Greener UK

Brits are taking steps to make their homes more environmentally friendly, uSwitch.com reports.

Research from the price comparison site reveals that more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of UK households are more energy efficient now than they were 12 months ago.

Of such people, 36 per cent cite recent increases in the cost of gas and electricity.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy for uSwitch.com, states: "Consumers are reacting to the recession and the high cost of energy by cutting back on energy usage."

The study also reveals that 43 per cent of people believe that taking the time to reduce energy usage will cost them, with 64 per cent of consumers yet to have cavity or solid wall insulation installed in the home citing the expense involved in such a project as a reason why they do not.

However, by carrying out energy efficient DIY work, homeowners may find that any initial expenditure is recouped later on through lower utility bills.

Last month, Grand Designs present Kevin McCloud claimed eco-friendly DIY will play a crucial role in reducing the nation's carbon footprint.

Economy

Work has dried up. I think it is because of the economy. Not a lot is going on here. I get some small jobs but nothing really worth much money.

I need to sit tight and wait. I have heard that many people in my old job have been let go, so I don’t have any regrets now. I least I have managed to get myself established in the handyman business. I think If had been made redundant now I would have panicked more than I am now. At least I know I am capable.

DIY Websites

Work is beginning to slow down now. I am not getting as many calls and I am not booked up as long as I was, I’m only booked for a week.

I’m looking on the bright side, spring is on its way and I am completing jobs to a good standard. People are happy, and I am confident people will call me back for more work.

I am looking for good resources to get advice and tips to help me. There are a few good sites out there; Screwfix has a good forum, so does lets-do-diy, diynot and a few others. I am going to register to the lot and try them out to see who can help me best. I will keep you posted on my experience. I might end up a regular at all of them, but I predict I will settle for one or two of these sites.

Anxiety Of Life

I am making my way through my work. Still booked out for 5 weeks. People are asking me to do more work and recommending me. So that is very pleasing.

Something still eats at me though. When I was in a full-time job. I was relaxed because I knew I would be in work for the next year. (With the exception of redundancy and sacking).

It’s not like that anymore. I am getting some anxiety. Will I have work in the next few months? What if it stops? What then?

Its great having the freedom of being my own boss, but is it worth the anxiety?

Booked for 7 Weeks!

Work is going well at the moment. I have work booked for the next 7 weeks. That is really good news for me. 7 weeks!! They aren’t massive jobs; garden walls, decorating, laying patios…that kind of thing. I did however get offered a big job the other day…building a garage. Ummm..hello…I am a DIY handyman not Sir Robert McAlpine construction company. I politely turned it down.



So things are going rather well. I am still anxious at times. I worry if I am up to the job. I am slower than most builders, but I am cheaper than most builders. I charge about £100 a day. That is £15 an hour. Reasonable I think compared to some tradesmen out there.

Well it must be reasonable if I am booked for 7 weeks. Hopefully my work goes well and I will be booked for another 7 weeks. Here goes…

I have been getting some outdoor work recently. It’s great. It’s the reason I wanted to do DIY. I have been building a garden wall. The wall is only small and runs around the garden. Its purpose is to stop weeds and earth getting onto the grass.

The reason I am posting is to let you know how great it is to work outside. I know the novelty will wear off when rain is lashing into my face, but its great to breath fresh air and not be sat on my ass all day.

I hope everyone tries to get out as much as they can.

First Job

I have been getting some work, nothing too serious. I had to decorate 3 bedrooms for a few neighbours and decorate a bathroom. I’m glad it’s not too strenuous because I am starting out, and to be honest I am just relieved to get some work.

Everything went well. The clients were pleased. The wife tells me to stay patient and the more good work I do the more people will gossip about me (Gossip in a good way! – I hope.).

I have 3 kids (a girl and 2 boys, 20, 18 and 14), a dog, 2 cats and a wife to support. So waiting for DIY work to arrive is not easy. I sometimes contemplate applying for another office job, although that would be admitting defeat. I could go back, but to a life I didn’t enjoy, on less money and with less responsibility.

I will stick with the DIY life for now…



This is a picture of one of the rooms I decorated. It is a really nice room actually. Luckily it had no furniture in it so I didn’t have to worry about moving furniture or using any dust covers, except for the floor of course.