The Build
Book

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Floating shelf kit (bracket, screws, plugs), 6 mm masonry bit, pencil, cable detector

1. Run a cable and pipe detector over the wall where the shelf goes. Never drill straight above or below a plug point or light switch.
2. Hold the bracket up, level it with the laser line and mark every hole with a pencil.
3. Put the masonry bit in the impact drill, switch to hammer mode, and drill each hole a little deeper than the wall plug. Keep the drill straight and let it do the work.
4. Blow the dust out of the holes, tap the plugs in flush.
5. Screw the bracket on with the drill set on a low clutch setting so you don't strip the plugs.
6. Slide the shelf over the bracket rods and load it up.

Pro tip If a hole crumbles, move 2 cm sideways: soft brick needs a fresh spot, not a bigger plug.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 01. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Curtain rail set with brackets, plugs and screws, masonry bit, tape measure

1. Mark the bracket height 10 to 15 cm above the window frame and 15 cm out past each side.
2. Use the laser to get both marks dead level, even if the window isn't.
3. Drill the bracket holes with the impact drill in hammer mode, plug them, and screw the brackets on.
4. Add a middle bracket on any rail longer than 1.5 m so it doesn't sag.
5. Drop the rail in, add the rings and end caps, hang the curtains.

Pro tip Measure from the laser line, not from the ceiling: old houses are rarely square.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 02. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: The flat-pack kit, a Phillips and a hex bit from the 26-piece set

1. Lay every part out and count the screws against the sheet before you start.
2. Set the drill's clutch low (around 3 to 5) so it stops before it crushes the chipboard.
3. Drive the cam screws and long screws with the drill on the slow speed setting.
4. Finish the last half-turn of every cam lock by hand.
5. Check the back panel is square before you nail it: equal diagonals mean square.

Pro tip Two batteries means one charges while you build: start the second one charging when you open the box.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 03. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Wood glue, wooden toothpicks or a 6 mm dowel, slightly longer hinge screws

1. Open the door and find the loose hinge screws: they spin without tightening.
2. Take the door off, then pull the loose screws out.
3. Dip toothpicks in wood glue, push them into the stripped holes and snap them off flush. Let the glue grab for 15 minutes.
4. Drive the screws back in with the drill on a low clutch setting, or use one size longer screws.
5. Rehang the door and adjust the hinge's front screw until the gap is even.

Pro tip The cupboard door in every house in Mzansi: this is the 30-minute fix.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 04. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: New handles with screws, masking tape, a handle template or a cardboard offcut

1. Make a template from cardboard so every handle sits in the same spot.
2. Put masking tape where you'll drill so the board doesn't chip.
3. Drill straight through from the front with a bit the size of the screw.
4. Screw the handles on from the inside, by hand for the last turn.

Pro tip If the new holes don't match the old ones, choose a back plate that covers the old holes.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 05. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Frames, picture hooks or plugs and screws, painter's tape

1. Lay the frames on the floor and play with the layout first. Trace each on paper and tape the paper to the wall.
2. Shine the laser across so every top edge lines up.
3. Mark the hook spots through the paper, pull the paper off, and drill.
4. Plug, screw, hang, and check with the laser once more.

Pro tip Tape the paper templates up first: you'll move them three times before you drill once.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 06. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: A heat-treated pallet (stamped HT, never MB), shade cloth, potting soil, 40 mm screws

1. Check the pallet stamp says HT (heat treated). Skip any marked MB.
2. Cut the pallet into sides with the jigsaw, following the slats.
3. Sand the rough edges so nobody gets a splinter.
4. Screw the sides into a box, then staple shade cloth inside so the soil stays in and the water drains.
5. Fill with soil and plant.

Pro tip Old pallet nails eat jigsaw blades: pull them first or cut beside them.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 07. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: A 600 x 120 mm pine plank, 5 hooks, wood stain, wall plugs and screws

1. Round off the plank's corners with the jigsaw.
2. Sand it smooth, then stain or oil it.
3. Space the hooks evenly and pre-drill each hole so the pine doesn't split.
4. Drill two holes through the plank for the wall screws.
5. Mark the wall through those holes, drill with the impact drill, plug, and screw it up.

Pro tip Pre-drilling stops pine splitting: always on the ends of a board.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 08. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: Two 900 mm side boards and three 600 mm shelves (pine), 50 mm screws, wood glue

1. Mark the shelf heights on both side boards at the same spots.
2. Cut a gentle curve into the top of each side with the jigsaw if you like.
3. Sand all the edges.
4. Glue and screw each shelf between the sides, pre-drilling every hole.
5. Stand it on the floor and check it doesn't rock before the glue sets.

