Lets-do-diy.com News

Spruce up!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With the warmer months of the year just around the corner there's no better time to give your home a fresh new look by replacing your blinds and curtains with elegant shutters.

A practical and stylish way to update your home, shutters suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.

Sam Tamlyn from the web's leading shutter retailer, the California Shutter Company (www.californiashuttercompany.co.uk) discusses why shutters are this year's must-have:

"Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective, easy way to completely update the look and feel of a room.

"Shutters are excellent in the spring and summer time as you can keep the doors and windows open but the shutters closed, letting plenty of glorious light and fresh air in whilst keeping those annoying bugs out.

"The spring time is associated with spring cleaning and by installing shutters in your windows you're making life easier as they are easy to wipe clean and don't absorb dust like curtains or blinds do.

"Shutters are incredibly versatile and so offer you a great deal of flexibility, you can choose between different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs."

At the California Shutter Company you can choose from a range of over 18 beautiful stains and paints to best suit your shutters, your furniture in the room and the ambience you're looking to create.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Toby Buckland joins up with Ratedpeople.com to help your garden grow

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

RatedPeople.com, the UK's leading online tradesmen recommendation service has teamed up with Gardeners' World presenter Toby Buckland to offer lots of useful home and garden improvement tips. Throughout the year, RatedPeople.com and gardening guru Toby will be showing you how to maximise your outside space in an easy to manage way!

With monthly guest posts from Toby on the RatedPeople.com blog, you can get expert advice on seasonal topics and the do-it-yourself things you can try at home. Toby's first post is already live on the RatedPeople.com website so have a look at http://bit.ly/u3681E.

RatedPeople.com's website is full of helpful information and tips to ensure you have the best information available when making decisions about how to spend your home improvement cash! By linking up with experts like Toby, the company wants to help website visitors feel completely confident about undertaking projects that will enhance and improve their homes. And of course, once you have decided to go ahead with a project, the website will introduce you to the best of your local tradesmen to obtain competitive quotes for the job!

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Phil Spencer joins Ratedpeople.com as their new property expert

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

RatedPeople.com, the leading online matchmaker for homeowners and tradesmen, has announced Phil Spencer, property guru and one of TV's favourite faces, as a brand ambassador for 2012.

The TV presenter will be working with RatedPeople.com to offer top quality advice on buying, selling and adding value to your home. Throughout 2012, Phil will advise first time buyers, existing homeowners, and those with big plans for their property. Whether you know exactly what you want from your house, or if you have ideas but don't know how to put them into practice, Phil has the knowledge and expertise to offer you tips and hints to help make this exciting process as smooth as possible.

Take inspiration from Phil's guest posts and interviews on the RatedPeople.com blog, where he will be writing about his own experiences and giving advice to help you with yours. Also look out for the new RatedPeople.com TV ad with Phil's voiceover.

The RatedPeople.com website is full of details and tips to ensure you are fully informed when making decisions about how to spend your home improvement budget. With Phil on board, there are even more reasons to read up on planning and executing your home improvement ideas. So, with the help of RatedPeople.com you can pair up with the best of your local tradesmen to help make these plans reality!

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

2012: The year Brits want to do it together

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Helping others with DIY tops the list for New Year's resolutions.
56% of Brits looking to redecorate next year - instead of moving?
Northerners more helpful than Southerners.

Doing It Yourself has become a thing of the past as new research from Bosch Power Tools finds that Brits are much more likely to ‘Do It Together'. This new trend is set to spread in 2012 as 56% of Brits claim that home improvements are top of their New Year's resolution list with spending more time on a hobby and going on a diet following behind.

The study also revealed that Brits are a helpful bunch with 78% having helped a friend or relative with their DIY tasks in the past. And nearly two thirds take their own power tools along to get the job done - it's a serious task after all!

If you live in London, don't expect a neighbour to help...

The findings show that the age old tradition of people being friendlier up North may well be true. 72% of those questioned in the North of England had recently helped out a family member with DIY compared to only 65% of those in London and the South East.

And it seems that neighbours are the ones who miss out as shockingly only 34% of Londoners are prepared to assist a neighbour compared to 55% of Northerners.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Over half of British homes at risk of devastation while homeowners holiday this Christmas

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

-Burst pipes cause £680 million worth of damage to UK Homes-

Millions of homeowners are taking unnecessary risks with their properties while away over the Christmas holidays, says new research from Ageas Insurance. As fuel costs rise, many are failing to keep their homes adequately warm enough to avoid damage caused by frozen pipes.

According to the new research, which is part of an annual barometer on how we cope with harsher winters, almost a third (29 per cent) of homeowners are worried about the cost of leaving the heating on to help avoid frozen and burst pipes while away from home.

