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What Are Basic DIY Skills Gen Z Should Know (But Don’t)

by Tanya January 24, 2025

DIY culture has seen a significant shift.

With a strong desire to personalise their living spaces, tackle home projects, and embrace hands-on creativity, Generation Z is changing DIY.

Raised with smartphones, YouTube tutorials, and delivery apps, many in this generation haven’t been exposed to hands-on problem-solving the way previous generations were.

One of the biggest differences between Boomers and Gen Z is the latter lack imagination. Gen Z are so trained to follow instruction, many have forgotten how to improvise and think on the fly….

So if things don’t work out quickly enough, they arent willing to go through trial and error and instead outsource the job to someone else.

Mastering basic DIY skills isn’t just about saving money, it’s about independence, resilience, and the satisfaction of knowing you can handle life’s little challenges without needing a professional every time.

Follow basic home maintenance tutorials on YouTube

YouTube is an incredible resource – anything you want/need to learn can be found. People have so generally giving away their knowledge.

Power tools company DeWalt has a YouTube channel that teaches people how to use their tools and do basic DIY projects around the house.

Their YouTube channel has proven to be very popular with 20-something Gen Z who need extra support and guidance.

Dewalt videos on YouTube will teach you how to use basic tools like a hammer, drill, and screwdriver.

Assembling furniture, hanging shelves, or fixing a loose door handle doesn’t require a professional—just the right tools and some know-how. Surprisingly, many Gen Zers lack familiarity with even basic tools.

DIY can become a hobby or a form of self-expression. From designing furniture to creating unique home décor, DIY has become a creative outlet that allows them to add a personal touch to their environment.

With DeWalt power tools, young DIYers can create custom furniture that suits their style. Whether it’s a reclaimed wood table or a handcrafted bookshelf, DeWalt drills and saws are essential in building the structures they envision. The precision and power of DeWalt tools allow users to bring their designs to life, making each piece truly unique.

Renovating a home, apartment, or dorm room has become a rite of passage for many young people. Whether it’s redoing a kitchen, upgrading flooring, or installing new cabinetry, DeWalt power tools help get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Basic sewing

So you can fix your clothes, not chuck them

In an era of fast fashion, the art of sewing is slipping away. Knowing how to sew on a button, fix a tear, or hem a pair of pants can save money and reduce waste. It’s also a sustainable habit—repairing clothes instead of replacing them contributes to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Invest in a basic sewing kit and watch a few tutorials on sewing fundamentals. Start small—practice sewing a button or patching a hole.

Unclogging a sink or toilet

Plumbing emergencies can feel overwhelming, but minor issues like a clogged sink or toilet are often simple fixes. Tools like a plunger or drain snake can solve these problems in minutes without needing a plumber.

Watch a few YouTube tutorials on using a plunger and learn about natural solutions, like baking soda and vinegar, for clearing drains.

Basic cooking skills

Many Gen Z lack the foundational cooking skills needed to make a meal from scratch. Knowing how to chop vegetables, cook pasta, or roast a chicken is a life skill that extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about health, independence, and budget management.

Being able to whip up a meal with pantry staples is a game-changer when you’re low on funds or time.

Pick a few simple recipes with minimal ingredients and practice until you’re comfortable improvising.

Painting walls

Living in a rental or owning a home inevitably means dealing with scuffed walls, chipped paint, or rooms in need of a refresh. Painting might seem intimidating, but it’s an easy skill to master with the right prep.

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a space for a fraction of the cost of professional services.

Learn how to prep a wall (cleaning, sanding, and taping edges), then practice with small areas.

Using a drill and anchors for wall-mounted items

Whether you want to hang a floating shelf or secure a TV mount, understanding how to use wall anchors and a drill is key to creating a functional and stylish living space.

Many items require proper anchoring for safety, and improperly installed items can lead to accidents or costly repairs.

Practice on a scrap piece of drywall or wood before drilling into your walls. With DeWalt tools https://www.ukplanettools.co.uk/dewalt/ being a prominent choice in many DIY videos and online guides, young people are able to access high-quality equipment to help them execute complex projects with ease.

Changing a light fixture or bulb safely

Understanding how to safely handle electrical components can save you the expense of hiring an electrician for simple upgrades.

Swapping out outdated or broken fixtures can make your space look modern and functional without much effort.

Always turn off the circuit breaker before working with electricity. Familiarise yourself with the wiring (most fixtures come with instructions) and use a voltage tester to ensure safety.

Dismantling and assembling furniture

Whether you’re moving apartments or selling second-hand furniture, knowing how to disassemble it properly is a skill many overlook. With the rise of flat-pack furniture, understanding how to take it apart and reassemble it without causing damage is vital.

Keep the assembly instructions for furniture (or download them online). Invest in an Allen key set, a small wrench, and screwdrivers, and label screws or small parts to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Basic first aid

Knowing how to handle minor injuries, burns, or even choking incidents can make a significant difference in critical moments. While many Gen Zers rely on Google for quick answers, first aid knowledge requires immediate, hands-on action.

Accidents happen when you least expect them. A basic first aid kit and some training can help stabilize injuries until professional help arrives.

Enroll in a first aid course (many are free or low-cost) and keep a stocked first aid kit at home. Learn the basics, like CPR, wound cleaning, and how to apply a bandage.

Why these skills matter

While technology has made life more convenient, there’s something empowering about being able to solve problems with your own two hands. These skills aren’t just practical; they build confidence and resilience. Plus, they can save time, money, and reduce dependency on others.

For Gen Z, learning DIY basics is less about living like it’s the 1950s and more about blending modern convenience with timeless self-reliance. After all, nothing beats the satisfaction of saying, “I fixed that myself.”

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Tanya

The first Millennial blogger in the UK. Twitter @_luckyattitude

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