Home DIY – 2 Day Workshop

Course Overview

Learn the practical skills and confidence to tackle basic home repairs and improvements.

Across two immersive, hands-on days, you’ll learn how to safely use tools, work with common household materials, and apply foundational repair techniques. Whether you're renting, owning, or just starting out, this course will introduce you to essential tools, materials, and techniques to empower you to maintain and improve your home environment safely and effectively.

Led by experienced facilitators, this course includes tool use, material handling, repairs, and installations with plenty of time for hands-on practice and individual questions.

Workshop Details

Duration: 2 days, (over 2 weeks) 5 hours per day

Format: Face-to-face, hands-on learning

Location: conveniently located in Redfern or Summer Hill.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Confidently use hand and power tools, including drills, levels, saws, and drivers

Hang shelves, artwork, or fixtures safely using appropriate fixings and wall anchors

Identify and avoid common in-wall hazards such as power and water lines

Patch plasterboard walls and make cosmetic wall repairs

Carry out basic plumbing tasks (e.g. replacing washers, installing flexi hoses)

Cut, glue, and grout ceramic tiles

Apply low-cost, space-saving solutions for DIY without a workshop

Understand safety best practices in a DIY setting

🛠 Workshop Schedule

Day 1: Tools, Techniques & Tiling

Morning Session

Welcome & Safety Induction

Introduction to DIY safety and personal protective equipment

Materials & Tool Introduction

Natural, manufactured, and hazardous household materials

Toolbox breakdown: essential tools and how to use them

Advanced tool intro: power drills, levels, saws, and drivers

Hands-On Practice

Drilling, fixing, and cutting into timber, masonry, and tiles

Choosing correct drill bits and wall plugs for different materials

Afternoon Session

Tiling

Identifying the different processes in tiling.

Starting small tiling project.

Q&A Session

Instructor feedback and troubleshooting for your own projects

Day 2: Walls, Water & Workshop-Free DIY

Morning Session

Finishing Tiles

Grouting and finishing your tiled pot coaster

Working with Walls

Understanding gyprock wall construction and stud spacing

Identifying hidden services (power, water, gas) safely

Using a stud finder, multi-sensor tools, and magnets

Hanging Items on Walls

Choosing wall anchors and fasteners for different weights/surfaces

Practice: hang a shelf or hook using accurate measuring and fixing techniques

Afternoon Session

Wall Repair

Repairing holes in plasterboard (minor to major patching)

Plumbing Essentials

How a tap works: S-bend, washers, and fittings

Hands-on: Change a washer, install a flexi hose, fix a leaking tap

DIY Without a Workshop

Smart setups: fold-out benches, portable kits, tool storage

Space-saving tips for renters and small homes

Final Q&A & Feedback Session

Open floor: bring your DIY questions and get project advice from the instructor

Workshop wrap-up, tips for continuing your DIY journey

Who Should Attend

This workshop is perfect for: (18+)

Complete beginners with no prior experience

DIY beginners and renters wanting to gain skills and independence

Homeowners looking to save money and improve their property

Anyone aiming to build confidence using tools and tackling home projects

People interested in sustainability through reuse and repair

Accessibility

Some of our instructors are experienced in working with individuals living with disability. Please advise us of any accessibility needs prior to enrolment so we can accommodate your requirements.

What to Bring

Any hand or power tools you'd like to practice with (optional)

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Otherwise use ours.

Lunch (or purchase from nearby cafes)

Wear old clothes, closed-in shoes, and tie back long hair

Avoid jewellery and loose accessories

No heels

Tools & Materials

All major tools and materials are provided by The Bower. You’ll gain hands-on experience using both hand and power tools in a safe and supportive environment.

Leave With:

✅ Practical, hands-on experience

✅ DIY confidence for future home repairs

✅ A head full of tips—and possibly a head start on your next home upgrade!

Location

SUMMER HILL

Inner West Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill NSW 2130

Transportation and parking

Bower Woodworks is located within 5-minute walking distance of Summer Hill Train Station. Both metered and unmetered parking are available nearby.