Over half (51 per cent) don't realise that it is more cost effective to leave their home central heating on low, rather than turning it off during cold periods - meaning that they could risk leaving their homes in danger of the freezing winter temperatures.

Pipes can burst if they freeze then thaw rapidly, which can often cause an escape of water from pipes, many of which are in the attic. If severe, the leaks can bring down ceilings, causing massive damage and often completely destroying a home's contents.

Last winter, burst pipes caused damage worth £680m across the UK and so Ageas Insurance is urging homeowners to not underestimate the cost of repairing a burst pipe and paying for the disruption or loss of irreplaceable possessions - and to leave their heating on low when they go away this winter.

Mark Cliff, Managing Director of Ageas Insurance said: ‘We regularly see the physical damage that a burst pipe can cause. It is something that is very often underestimated: losing irreplaceable items like photos and family heirlooms can be devastating. Taking very simple steps to protect the home from freezing weather, such as leaving the heating on low when away from home during cold snaps, homeowners can help avoid the heartache that a burst pipe can cause'.

Top Tips from Ageas Insurance on preventing burst pipes this winter:

Before you leave for your break, make sure that all outdoor taps are switched off and lagged and any leaking taps are fixed
Ensure that you open the doorway or hatch to your attic, so that the warmer air from the house can circulate
If your pipes do freeze - thaw them gently with warm water
Keep your heating on low to ensure that the air in your house remains warm - insulating your loft and your walls can help to prevent pipes from freezing
Take out insurance so that you have immediate response, assistance and cover in any emergency

The research also found that winter can make us put off what me might regret, with external repairs being delayed until the New Year by one in seven (15 per cent) Brits; most acute among 45 - 54 year olds, where nearly a quarter (23 per cent) will delay external repairs until the coming year.

But the research also reveals that the harsh winters do bring out a sense of community spirit in people, as one in three regularly calls in on a friend or neighbour during the cold weather to check they are OK.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

New website makes buying spare parts easy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you have ever tried shopping for appliance spare parts then you will appreciate that it can be a confusing and difficult task. There are some great benefits to do-it-yourself appliance repairs such as the amount of money you can save compared to buying a replacement and the environmental impact. Despite this, many people are still put off attempting a repair as they are worried it will be too technical or complicated.

Leading appliance spares retailer, BuySpares aims to change this perception and have re-launched their website with a host of new features to make buying spare parts and repairing home appliances much easier. Amongst the key additions are user-generated content, improved site navigation and expansion of their appliance advice centre.

A common stumbling block that makes it difficult to locate the right part is the need to search by model number. Every appliance has a model and serial number and most parts are only designed to fit a specific model or group of models. This means that in order to buy a replacement part, consumers need to be able to locate their model number.

As part of the website revamp, BuySpares have developed the way in which their navigation works to simplify the model number selection process. On the new site model selection is contained within a single pop-up box, which also features a detailed diagram of where to look for the model number on your selected appliance.

The new website also enables customers to review any product on the BuySpares website. The review process lets customers rate a product out of 5 to give a clear indication of performance to other have-a-go repairers. Customers are also invited to provide their own comments on the product, how easy it is to fit and any information they feel would benefit other shoppers.

Among the new additions are a range of how-to videos to the BuySpares appliance advice centre that clearly demonstrate how to fit spare parts and maintain appliances, covering everything from replacing a cooker hood filter to combating a smelly washing machine. These how-to videos have been integrated on to the product page to add confidence and reassure the customer that they will be able to fit the part as long as they have some basic DIY skills.

Commenting on the new website BuySpares, Head of Marketing, Richard Williams enthused "We want to be more than just a spares retailer, it is our aim to support our customers in every aspect of a repair, whether that's identifying the problem, finding the right spare part or showing them how to it. The new website makes getting to grips with spare parts a lot easier"

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Homeowners advised to install solar panels now

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners should install solar panels now - as experts predict that the government will reduce incentives dramatically in April 2012.

That's the message from solar panel specialists BSOLAR, based in Halsall, who believe with the growing popularity of panels, the government could make major cuts to the financial incentives they offer for green technology.

At the moment the government runs a scheme which means homeowners who generate electricity from solar panels are guaranteed 44.8p per kWh of energy they generate. On an average system this means that homeowners are earning up to £1500 a year, and panels usually pay for themselves in around 10 years.

It' has already been announced by the government that they will cut this rate in April 2012 by 10%, but BSOLAR now predict that in December the government will review this and possibly cut the rate by 25% next April.

Peter Bladen, director of BSOLAR said: "The solar panel industry has grown beyond anyone's expectations. The fact is the technology and installations are getting cheaper, and people are now getting up to a 15% return on investment year on year. It's an opportunity too good to be missed, so people are cashing in and we've had an explosion of solar panel installations in the last 12 months. As a result it seems very likely the government will reduce the incentives more dramatically than the publicised 10% in April next year. I see it could be more like a 25% cut."