Pro tip Glue plus screws beats screws alone: the glue does the holding, the screws hold it while it dries.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 09. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: A hardwood offcut 20 mm thick, food-safe mineral oil

1. Draw your shape (a classic paddle, a South Africa map, a braai-tong rest).
2. Clamp the board and cut it with the jigsaw, slowly round the curves.
3. Sand from 80 to 120 to 240 grit until it feels like glass.
4. Oil it, let it soak overnight, oil again.

Pro tip Use a fine-tooth blade for hardwood so the edge comes out clean.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 10. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Screw-in bike hooks or a wall bracket, plugs, masonry bit

1. Mark the height so the back wheel clears the floor.
2. Drill into brick with the impact drill in hammer mode, plug, and screw the hook in.
3. Space a second hook 30 cm sideways for a second bike, handlebars facing opposite ways.

Pro tip Two bikes on hooks frees a whole parking bay.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 11. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: A pegboard sheet, 20 mm battens, plugs and screws, pegboard hooks

1. Screw battens to the wall first so the pegboard sits off the wall and the hooks fit.
2. Level the battens with the laser.
3. Screw the pegboard onto the battens.
4. Hang your tools and draw their outlines with a marker so everything goes back in its spot.

Pro tip Hang the Al&Afa cases on a shelf under it: the batteries stay charged and found.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 12. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: 50 mm decking screws, a countersink bit

1. Walk the floor and find the squeak, then find the joist under it (nails in a line show where).
2. Pre-drill through the board into the joist.
3. Countersink, then drive the screw in until it sits just below the surface.
4. Fill the hole with wood filler that matches.

Pro tip Screw into the joist, never between joists: that's what stops the movement.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 13. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Outdoor string lights, eye hooks or cup hooks with plugs, a guide wire for long runs

1. Plan the zig-zag and mark a hook point on each wall or post.
2. Drill brick with the impact drill, plug, and screw the hooks in.
3. For runs over 5 m, stretch a guide wire first and clip the lights to it.
4. Plug in through an outdoor-rated socket.

Pro tip A guide wire stops the lights sagging in the wind.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 14. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Hose reel bracket, plugs, screws

1. Mount it near the tap, at waist height.
2. Mark through the bracket, drill brick with the impact drill, plug, screw it on.
3. Wind the hose on and enjoy a path you can walk on.

Pro tip Mount it on a shady wall: hoses last longer out of the sun.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 15. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Towel rail, plugs, a tile bit, masking tape

1. Plan the holes in the grout lines where you can: grout drills easily.
2. If you must drill tile, put masking tape on it and use a tile bit with NO hammer action.
3. Drill slowly, then switch to a masonry bit once you're through the tile.
4. Plug, and screw the rail on.

Pro tip Hammer mode cracks tiles: switch it off for tiles every time.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 16. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Fold-down or retractable washing line kit, plugs, screws

1. Find a wall with sun and space to walk past.
2. Level the bracket with the laser and mark the holes.
3. Drill brick, plug, screw the bracket up, and fold it out.

Pro tip Mount it high enough for sheets: about 1.8 m.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 17. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Wall or floor door stops with screws and plugs

1. Open the door against the wall and mark where the handle hits.
2. Fit a floor stop 5 cm inside that point, or a wall stop at skirting height.
3. Drill, plug, screw. Done.

Pro tip Cheapest way to stop a handle-shaped hole in the plaster.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 18. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: Pine planks, 40 mm screws, outdoor varnish

1. Cut two side pieces as a staircase shape with the jigsaw.
2. Cut three shelves the same length.
3. Sand everything and seal it with outdoor varnish.
4. Screw the shelves onto the steps, pre-drilling each hole.

Pro tip Seal the end grain twice: that's where water gets in.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 19. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw

You'll buy: Shutterply or marine ply, piano hinge, 30 mm screws, two handles, a hasp for a padlock

1. Measure the load bin and size a box that leaves room for the spare wheel.
2. Cut the panels with the jigsaw.
3. Glue and screw the box together.
4. Fit the lid with a piano hinge, add handles and a hasp.
5. Paint it with outdoor paint.

