We’re not B&Q…..

But maybe the best place to start before you go!

I see it all the time. People come to our courses because they want to be able to walk into B&Q (or any DIY shop) and actually know what they’re looking for. They’re tired of feeling foolish,  asking for “that thing that goes in the wall” or buying tools they don’t need, only to leave them gathering dust in the shed.

At bePractical DIY, we teach you the basics:

How to use hand tools and power tools safely. We explain what all the bits actually do, why they’re there and how to use them. 

How to choose the right fixing or drill bit, so you don’t end up with a wall full of holes, and nothing actually whewre it shoud be.

How to measure up, plan your project, buy the right materials, and actually get what you set out to achieve.

By the end of a DIY course, you’ll know the difference between a masonry bit and a wood bit. You’ll be able to walk into B&Q with a list, and the confidence to ask for exactly what you need.

B&Q don’t teach DIY skills any more. They used to, but, sadly, no longer. Of course, the staff at B&Q can be helpful, but they’re no longer there to teach you how to use a saw or help you practise drilling into a brick wall. That’s where we come in. In our small, friendly classes, you get all your questions answered (there really is no such thing as a silly one here). You get to try things out for yourself, without a queue forming behind you!

We’re all about building confidence, not just skills. So whether you’re a total beginner or just want to stop feeling lost in the DIY aisle, you’ll leave ready to take on your next project, and your next B&Q trip.

One of my favourite moments is when someone emails after a course to say, “I actually went to B&Q and didn’t panic!” That’s what we want to achieve.  You don’t need to know everything, just enough to feel confident to ask the right questions, and make good choices (and maybe even help someone else next time).

I’ve just had an email from Helen, one of last month’s Nailing it! Course attendees. She said:

I did sort a little leak on our outside tap. It was a matter of wrapping some tape around a joint, which I admit I did find how to do on YouTube. I was super proud of myself because I wouldn’t have touched it had I not done your courses.

Try not to be swayed by the lovely display of shiny power tools. If you didn’t go to B&Q to buy a drill, try not to buy one, just because it looks like an offer you can’t refuse. Something as important as a drill needs a bit of research, or it will end up gathering dust in a cupboard, and never be used. 

Take photos of the space or problem you’re trying to deal with, before you go. It is much easier than trying to remember what you’re dealing with. Believe me, your mind and memory play tricks on you when you’re faced with choices

Take measurements (and write them down) & bring a tape measure with you. Sometimes the measurements on the display are not accurate enough. It really helps to measure for yourself

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, sometimes the staff will be able to help. Don’t be afraid to contact us to check things out. that’s what we’re here for, so send us a message if you need to. 

If you want to walk into B&Q with a plan, and the confidence to get what you need without feeling overwhelmed, start with us. Our Beginners DIY Course is the perfect place to get hands-on, friendly support and all the practical know-how you need.