How To Mix Plaster – A Step-by-Step Guide
Amateur DIYers and home improvement newcomers fear few things as much as plastering. It’s a job with a reputation for being devilishly difficult to get right. Kezzabeth brilliantly sums up the frustrations which may arise in her blog post. There’s one key thing any would-be plasterer can do, to boost their chances of success. That’s to […]
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How Much Does a Tiler Cost – Everything You Need to Know
Whether you need to renovate the kitchen in a house you’ve just purchased or update those tired-looking bathroom tiles to something more pleasing to the eye, it’s a job that needs doing. But can you do it yourself, or should you hire a professional? And how much does a tiler cost? With workmanship, time and labour […]
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How Does Fire Retardant Paint Work (and how best to use it)?
A fire could destroy your home and even take away your life or that of your loved ones. Why take the risk? For me, treating my home with fire retardant paint is an essential part of protecting my family, our possessions and the very roof over our heads. However, while it’s relatively simple to do so […]
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Why You Should Use PVA for Plastering (and how best to apply it)
If you’ve got some plastering work that needs doing, you’re probably wondering whether you should try it yourself. Plastering is something of an art form, and it can go badly wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. With the right guidance, even an enthusiastic amateur can achieve great results. Jan and Christine, writers of the […]
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Laminate Flooring Fitting Cost – The Ultimate Guide [2019 Edition]
Whether you’re after a streamlined look or something that’ll repel dirt and damage, laminate is a popular option for your floor. Unlike vinyl, laminate is able to withstand items being dropped from a great height. It’s not subjected to stiletto heel damage as wood can be (I speak from experience), and it can take a fair […]
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What Is the Cost of Removing Pebbledash? [2019 Edition]
The mere phrase ‘pebbledash’ conjures ghastly images of grey, boring houses. But in addition to being used to knock up cheap housing, pebbledash — or rough-cast render — was also a big part of the Arts and Crafts movement. On the other hand, if your home’s original features have been covered with post-war pebbledash, you might […]
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How to Remove Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles
The 1970s have a lot to answer for in the interior design stakes. You only have to think of avocado bathroom suites and Artex to realise that. One of the worst decorating trends of the era, though, has to be the compulsion to install polystyrene ceiling tiles. These unsightly tiles have long-since fallen out of favour […]
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How Much Does Woodworm Treatment Cost? [2019 Edition]
Woodworm infestations are a common problem throughout the UK. These hungry little creatures eat their way through your furniture and timber, leaving destruction wherever they go. If you’re worried about woodworm, you probably have a lot of questions. How do I know if I have woodworm? How much does woodworm treatment cost? Can I do it […]
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Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost UK – The Complete Guide [2019 Edition]
If your carpet has seen better days, or your kitchen floor desperately needs updating, you might be pining for a new surface underfoot. Vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and is hard-wearing – great for high traffic areas. But what is the full cost of vinyl flooring installation in the UK, and is it something you […]
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How To Box In A Boiler – A Simple Guide
Is an exposed boiler spoiling the look of your kitchen? You’re not alone. Research has found that unattractive exposed boilers are a bugbear among many UK homeowners. In fact, 57% of them would look to knock £5,000 off the purchase price of a house just because the boiler was on show! Fortunately, you don’t have to […]
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Do I need Planning Permission? 23 Projects That Don’t Need It
Apart from the obvious lick of paint or new carpet, have you ever wondered what home improvements you can carry out without going through the expensive and timely process of planning permission? We reckon there’s probably more than you might think! We’ve done the research and we’ve uncovered 23 home renovation projects you can tackle to […]
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Top 5 Home Improvement Tips For This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to tackle those DIY home improvement projects that you have been thinking about all winter. The days are long and sunny, providing the ideal weather conditions for both indoor and outdoor home DIY projects. Here are our top 5 home improvement tips to make the most out of your summer […]
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Lammas Eco Village – Lessons in Best Practice
A Google search for top environmental projects quickly reveals one British build prized above all others. The Lammas eco village, in Pembrokeshire, Wales, was built in 2009 and has since been nominated for a host of awards and is held as an example of how eco-building should be done. This article investigates the background of Lammas, how […]
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How To Turn A Period House Into An Eco House
New builds are designed with sustainability in mind, but period houses, while beautiful, often lack eco credentials. This guide will show you how to turn a period house into an eco house. We will examine when listed building consent is needed and explore the top building materials and techniques used in sustainable housing. Get ConsentFirst of […]
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Renovation Project Management – Top Tips for Managing Your Home Reno
Starting a project can be a daunting task, especially when it’s related to a property you’ve just bought, having cost thousands of pounds! You may have a mortgage to pay, costs on the horizon and you need to get your renovation project finished so you can sell it or rent it out.In this guide I’ll […]
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Property Refurb – Top Landlord Tips
Everyone deserves a decent, safe, warm and comfortable place to live. Even if you specialise in social housing, as a good landlord, you should provide a home in which you would feel comfortable living. Getting a distressed property up to such a standard can be a major headache if you have no guidelines and are unaware […]
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How to Hang Wallpaper Like A Pro
As most DIY enthusiasts know, hanging wallpaper has the reputation of being a tricky job if you’re a novice. The truth is, as long as you avoid wallpaper with complicated designs and patterns with horizontal lines (because they have to be matched up perfectly), hanging wallpaper couldn’t be easier. Here are some professional tips to give […]
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How to Box In Pipes
Unsightly pipes can completely ruin the interior of a home. Well, unless you’re opting for that trendy industrial vibe of course! Pipes covered in layers of thick paint, or pipework that’s messily sprawling across a wall in your home, can all become a bit of an eye-sore. If you want to sort out your pipework so […]
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How To Build A Cupboard
Regardless of how beautifully decorated your room is, if it’s filled with clutter, you can’t appreciate it. Cupboards complete rooms by giving you a place to hide away clutter or giving much-needed storage. I needed a full height cupboard with plenty of shelving, but I just couldn’t find anything in shops that met my requirements. I […]
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How to Fit Acrylic Splashbacks
Practical and visually pleasing, acrylic splashbacks are a hugely popular choice for use within both kitchens and bathrooms. They provide a backdrop against the wall, which is durable and easy to maintain, protecting walls from grease when cooking, or water splashes from a tap. Acrylic splashbacks are inexpensive and a great choice for use within […]
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