50 Times People Put Time And Effort Into Renovating Their Homes Themselves And Achieved Amazing Results

Hats off to all the Brits who put in the time and effort to create these amazing DIY projects. Personally, I can manage a few things—assembling IKEA furniture, maybe painting a couple of walls—but there’s definitely a limit to how far my skills go. Doing something poorly? Absolutely possible. But I’d rather not ruin my home in the process.

That’s not to say I’d never try something more advanced. I’d love to take it on as a challenge one day, I just don’t have the skills yet. Still, it seems I’m not alone in that. According to a YouGov poll, most people in the UK (54%) feel they’re generally capable when it comes to DIY, though only 9% would describe themselves as “very” capable.

Unsurprisingly, the most common “do it yourself” task is assembling flat-pack furniture—two-thirds of Britons (65%) say they’d tackle that on their own. Painting and decorating, bleeding a radiator, and wiring a plug also rank high, with about half of the public (50–52%) willing to handle those tasks personally. Nice work, everyone.

Of course, more complex projects take more determination. The best way to get there is to start small, and experts have plenty of advice on how to improve your DIY skills.

The first step is learning the basics. Trying to figure everything out alone might sound bold, but it can easily lead to a few failed attempts or even minor injuries. So it’s worth taking time to learn before you dive in.

Thankfully, there’s no shortage of resources online to help with that. YouTube tutorials, step-by-step blogs, and free courses can teach proper techniques or spark new ideas. And who knows, with enough practice, it might even turn into a side gig one day.

Next comes the gear. As The Family Handyman magazine puts it, “Just as a chef keeps a pantry full of flour, sugar, and spices, so too the DIYer keeps a stash of commonly used items.”

Having a few go-to essentials makes every project easier and helps you get started right away whenever inspiration strikes. The exact tools will depend on what you enjoy most. Woodworking will require one set, upholstery another. The good news is you can build your collection gradually as you go.

With the right tools ready and a few tutorial videos under your belt, it’s time to start doing some real DIY. Try something simple, like hanging a shelf or repainting a door—projects that help you build confidence and skill. Just don’t forget about safety: make sure you’ve got good lighting, wear goggles when needed, and don’t rush.

To keep your motivation going, connect with a DIY community. Online spaces like DIYUK are perfect for sharing progress and finding new ideas. And if you can find a local group, even better! Meeting people who enjoy creating and fixing things can make the whole experience more fun.

Once you’ve caught the DIY bug, there are plenty of ways to keep the momentum going. One great approach, and one that’s also kind to the planet, is to follow the “reduce, reuse, recycle” rule.

After finishing a project, you’ll often have leftover materials. Don’t rush to throw them away, many can be reused for something new. And it’s not just materials worth saving. Tools can get a second life too. A precision saw might lose its sharp edge over time, but instead of tossing it, you can repurpose it for rough framing or demolition work. In DIY, almost everything can find another use.

Bottom line: DIY doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you get into it, it can be one of the most fulfilling things you do. And somewhere between fixing, painting, and building, you’ll notice that it’s not just your home that’s improving—it’s you. So take that first step. You’ve got this.