Pro tip Keep your Al&Afa cases in it and they'll never slide around the load bin again.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 20. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless jigsaw · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Click-together deck tiles, a level concrete or paved base

1. Sweep the patio and check it's flat with the laser: fill hollows first.
2. Start in the corner you see most and click the tiles together.
3. Cut the edge tiles to fit with the jigsaw.
4. Leave a small gap at walls for expansion.

Pro tip A weekend job that changes the whole stoep.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 21. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless wood router

You'll buy: Treated pine (H3 for outdoors): 4 legs, aprons, slatted top, 60 mm outdoor screws, outdoor oil

1. Cut the legs and aprons to length. Build two leg frames.
2. Join the frames with the long aprons, glued and screwed. Check it's square.
3. Screw the top slats on with a 5 mm gap so water drains.
4. Round every top edge with the router (a round-over bit) so it's kind to hands.
5. Sand and oil it. Add a lower shelf for the charcoal.

Pro tip Leave the slat gaps: a solid outdoor top cups and splits in the sun.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 22. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: A 400 x 300 mm box from 18 mm pine or plywood, a French cleat, plugs

1. Build a small open box with a shelf.
2. Rout the front edges round and sand it.
3. Cut a French cleat: one 45-degree strip on the wall, its partner on the box.
4. Level and fix the wall strip with the impact drill and plugs.
5. Hang the box on the cleat.

Pro tip A French cleat holds more than you'd think and hides completely.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 23. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: 18 mm pine boards, wood glue, 40 mm screws, child-safe paint, a wall anchor strap

1. Cut the sides and shelves; round the corners with the jigsaw.
2. Rout every edge round so there are no sharp corners at child height.
3. Glue and screw the shelves in.
4. Paint, then strap the shelf to the wall so it can't tip.

Pro tip Always anchor kids' furniture to the wall.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 24. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander

You'll buy: Two 1200 x 600 mm plywood tops, pine frames, 4 legs with bolts, a 150 mm circle template

1. Build two frames from pine and screw the plywood tops on.
2. Mark the hole 230 mm from the top, centred, and cut it with the jigsaw.
3. Bolt the legs so the back sits about 300 mm off the ground.
4. Sand, paint, and seal.

Pro tip Paint them in your team's colours and you've got the braai game sorted.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 25. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: A ply desktop, a wall cabinet box, two folding brackets, plugs

1. Build a shallow box that hangs on the wall.
2. Hinge the desktop to the bottom of the box with folding brackets so it drops flat.
3. Round the desktop edges with the router.
4. Level the box with the laser and fix it to the wall.

Pro tip Perfect for a small flat: the desk disappears when you close it.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 26. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless jigsaw · 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Laminate packs, underlay, spacers, skirting, a pull bar

1. Let the laminate sit in the room for 48 hours.
2. Lay the underlay. Start along the longest wall with spacers against the wall.
3. Click each row in, staggering the joints at least 30 cm.
4. Cut around door frames and pipes with the jigsaw (good side down for a clean cut).
5. Fit the skirting to hide the gap.

Pro tip Cut laminate face-down with the jigsaw so the chips land on the side nobody sees.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 27. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless paint sprayer

You'll buy: Treated pine, 60 mm outdoor screws, outdoor paint or varnish

1. Cut the legs, seat slats and rails.
2. Build two leg frames, then join them with the rails.
3. Screw the seat slats on with small gaps.
4. Sand and spray-finish it with the paint sprayer for an even coat.

Pro tip The sprayer gets into slat gaps a brush can't.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 28. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless orbital sander · Cordless paint sprayer

You'll buy: Sandpaper 120 and 240, primer, paint, drop sheets, masking tape

1. Take the handles off and mask what you won't paint.
2. Scuff-sand everything with the orbital sander so the paint grips.
3. Spray a thin coat of primer, then two thin coats of paint, 10 to 20 cm from the surface.
4. Clean the sprayer straight away with water or thinners.

Pro tip Two thin coats beat one thick one every time: no drips.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 29. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless angle grinder

You'll buy: New latch with bolts, HSS metal bits, cutting oil

1. Cut off the rusted old bolts with the angle grinder (eyes and ears protected).
2. Hold the new latch in place and mark the holes.
3. Drill steel slowly with HSS bits and a drop of oil; start small, then step up.
4. Bolt the latch on and check the gate closes on its own.

Pro tip Slow speed and oil for steel: fast just burns the bit.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 30. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless power ratchet

You'll buy: A rated ceiling hook or swing hanger with a lag bolt, a 10 mm wood bit

1. Find a solid beam, not just the ceiling board.
2. Pre-drill a pilot hole a little smaller than the lag bolt.
3. Drive the lag bolt in with the power ratchet: crack the last turn by hand.
4. Hang the chair and test it with a slow, full sit.

