Tackle that DIY project with confidence

For the big jobs, especially electrical and plumbing work, it's a good idea to consult the professionals, but with a little know how, you can complete many of the repairs in and around your home by yourself. 

You'll save money, plus by working with what you have you can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce waste to landfill. 

Start with a few questions

Identify what needs to be done and determine if you can do it yourself

• Do I have the time and motivation?
• Do I have the tools/resources? (and access to help if necessary)
• Do I have permission? (eg. are you performing work on a rental or require council approval)
• Is it safe to attempt this type of work?
• Do I have the skill level? (DIY might become an expensive project if you have to hire a professional to fix your attempts)

If the answer is 'no' to any of these, the DIY project may be best to hold for another time. Not sure? Check council's Development Tools and Guidelines.

DIY projects for the weekend

Planning a weekend project is the key to success, check out these projects you can complete in just a few days.

• projects you can get done over a long weekend from Family Handyman
• DIY weekend projects with Ryobi
• DIY Handyman: We show you how
• quirky ideas to get you thinking about the endless possibilities.

FREE eLibrary

The eLibrary is free allowing you to stream or download free books and audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, and music and movies. You can also access the elibrary via the Sunshine Coast Libraries app. 

Learn how to access and use the eLibrary and find everything you need to start tackling your next DIY project.

DIY eBooks 

Seeking inspiration? These DIY eBooks could give you a nudge in the right direction.

• Easy to Build outdoor projects: 29 Projects for Your Yard and Garden by Popular Woodworking Magazine
• Furniture Makeovers: Simple Techniques for Transforming Furniture with Paint, Stains, Paper, Stencils and More by Barb Blair.
• Guerilla Furniture Design: How to Build Lean, Modern Furniture with Salvaged Materials by Will Holman
• Life Hacks: Handy Tips to Make Life Easier by Dan Marshall

DIY eMagazines

Libraries have so many free resources to help you on your DIY journey. They're free to borrow electronically, just 

• DIY Home
• Australian Handyman
• Flea Market in Style
• Money-Saving Makeovers

Some great DIY websites to get you inspired

There are so many great resources out there, but for the tried and tested you can't go past these:

• Better homes and gardens for all your DIY project info
• Bunnings DIY videos and advice from the experts
• Handyman for organisational tip, hacks and repurposing ideas
• Search wikiHow - the site that shows you how to do anything
• Ask an AI program like ChatGPT, you'll be surprised how detailed those bots can get and it'll save you scrolling