Peter advises homeowners to invest now while the tariff guaranteed is still high. He said: "Solar panels will always represent a good investment but at the moment they are probably one of the best and safest investments you can make. I'd urge people to take advantage of this now, before this is reviewed and the solar panels become a less lucrative investment."

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Britons waste £2.1 billion a year replacing household items

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Research released today by Bosch Power Tools* highlights over £2.1 billion a year is wasted in the UK, replacing household items which could easily be fixed.

37% of UK consumers replace furniture even if it is isn't broken, with a whopping 81% claiming it's because they enjoy buying new things and making sure that their home is modern and on-trend. Surprising given the current and on-going economic climate.

Lack of skills?

When it comes to repairing household items only 12% of Brits think they have the sufficient skills to be able to do a good job although nearly 60% admitted that this lack of skills lead to costly replacement purchases.

Which is evidently true - those who do claim to possess the skills to repair their furniture are spending under £100 a year whereas those who replace items are shelling out five times as much on new purchases.

Environmentally unconscious

And it seems consumers are not making the connection between replacing items and the environmental impact with 85% of Brits claiming to be environmentally friendly and make ethical choices wherever and whenever they can, yet still not going the extra mile and attempting to repair household items.

Chris Tidy, DIY expert from Bosch Power Tools says "This trend is easily reversible. With a few DIY skills fixing furniture around the home and giving your home a new interior look is simple.

We are seeing an increasing number of people claiming they don't have the skills to complete DIY tasks but if you start off small, plan the project through and use the correct tools you can't go wrong.

Repairing furniture is both financially and emotionally rewarding and allows you to customise your home any way you like. It will also help you become more environmentally aware and help ease the endless stream of rubbish going to landfill."

TOP FIVE HOME REPAIRS FOR CASH-STRAPPED BRITS

RE-UPHOLSTERING A CHAIR
(A huge 30% have never even thought to attempt this!)
VARNISHING A TABLE
CREATING A FEATURE WALL USING WALLPAPER
FIXING A CUPBOARD DOOR
PUTTING UP A COAT HOOK

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

A woman’s home is her castle

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Half of British 50+ women care more about their home's appearance than their own.
44% would rather spend time at home than with their family.
BUT 70% have no idea about latest interiors trends.

From scatter cushions to curtains, it seems that British 50+ women are obsessed by how their home looks as latest research finds nearly half admit to caring more about their decor than their own appearance.

The survey, conducted by online retailer isme.com, found that women love their homes so much that 44 per cent prefer to spend time relaxing in their own four walls than with their family. The average 50+ lady now forks out nearly £600-a-year on soft furnishing items to make her property stand out, nearly double what she splurges on making herself look good, at almost £300.

Approximately three quarters (72 per cent) of fifty somethings spend 10 hours a month shopping for their home and one in five (18 per cent) admit hitting homewares shops for 20 hours a month - averaging 45 minutes per day.

Nearly one in five (16 per cent) say they are fanatical about furnishings purely to keep up with house-proud pals and 15 per cent say emulating interiors design TV shows motivate them to update their decor. However, for the majority (22 per cent), not having anything else to concentrate on and boredom prompted them to spend time, money and effort on their bricks and mortar.

With this amount of dedication, homes belonging to 50+ women should be at the height of soft furnishings fashion, but, according to the survey, 70 per cent don't have a clue about the latest interior design trends and one in five (22 per cent) describe their style as ‘dated'. Nearly one in five (23 per cent) admit to still buying items for a family home that they don't need in their current lifestage.

A further 38 per cent admit to keeping their child's bedroom exactly the same after they have moved out as they had no clue what to do with it.

Adult psychologist Susan Quilliam comments: "The survey clearly shows the way women's interests change as they pass through various life stages. In our twenties, we love clothes, friends and travel. In our 30s we may start nest building and get into interior decor, but that soon gets overtaken by focus on our children which lasts through our 40s.

"Then, when kids fly the nest, we 50+ women start to reclaim our own domestic space - and fascinatingly, with age, there are biochemical changes which mean we want to reclaim our own emotional space too. That may explain why the survey suggests we hang back from spending too much time with others.

"After decades of demand from family, whether we're single or still partnered, we want our own living area, we want to put our own stamp on that area and we have the time, money and resources to do it. That's why we get a sudden renewal of interest in homemaking - and why we want to retreat to that home more than ever before in our lives. It's not that we don't care for our family - it's that now they're gone we can concentrate on creating the beautiful surroundings that we deserve!"

