Lets-do-diy.com News

Grouphomesafe launches ‘Good, better, best’ guide

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Door and window component specialist grouphomesafe has introduced a fabricators' guide which grades its products into good, better and best value categories, branded ‘Optim', ‘Maxim' and ‘Ultim'. The guide covers of all of the group's products and brands including handles, locks, hinges, seals, balances and reinforcement.

Explaining how the guide works, Nick Moss of Grouphomesafe says: "Rather than being a technical data sheet or simply a product catalogue, this publication gives an overview of our product range with information on comparative performance. Split by product group, the aim is to help our fabricator customers to identify the key features and benefits of each product variant so that, in turn, they can differentiate their offer. Optim, for example, is ideal for a door or window range that a fabricator might want to portray as offering excellent value for money, whereas Maxim and Ultim components could be applied to doors and windows to give different degrees of enhanced performance. Therefore the guide can help a fabricator to identify the door and window components that best match their required product positioning and pricing.

"The guide clearly demonstrates the extent of the Grouphomesafe product range and the unique opportunities we can offer our customers to differentiate their products, whether supplying to trade or installing themselves."

Introduced at the FIT Show, copies of the guide are now available from Grouphomesafe's sales team. For more information on grouphomesafe companies and products, visit http://www.grouphomesafe.com/.

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.

Confused by woodstains? Water-based vs. solvent-based – Sadolin explains the difference

Sun, 9 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When making your way down the woodstain aisle at your the local DIY store, it can often get a little confusing with the choice of products available. Trying to choose the right woodstain for a job at hand can leave you a little bit puzzled, especially when either a solvent or water-based product can be used.

But as specialists in wood protection products, Sadolin is here to give you a helping hand when choosing between solvent or water based woodstains.

The difference in VOC
Solvent-based woodstains contain around 75 per cent white spirit (this can also be known as Volatile Organic Compound or VOC), which evaporates into the atmosphere and can reduce crop growth. Due to the higher levels of white spirit in solvent-based woodstains they have a much stronger, lasting smell. In comparison, water-based woodstains only contain about 10 per cent white spirit, reducing their impact on the environment.

The difference in drying time
Water-based woodstains have a much quicker dry time; they are generally ‘touch dry' within an hour. In comparison, solvent-based woodstains have a longer touch dry time of between two and six hours, as they have a longer ‘open time,' allowing you to brush the liquid out more before it dries, making for easy application.

Water-based woodstains are ready for an overcoat in a couple of hours, whereas you'll generally have to wait until the next day to re-apply solvent-based woodstains. But despite the longer dry time, a slightly easier application process means solvent-based stains are often preferred by first time users of woodstains.

The difference in application
When applying water-based woodstains, choose a dry, moderate day. Solvent-based woodstains are generally less prone to weather conditions.

And when it comes to the task of cleaning down after staining - water-based woodstains are much easier to contend with as all you need is warm, soapy water to clean brushes, hands and equipment. In comparison, solvent-based woodstains require the use of white spirit.

And finally...
When you've decided which woodstain is best for you, Sadolin has a wide range of solvent-based and water-based woodstains ready to tackle whatever job you maybe undertaking, in the way that is best suited for you.

Sadolin solvent-based products include:
Sadolin Classic Wood Protection
Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain
Sadolin Advanced One Coat Woodstain
Sadolin Extra Durable Clear Coat

Sadolin water-based products include:
Sadolin Quick Drying Woodstain
Sadolin Woodshield
Sadolin Decking Stain and Protector
Sadolin Garden Furniture Stain & Protector

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.

Tradesmen - Your country needs you

Mon, 3 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tradesmen are once again being invited to take part in a nationwide campaign, run by Screwfix, to find Britain's Top Tradesman.

Now in its third year, Screwfix's ‘Britain's Top Tradesman' initiative aims to raise awareness of, and reward the great work being carried out by UK tradesmen and apprentices. This year's winner will be receive a new Renault van, worth up to £27,000 on the road, as well as the title of the nation's No 1 tradesman - a fantastic differentiator in today's tough economic climate.

Maybe you've re-trained this year and have gained new qualifications, or invested in new technology to kick-start your business? Have you proudly nurtured an apprentice into your trade, or are you just starting out in the industry as an apprentice? Perhaps you have you a fantastic or unusual job for one of your customers; fixed a serious problem for them or even helped out in an emergency situation? Or do you run your business with customers in mind, by offering transparent pricing, free quotes or on a no fix no fee basis.

John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, said: "This is the third year of this campaign - run in conjunction with The Daily Star - to recognise the high quality workmanship that tradesmen and apprentices in the UK provide

"During our previous searches, we have witnessed some exceptional talent and customer service by builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and handymen, who have gone the extra mile for their customers, and we are delighted to be working with the Daily Star to reward the best yet again.

