Re Do It Yourself

How to use a plane

2008-08-15T06:00:00Z

1. If you’re smoothing a piece of timber, simply hold it firmly within a vice or brace using a workbench.

2. Push down on the front end of the plane at the beginning of each stroke.

3. Try and make sure you keep an even pressure as you push the plane.

4. Ease up the pressure towards the end of each stroke.

5. If you’re planing an edge, carefully use push down on the front of the plane whilst guiding it with a flat palm gently pressed to the side.

6. Be careful. Using a plane is straightforward but fraught with danger.

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Room Makeover Kit - Children’s wall decorations

2008-08-14T04:58:00Z

If you are thinking about decorating your child’s bedroom then you should probably consider the very simple to use Room Makeover Kits available.

Here are examples of 2 very different kit themes, Outer Space stickers are ideal for decorating a whole room and Wish Upon a Star stickers are better for making feature walls or furnishings.

The best thing about the wall kits is that there are no glues, no mess and no fuss. The effect is a transformation from boring to bold in a matter of minutes. The stickers are vinyl pre-cut self adhesive stickers which can be applied or removed without fuss, they are also washable. You can expect up to 96 stickers per box all of different sizes and colours.

The room themes come in four ‘Original’ themes:

• Undersea Adventure
• Funky flower
• Outer Space
• Jungle Safari

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Does a loft conversion add value to your home?

2008-08-13T06:00:00Z

Everybody thinks that by adding any sort of space to your home - it will add value. Well sorry to disappoint, but that’s not always the case.

Done well, loft conversions can yield vast amounts of space and add value to boot. Done badly, they can cost serious money and add negligible if any value.

Here are some things to bear in mind:

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What is a tubular S trap

2008-08-11T06:00:00Z

I came across the tubular S trap when I was trying to sort out a plumbing problem recently. I wasn’t sure what it was and I’m sure you might be scratching your head right now - so here’s a quick info point on what it is:

Essentially it’s a two piece trap that’s used with a basin or sink for waste egress. The S connotations are obviously derived from the shape....

Usually problems occur at the connections and can be resolved by new rubber o rings or a tightening of the connector points.

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Laying a gravel drive or path

2008-08-08T06:00:00Z

For me, gravel is one of the most elegant surfaces you can have. It looks good, it’s cheap and it adds security...... a burglar creeping up your driveway in the early hours of the morning will find it difficult not to be heard.

Usually a mix of course sand and small stones works best on a firm surface. Available in various sizes and shades.

You will need approximately 1 ton of gravel to cover 15 square metres. The sub base for a drive or path should be 100mm of compacted hardcore topped by 20 mm of sand.

I would say that the only problems with gravel are that it can be difficult to push things over it and you’ll need to rake it over now again to keep it tidy. Also, have some consideration as to how you’re going to keep the weeds away…

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Floorell sells floors at wholesale prices

2008-08-06T06:00:00Z

A quick tip off. We spotted this site called Floorell.co.uk which specialises in selling porcelain floor tiles, laminate, timber and stone flooring at wholesale prices.

Bargain if you’re DIYing your kitchen floor or such like....

As an added bonus, Florell offers a 30 year guarantee on all floors, some special offers and a next day delivery.

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Homes for sale and rent will need energy report

2008-08-04T06:00:00Z

According to EcoHip, from October all homes for sale and rent in England and Wales will require an energy report.

Landlords will have to provide tenants with an energy certificate and everyone selling a home will need one as part of their HIP (Home Information Pack).

West Midlands based EcoHIP, which produces hundreds of HIPs every month for customers across England and Wales, says it will mean extra cost but the benefits could be significant.

“The certificate will show an A-G rating similar to that seen on white goods, like fridges and washing machines, but importantly it will also provide an estimate for what the tenant or buyer will be paying in energy bills, it will also offer information on reducing bills, such as insulation or through a more efficient heating boiler.”

Said EcoHIP managing director, Patrick Headley.

Via EcoHip.

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Service Start

2008-08-01T06:00:00Z

If you need some professional building assistance or even a gardener, check out uk.servicestart.com .

It’s a new concept site that allows you to select from a list of local tradesmen in your area - contact them and ask for a quote.

There’s also a bit about each members track record - so you can hopefully avoid the cowboys....

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Aqualisa Quartz Digital Bath

2008-07-31T21:06:00Z

The Aqualisa Quartz Bath is one of those pieces of kit that you kind of wish you had a long time ago.

It’s premise is to offer accurate, thermostatic temperatures, the option of wireless remote control, and a simple start/stop switch. Some of these things have long been seen in shower units but not in bath systems. The Quartz Digital Bath promises to change that.

So how does it work and what exactly does it offer? Aqualisa say:

“The Quartz Digital Bath is controlled by a remotely sited processor - smaller than a shoebox, the processor is typically installed in an airing cupboard, the loft or under the bath. A slim data cable connects the processor to the bath control. Hot and cold water flows into the processor, blending it with thermostatic precision to the user’s selected temperature. Then, it’s fed back through Quartz Digital Bath’s contemporary bath overflow filler.