The findings also revealed that a third (33 per cent) say they are inspired by homes magazines and TV shows with 24 per cent enthused by classic styling. Julia Kendell, interior designer and DIY SOS presenter, explains: "It's encouraging to see that so many women are inspired to update their homes, but when it comes to knowing where to start, it seems they are floundering. More mature women feel settled in their homes but a number of empty nesters find their decor just isn't them anymore, perhaps reflecting family life rather than who they are now."

Here Julia gives her top tips for interior design: "A great place to start when updating your home is with a classic, soft contemporary theme, de-clutter to give yourself space to breathe, and choose a colour palette that inspires you. If you want to feel energized use bright and warm tones, for a restful atmosphere choose muted, cooler hues and for rejuvenation create a scheme using this year's yellow shades mixed with fresh neutrals.

"To kick-start inspiration for a room-scheme create a mood board of all the things you love; your passions and interests, magazine clippings and tactile elements to create the start of a design that reflects your personality. Take inspiration from magazines and brochures to have confidence in combining colours you haven't decorated with before. Your newly organized home should provide you with the space and stimulation to tackle new hobbies and long held ambitions."

In response to the findings isme.com has launched a This Home Is Me campaign - a competition to win a home makeover worth £1,000 and a home makeover with Julia Kendell. Log on to www.thishomeisme.com for more information.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

UK consumers take rising living costs 'into their own hands'

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

B&Q, the UK's largest home improvement and garden centre retailer, has experienced a significant increase in customer demand for its practical, home improvement services and apps. With the average increase in the cost of UK living set to hit 5%, and with large hikes in energy tariffs expected in Autumn, it seems consumers are looking to manage their ‘household' inflation by seeking to do more around the home themselves.

In the last month, the retailer has experienced an increased up-take of its You Can Do It DIY classes, hands-on workshops which include expert advice on energy saving and lessons in fixing plumbing problems. Last week, bookings for the classes experienced an uplift of 65 percent and a 184 percent increase the week before with the most popular classes including those on plumbing and patch-plastering. Despite only being currently run in just 15 of its UK stores, B&Q has seen almost 11,000 consumers attend its DIY classes since it launched them earlier this year. With a number of classes costing as little as £10 a small outlay can help consumers save on hefty tradesmen call-out charges for problems they could fix themselves.

Alongside its You Can Do It centre classes, B&Q also runs a Job Done! home improvement programme in UK schools which builds DIY knowledge for children as young as five. The initiative has experienced a comparable increase in demand with over 1,150 schools signing up in the last 3 months alone. It appears parents' austerity in the home is rubbing off on their children and schools are keen to give young people the chance to learn practical and self-sufficient skills. Due to the high level of demand for the You Can Do It programme, B&Q is also rolling out a new programme of kids' classes for October half term.

This DIY trend is also mirrored by online customer activity as customers are downloading more ‘How To' guides than ever and its iPhone app is being downloaded by around 3,000 people a month. ‘How to' download figures since the start of July back up the fact that customers are most interested in researching practical skills that could save them money. By far the most popular download in the last few months has been the "Fix Plumbing Problems" ‘How To' guide with 10,192 downloads. Next popular was the "Deal with Plumbing Emergencies" ‘How To' with downloads of 3,004.

Katherine Paterson, B&Q's Marketing Director says; "An increase in interest in practical DIY skills underlines further the pressure customers are currently under in term of managing their day to day living costs. Cost conscious home improvers are taking the savvier options realising that saving money and learning a new skill are what's required to meet today's market forces. Making, doing, mending and saving money is what our DIY classes are all about. We are here to help."

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Tricks of the trade

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Four in 10 British men would rather employ a tradesman than attempt basic DIY tasks themselves, it was revealed yesterday.

The findings emerged in a study of 2,000 men, and shows most lack the ability to carry out straightforward jobs such as tiling a wall, fitting a carpet or changing taps.

Incredibly, 47 per cent of men couldn't even work out how to fit a curtain rail and 39 per cent claim they wouldn't even know how to strip a piece of wallpaper.

In fact, a fifth of blokes admit that when they HAVE attempted a bit of DIY around the home, it has ended in complete disaster.

Chris Burke, the Director of Research at RatedPeople.com, the UK's leading tradesmen recommendation service, who commissioned the research said "These findings are surprising because we all assume that most men could turn their hand to some of the more basic tasks, such as drilling a few holes to fit a curtain rail".

"But if you have never been shown how to do these kinds of jobs around the house, it's all down to guess work and common sense.

"On bigger tasks - such as doing the plumbing in bathroom suites or fitting kitchens - sometimes it's just better to source outside help rather than risk things going wrong. It turns out I know this from my own personal experience."

The survey shows 30 per cent of Brits don't even know how to change a fuse, while 73 per cent would be flummoxed if they had to change bath or sink taps.

