I’m Nige and I blog at DIYdaddy and if you are anything like me working, parenting and DIY around the home don’t always mix well together. There always seems something to do, so Al at The Dad Network asked me to write a post giving my top 10 DIY tips for the busy dad to get the house ship shape early in the year. These are bound to save you time and money, and get those jobs done. (Obviously & ultimately, keeping your partner happy!)

1. Owning a home can be a never ending abyss of constant jobs to do, so the first tip is simple; when a job needs doing it’s good to have a list you can add it to. This list will no doubt be your achilles heel, the bane of your life and the cross you bear, but without it you’ll have no hope of getting things done.

2. Decide on the importance of jobs and do them in that order, on your list. Anything involving hot water, should be high priority.

3. You now have your list in order of importance, so you are not constantly doing random jobs around the home. Decide that one weekend a month you will attack your list, and start ticking things off.

4. Crucially, and probably the most frustrating thing to all women, is half finishing a job. So once you have started a job complete it. Don’t leave it nearly finished because you will never finish it and that all important list will only get longer & longer.

5. Preparation of any DIY job is vital. If the groundwork is done the whole job will be completed much quicker. Measure twice, cut once and all that kind of thing.

6. Linked to number 5, whatever your DIY job is, make sure you have everything you need to do the job in its entirety; whether that’s tools or materials or instructions. Halfway through you don’t want to be running to B&Q for something you have forgotten.

7. Whatever the task you have in front of you, if you are not sure, then there are thousands of tutorials on YouTube to help you. Whilst we’re talking about it, have you subscribed to The Dad Network on YouTube?)

8. When painting, always use quality brushes and quality paints. It will save time and give a much better finish. Don’t be tempted to buy cheap, I assure you it will cost you more.

9. DIY is sometimes about taking your time and not rushing. In the long run, this makes it quicker because if you mess it up you won’t have to do it again. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

10. Finally if it’s beyond your ability, pay a professional and get the job done properly. You might lose a bit of pride, but ultimately this will save you money and time.

There you have it, 10 DIY tips for the busy dad. Now you have no excuse. ;)