DIY Advice

Master these eight essential DIY skills and you will be able to keep things working at home, save money on hiring professionals, prevent disasters like flooding, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done! Why DIY? Every home and garden unfortunately has lots of things that will inevitably break or need maintenance. Sometimes the expertise of a ..

Painting the exterior of your house can transform its look and even increase its value. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your walls from weather damage. Before you paint your house, check our tips, do’s and dont's to ensure a professional result. Do... Use the Right Type of Exterior Paint Use a  paint that is specifically for exterior walls;..

When you’re new to gardening, it's hard to know how to get started. Even the most experienced gardeners need to have the right tools. Our list of essential gardening tools will set you on the right path to a beautiful garden. In no particular order, our top 10 essential gardening tools are as follows… 1. Hand Trowel A hand trowel is a small tool th..

Moss can be useful around the garden for lining hanging baskets etc., but when it appears in a lawn it should be quickly removed. Use our guide to identify the cause of the moss, which will help you get rid of it permanently.   Step 1 Lack of Sunlight Moss thrives in shady areas where sunlight may be limited due to obstructions; examples include a..

From cosmetic updates to completely gutting out and starting over, there is a bathroom makeover for every home and every budget. If your bathroom looks the same as it did in the 90’s, it is time to start planning your bathroom makeover. Keeping Within Budget You may have heard horror stories about how much a bathroom makeover can cost, but if you i..

A faulty electrical wall socket can be easily fixed without a professional electrician, when the correct steps are followed. As soon the issue is identified, it should be replaced immediately for safety reasons.   Step 1 Turn Off Power Turn off the power at the mains. Failure to do so may result in a serious accident. Ensure that everyone at hom..

Gutters should be kept clear so they may effectively guide rainwater off the roof. This prevents water from resting around the foundations, which can cause damp or leaks in the home. Follow our steps below to make sure your guttering is kept working effectively. Step 1 Block Downpipe Wearing non-slip footwear for safety, carefully climb the ladde..

You may need to change a light fixture if it has become faulty or if you are decorating or renovating. It is a simple task once you know the necessary steps. Our step by step guide will help you to safely change a standard ceiling light fitting.   Step 1 Turn Off Power For safety reasons, it is critically important that the power has been turned..

A water butt is used to store rainwater. Environmentally friendly and a way to lower your water charges, use this guide to help you install your own water butt at home. Step 1 Select Downpipe Choose a downpipe that is in a suitable location to connect to your new water butt. The effectiveness of your new butt may be improved by linking it to a p..

If your skirting has been damaged, you will need to remove and refit skirting boards. This is one of the more difficult tasks, and it may be better to hire a professional. If you do decide to do the job yourself, our expert guide will help.   Step 1 Prise Board from Wall The skirting board will be attached to the wall with screws or nails into t..

Raised beds are excellent for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits and trees. The soil in raised beds warms quicker than ground soil, allowing earlier planting. It’s easier to control conditions such as drainage, pests, weeds and soil quality.   Step 1 Prepare Frame Choose a sunny site to locate your raised bed, and assemble the..

Protect and prolong the beauty of your wooden interior doors by varnishing them. When varnish is not applied properly, it can chip and peel. Our easy to follow step-by-step guide will help you to achieve a long lasting and professional result.   Step 1 Prepare Area & Remove Door Hardware Lay a tarpaulin or laminated dustsheet on the ground to pr..