lady turned up in flip-flops and another in high heels!

geek84

Hi Folks

Thanks for your replies so far.

jc808 - What is a wreck?

jc808

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

Thanks for your replies so far.

jc808 - What is a wreck?

wreck = house that needs a lot of work ie in bad condition

geek84

Hi

I see what you mean, jc808. However, no matter how 'perfect' the property is there will always be some sort of maintenance to do!

27col

OP, your first step towards becoming a DIYer would be to stop telling yourself that you are "hopeless at DIY" and to find out exactly what you might be capable of. There is a lot information out there if you put your mind to finding it. To start with, do you know anyone who does DIY. If so, I am sure that they would be willing to pass along some of their expertise. Most of us who do our own maintenance are more than willing to help beginners. Borrow a good DIY book from the library. as a start.

geek84

Good Morning

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I am aware that there are a lot of DIY books for help, but the real problem would be that I might have problems using the tools.

I have a slight invisible disability (hand coordination), which is a stumbling block.

Do you think there are tools out there which I can pbuy, that are easy to use for people like me?

Thank You.

Bean_Counter

I'm rubbish at DIY as well, not for any particular reason. When we have bought houses in the past, as jc808 says, we make sure that they don't need much work. You are right, there is always something that needs done such as changing lights bulbs or changing plugs, but at least I can manage those sort of things.

Is your wife any good at DIY? In our household, if my wife wants a room painted she does it herself. However I'm a much better cook than she is so I do most of the cooking. I see it more about, as a couple, playing to your strengths.

The other positive thing is that I know my limitations. I am going to attempt to change a shower and hence never flood the house. There are never a list of jobs that are started and never finished.

Good luck on moving out and best wishes on soon to be a father. Being a good parent and partner is much more important (and probably more difficult) than being a good DIYer.

Sublime_2

I probably would just accept your limitations, and get someone else to do it. Can't have you hurting yourself. :A

jc808

geek84 wrote: »

Do you think there are tools out there which I can pbuy, that are easy to use for people like me?

Thank You.

doubt it...