Service Engineers Research Team
Building Better Buildings. The SERTEAM advise the construction industry on all aspects of building design.

DIY for the Useless

I have read all the books about DIY. Looked at the internet sites with idiot\'s guides on how to do this and how to do that. How to wall-paper a wall, how to lay a carpet. I do not know if it is just me (surely not!), but I still am completely incapable when it comes to doing anything remotely practical around the house. And I mean even the simple things.

As soon as I have to open that pot of paint or sand down a piece of wood or metal I am reduced to complete idiocy. I don’t have the patience, I don't have the time, and often I don't have the will to live after the first five minutes.

My paint drips, my lines are wonky, there is always something that goes so terribly wrong. I have started to come to the conclusion that there is just no hope, I just do not have the genetic make up for it. Seeing the amused faces of family and friends at my useless efforts is no motivation either.

After a couple of days of this, whatever I had tried to do is in a worse state of repair than before I had started. So having wasted time and money on trying to save money, I always have to call in an expert in the end.