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Basic DIY Home Maintenance Course for the Complete Beginner

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Based on 4 ratings
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Emma Downer

Welcome to the DIY with Emma online course for basic home maintenance.

The intended learners for this course are complete beginners. If you're wishing to learn basic home maintenance to look after the place you live then this is for you. It is valuable for you if you own your home but also for those who do not, as a way to upskill for when you do. It can even be informative to fix problems in a rental property (where permitted), or even just to better equip you with the knowledge needed to communicate the problems you are facing to the property manager for their action.

Read more

Welcome to the DIY with Emma online course for basic home maintenance.

The intended learners for this course are complete beginners. If you're wishing to learn basic home maintenance to look after the place you live then this is for you. It is valuable for you if you own your home but also for those who do not, as a way to upskill for when you do. It can even be informative to fix problems in a rental property (where permitted), or even just to better equip you with the knowledge needed to communicate the problems you are facing to the property manager for their action.

This course was created to guide you through the process and equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make your new house a home. In this course, which consists of three modules, you'll learn about the things you'll want to do to prepare to move into your new home, what to do in the first weeks and months and what yearly maintenance to do. There is also a module on some more ad-hoc DIY you may come across as well as an extra lesson on energy saving.

The objectives of this course are to give you the knowledge and confidence to tackle common household problems on your own from day one. What you can expect to achieve by the end is to have a maintenance schedule for your home and an idea of how to tackle both ah-hoc and regular maintenance jobs that come up, before they become a problem.

Module One: Moving-in Essentials

Moving can be stressful especially if you are moving into your first home. In this chapter you will be guided through the ways to prepare best for your move, what to do when you first arrive and what DIYs to prioritise in the first weeks and months to keep your house safe and secure.

Module Two: Regular Home Maintenance

This chapter will guide you through the process of creating a maintenance schedule for your home. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your home in good condition. It will discuss tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking your boiler, installing your whitegoods and managing household pests. By establishing a maintenance schedule of what to do year round, you can stay on top of necessary tasks and prevent potential issues from arising.

Module Three: Ad-Hoc Home Maintenance

Understanding common household issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save you time and money. In this chapter, it will cover common problems like leaky taps, changing toilet seats, adjusting your doors and windows, and more. This will teach you how to identify the underlying causes of these issues and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and resolving them. By the end of this module, you will have the knowledge and confidence to tackle common ad-hoc household maintenance problems on your own

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn what basic home maintenance and diy tasks to complete shortly after move-in day, including how to change your locks and blind your windows.
  • Learn what basic home maintenance and diy tasks to complete on a regular basis, including maintaining your gutters and bleeding radiators.
  • Learn what basic home maintenance and diy tasks to complete on an ad-hoc basis including how to change a toilet seat and rewiring a plug.
  • Learn ways to save energy in your home with an extra lesson

Syllabus

Introduction
Basic Home Maintenance Course Intro
Learn what home maintenance and DIY tasks to complete on on shortly after move-in day, including how to change your locks and blind your windows
Read more

Welcome to module one. This module focuses on essential tasks to tackle soon after moving into a new home. It covers practical tips such as locating and operating the water supply stop tap to quickly shut off the water in emergencies. Additionally, it provides advice on how to cover windows to maintain privacy from curious onlookers during the unpacking process. The module also includes helpful suggestions for actions to take before the move to facilitate a smoother transition to your new residence.

The video explains how to turn off your gas supply. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video explains how to turn off the water supply to a house, which is useful in situations such as a burst pipe, changing kitchen taps, or going on an extended holiday. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

This video shows you how to turn off the electrical supply to your house. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides three affordable and easy methods to obscure windows for privacy and security. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video tutorial explains how to change the locks on a UPVC door, a common DIY task for new homeowners. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video discusses four major types of locks. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a comprehensive guide on installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in a home. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video explains how to install a dishwasher and a washing machine, emphasising that it's a straightforward process once you understand the steps. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

Module two focuses on essential home maintenance tasks. It covers how to adjust doors and windows to prevent drafts during winter and provides guidance on boiler upkeep. The module includes a maintenance schedule to inform homeowners of the timing for these tasks, along with a blank template for personal customisation.


▶️ Create a maintenance schedule for routine tasks

Establishing a maintenance schedule for routine tasks is vital to keep your new home in top shape. Create a calendar or checklist to remind you of regular maintenance tasks. By following a schedule, you can prevent issues before they arise, maintain the value of your property, and ensure that your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live. A check list with suggestions on when you should complete maintenance tasks has also been provided. Feel free to use this and add your own if desired.

