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 metred and unmetered parking are available nearby.

Please note this is a 2 day workshop running on 19 June 2025 9am to 2pm and again on 26 June 2025 9am to 2pm.

Location

REDFERN The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre

107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016 (entry via Turner Street, opposite of 23 Turner Street, from the rear of building)

Entrance to workshop
Workshop entrance is via Turner Street at the rear of 107 Redfern St. If the doorway is locked and/or unattended pls ring the doorbell on the left of the roller door.

Transportation and parking
Bower Woodworks is located within 5-minute walking distance of Redfern Train Station. Both metred and unmetered parking are available nearby.