Why We Started HandiMentor
When we bought our first flat in London, we were over the moon - and completely cash-strapped. Like so many first-time buyers, we’d stretched ourselves just to get through the door. There wasn’t much left over for anything else, let alone hiring tradespeople every time something broke or needed installing.
Thankfully, Max knew what to do. His late father had been a skilled carpenter, and from a young age, Max had absorbed the kind of hands-on knowledge you can only gain by learning from someone who really knows their craft. Over the years, those skills stayed with him - even as he built a career in the documentary industry.
But around the time we moved in, the creative sector was slowing down. Work became uncertain. And that’s when Max decided to return to the practical skills his father had taught him decades earlier. He trained up and became a tradesperson - a shift that not only made sense but gave him a renewed sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, I (Jas) was facing my own learning curve. I hadn’t grown up with DIY skills, and I felt intimidated even picking up a drill. But instead of just doing everything himself, Max took the time to teach me - gently, patiently, step by step. From fixing a dripping tap to installing curtain rails, I started to feel not just useful, but capable. Like this space we’d worked so hard for could really be ours.
That spark of confidence was the beginning of HandiMentor.
We realised that what we had, practical knowledge, shared with care and encouragement, was something a lot of people were missing. Especially women, renters, and those who often feel overlooked or overwhelmed when it comes to home repairs.
We didn’t want to create another platform for tradespeople who do the job for you. We wanted to build something that empowers you to learn how to do it yourself, with someone experienced and kind by your side.
HandiMentor offers in-person DIY mentoring designed to help you build skills that last. Whether you’re hanging a shelf for the first time or finally tackling that list of little fixes, we’re here to guide you, not take over.
And we get it, hiring tradespeople isn’t cheap. According to Checkatrade, even basic jobs can cost £80-£160 before materials. And 46% of women say they feel anxious about hiring someone due to trust or pricing concerns (Rated People, 2023). That’s a huge barrier, and one we want to help break down.
DIY shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be a real, accessible choice. One that makes you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
With the right support, you’re not just fixing things. You’re learning. You’re growing. You’re taking ownership of your home and building confidence.
That’s what HandiMentor is here for. And we’d love to help you get started.