What is the biggest DIY challenge you've ever undertaken

[Simster]

I'm always slightly impressed with the layman who decides he's going to do his kitchen or bathroom. I'm not sure my wife would let me even try either of those, but she has just allowed me to unleash my DIY skills on building a rather splendid PATIO this summer.

I'm rather excited and have even put together a cheeky spreadsheet battle plan.

So what DIY challenges have you undertaken? It always makes me chuckle when you see those muppets on DIY SOS who have decided to knock down every internal wall in their house and knocked out all the electrics and rendered the building structurally unsafe for the last three years.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

I built a SHED and some DECKING. I'm quite good with wood and nails.

Then I got carried away and decided to try PLUMBING. With the help of my father-in-law we would completely refit the downstairs bathroom. It is very nearly finished - just got to hang the door and sort out one last leaky pipe. We did start it in DECEMBER though!

 

[scooter1]

Once our local friendly builder has whacked out one of our walls and made it structually safe as per the engineers report I shall be installing the new kitchen. Never done one before, and i'm looking forward to it. No spreadsheet but I have a laser level to guide me through

 

[Simster]

I built a SHED and some DECKING. I'm quite good with wood and nails.

Then I got carried away and decided to try PLUMBING. With the help of my father-in-law we would completely refit the downstairs bathroom. It is very nearly finished - just got to hang the door and sort out one last leaky pipe. We did start it in DECEMBER though!

I think five months for your second bathroom is alright, considering you've got a family life and a job to hold down. Very COMMENDABLE.

Once our local friendly builder has whacked out one of our walls and made it structually safe as per the engineers report I shall be installing the new kitchen. Never done one before, and i'm looking forward to it. No spreadsheet but I have a laser level to guide me through

Kitchen.

All I can say is:

 

[dougdeep]

I fitted our bathroom and kitchen despite having no experience. Just read a couple of books and followed the instructions.

 

[scooter1]

I think five months for your second bathroom is alright, considering you've got a family life and a job to hold down. Very COMMENDABLE.

Kitchen.

All I can say is:

I shall take photos, for either:

a) the this is how to do it website

or

b) the this is not how to do it website

If it does all go tits up i've got a mate who's a very good carpenter who'll come to the rescue for a cash fee...

 

[Skint Gull]

Fitting a Kitchen is really not all that difficult, it's the fact you normally still need CORGI and NICEIC engineers at various points that bugger it up. Anyone that does EVERYTHING in their kitchen is a BODGER cos even the best builders employ different tradesmen for real specialist things (eg: plastering, granite worktops)

 

[Mendoza]

does trying to break the 7 wanks a day barrier count

 

[Simster]

does trying to break the 7 wanks a day barrier count

It can't be done. Give up and build a patio.

 

[Rangdo]

Fitting a Kitchen is really not all that difficult, it's the fact you normally still need CORGI and NICEIC engineers at various points that bugger it up. Anyone that does EVERYTHING in their kitchen is a BODGER cos even the best builders employ different tradesmen for real specialist things (eg: plastering, granite worktops)

Thats just because a lot of tradies tend to be scared of touching other peoples trades for some reason. That doesn't mean it isn't possible to be good at multiple disciplines.

 

[dougdeep]

Once our local friendly builder has whacked out one of our walls and made it structually safe as per the engineers report I shall be installing the new kitchen. Never done one before, and i'm looking forward to it. No spreadsheet but I have a laser level to guide me through

Getting it level is the most important thing, start at the lowest point floorwise.

 

[scooter1]

Thats just because a lot of tradies tend to be scared of touching other peoples trades for some reason. That doesn't mean it isn't possible to be good at multiple disciplines.

The only bit that bothers me is going to be hooking up the gas hob. The new boiler is already in place and the leccy oven already has the correct gauge wiring so i'm hoping that as long as I get everything level and take it slowly it shouldn't be too much of a trauma.

Anyway there's an Uncle Sams up the road so food's not a problem

 

[scooter1]

The only bit that bothers me is going to be hooking up the gas hob. The new boiler is already in place and the leccy oven already has the correct gauge wiring so i'm hoping that as long as I get everything level and take it slowly it shouldn't be too much of a trauma.

Anyway there's an Uncle Sams up the road so food's not a problem

And I used to do a bit of shopfitting so I already have a bag full of stolen plastic packers to level it all up when the need arrises - note when, and not if........

 

[hans kraay fan club]

I had to re-read that last post. I thought it was brave of you to come out and admit to a history of shoplifting!

 

[Cian]

Why did I read that "I used to do a bit of shoplifting"

The en-suite shower at home has leaked for years (so hasn't been used for years), planning to rip it out and put in an entirely new cabinet, probably replace the entire suite to match. Its a lovely 80s mauve (ish, I'm partially colourblind so it could be pink or red) as it is so needs changing.

 

[scooter1]

I had to re-read that last post. I thought it was brave of you to come out and admit to a history of shoplifting!

yeah that too, but don't tell the others

 

[Nibble]

Built an extension,
re-tiled roof and flashing
took down a ceiling and put a new one up
paved garden

Quite a lot of other stuff. I love it and will try most thinge except plumbing or electrics.

 

[maffew]

I changed some fuse wire once in a fuse box. And replaced a plastic holder on the shower riser rail, the bit which holds the shower head up in the air

 

[beorhthelm]

not quite in the same vein, but i once rebulit an engine and have carried out several brake overhaul jobs. around the home ive done plenty of electrics and dug a big hole once for a pond.

 

[Gully]

And I used to do a bit of shoplifting so I already have a bag full of stolen plastic packers to level it all up when the need arrises - note when, and not if........

...ummm!