This video will teach you how to read your gas and electricity meters, which is crucial for accurate billing. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on maintaining and cleaning a fridge freezer. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on maintaining and cleaning a dishwasher. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on maintaining and cleaning a washing machine. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

This video shows you how to properly maintain your boiler, extending it's lifespan and costly repairs. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on keeping your house pest free. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on maintaining, cleaning and unblocking your pipes, drains and gutters. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on maintaining your windows, doors and roof. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

Module three focuses on essential ad hoc home maintenance tasks. It covers practical skills such as replacing a toilet seat and fixing loose kitchen cupboard doors. Additionally, the module offers a special episode dedicated to energy-saving techniques for the household.

The video explains the process of changing a fuse in a plug, which is a common fix when an appliance stops working due to a power surge. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to rewire a plug, starting with removing the main screw that connects the two parts of the plug. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on adjusting cupboard doors in your kitchen/house. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

In this video, it's demonstrated how to replace a toilet seat, a simple task that can refresh the look of a bathroom. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

The video provides a guide on repairing a dripping tap. (See Resource Notes for Top Tips)

This video shares energy-saving tips for the home, starting with using floorboard gap filler to prevent drafts through floorboard gaps.

▶️ Energy-saving tips for a more sustainable home

Creating a more energy-efficient home not only helps the environment but also saves you money. In this chapter, we will provide you with practical tips to make your home more energy-efficient. We will discuss topics like insulation, energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and renewable energy options. By implementing these tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a maintenance schedule template, which can help new homeowners stay organized and proactive in maintaining their property and preventing issues before they arise
Covers essential tasks like changing locks, installing appliances, and fixing leaky taps, providing a solid foundation for tackling common household problems independently
Includes a module on energy-saving tips, which can help learners reduce their energy consumption, contribute to a greener future, and save money on utility bills
Focuses on practical skills such as replacing a toilet seat and fixing loose kitchen cupboard doors, offering hands-on experience with common household repairs
Teaches how to turn off gas, water, and electrical supplies, which is crucial for safety and for performing various maintenance and repair tasks around the house
Discusses tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking the boiler, and managing household pests, which are essential for maintaining the value and safety of a home

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Reviews summary

Basic home maintenance for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a positive introduction to home maintenance for complete beginners. Students say it offers practical skills and builds confidence for tackling common tasks like fixing leaky taps or changing locks. While largely well-received for its foundational content and clear demonstrations, some learners note it assumes absolutely no prior experience and may lack in-depth detail on certain topics, potentially making it less suitable for those with some existing DIY knowledge or seeking more advanced repairs. Content may also have some regional specifics.
Some examples like wiring may be region dependent
"The plug wiring section uses UK plugs, which isn't relevant everywhere."
"Mentioned specific types of doors (UPVC) common in some regions."
"Some maintenance tips seemed specific to certain housing types or climates."
Empowers learners to attempt DIY tasks
"This course gave me the confidence I needed to actually try doing repairs myself."
"I'm no longer intimidated by basic home maintenance jobs."
"Feeling empowered to look after my home better after taking this course."
Teaches essential home maintenance and repairs
"I learned how to change a fuse, stop a dripping tap, and even change a toilet seat!"
"Covers crucial safety tasks like finding the water, gas, and electricity shutoffs."
"Now I feel equipped to handle many basic problems around the house myself."
Ideal for those with zero DIY experience
"As a complete beginner, I found this course easy to follow and very helpful."
"This course is perfect for someone who knows absolutely nothing about home maintenance."
"I really appreciated that the course didn't assume any prior knowledge at all."
May be too basic if you have some DIY background
"It was very basic, which was good for absolute beginners, but maybe too simple for me."
"I wished it went into a little more detail on *why* things fail."
"If you've done any minor DIY before, much of this might be review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic DIY Home Maintenance Course for the Complete Beginner with these activities:
Review Basic Plumbing Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic plumbing concepts before the course to better grasp ad-hoc maintenance topics like fixing leaky taps.
Show steps
  • Review common plumbing terms and definitions.
  • Identify different types of pipes and fittings.
  • Understand the basic principles of water supply and drainage.
Read 'Home Maintenance for Dummies'
Gain a broad understanding of home maintenance principles to supplement the course material.
View Home Maintenance For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Home Maintenance for Dummies'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course modules.
  • Take notes on key concepts and procedures.
Create a Home Maintenance Checklist
Apply the knowledge gained in the course by creating a personalized home maintenance checklist.
Show steps
  • Identify all the maintenance tasks relevant to your home.
  • Create a schedule for completing each task.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Changing a Plug Fuse
Reinforce the ad-hoc maintenance module by practicing a common task.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary tools and materials.
  • Follow the steps outlined in the course video to change the fuse.
  • Test the appliance to ensure it is working properly.
Document Your Home Maintenance Projects
Deepen your understanding by documenting your home maintenance projects, including challenges and solutions.
Show steps
  • Share your documentation with others online.
  • Choose a home maintenance project to document.
  • Take photos and videos of the process.
  • Write a detailed description of the steps you took.
Read 'Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement'
Expand your knowledge of home repair and improvement techniques to tackle more complex projects.
View Ultimate Guide to Planting & Growing Vegetables... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement'.
  • Browse the book for topics of interest.
  • Read the chapters related to your future home improvement plans.
Volunteer for a Home Building Project
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to your community by volunteering for a home building project.
Show steps
  • Find a local organization that builds homes for those in need.
  • Sign up to volunteer for a project.
  • Participate in the building process and learn from experienced professionals.