Pro tip The ratchet does the long winding; the final snug is always by hand.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 31. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Pine boards, pot rings or small planter boxes, outdoor varnish, plugs

1. Build a ladder-style frame with three or four shelves.
2. Cut pot holes in the shelves with the jigsaw.
3. Seal everything with outdoor varnish.
4. Fix it to a sunny wall with the impact drill.

Pro tip Put it by the kitchen door: basil and coriander where you cook.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 32. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless heat gun · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless paint sprayer

You'll buy: A scraper, sandpaper 80 to 240, oil or varnish

1. Soften old varnish with the heat gun and scrape it off with the grain.
2. Sand with the orbital sander, 80 grit up to 240.
3. Wipe the dust off with a damp cloth.
4. Oil it or spray two thin coats of varnish.

Pro tip Keep the heat gun moving: parked in one spot, it scorches the wood.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 33. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless reciprocating saw · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Treated planks or sleepers, corner posts, 75 mm screws, weed cloth

1. Cut the planks to length with the reciprocating saw.
2. Screw the planks to corner posts to make the box.
3. Level the spot with the laser and set the box down.
4. Line the bottom with weed cloth, fill with soil and compost.

Pro tip A bed 1.2 m wide means you never step on the soil.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 34. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · 12-line laser level · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Pine slats, battens, plugs, screws or adhesive, stain

1. Fix horizontal battens to the wall, levelled with the laser.
2. Stain the slats before you put them up.
3. Screw the slats to the battens with even spacers between them.
4. Cut around plug points with the jigsaw.

Pro tip Use a spacer offcut between slats so every gap is identical.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 35. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 4-function rotary hammer drill · Cordless power ratchet · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: A rated TV bracket, 10 mm masonry anchors or sleeve anchors, cable detector

1. Detect pipes and cables first.
2. Level the bracket with the laser and mark the holes.
3. Drill with the rotary hammer to the anchor's depth.
4. Fit the anchors and snug the bolts with the ratchet, then the final turn by hand.
5. Hang the TV and check it's level once more.

Pro tip Use the anchors rated for the bracket, not the free plastic plugs.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 36. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless impact wrench

You'll buy: A socket that fits your stabiliser legs (often 19 or 22 mm), a 1/2-inch adaptor if needed

1. Put the right socket on the impact wrench.
2. Wind each stabiliser leg down until it just touches its pad.
3. Snug each one evenly so the caravan doesn't rock.
4. Reverse to wind them up when you leave.

Pro tip Not for wheel nuts: wheel nuts get a torque wrench, by hand.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 37. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: Soft-close runners, short screws, a spacer block

1. Remove the old runners.
2. Mark a level line on the cabinet with the laser.
3. Rest the runner on a spacer block and screw it on.
4. Fit the drawer half, slide it in, and adjust.

Pro tip A spacer block makes every runner the same height without measuring.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 38. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless reciprocating saw · Cordless jigsaw · 12-line laser level · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: H3 treated bearers and joists, deck boards, concrete for footings, joist hangers, 50 mm deck screws, deck oil

1. Mark out the deck and set the footings: holes about 400 mm deep, filled with concrete, levelled with the laser.
2. Fix the bearers on the footings and the joists across them at 450 mm centres, all level.
3. Cut everything to length with the reciprocating saw.
4. Screw the deck boards on with two screws per joist and a 5 mm gap between boards.
5. Cut the last board to width with the jigsaw, sand any rough ends, and oil the whole deck.

Pro tip Check your municipality's rules before building anything raised; a low deck on your own property usually needs no plans.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 39. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · 12-line laser level · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Shelf boards, wall battens, plugs, edge trim

1. Fix vertical uprights to the wall, plumbed with the laser.
2. Rout a groove for each shelf so the weight sits on wood, not screws.
3. Slide the shelves in and screw them from behind.
4. Finish the front edges with the router.

Pro tip Housed shelves (in grooves) carry tins all day without sagging.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 40. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 4-function rotary hammer drill · Cordless impact wrench · Cordless reciprocating saw · 12-line laser level · Cordless power ratchet

You'll buy: Treated posts and beams, post anchors, M12 coach bolts, sleeve anchors

1. Mark the post positions and fix the post anchors with the rotary hammer and sleeve anchors.
2. Stand and plumb the posts with the laser, brace them.
3. Bolt the beams on with coach bolts: the impact wrench drives them, the ratchet snugs them.
4. Cut the rafters with the reciprocating saw and fix them across the beams.
5. Add shade cloth or slats on top.

