For any homeowner, landlord or property developer, having the skills and confidence to carry out basic DIY tasks around the home can be priceless in saving both time and money.
Carpentry is certainly high on the list of skill sets that could be worth investing in, as this covers several common issues that frequently arise in a domestic property.
What are some of the tasks I could complete with basic carpentry skills?
There are plenty of common household tasks that you can tackle using some fairly entry-level carpentry skills, ranging from purely aesthetic finishing touches to practical maintenance and repairs.
Decorative tasks might include fixing architraves, installing wall panelling or fitting crown moulding, while more practical tasks could cover replacing broken skirting boards, fitting new shelves, installing doors, fixing floorboards and repairing damaged window frames.
What's the value in learning basic carpentry skills?
To many people, the biggest benefit of possessing these core carpentry skills will be the money it can save. Obviously, complex carpentry jobs should be left to professionals, but relying on tradespeople for all small jobs, like general wear and tear and minor bumps, can quickly add up. It’s also worth remembering that most tradespeople will have a minimum call-out fee.
Aside from the money, another big consideration is the time you can save by not being beholden to the often jam-packed schedules of professional tradespeople. Being able to tackle issues fast can prevent them from worsening. For landlords, fixing problems efficiently can make a massive difference in keeping your tenants happy and, in extreme cases, protecting yourself legally.
There is also a great sense of pride that comes with completing this hands-on work yourself, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing first-hand that a job has been finished to a high standard.
How can I learn basic carpentry skills?
A short, intensive introductory course can be an effective way of building not just the knowledge, but the confidence needed to undertake DIY carpentry tasks comfortably around the home. While there is an up-front cost, learning from a time-served industry expert ensures you’re picking up good habits from the get-go, equipping you with practical skills for life.
At Able Skills, our Introduction to Carpentry course can be completed in one week, and costs less than booking a carpenter for two days based on the current average daily rate in the UK.
You can find more information here.