Unblocking a sink or toilet leaves 49 per cent of people stumped, and 76 per cent wouldn't even consider trying to remove a radiator to decorate.

Seven in 10 blokes faced with the prospect of fitting fences or gates in the garden are likely to opt out, and 72 per cent wouldn't even turn their hand to replacing a few broken tiles.

Jobs such as fitting doors, laying decking and fixing leaks also leave men feeling confused.

Even painting the house proves too much for 4 in 10 blokes.

RatedPeople.com's CMO, Tariq Dag Khan, continues: "There's really no shame in asking for help. The quality tradesmen even offer tips along the way. The hard part, until now, has been finding them."

Nearly half of British men claim to be so bad at DIY because no one has ever shown them how to do it, and a third can't be bothered to teach themselves.

A fifth of men say they might do more DIY if they didn't work such long hours, and one in 10 say they don't get the chance to do anything because their partner automatically books a tradesman when anything needs doing.

The results show 18 per cent of men have had to call in a tradesman after they had botched a DIY job.

Most commonly botched jobs include plumbing in sinks and toilets, putting up shelves and fixing leaks.

And in each case, the average bloke spent an extra £200 trying to repair the damage they had caused to the house.

But 14 per cent are too proud to call in a tradesman, and 27 per cent are embarrassed that they're not a bit more hands on with jobs around the house.

DIY TASKS MODERN MEN CAN'T DO:

1. Plumb in a sink 76 per cent 2. Fit a new kitchen 86 per cent 3. Change a fuse 30 per cent 4. Seal a bath or sink 56 per cent 5. Hang wallpaper 59 per cent 6. Tile a wall
68 per cent 7. Remove a radiator 76 per cent 8. Replace broken tiles
72 per cent 9. Fit a curtain rail
47 per cent 10. Fit a carpet
78 per cent 11. Fit gates or fences
71 per cent 12. Unblock a sink or toilet
49 per cent 13 Change a tap
73 per cent 14. Lay a vinyl floor
76 per cent 15. Lay decking
78 per cent 16. Turf the garden
61 per cent 17. Paint the house
39 per cent 18. Strip wallpaper
39 per cent 19. Fit a door
61 per cent 20. Fix a leak
73 per cent

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

B&Q'S DIY.com goes mobile

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

B&Q today (27 September 2011) announces the launch of its mobile transactional online site. The site will give on the move access to diy.com with next day delivery on around 15,000 lines and the ability to reserve any product from the full range and collect from store within half a day.

Customers can currently access DIY.com from their mobiles however, the current DIY.com website navigation and structure is geared towards inspirational browsing from a desktop. So far this year almost 4.5 million users have browsed DIY.com via their mobile device and now this experience will be much easier and customers will be able to browse and shop quickly with minimum clicks.

Internet usage is growing with 28 million UK consumers shopping online. By 2014 numbers are expected to increase to 37m and it is predicted that £1 in every £10 will be spent online using various channels during 2012. By 2020 it is predicted that as much as 60 per cent of an organisation's sales will be achieved through their multi channel capabilities. Consumers want to shop via the channel of their choice; store, phone, website, or brochure, to fit their lifestyles, and more than 75 per cent of consumer's use two or more channels to research and complete a transaction.

Whilst 51 per cent of smart phone users are more likely to purchase from retailers with a mobile specific website, trends also show that consumers are using their mobile devices more and more for researching and reserving products too via the reserve and click service.

Consumers are also looking for more and more content. B&Q launched its iPhone App in the summer of 2010 and the plan is to link the mobile site to the App which provides helpful ‘How To' information and home improvement advice, in the coming weeks. The App is currently downloaded by around 3,000 people a month.

This latest launch is part of the multi channel investment plan announced by B&Q's parent company, Kingfisher plc in March of this year.

Dave Elliott, Director of MultiChannel at B&Q says; "We're bringing our online channels inline with consumer trends to make it easier for our customers to browse, be inspired and shop for all their home improvement needs on the go with minimum effort and no fuss."

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Unibond makes DIY easier with new sealant range

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With 93% of the UK's DIY consumers saying that they would be interested in a product that they can use without a sealant gun, UniBond continues to make DIY easier with the launch of the new Easy Smooth sealants in a revolutionary patented applicator.

The new sealant aims to create a less messy experience, with DIYers feeling satisfied and proud of the result. The unique ergonomic design for application, combined with UniBond's easiest sealant to use to-date, allows even novices to get a perfect seal.

The pre-sized rotating nozzle and trigger mechanism allows an even and smooth bead of sealant to be released creating a professional finish. UniBond's Easy Smooth blend is water-based making it easier to smooth and retouch.

UniBond's Easy Smooth sealants are waterproof and mould resistant. Available now in 200ml cans from all major DIY stores in ‘Shower, Bathroom and Kitchen' and ‘All Purpose' variants.

