For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed tackling DIY projects around the house. I’ve always been curious about how things work, how they fit together, and how to fix them properly when something goes wrong.
That interest was put to the test when a contractor we’d hired to install our kitchen pulled out at the last minute. Instead of postponing the project, I decided to take it on myself. It felt like a big step at the time and involved a lot of learning along the way.
By the end of it we had a finished kitchen, but more importantly I’d gained the confidence to take on larger practical projects and see them through to completion.
Building Our Extension in Welwyn Garden City
A few years later, I embarked on my most ambitious project yet: designing and building a single-storey extension to our home in Welwyn Garden City. The build stretched over five years, alongside full-time work and family life.
The photos below show some of the key stages of the build, from the early groundwork through to the finished extension.
While specialist contractors carried out the piling, electrical work, plastering, and the final plumbing connections, I completed much of the rest of the build myself. This included the drainage, blockwork and brickwork, roofing, insulation, and most of the interior finishing.
There were plenty of challenges along the way, from torrential rain threatening to undo hours of progress to the constant decisions involved in managing a build and the ongoing learning curve of navigating building regulations.
What surprised me most during that time was how much I enjoyed the detail. Measuring, refining, adjusting, and making sure everything lined up correctly became something I took real pride in. Each challenge highlighted the importance of doing things right the first time.
By the time the extension was finished, it wasn’t just extra space. It was a reflection of the care and persistence that had gone into it. It also wouldn’t have been possible without my wife’s unwavering support throughout the process.
That experience gave me the confidence to take my practical skills further and turn them into something more than just DIY.
Today, through DJT Home Services, I focus on the smaller, everyday jobs that often get pushed to the bottom of the list. Things like assembling furniture, hanging items, or taking care of minor household tasks might seem straightforward, but they can make a real difference to how a home feels and functions when done properly.
My journey has taught me that even the simplest jobs deserve care and attention, and that principle guides how I work day to day.
If you’re based in Welwyn Garden City and need help with practical jobs around the home or garden, I’d be very happy to hear from you. You can view my services or get in touch.