Pro tip Bigger structures may need plans: check before you build.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 41. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · Cordless impact wrench

You'll buy: Pine or SA pine 76 x 76 legs, a thick ply or laminated top, coach bolts, a bench vice

1. Build two leg frames and bolt them with the long rails using the impact wrench.
2. Laminate or screw the top on and rout the edges.
3. Fit a lower shelf for heavy stuff.
4. Bolt the vice to the front corner.

Pro tip Make the bench height your wrist height when you stand: your back will thank you.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 42. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Auto-feed drywall screw gun · 12-line laser level · Cordless metal shear · 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Steel track and studs, drywall boards, drywall screws, joint tape and compound

1. Snap the wall line with the laser on the floor and ceiling.
2. Fix the floor and ceiling track, then cut the studs with the metal shear and fit them at 600 mm.
3. Screw the boards on with the auto-feed screw gun.
4. Tape and fill the joints, sand, paint.

Pro tip The auto-feed screw gun is the difference between a day and a weekend.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 43. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless orbital sander · Cordless paint sprayer · 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: Degreaser, primer for melamine or wood, a satin finish paint, labels for each door

1. Take the doors off and label each one and its hinges.
2. Degrease, then scuff-sand with the orbital sander.
3. Spray primer, then two thin coats of paint, in a dust-free space.
4. Rehang with the drill on a low clutch.

Pro tip Label every door: no two hinges are ever set quite the same.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 44. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · Cordless wood router · 12-line laser level · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: Melamine or ply carcass boards, hanging rail, drawer runners, doors and hinges

1. Plan the bays: hanging, shelves and drawers.
2. Build the carcasses and fix them to the wall, plumb and level with the laser.
3. Fit the rails, shelves and runners.
4. Hang the doors and adjust the hinges.

Pro tip Scribe the side panels to the wall with the jigsaw: walls are never straight.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 45. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless wood router · Cordless orbital sander · 12-line laser level · Cordless impact drill set (for brick)

You'll buy: A hardwood rail, handrail brackets, plugs

1. Mark the rail line with the laser at the same height above each step's nosing.
2. Fix the brackets into brick with the impact drill.
3. Rout the rail's edges round and sand it smooth.
4. Screw the rail to the brackets.

Pro tip A rail that's round to the hand is safer: the router makes it comfortable.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 46. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless rivet gun · Cordless impact wrench · Cordless power ratchet

You'll buy: Rack rails and feet, rivnuts or rivets, sealant, a step drill bit

1. Mark the rail positions on the canopy's strong edges.
2. Drill with a step bit and fit rivnuts with the rivet gun.
3. Seal every hole.
4. Bolt the rails on: drive with the impact wrench, snug by hand.

Pro tip Sealant on every hole, or the canopy leaks on the first wet trip.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 47. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless impact drill set (for brick) · Cordless reciprocating saw · 12-line laser level

You'll buy: A shed kit, treated bearers, a floor sheet, concrete pads

1. Lay concrete pads, levelled with the laser.
2. Build the floor frame on the pads and screw the floor sheet on.
3. Assemble the shed kit on the floor.
4. Fix it down so the wind can't move it.

Pro tip A level floor is 90 percent of a shed that's easy to build.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 48. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: Cordless wood router · Cordless orbital sander · Cordless impact wrench · 26-piece cordless drill set

You'll buy: A wood slab, a router sled (two rails and a carriage), hairpin legs, finish

1. Build a simple sled: two straight rails either side and a carriage the router slides on.
2. Flatten the slab in light passes with a wide bit.
3. Sand from 80 to 240 grit.
4. Finish it, then bolt the hairpin legs on.

Pro tip Light passes: a 1 mm cut at a time keeps the router in control.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 49. We rate every build out of 10.

Tools: 26-piece cordless drill set · Cordless jigsaw · 12-line laser level · Auto-feed drywall screw gun

You'll buy: T&G boards, brandering battens, cornice

1. Fix brandering battens to the roof timbers, levelled with the laser.
2. Fix the T&G boards across the battens, tongue first.
3. Cut around light fittings with the jigsaw.
4. Finish with cornice and a sealer.

Pro tip Work from the wall out so the first board sets the line.

Built it? Post it and tag @alandafa_ with #AlAfaBuild 50. We rate every build out of 10.