Career center

Learners who complete Basic DIY Home Maintenance Course for the Complete Beginner will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Handyman
A Handyman performs a variety of repair and maintenance tasks around residential or commercial properties. This course directly aligns with the everyday responsibilities of a Handyman, as it covers essential skills for maintaining a home. The course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs provide practical knowledge for addressing common household issues, from fixing leaky taps to installing appliances. Understanding how to create a maintenance schedule, as taught in the course, directly translates to a Handyman's ability to efficiently manage and maintain properties. This course helps build a strong foundation for undertaking a wide range of tasks, ensuring homes are safe and functional.
See salaries and explore the career path for Handyman
Building Maintenance Technician
A Building Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining and repairing the physical structures and systems of buildings. This course directly supports the responsibilities of a Building Maintenance Technician by providing practical skills and knowledge related to home repairs. Understanding how to troubleshoot common household issues, maintain appliances, and perform ad-hoc repairs is essential for this role. A Building Maintenance Technician will learn how to create maintenance schedules, addressing issues proactively and ensuring the building is in optimal condition. These skills align perfectly with the course's focus on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs, contributing to their ability to perform their job effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Building Maintenance Technician
Apartment Maintenance Technician
An Apartment Maintenance Technician is responsible for the upkeep and repair of apartment buildings, ensuring that they are safe and functional for residents. This course provides foundational knowledge and skills directly applicable to the responsibilities of an Apartment Maintenance Technician, covering essential skills for maintaining a residential property. An Apartment Maintenance Technician will deal with many issues covered in this course, including appliance maintenance and ad-hoc repairs. This course can help increase their ability to promptly address tenant requests and maintain the overall value of the apartment complex.
See salaries and explore the career path for Apartment Maintenance Technician
Property Manager
A Property Manager oversees the maintenance and operations of residential or commercial properties. This course provides foundational knowledge essential for effective property management. Property Managers will benefit from the course’s lessons on identifying and addressing common household issues, creating maintenance schedules, and understanding basic repair techniques. A Property Manager is responsible for ensuring properties are well-maintained, and this course covers many aspects of this, including maintaining appliances and fixtures. This course can directly improve their ability to communicate with tenants, coordinate repairs, and proactively address maintenance needs, contributing to tenant satisfaction and property value.
See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager
Rental Property Investor
A Rental Property Investor purchases and manages properties for rental income, ensuring they are well-maintained and profitable. This course offers essential knowledge and skills for Rental Property Investors, providing practical insights into home maintenance and property management. Rental Property Investors can learn how to identify and address common issues quickly, maintain appliances, and perform ad-hoc repairs. The course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs directly contribute to their ability to effectively manage and maintain their properties, maximizing their investment returns. A Rental Property Investor will also be able to determine which tasks require a professional touch and the ones that can be tackled independently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Rental Property Investor
Facilities Coordinator
A Facilities Coordinator manages the maintenance and operations of a building or facility, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. This course is directly applicable to the responsibilities of a Facilities Coordinator, providing practical knowledge and skills related to home maintenance. Understanding how to create maintenance schedules, identify and address common issues, and perform ad-hoc repairs is essential for ensuring a safe and functional environment. A Facilities Coordinator can use the knowledge gained to communicate effectively with maintenance teams, prioritize tasks, and proactively address potential problems, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the facility.
See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Coordinator
DIY Blogger
A DIY Blogger creates content related to do-it-yourself projects, repairs, and home improvement. This course directly supports the skills and knowledge needed for a DIY Blogger by providing practical skills and insights into home maintenance. The course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs can provide a wealth of content ideas. A DIY Blogger can use the knowledge gained from the course to create informative and engaging content, share tips and tricks, and demonstrate repair techniques. The course supports the development of expertise in home maintenance, building credibility and attracting a larger audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for DIY Blogger
Home Improvement Consultant
A Home Improvement Consultant advises homeowners on renovation and maintenance projects, helping them make informed decisions and achieve their desired outcomes. This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to consult with homeowners effectively. A Home Improvement Consultant will learn how to assess the condition of a home, identify potential issues, and recommend appropriate repairs or improvements. The course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs help build a strong foundation for advising clients on a wide range of topics, from energy-saving to home security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Home Improvement Consultant
Property Preservation Specialist
A Property Preservation Specialist maintains and secures vacant or foreclosed properties, ensuring they are safe, clean, and well-maintained. This course will prove useful for Property Preservation Specialists, providing practical knowledge and skills related to home maintenance and repair. Property Preservation Specialists benefit from the course’s lessons on identifying and addressing common issues quickly, performing ad-hoc repairs, and maintaining appliances and fixtures. The course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs directly contribute to their ability to effectively manage and preserve vacant properties, reducing the risk of damage or vandalism.
