Being someone that wants to be involved in every single part of the process, got to get some more skills than basic DIY.

As we’ve already talked about in Introduction to Self-build let’s take a look at some skills that you might want to start learning before jumping in! You can get a basic introduction to all of these skills/practices through some online research however when it comes to perfecting your skills or more complicated trade do consider taking a course or using professionals.

Some key skills to consider when thinking about a Self-Build project:

1. Surveying

   So you can accurately measure and check what you’re building!

2. Dry-lining

   Applying dry-lining/plasterboard/other board to structure to create a surface for finishing - A big job on the build.

3. Plastering

   A big part of most jobs so perfecting this could save a decent amount of £££.

4. Tiling

   If your project has a lot of interior tiling you want to work on yourself the 3 Week DIY Tiling Course appears to be a good choice as it offers teaching from introductory to advances knowledge.

5. Bricklaying/Masonry

   This is not a job you want to be delaying for long so if you’re looking to be hands on, work alongside your builders to aid this process.

6. Decorating (painting & wallpapering)

   Now this could be all down to you and as much as you may think it’s ‘just painting a wall’ remember the quality of the final finish is what everyone sees on the interior.

7. Carpentry & Joinery

   For me this really effects you if you want bespoke elements - the things that really make your home work for you! This skill can be used to make built-in wardrobes, storage, tables and more…

8. Electrics*

   Very specialist and people train for years so they can charge you for their expertise. However there are Introduction to Domestic Electrics available. Note that all electrics have to be signed off and within regulations for your fire safety.

9. Plumbing*

   Again a very specialist skill and profession. Introduction to Plumbing is available to give beginners an insight into the trade.

10. Eco Refurbishment/Courses*

    If you’re looking to add any type of sustainable elements to your home (which would be great for your future bills and the planet!) make sure you check out as much information on what you want to implement as possible! You may find a different option or route would suit you and your needs more…

* Now I highlighted these as I believe they are very specialist and could make or break vital points of the build, therefore I would say work alongside a professional and/attend courses in the subjects.

Pretty much all of the suggested do have courses available if you are looking into being taught properly below are some suggestions but do research the courses that are best of you and your situation.

• Able Skills

• City & Guilds

• Centre for Alternative Technology

!!! DISCLAIMER = Please note that I have not taken part in these companies courses (yet!) and am just sharing my research in one place to hopefully aid others in their self-build process/research!!!

Anyway, hopefully all of us budding self-builders can get a head start and tick some of these off the list before we even properly consider the enormity that is building your own home! Let me know in the comments or by email if you have attended any good courses or events that have helped improve your practical DIY skills!