Tips on Sealing - How to achieve a professional looking finish:

For neat, straight lines, place masking tape on the edges of the joint to be sealed.
After applying the sealant to the area, use the UniBond Sealant Finishing Tool for a perfect finish.
Remove the masking tape before the sealant skins over.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Brace yourself for another cold winter with Verdo Briquettes

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With up to one million UK homes now using log burning stoves, wood burners or multi-fuel stoves - finding a cost effective, reliable fuel source is essential. And as the winter months draw closer, keeping the open fire stoked can be costly. Experts are predicting another freezing cold and snowy winter this year, increasing the need to be prepared. Add to that the predicted 11% rise for electricity and 18% rise for gas bills, and finding cheaper alternatives becomes a serious business .

Step forward Verdo renewable wood briquettes - which burn for twice as long as traditional logs and are sourced from renewable, managed wood supplies. One pallet of Verdo briquettes - which costs less than £300 delivered to your home - has the same output as 10m3 seasoned wood which would cost approx. £800 or 500L of heating oil which costs over £300 but creates more serious carbon emissions than wood burning and is, of course not sustainable.

Ideal for open fireplaces and wood burning or multi-fuel stoves, Verdo wood briquettes are more eco-friendly, convenient and cost effective than logs or coal. The briquettes are clean, compact, can be split by hand and create minimum levels of ash (typically less than 1%) so less cleaning up is needed. And they donʼt leave that black soot on the glass door of your wood burner either - much less cleaning time needed! Managing Director at Verdo, Richard Smith comments:

"Many people donʼt realise the saving they could be making by swapping their normal logs for wood briquettes. One of our pallets will last the average consumer a whole year and is the same weight as five bags of logs - but burns for twice as long.

Not only do they offer a more cost effective way of heating your home but they are also much cleaner too - less ash and minimal marking on appliance glass doors. Itʼs still a fairly new option in the UK but is well established in Scandinavia, a region which knows all about how to keep warm."

Verdo manufactures 30,000 tonnes of wood briquettes from sustainable virgin timber at plants in Andover, Hampshire and Grangemouth, Scotland.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Build Center supports World Vision at world's largest flower show

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Leading national builders' merchant, Build Center, is supporting the World Vision UK charity show garden at the 2011 Hampton Court Palace Flower Show by supplying £2,000 worth of hardscaping products.

Build Center has provided 150 bags of Postcrete, 50 bags of cement, five cubic metres of building sand and 100 timber posts from Grange to help construct the unique World Vision show garden, which will feature a dark reflective pool punctured by two striking turf domes. The design will showcase a selection of prairie grasses and perennials to add movement, texture and another visual dimension to the space.

Paul Pender, Build Center's Branch Manager at Hinchley Wood commented: "We are delighted to support World Vision in the creation of its show garden and cannot wait to see how the design turns out - it should certainly catch the eye of visitors based on the plans we have seen!

"Build Center has a specialist landscaping offer, with dedicated Landscaping Centers located across the UK. We provide a full portfolio of basics like paving, fencing, driveway and decking and more specialised items like garden structures, decorative walling and aggregates, which is why we were ideally placed to provide the thousands of pounds worth of products for this event."

Build Center has 150 branches across the UK offering a range of standard and specialist building materials and services and specialist branches in Timber, Ironmongery, Landscaping and Glass form part of the network.

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the largest flower show in the world. Taking place from 5th-10th July, it is an opportunity for more than 200,000 visitors to admire spectacular garden designs and demonstrations. For more details or to buy tickets visit www.rhs.org.uk.

World Vision UK aims to make a serious and sustainable impact on poverty and its causes and as a charity is committed to long-term change. Further details on current campaigns and how to get involved can be found at www.worldvision.org.uk.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Bathstore comes to aid of Dolphin Bathroom customers

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bathstore, the UK's leading bathroom retailer, has announced a special offer to help out of pocket Dolphin Bathroom customers, following yesterday's news regarding the troubled bathroom retailer.

Bathstore will come to the rescue of any consumer who loses a deposit on a Dolphin order, by honouring that deposit and subtracting its value from an equivalent Bathstore order.

To claim the special offer, customers should visit one of the participating Bathstore stores** across the UK, with their current Dolphin order confirmation.

The offer is available exclusively to Dolphin customers left disappointed and out of pocket, following reports that Dolphin has closed the doors to its bathroom showrooms.

Bathstore stocks a range of over 1,500 quality bathroom products, including showers, baths, basins, toilets, as well as bathroom furniture and an extensive collection of accessories, all at value for money prices.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Screwfix powers up a top brand exclusive

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tough on the outside and intelligent on the inside, the eagerly awaited DeWalt 14.4V XR range, with its unique 1.5Ah lithium ion batteries, has landed exclusively on the shelves of specialist trade only supplier Screwfix.

