Tips & Tricks
Laying Bathroom Flooring
If you are refurbishing a bathroom and need to fit a new basin or lavatory, do so after the floor is laid. You’ll avoid the problem of different floor levels, and you won’t have to cut the floor to fit around the pedestal.
Click here for more details >>
Locating Underfloor Pipes and Cables
If you are lucky, you will find any pipes and cable runs already marked on the floorboards. Failing that, go over the area of floor you intend working on with an electronic pipe and cable detector. Look for signs that boards have been lifted before (damaged edges or multiple fixing holes). Mark the locations of any pipes or cables you find directly on the boards. Or if the boards are to be left exposed, draw up a paper plan and keep it somewhere safe.
Click here for more details >>
Fixing Damaged Plaster
Removing old damaged plaster will be a very messy job, with a lot of dirt and dust flying about. To reduce the amount of clearing up to do afterwards, cut two holes in a rubbish sack and pass your arms through them. That way, the sack will catch most of the debris as you take it out. This works especially well when removing plaster from a ceiling.
Click here for more details >>
Leaking Downpipes
If a downpipe leaks during heavy rain, it may be a sign that the section of pipe below the leak is blocked by leaves or some other obstruction. You may be able to dislodge it with a garden hose; cover the drain, turn on the water, and direct it down the drainpipe. If that doesn’t work and the blockage is near the top of the pipe, use a length of wire to clear it. If it is near the bottom, you may need to use a drain rod or take a section of the pipe apart to clear it.
Click here for more details >>
How Deep Is Your Drive?
Water-based paint is better for the environment than a solvent- or oil-based product, but whatever you use, never pour leftovers down the drain. Paint can pollute waterways. Contact your local authority to find out if there are any paint recycling schemes in your area.
Click here for more details >>
Fitting a new fire surround
Fitting a new fire surround and hearth can make a terrific difference to the overall look of a room. Most surrounds are fitted to the wall with screws hidden by the plaster on the chimney breast. Surrounds are usually very heavy, so get help when removing an old and fitting a new one.
Click here for more details >>
Sealing Round a Bath
To be sure of a waterproof seal around a bath, fill it with water, then apply the silicone sealant. Leave it for 24 hours before emptying. That way, you will have allowed for any movement caused by the weight of the full bath.
Click here for more details >>
Door Handle Details
Door furniture isn't just about function – choose from a huge range to compliment the style and materials of your interior.
Click here for more details >>
Deck Protection
Coat a finished deck or walkway with colourless deck seal, which locks out moisture but still lets the timber breathe. You can also revive older decking with specially formulated deck cleaner, which removes mildew and dirt and visibly refreshes greying timbers.
Click here for more details >>
Painting Windows
If you are not confident that you can keep a straight line, use a paint shield or masking tape to protect the glass. Set tape back 2mm from the edge of the glass and remove it before the paint is dry, or the paint may lift off at the same time. Or you can use a masking pen, which leaves a layer of wax on the glass. This can be removed (along with any drips of paint) with a window scraper once the paint is dry.
Click here for more details >>