See salaries and explore the career path for Property Preservation Specialist
Home Inspector
A Home Inspector assesses the condition of residential properties, identifying potential issues and ensuring safety and compliance. This course may serve as a valuable introduction to the common problems found in homes. Home Inspectors can benefit from the course's modules on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs. Understanding how to identify potential issues with plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances, as covered in the course, is essential for conducting thorough inspections. A Home Inspector will find the course helpful for identifying issues and communicating them effectively to potential buyers or owners, creating a more complete knowledge base.
See salaries and explore the career path for Home Inspector
Construction Assistant
A Construction Assistant supports construction projects by performing tasks such as site cleanup, material handling, and basic repairs. This course helps build a solid foundation for a Construction Assistant by providing practical knowledge and skills related to home maintenance. This course's focus on moving-in essentials, routine maintenance, and ad-hoc repairs, provides invaluable skills to a construction assistant. A Construction Assistant can use the knowledge gained to assist with a variety of tasks, from installing appliances to repairing minor damages, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the construction team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Assistant
Home Services Salesperson
A Home Services Salesperson sells services such as home repair, maintenance, or improvement to homeowners. This course is useful for a Home Services Salesperson, as it provides a solid understanding of common home maintenance tasks and potential issues. A Home Services Salesperson can utilize the knowledge gained to better communicate with customers, understand their needs, and offer relevant solutions. The course can enhance their credibility and improve their ability to close sales by demonstrating expertise in home maintenance and repair.
See salaries and explore the career path for Home Services Salesperson
Real Estate Agent
A Real Estate Agent assists clients in buying, selling, or renting properties. This course may be useful for Real Estate Agents, as it provides insights into the maintenance and upkeep of homes, making them better equipped to advise clients. Real Estate Agents can use the knowledge gained from the course to identify potential issues in properties, understand the costs associated with home maintenance, and provide valuable information to buyers and sellers. The course's overview of essential maintenance tasks and ad-hoc repairs can enhance a Real Estate Agent's ability to assess property value and address client concerns, leading to smoother transactions and greater client satisfaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent
Home Stager
A Home Stager prepares homes for sale, enhancing their appeal to potential buyers and maximizing their market value. This course may provide valuable insights for Home Stagers, helping them identify and address potential issues that could detract from a property's appeal. Home Stagers can use the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about repairs and improvements, ensuring the home is presented in its best possible light. The course contributes to a Home Stager's ability to assess a property's condition and recommend appropriate actions to enhance its marketability.
See salaries and explore the career path for Home Stager
Energy Auditor
An Energy Auditor assesses the energy efficiency of buildings and recommends improvements to reduce energy consumption and costs. This course may be beneficial for Energy Auditors, as it provides insights into common home maintenance tasks and energy-saving techniques. Energy Auditors can use the knowledge gained to better understand how homes function, identify potential areas for improvement, and provide practical advice to homeowners. The course's lesson on energy-saving tips for the home may enhance an Energy Auditor's ability to conduct thorough assessments and make informed recommendations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic DIY Home Maintenance Course for the Complete Beginner.
Cover image
Home Maintenance For Dummies
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of home maintenance tasks, perfect for beginners. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic repairs to preventative maintenance. It serves as a useful reference guide throughout the course and beyond. It is commonly used as a starting point for homeowners looking to understand the basics.
Home Maintenance For Dummies
Paperback
Check
Home Maintenance For Dummies
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Ultimate Guide to Planting & Growing Vegetables at...
Save
Provides a more in-depth look at home repair and improvement projects. It is useful for expanding your knowledge beyond the basics covered in the course. It is more valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding. It is commonly used as a reference by homeowners tackling more complex projects.
Ultimate Guide to Planting & Growing Vegetables at...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Emma Downer
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a maintenance schedule template, which can help new homeowners stay organized and proactive in maintaining their property and preventing issues before they arise
Covers essential tasks like changing locks, installing appliances, and fixing leaky taps, providing a solid foundation for tackling common household problems independently
Includes a module on energy-saving tips, which can help learners reduce their energy consumption, contribute to a greener future, and save money on utility bills
Focuses on practical skills such as replacing a toilet seat and fixing loose kitchen cupboard doors, offering hands-on experience with common household repairs
Teaches how to turn off gas, water, and electrical supplies, which is crucial for safety and for performing various maintenance and repair tasks around the house
Discusses tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking the boiler, and managing household pests, which are essential for maintaining the value and safety of a home
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