Available, over the phone, online and in Screwfix's 168 trade counters across the UK for next day delivery or collection, the new XR range features the latest technology from DeWalt, bringing smart innovation to Screwfix's already extensive power tool selection.

The new range boasts extreme run time, increased efficiency and improved performance. By constantly monitoring tool and battery operation the intelligent electronic module and switch maximises performance and prevents damage caused by overload or temperature build up, therefore increasing the lifetime of the battery and the tool.

The exclusive 14.4V range at Screwfix includes a drill driver and compact hammer drill, both featuring a two speed transmission for longer runtime and tool life. For a speedy one-handed bit change, both tools have 13mm keyless chucks with an automatic spindle lock, and for optimised precision, the 14 position adjustable torque provides just that.

Also featured in the range is a compact impact driver which is currently the most compact on the market. With an improved ergonomic design which assists driving, and a drop-in keyless hex driver, it is perfect for quick one-handed bit changes and is also available in a twin pack with the hammer drill.

The whole range comes with 2 x 1.5Ah top quality Li-Ion batteries with an easy slide function for fast battery changes, and each XR tool has a time delayed LED light for added visibility in areas which lack light. The battery charger included with the products will support all Li-Ion batteries, no matter what voltage, and to cover all bases, DeWalt's XR range comes with a three year warranty.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

22 million homes don't take carbon monoxide risk seriously

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

More than 22 million UK households aren't taking the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning seriously according to new research.

The findings, by npower hometeam which surveyed 2,000 people, found that awareness of the risks associated with carbon monoxide remain at an all time low, as more than two thirds of homeowners are failing to get gas appliances such as boiler, cookers and fires checked regularly for faults and leaks. 83 per cent of homeowners with gas fires don't get them serviced regularly, whilst one in five gas cookers in the UK have never been checked. Only half of homeowners book an annual service for their boiler, even though a third of UK boilers are more than ten years old. One in six questioned never give it a second thought.

Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of fatal poisoning in the UK, with approximately 50 deaths a year, yet just 40 per cent of homeowners have a carbon monoxide alarm, half the number of those with a smoke alarm installed. This means that nearly 16 million homes currently don't have a CO alarm and more than a third of these homeowners don't think they need one. Women are more likely to own a smoke alarm (90 per cent compared to 82 per cent of men), and one in five males questioned didn't know what a CO alarm was.

Joan Coe, marketing manager for npower hometeam, explains: "Carbon monoxide poisoning is often caused by failure or damage to gas appliances which prevents fuel from burning properly and because CO is colourless and odourless, leaks can be difficult to spot. Older appliances are a greater risk when it comes to CO leaks as they're more likely to be inefficient and malfunction, wasting money and risking health. So it's particularly worrying that at least a third of UK boilers are more than ten years old, not to mention other gas appliances such as fires and cookers.
"Millions of homes could be at risk of a carbon monoxide leak. But whilst many of us are aware of the risks associated with fire and are likely to have a smoke alarm installed, attitudes to carbon monoxide poisoning have yet to change in the same way, and very few of us have carbon monoxide alarms in place.

"There is a real danger in not having these appliances checked regularly and replaced when they become old, inefficient and potentially dangerous, as it's not always apparent when something goes wrong. Just by investing in a CO alarm and having these appliances checked annually by an experienced Gas Safe registered engineer such as npower hometeam, you could significantly reduce your risk of CO poisoning.

"Homeowners with boilers reaching the ten year mark should also consider the benefits of installing a brand new A-rated energy efficient boiler, which would not only offer cost savings but is also less likely to malfunction. Furthermore, our team of expert Home Energy Consultants can visit you in your home and help to identify your central heating needs."
Households in Wales and the North West are most at risk when it comes to problems with their boilers with nearly a quarter of respondents in each area having never booked a service. Meanwhile more than 50 per cent of respondents in the East Midlands, North East and North West had never had their gas cookers serviced.

More than two thirds of homeowners in East Anglia and the North West don't have a CO alarm and 67 per cent of homeowners in Northern Ireland without an alarm think that they don't need one.

Those aged under 34 were the least clued up, with one in five 25-34 year olds having never booked a boiler service. That said, 18-24 year olds were the most likely age group to get their gas fire or gas cooker serviced regularly; whilst a surprising 41 per cent of over 55s have never had their gas cooker looked at.

Homeowners can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure their home is well ventilated and by looking out for signs of a leak, which can include discoloration around the edges of the gas appliance, a yellow rather than a blue flame and increased condensation. If you have any concerns about your boiler, do not attempt to fix this yourself and always ensure that you call a Gas Safe registered engineer.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

DeWalt® launch the new XR range

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This summer, leading power tool manufacturer DEWALT® is launching the XR Lithium Ion system , a new range of lithium ion power tools with a new system, new technology, delivering an even more efficient way to work.

