Tim Dowling: I do have principles. Rule one is to avoid DIY at all costs

I do occasionally contemplate getting my toolbox out. But these are idle urges – I’m only too aware of the harm my past interventions have caused It would be fair to say that none of the maintenance issues I’ve faced this year have fixed themselves. But many of them have become conveniently irrelevant – a testament to my DIY philosophy: First, Do Nothing. The collapsed brick wall is now overgrown with ivy, and all but invisible. The partially collapsed pergola remains in the same condition, but the wisteria it was holding up died, so it can carry on collapsing for all I care. And actually, the stuck garden door did sort of fix itself – one day it just opened. It then unfixed itself a fortnight later, fusing shut and staying that way, but in my opinion this one setback does not justify a refutation of the entire First Do Nothing philosophy. I’ll admit that at times I have rashly contemplated doing Something. I’ve thought about taking an axe to the pergola. I’ve also watched a few beginner’s bricklaying videos, and then rummaged through the toolbox in search of my trowel. But these are idle urges. I’m aware of the harm my past interventions have caused. Then my wife and I embark on t

Jul 11, 2026 → Jul 11, 2026