There are no taps to fiddle with, just a simple, one-touch start/stop button on the Quartz Digital Bath control. And best of all, there’s no big toe test, either. Because like Quartz Digital Shower, Quartz Digital Bath’s control also features an LED display. This flashes whilst your bath water is still warming up and then turns to steady when it’s reached your selected temperature. There’s also peace of mind; Quartz Digital Bath has a factory pre-set maximum temperature of 45ºC – reassuring for when the more vulnerable are in the bathroom.”

A particularly nice feature is the Quartz Digital Bath’s clever wireless remote. The wireless remote can be used up to 10 metres away from the bathroom and can be positioned wherever is convenient for you – just inside the bathroom door, on the landing – or for en suite bathrooms, on a bedside table. Alternatively, there is the cabled dual switch, which also allows Quartz Digital Bath to be turned on and off from a remote location.

There are some other nice touches to consider like Aqualisa’s offer of free installation and 5 year guarantee.

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Aqualisa Visage Digital Shower

2008-07-31T20:36:00Z

If you’re looking for cutting edge shower technology then the Aqualisa Digital Shower could be just the ticket.

This sophisticated shower unit delivers thermostatically controlled flow with spot on temperatures. It’s housed within a stylish but compact digital processor box that claims to offer “impressive flow of water, whatever the type of plumbing system.”

The Aqualisa Visage Digital Shower also incorporates a small LED that flashes green whilst the water is warming up and then turns to steady once the water has reached the user’s selected temperature.

I have personally been scolded by a shower - so it’s reassuring that the Visage Digital shower is supplied factory set with a maximum temperature of 45ºC.

Rising water bills can also be mitigated when the eco setting is selected during installation. This can reduce water flow down to 8 litres per minute, which is apparently 10 litres less than a typical power shower. A multimode showerhead should mean that showering performance remains relatively undiminished.

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Multifoil Insulation

2008-07-30T06:00:00Z

Multifoil insulation is sparking some debate as to it’s effectiveness.

So here are the key points to consider:

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Nu Heat Underfloor Heating

2008-07-28T06:00:00Z

We’re considering a new build project at the moment. Exciting times.....!

However, a debate with our architect arose about whether to incorporate underfloor heating. The crux of the matter is that it’s more expensive to install, but more efficient in terms of heat distribution and costs.

Umm, personally I’m all for it and the long term heat cost savings are fairly compelling in the current climate. However, who do you go to for advice installation. Well one company we found (but haven’t tried) are Nu-Heat. They claim to be the largest supplier of warm water underfloor heating systems to the domestic market. Interestingly they have also recently added heat pump technology, including ground source, air source and exhaust air to their offering.

Two things to consider here:

1. Underfloor heating is likely to save on heating costs, but costs more to install.

2. It’s likely to make your home more desirable when it comes to sale time.

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Planning Alerts Web Site

2008-07-24T06:00:00Z

Keeping abreast of planning permissions in your area can be a great way of determining what you might be able to achieve with your own property. This has taken on an increasing importance as people delay moving in turbulent market conditions.

The web site Planning Alerts.com allows you to scrutinise planning applications and consents in your area. Check out what your neighbours are getting consents for and then apply for something similar. For instance, if they’ve just got consent for a 500 sq ft flat roof extension - then you know that you will be in with a good chance of achieving a similar consent. This can be absolutely vital, considering it can take several expensive amendments and applications to get a consent - why not just piggyback someone else’s work.....

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Cedar Shingles Roof Covering

2008-07-23T06:00:00Z

If you’re considering going down the eco friendly route next time you replace the roof, consider cedar shingles. They offer a sustainable and long lasting roof covering - plus their very attractive to boot.

Shingles are also lightweight and create improved ventilation within the roof void. The lightweight nature of shingles means that they require a less strong supporting structure.

They also have an impressive durability of 30 years and thermal insulation value is 0.1067. That means a reduced heating bill.....

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Shoot online garden expert

2008-07-22T06:00:01Z

If you’re sprucing up your house with some DIY, (with a view to selling up) - don’t forget to give the garden some thought. For not very much money you can make some quite dramatic improvements for little investment.

One helpful tool to consider is Shoot Online Garden Expert. It’s effectively a web site that allows you to experiment with garden layout, within a garden shape and size that matches your own. You can then place the plants you already have and also experiment with new combinations. You can then utilise a “how to guide” to apply appropriate care to your plants, ready for the all important viewings.

The how to guide has access to 5,700 different plants on it’s database, which can help pick plants that match the conditions of your garden.

If you think a garden is unimportant when it comes to selling your property - think again. With one buyer for every 10 properties being reported by estate agents - it’s important that you take care of every detail.

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