The new XR range of lithium ion cordless power tools has been developed by DEWALT® to offer tradesman, professional users and serious DIYers a range of tools that are tough on the outside and intelligent on the inside.

The cordless power tools feature an intelligent electronic module and switch that constantly monitors tool and battery operation, maximizes performance and prevents damage caused by overload or temperature build up, increasing the lifetime of both the tool and battery.

Offering extreme run time, increased efficiency and improved performance, the XR range offers a whole host of innovations and features including:

Universal charging system for all XR batteries and compatibility with the DEWALT® 10.8v battery packs. Provides greater flexibility and omits the need for multiple chargers
Improved motor efficiency - up to 15% faster application speed and 30% more runtime
The all metal gearbox increases efficiency and durability
Current and voltage shut off protects the battery and increases its lifetime
Choice of battery - 1.5Ah for compact efficiency or 3.0Ah for extreme run time
Bright LED light with auto delay feature improves visibility
Tough magnetic bit holder provides practicality by holding bits or screws securely

Available in-store from June, there is an XR tool to suit every need. If you are looking for extreme power and performance the DCD985L2 18v XR 3 Speed XRP Combi is the perfect choice. With 500 Watts power output, 55Nm sustained torque and maximum drilling capacity of 16mm masonry, 50mm wood and 13mm metal, this cordless drill is suitable for even the toughest jobs.

If compact power and efficiency is what you need, the DCD785L2 18v XR 2 Speed Compact Combi weighs in at only 1.8kg, offers 350 watts of power and will drill into a maximum capacity of 13mm masonry, 38mm wood and 13mm metal.

Also included within the range are a number of XR Lithium Ion Combo kits featuring the new Toughsystem^TM, a mobile modular storage system that allows you to quickly and easily change the combination of tools you take to work. The DCK290L2 Combo Kit includes the DCD985L2 18v XR 3 Speed XRP combi, DCF885 Impact Driver, two 3.0Ah batteries, one universal charger and a DS150 Toughsystem^TM tool box.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

Makita helps to move mountains in Nepal

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Makita, the UK's leading professional power tool manufacturer, has helped with the provision of tools to the UK-based, non profit charity, Learning Planet. These tools will be used for their project to continue rebuilding schools in Nepal.

Co-founders Justin Wickham and Dita Chapman have already rebuilt the 14-room secondary school in the remote village of Dhawa which previously had no roads, electricity or piped water. Together they and their team of volunteers and sponsors are responsible for the village's first solar power supply.

Balmitar is one of many small hamlets surrounding Dhawa, a remote rural community with 4,300 inhabitants spread over 20km of beautiful temperate hillsides. Some130km north west of Kathmandu, the village sits at the gateway to the 1,600km Manaslu Conservation Area - a high sub range of the Himalaya in north-central Nepal, surrounded by many of the highest mountains in the world.

Reaching Dhawa takes nine hours by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat on some of the world's most dangerous mountain roads. The last 30km takes an incredible four hours and is simply impassable if it rains. From there, you have to walk: about two hours in the dry season and up to 16 hours across the mountains during the monsoon. With tons of building materials and the latest cordless power tools by Makita, getting everything to site is no mean feat.

This is equally no way to go to school and the route crosses steep jungle, prone to landslides and home to several of Nepal's remaining tigers. The Government has agreed that the smallest children can be taught in a small satellite nursery in Balmitar saving the arduous and dangerous daily trek.

Just about everything, bar steel, tools, nails and cement, is sourced by hand from the surroundings. Stone is cut from the hillside, bricks are baked from village clay, sand is collected at the river bank and wood is harvested from the huge Sal trees - one of the world's best hardwoods - in the tightly controlled community forest.

Justin Wickham project manages the project, recruiting local and international expertise. He will lead the team of carpenters creating an internal structural frame, doors, windows, roof trusses and carved eave and knee braces.

The villagers will mine 100 cubic metres of stone, cut and transport wood from the jungle and help clear the site, and a steady stream of volunteers will assist as labourers.

"We're constantly wowing the local carpenters with the Makita cordless tools - especially the recipro' and circular saws - and the impact driver," says Justin. "Driving a 4 inch bolt into wood harder than oak, in a couple of seconds, always gets their attention. I'm helping them rebuild a dangerous bridge this summer as some small children fell through it recently and one didn't survive - and I know we wouldn't be able to do it without the Makita impact driver." Sponsors include: Epson, Environ, Lemnis Lighting, British Airways, Kingfisher and Makita UK.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.