Reckon you know your fascia boards from your soffits? Well if you’re in the roofing trade, we’re guessing the answer is ‘yes’. But what about your customers? Ever had to quiz a tradesman in detail about parts and materials you need for a job? Some of us are just curious. But others want to account for every penny they spend. If you are quoted a certain amount for materials, you might want an itemised breakdown of what was actually used. Roofline repairs such as fixing guttering and replacing flashing are the kind of high-frequency, low-value jobs that are particularly common at this time of ye ..read more

When it comes to choosing the right ladder, the right option might not be obvious right away. There are lots of different ladders out there, so it can be easy to think you need a step ladder, when in fact, an extension ladder would be the better choice. Don’t worry, if don’t have much experience with ladders or DIY, you’re in the right place. Our ladder guide will talk you through some of the common types of ladder & will explain their key features. Check out our safety reminder article for tips on how to use your ladder safely. Extension Ladders Extension ladders are a great choice for wi ..read more

With summer just around the corner, many homeowners will be looking to get outside and refresh their outdoor spaces. The easiest way to do this is often to repaint faded, cracked or flaked areas. Unfortunately, exterior painting can come with a few challenges, and there are some extra things to consider. We have put together these exterior painting tips so you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results that you can enjoy not just this summer, but for many summers to come. Waterproof protection When it comes to exterior decorating, the main factor that is different from interior decorating is ..read more

There’s nothing like the gentle enjoyment of relaxing in your own garden. But outdoor living spaces require a bit of work to keep them up to spec. Don’t let things get on top of you – with a little bit of maintenance, you can keep your outdoor space looking great the whole year round, even if things do slip a little in the winter months. Check out our six top tips below. Deep clean your patio You may not have noticed the dirt and gunk building up across your patio or pavement, but introduce a pressure washer and you will see the change! If you pressure wash in sections it can help you see clea ..read more

Although almost everyone in the UK wakes up incredibly confused that first morning where clocks have gone forward, I love knowing that we’re approaching brighter evenings and a much-needed change in the seasons. While little things around the home change, like swapping your duvet or putting the big coats away back in the wardrobe (we’ll see you again in autumn), there is one area where the not so reliable British weather throws things into complete chaos: home heating. I don’t know about you, but this time of year is when the family gets into some very intense debate about resetting the timer ..read more

Upcycling is becoming an ever-growing trend. It provides the opportunity to save furniture from the scrap heap which is beneficial for the environment. It is also the best way to add a little dash of your personality to your home. If you’re keen to join in with the craze and don’t know where to start, we’ve put together some handy tips to get you on the right track. And we promise it won’t involve you needing to go out and spend a lot of money on new DIY gubbins! Source Your Furniture Well It can be tempting to grab any old piece of furniture, slap a coat of paint on it and call it upcycling ..read more

The main areas of many gardens are the lawn, borders and patio, but often they’re the most neglected. This is usually down to a lack of time. Keeping a garden in shape is a hefty task. But, when summer is on its way, it’s also an important one. No one enjoys spending their summer in an overgrown or scruffy garden. So, take the time to do a few garden DIY tasks now and you’ll reap the rewards. With These Handy Tips you will have your garden prepared for a long lovely summer in no time. Laying your new lawn A patchy, weed-strewn lawn looks terrible. If it isn’t too bad you can hand weed, apply a ..read more

Artificial grass is fabricated from plastic, and its main benefit is eliminating all the trouble of tending to a real grass lawn. Artificial grass is also a common choice among property owners with poor soil or shaded lawn that does not support natural grass growth. You will find all the information you need on the cost of installing artificial grass in this article, from the price breakdown for various grades of artificial grass to how much you would typically be spending on labour costs. Artificial Grass Costs Artificial grass comes in several grades, and the price starts from £10 per square ..read more

When you move into a new home with fantastic flooring or take the time to install a stunning new floor of your own, you should be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. To do this, you need to take steps to protect your floors. In this article, we are going to highlight some simple but effective DIY tips that you can do in your home. Different types of floors have different characteristics, durability and require different types of care. For example, hardwood floors can be sanded and filled relatively easily if they are stained or damaged. The same isn’t true of laminate floorboards so you ..read more

Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese technique for preserving cedarwood by charring it. This is known as ‘Shou Sugi Ban‘ in Europe and the USA. This technique has been used in Japan for several hundred years for exterior wood cladding, siding, and fencing.  Recently it has become very popular in the USA and Europe because of its striking color, texture, and its superior performance. In Demand Aesthetic The charring gives the wood a blackened exterior and this aesthetic has become highly desirable for architects to incorporate into modern buildings. Polishing will fade the colour, weathering ..read more