Tommy Walsh's DIY Survival [Paperback]

You almost expect a 3-D cut-out of TV's DIY expert Tommy Walsh to fall out of this bright blue hardback, Tommy Walsh's DIY Survival. To start with there's the vibrant colourful layout, the bold graphics and lots of readable small chunks of text with super-clear photos. Then there are the cheesy pics of Walsh (plenty of them) in an assortment of DIY garb, from shorts to trackpants, sporting an encouraging smile while holding up an assortment of tools. DIY Survival is designed to be fun but it's also a lot more than that.

Should you be in the throws of major DIY expeditions, this might inspire a tantrum, because let's face it, we all need a Tommy Walsh of our own. But this is probably the next best thing. Here's a bloke who wants to do more than demystify DIY. He hopes he might even save us the average call-out fee of £50 for a plumber or builder.

DIY-phobics will greatly appreciate the simplicity of the instructions which seem idiot-proof and include all the basics from explanations of tools to changing a light bulb, and planning before a DIY task. As for DIY-fanatics, keep this away from them. Creating kitchen units, connecting a washing machine, renovating floorboards, building a barbecue... your home will be unrecognisable. Full of great instructions and excellent tips, this manual is terrific value. --Lorna V --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"I have no doubt the when it comes to DIY, Tommy is your man... The instructions are easy to follow and every page has a Tommy's Tip... genuinely useful." - Sarah Vine, The Times

“I have no doubt that when it comes to DIY, Tommy is your man… The instructions are easy to follow and every page has a Tommy’s Tip… genuinely useful.”
- Sarah Vine, The Times

Whether you want to fix a plug or hang some shelves, cure a dripping tap or assemble those drawers, Tommy's indispensable guide provides the knowledge, advice and inimitable good humour you need. Packed with tips, this book will help those who want to get the house straight but simply don't know how – and are maybe just too embarrassed to ask!

‘Tommy Walsh’s DIY Survival’ provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to completing many of the most basic DIY tasks around the home. Simple repairs that are easy to perform with only the minimum of DIY knowledge and confidence – all supplied with Tommy’s unfailing good humour.

Includes:
• A guide to the tools and equipment needed to carry out most simple tasks, together with practical advice on how to use them safely and effectively

Notes on the basic checks everybody should make around the home, including; locating stopcocks, checking pipes are lagged; familiarising yourself with the boiler

A range of basic tasks for fixing and/or improving areas around the home, including;
Fixing plugs and moving sockets
Fitting wall lights
Changing taps and clearing blocked drains
Connecting a washing machine
Repairing and laying floor surfaces
Painting, tiling and wallpapering
Assembling shelves and flatpack furniture
Fixing curtain poles and blinds
Fitting door and window security
Repairing fences and gates
Installing outside lighting
Building a patio barbecue

A question I am asked regularly is "What did you do before and how did you get on telly"?
I was, and still am, a hard landscaper/builder. I was recommended to a television producer to carry out some remodelling and restoration work on her period house in Hampstead. While I was working there, Carol asked me to review a couple of pilot programme tapes, one of which was the precursor to Ground Force called "Over the garden wall". the former was dire, and I told her so! the format and name were changed and Carol surprised me by asking if I would like to join the team. At first I refused, and when I told my wife Marie, and kids they all said, "Dad you must go on telly!" I said "NO". The following evening Charlotte confronted me and said "dad, you have to go on television because I've had a bet with a boy at school who doesn't believe me!" I asked how much the bet was for (bear in mind she was only eight years old at the time). She said "£10 pounds" In shock, I spat out the tea I was drinking and asked her "how on earth are you going to pay" She stood up, folded her arms and said indignantly, "Daddy, I don't intend to lose!" I couldn't stop laughing. I retold the story to Carol - we both laughed and I said "OK"
I did a screen test with somebody called Charlie Dimmock, who turned up looking like a librarian, her hair up in a bun and wearing a long white cardi'. Before you ask I do not know whether she was in "liberated mode" then or not! The BBC said "sign them up". We only met Alan for the first time on the morning we started filming. the rest they say is history!
I have always been a believer in fate, and I received a very large slice of good fortune on that occasion!
Tommy Walsh --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Want to get the house straight but don’t know where to start? If the mysteries of fitting shelves, fixing a dripping tap or even hanging a picture leave you courting confusion, your worries are over -- Tommy is here to help!
• A guide to the tools and equipment needed to carry out the most simple DIY jobs.
• Practical advice on safety checks and general home maintenance.
• Includes a range of easy tasks for fixing and improving all areas around the home.
• Packed with humorous hints and tips from TV’s Mr. Fix-It

Tommy is one of the stars of BBC1's 'Groundforce' and has helped to transform dozens of gardens in seven series of the programme. He is also the DIY expert on 'House Call' a daytime BBC show, and has a regular column in 'Woman's Own' answering readers' questions about home improvements.