The quality of the Building it Better NI DIY course is incredible value. The knowledge shared by Sarah, the skills learned during the course, and the ongoing support from the WhatsApp group makes the cost so reasonable. I know this is going to save me so much money and time.

My husband died suddenly and unexpectedly last year, and I have struggled to do even the smallest of maintenance jobs at home and outside in the garden. Apart from the brain fog and cut to my concentration, my confidence also took a nosedive.

For the first time since then, I feel confident and knowledgeable about doing anything that needs doing.

Sarah is an exceptional teacher. She is an expert, and explains everything in a clear and easy to understand way. Sarah is also very kind, patient and supportive, so everyone was comfortable to give everything a try and ask questions.

Sarah created such a lovely, welcoming and supportive atmosphere, I felt very comfortable there.

I learned so so much! I can now understand the difference between all the power tools, e.g, drill, screwdriver, impact drill, jigsaw, circular saw…etc. and most importantly, I feel confident to use them.

I know what drill bits to use to suit wood, plasterboard, metal and masonry. I can measure and cut, hang a shelf, build a stud wall and make a tool box. The foundation skills that I got doing these on the course gives me confidence to do so so much more, e.g, hang pictures, curtains, make garden furniture…

I highly recommend Building it Better NI! I have already signed up for the plumbing course, and plan to do the electrical course.

Thank you for such an enjoyable and valuable course!

Just finished a brilliant weekend course with Sarah. Came away feeling confident with power tools, taking measurements, and generally supported and encouraged by a great group of women. I’m of an era where girls did H.E – these basic DIY skills would have been far more useful than cross-stitch!!

DIY class is a fantastic course. Came away with so many skills and confidence to complete jobs at home that I would have had to pay someone to do.

Highly recommend this course

I attended the Basic Electrics course held by Building It Better NI and throughly enjoyed it. Sarah was brilliant, she took the time to explain everything clearly and answered every question in a way that we all understood. She also made the course fun and engaging, which made it much easier to learn.  I feel I gained a lot from the course and can’t wait to put what I’ve learnt into action.   I’d definitely recommend it and hope more courses are brought to Coleraine in the future.  Thank you for everything.

Attended a Bangor course led by Michelle. Was exactly what I needed, everything broken down and great guidance. Fab wee group and lots of laughs across the two days. Even got to use some power tools I never would have dreamed of trying and made my own toolbox as well as hanging picture frames and curtain poles. Feel confident I could try this myself now.

I cannot recommend the skills workshop enough. I’m dyslexic and I have to say the teaching was so clear and supportive. I learnt a tremendous amount ,got to use sooo many different tools and as a group of strangers everyone came together and had a laugh and supported each other. Fantastic teacher who constantly checked everyone was working at the same level and all achieved the same goals. I feel so confident now. Massive THANKYOU

What can I say, it was the best 2 days, full of learning and laughter. Brilliant teacher, host and now friend. Great bunch of girls to learn with too. Would 100% recommend this course to everyone. Thank you, love Scratch xx

What am incredible weekend led by the fabulous Sarah. Myself and 10-odd intrepid DIY’ers arrived on Saturday with – to be honest – no idea what was to come (Top Tip…. read the emails! 😂).

By the end of the two days every one of us had used and understood how to use the following:

A Combi Drill

An Impact Driver

A Circular Saw

A Jigsaw

A Chop Saw

We learned how to identify, select and match the right drill bits, screws with the right materials. We built a stud wall , we hung shelves. We learned about different wall fixings and what to use where.

We build something to bring home (a tool box), we built confidence, and we built friendships. We laughed, we learned and we helped each other.

I can’t recommend this course highly enough, and have signed up for the Electrics course in July.

Thank you again Sarah!

Both Ellen and Michelle were friendly and welcoming. Ellen showed us around the basics of car maintenance and did it effortlessly. She made it fun, interesting and I have a newfound confidence in the areas she taught us. I came away from the training wanting to attend more courses and bring more friends! Thank you.

I had such a great experience on this DIY course. It was led by women, for women, and that made such a difference to the overall atmosphere. It felt really welcoming and completely non-intimidating, which isn’t always the case when learning practical skills like this.

Everything was explained in a very clear, hands-on way. Instead of just being shown what to do, we were actually guided through it step by step, which made it feel achievable and built confidence quickly. No question felt silly, and there was a real focus on making sure everyone understood what they were doing and why.

I came away not only with projects I’m really proud of, but with a much stronger sense that I can tackle DIY myself going forward. It’s such a valuable skill set, and this course made it feel accessible rather than overwhelming.

Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn practical DIY skills in a supportive and empowering environment.