‘Fix it’ movement urges Scots to repair rather than replace items

Simple household repairs could potentially save £300 or more over the course of a year, according to circular economy expert Jamie Burns from Ailsa in Kilwinning.

He believes many common household problems are far easier to fix than people think.

Mr Burns said: "The biggest mistake DIYers make is jumping straight in with a screwdriver.

"Before touching a tool, take five minutes to properly assess the problem.

"Is that damp patch actually a leak or just condensation?

"Is the drawer broken or simply misaligned?"

By learning to tackle just a handful of basic repairs, households could save hundreds of pounds each year, not including the cost of replacing items unnecessarily.

Mr Burns said: "You might find that what looked like a broken drawer simply needs realigning or tightening, which could cost you nothing to fix.

"When a handyperson call-out can cost around £40 to £50, those five minutes diagnosing the problem properly can save you money before you have even picked up a tool."

He recommends focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to tools.

Mr Burns said: "You do not need a garage full of kit; you need the right kit.

"A solid screwdriver set, a reliable drill, adjustable spanner, spirit level and tape measure will solve most household issues."

For those just starting out with DIY, he suggests beginning with small tasks to build confidence and skills.

Mr Burns said: "Start with small wins such as resealing a bath, patching a wall or tightening loose hinges.

"These are the sorts of jobs that build your skills and confidence, but they can also start saving you money almost immediately."

He also warns against overconfidence, especially when it comes to specialist work.

Mr Burns said: "Gas, electrical and specialist work should always be left to appropriately qualified professionals.

"Saving £50 is never worth risking your safety or turning a small problem into a much more expensive one."

He believes the key to saving money and reducing waste is shifting from a "replace" mindset to a "repair" mindset.

Mr Burns said: "We have become too quick to throw things away.

"If a chair is loose, tighten and glue it before you start shopping for another one."

He also shared simple household hacks using everyday items.

Mr Burns said: "White toothpaste can temporarily fill very small nail holes in white walls and tidy things up quickly before guests arrive.

"It is not a long-term solution or a replacement for properly filling damage, but for a tiny hole that needs disguising quickly, it is a free fix using something you already own."

Other tips include using a walnut to disguise scratches on wood furniture and a rubber band to help remove stripped screws.

Mr Burns said: "Rubbing a walnut over light surface scratches on wooden furniture can help disguise marks thanks to its natural oils.

"It is worth trying simple fixes like this before assuming scratched furniture needs expensive products, professional refinishing or replacing altogether.

"If a screw head is worn and your screwdriver keeps slipping, placing a wide rubber band between the screw and screwdriver can add grip.

"That extra grip can sometimes be enough to get the screw moving without damaging it further, and it is a good example of why DIY knowledge can be just as valuable as the tools themselves."

Mr Burns also advises checking your existing supplies before making new purchases.

He said: "Screws, wall plugs, brackets, fixings and leftover materials have a habit of disappearing into sheds and drawers.

"Spending another £10 might not feel like much, but if you unnecessarily rebuy bits and pieces every couple of months, you have spent £60 over the year on things you may already own."

By embracing a “fix it first” mentality and gaining confidence with small repairs, households can save money, reduce waste and develop practical skills that last a lifetime.