Ask Dave @ Multihome Services

The destination for you to ask me, Dave, how to do practical stuff

I am Dave and was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Everything I know and do is self-taught through trial and error, reading and observation. I have spent the last 50 plus years fixing anything and everything from a faulty lock to a collapsing roof and from a leaking faucet to designing and building a septic tank and soak away. I never ever give up and nothing ever gets me down as I believe there is a solution to everything. You can say that I studied at the University of Life.

One of four children growing up in the country in a time where the only regular contact with the outside world was the radio and daily newspapers, I was destined to grow up with an inquiring and innovative mind. As children we had to create our own activities and direction. From an early age I learned a passion for working with my hands and tackling practical tasks. Having a mother as my teacher, a highly practical father, and an extremely inventive grandfather I guess this was my destiny. I recall many hours in my grandfather’s workshop. By the age of 12 I had started my own business, built my own workshop, and erected my own chicken runs for that business venture.

I have spent the last 50 plus years fixing anything and everything from a faulty lock to a collapsing roof and from a leaking faucet to designing and building a septic tank and soak away.

Growing up on an African farm had its challenges but was the most amazing time of my life. I learned to think on my feet and cope with just about anything that presented itself. My father was my hero and mentor. Today, many years later the values that I learned remain my beacon. Whenever faced with tough decisions I ask myself the question, “what would Dad do”. Over and above the practical skills acquired, I learned to be passionate and resolute, respectful of humanity and nature and above all humble.

Life on the farm required a real sense of humour and a true respect for your fellow man. Race, religion, and cultural differences were irrelevant. We all grew up separately but together. In this blog I intend to share the knowledge I have acquired as well as attempt to provide some practical insight to the challenges we face as well as intersperse this with some humorous and interesting anecdotes.

“Ask Dave” will endeavour to answer any questions in the most practical way possible. I have learned one thing over the years. There is more than one way to “skin a cat”. So feel free to ask me anything from how to rewire a plug socket to how to restore an old piece of furniture you've come to possess.