Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not! Our workshops are specifically designed for complete beginners. We start with the basics and build your confidence step by step.

Most of our students have never used power tools before their first workshop. We've taught everyone from retirees who've "never touched a drill" to young professionals buying their first home. If you can hold a cup of tea, you can learn DIY!

Completely normal! Most feel the same way before their first workshop.

That's exactly why we focus on safety first, demonstrate every tool multiple times, and let you practice at your own pace. We create a supportive, judgment-free environment where questions are encouraged. By the end of the session, most students are amazed at what they can do!

Our workshops are suitable for anyone aged 16 and over. We welcome people from their late teens right through to their 70s!

Students aged 16-17 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult who is also participating in the workshop.

Yes! DIY is for everyone, and we have a great mix of students across all genders. About half of our students are women, and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.

We're passionate about breaking down the outdated idea that DIY is "just for men." Everyone deserves to feel confident tackling home repairs!

We keep our groups small - Usually 4 with a maximum 6 students per workshop. This ensures everyone gets plenty of hands-on practice time and individual attention from the instructor.

Unlike larger workshop providers, we believe quality beats quantity. You won't be fighting for tools or waiting ages for your turn to practice!

Most of our beginner workshops run for a full day, including breaks. This gives you plenty of time for:

It's enough time to learn properly without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

In our Basic DIY Skills Workshop, you will learn:

• How to safely use a drill/driver
• Drilling into different wall types (plasterboard, brick, masonry)
• Choosing the right drill bits and fixings
• How to use a spirit level properly
• Putting up shelves and pictures securely
• Basic measuring and marking techniques
• Essential tool safety

Take a look at the course to see in full detail the programme and activities

These are the foundational skills you'll use in almost every DIY project!

Just yourself and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a bit dusty!

We provide:

• All tools and equipment
• All materials for practice
• Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, etc.)
• Tea, coffee, and biscuits

Please wear: Closed-toe shoes (required for safety) and clothes you can move around in comfortably. If you have long hair, it is best to have it up / tied back.

Yes! In workshops where we are making a specific item are yours to keep.

More importantly, you'll take home the skills and confidence to tackle projects at home.

Yes! We provide tea, coffee, water, and biscuits throughout the day. We also provide sandwiches/ baguettes for a light lunch (state any dietary requirements when booking). We'll take a break halfway through so you can recharge.

Feel free to bring your own water bottle if you prefer.

Based in the beautiful village of Awre, Gloucestershire (GL14) on the edge of the Severn. We are easily accessible from:

• Gloucester - 12 miles (22 min drive)
• Lydney - 3 miles (8 min drive)
• Cinderford - 6 miles (12 min drive)
• Coleford - 8 miles (18 min drive)
• Cheltenham - 22 miles (40 min drive)
• Throughout the Forest of Dean area

Full directions and parking information are sent when you book your workshop.

Yes! We have free on-site parking available for all workshop attendees. No need to worry about parking fees or finding a spot.

Our workshop space is on ground level with step-free access. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can ensure we can accommodate your needs comfortably.

We welcome students from across Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, including:

• Forest of Dean
• Gloucester & Cheltenham
• Stroud & Dursley
• Ross-on-Wye & Ledbury
• Tewkesbury
• Monmouth & Chepstow (Wales)
• And anywhere within 30-40 miles of Awre!

All our workshops are induvidually priced, with a full day course from £199. Take a look at a course that you want to book and all pricing and course details can be found easily.

When you consider the cost of calling out a handyman for even basic jobs, this workshop pays for itself after just 1-2 home projects!

Booking is easy:

1. Visit our Courses to see upcoming dates
2. Choose a date that works for you
3. Complete the online booking form
4. Pay securely online
5. Receive confirmation with all the details

Or Contact Us and we can help with any booking issues.

Absolutely! Gift vouchers are available and make brilliant presents for new homeowners, people who want to be more self-sufficient, or anyone who's ever said "I wish I knew how to do that!"

Our Buy Gift Voucher can be found here. They're valid for 12 months and can be used toward any of our workshops.

We understand plans change! If you need to change the date of your workshop, please let us know as soon as possible and if possible we will transfer your date to another workshop.

Life happens - just let us know as soon as possible and we'll work with you!

Yes! If you're booking for 3 or more people (friends, family, work colleagues), contact us directly for group pricing. It's a fun activity to do together!

We run workshops on weekends and weekdays to accommodate people's work schedules. Occasionally we offer weekday evening sessions too.

Check our Courses page for current dates, or sign up for our email list to be notified of new dates as soon as they're released.

We're here to help! You can email us with any follow-up questions after your workshop. We also provide online resource you can refer back to.

Many students send us photos of their first home projects - we love to see what you accomplish!

Yes! Once you've mastered the basics, we offer intermediate workshops covering more specific skills like plumbing basics, electrical safety, tiling, and more.

We'll let you know about these at the end of your beginner workshop.

Yes! Our workshops focus on practical, immediately useful skills.

You can save hundreds of pounds by doing simple jobs yourself instead of calling a handyman.

Safety is our top priority! We:

• Start every workshop with a comprehensive safety briefing
• Provide all necessary safety equipment (goggles, gloves, etc.)
• Demonstrate proper tool use before you practice
• Maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio for close supervision
• Keep the workshop space clean and organized
• Have first aid equipment on-site

We've never had a serious injury in our workshops because we take safety seriously from the start.

Most likely yes! Please contact us before booking to discuss your specific situation. We want to make sure you can participate safely and comfortably.

Common conditions like asthma, minor mobility issues, or hearing/vision impairments are absolutely fine - just let us know so we can provide any support you need.