Collections
Article collections
A collection is a short reading route for a single task. It brings together the guide's pages in a convenient order, with notes on what to read straight away and what to save for later. Articles marked "Start here" need no preparation at all, while "Go further" ones are worth opening once you have the basics. That way it is easier to tackle a specific question without rereading the whole guide.
The best first repair is the one that makes you want to do a second. Start with simple jobs and leave the harder ones for later.
Collections include only pages already published in the guide. We do not add links to shops, tradesperson services or third-party courses, and we update the collections as new articles appear in the guide.
Your first flat: small repairs in a weekend
For those who have just moved in and want to put up shelves, sort out the doors and put together a basic tool kit.
- Your first-year kit (in Russian)Start here
Six items to start with and a short "DIY or professional" table.
- How to put up a shelf without hitting wiringStart here
A step-by-step article on marking out, drilling and a checklist.
- Answers about doors and furnitureGo further
Squeaky hinges, crooked cupboard doors and wobbly chairs.
A leak-free bathroom
For anyone with a dripping tap or darkening sealant round the bath, or who simply wants to know in advance where to turn off the water.
- Before any repair: five checksStart here
Including how to make sure the water really is off.
- Answers about taps and silicone sealantStart here
What you can do yourself and when you need a plumber.
- Stopcock and sealsGo further
Terms that will help you make sense of your mixer's instructions.
DIY with a teenager: what you can hand over
For parents who want to teach a teenager to handle tools while leaving dangerous jobs to adults and professionals.
- Guide sectionsStart here
Where to start: a screwdriver, a spirit level and simple flat-pack assembly.
- Workshop glossaryStart here
Bit, wall plug, PPE and other words worth learning together.
- Answers about safetyGo further
Goggles, stepladders and a list of jobs no one should do without training.
Read next
- Practical
How to put up a shelf without hitting wiring: steps, mistakes, limits and a checklist. The article catalogue is here too.
- Reference
Workshop glossary: wall plug, self-tapping screw, anchor, wood screw, bit, spirit level, stepladder, stopcock, PPE.
- Archive
All articles by date and topic, plus a note about the former address on this domain.
Sources
- Vipvnn guide articles
- Official home safety guidance from emergency services
The advice in this guide describes the general approach as of the date the article was prepared. Every home has its own walls, plumbing and furniture, and every tool and fixing comes with its own instructions: where they differ from our text, follow the instructions.