"Tradesmen and apprentices are the foundation of any community, ensuring homes and businesses are fit for purpose. This competition has been created to recognise them and the vital work they carry out."
Winners of Britain's Top Tradesman receive invaluable accreditation which provides customers with peace of mind and an additional level of quality assurance - especially important during these tough economic times.

In 2011, Plumber Paul Martin, from Essex, beat more than 3,000 entries to win the title of Britain's Top Tradesman. Paul, who owns Precision Gas And Plumbing Limited, said: "Winning Britain's Top Tradesman has helped me through a tough financial year. It has attracted valued customers, giving them peace of mind that the work will be done to a high standard. The van I won helps me to stand out, and it is much more fuel efficient than my old model.

"It's such a brilliant title to have and has opened many doors for me, bringing new opportunities to boost my business. People stop me in the street to congratulate me and say they have spotted me in the paper, asking me for quotes for a job there and then! Some people have even kept the newspaper clipping so they know who to call when they need work doing.

"I would recommend any tradesman to enter, if you know you do a good job and believe in what you do you could be in my position in twelve months time, with a successful business, fantastic title and brand new van!"

This year, the winner can select any Renault van, up to the value of 27,000 on the road, whether it's a 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E., perfect for a tradesman, right through to a Master Crew Van for a hard-working builder.

Entries are open until 5th October 2012, with regional finals taking place nationwide. The national final will be in November, with the overall winner being named Britain's Top Tradesman 2012.

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.

Even greener stoves from Euroheat to save on winter bills

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Woodburning stoves don't get more energy efficient and eco-friendly than those offered by Belgium manufacturer Nestor Martin and Euroheat is delighted to now be distributing this innovative brand in the UK.

Available in a range of styles, including floorstanding and space-saving insert models, Nestor Martin woodburning stoves are manufactured from cast iron for a timeless look and offer varying heat outputs so there is an option for rooms of all sizes.

While a Nestor Martin stove will make a stunning focal point in practically any room of the home, behind its striking its exterior lies a hidden wealth of technological innovations which are simply unrivalled, making a Nestor Martin stove the most energy efficient and eco friendly heating option that money can buy.

Nestor Martin offers the very pinnacle of wood burning technology, with each of the stoves in its range having an enamelled back panel which is cream rather than cast iron. This reflects heat more effectively into the room, thereby making the stove more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Many Nestor Martin stoves available from Euroheat feature the company's patented Plexus control technology. This combines the pleasures of warmth and simpler operation with exceptional energy efficiency. The wood stoves can be left to burn safely on a low setting for up to 10 hours without the need for refilling.

Furthermore, Nestor Martin's wood stoves can be controlled via a pre-programmable remote control so the tempo of the fire will intensify or slow down at a pre-set time, whilst the built-in thermostat also enables the user to set the desired temperature. All that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a roaring log fire.

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 clear way to reduce energy bills

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As UK households prepare for whatever this year's autumn and winter weather has in store and widely predicted increases in energy costs there's one clear cost effective way for many to reduce their quarterly bills.

Secondary glazing, or in some cases third glazing, represents one of the easiest and cheapest ways to insulate a home against the elements and can reduce bills by up to 20% with Ecoease leading the way in providing a solution.

Recently featured in a host of national newspapers and on BBC Radio 2, Ecoease secondary glazing is the only system available in the UK to be manufactured from fire retardant, high strength PET. Otherwise known as Polyester, it is also used for aircraft windows and drinks bottles.

It can be easily fitted to the inside of window frames in minutes using Ecoease's magnetic tape and can be taken down in seconds when not required. A measured to fit solution (M2F) can be ordered at www.ecoease.co.uk and on partner retail sites such as www.uswitch.com and www.nigelsecostore.com that reduces the workload to an absolute minimum. It is also a perfect fit for the owners of Listed properties and costs around 10-15% of conventional double or triple glazing.

It's not just domestic households that are benefiting from Ecoease secondary glazing. A growing number of commercial and ‘third sector' organisations are recognising the merits of installation including the All Souls Clubhouse, an independent charity based in London W1 that serves as a hub for community groups in the area.

All Souls Community worker Wilf Parsons explained: "We operate out of a Listed building with sash windows so double glazing was, therefore, not an option. We looked at a few secondary glazing options and decided that Ecoease provided the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solution with an environmental performance to match.

"In addition its fire retardation properties, unlike most other secondary glazing options, have played a part in us retaining our fire safety certification. I would definitely recommend Ecoease!" added Wilf.

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.

Mira Platinum Dual – the latest in luxury showering

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The latest digital model from the UK's No.1 shower manufacturer is the ultimate in luxury showering technology.

Description: Mira platinum new colour dry shot 2Description: Mira_Platinum Dual Photo1The newly launched Mira Platinum Dual is designed to offer a multi outlet showering experience where the deluge head and handset can be used independently or in unison. The innovative design allows users to divert the water flow from the large luxury chrome 250mm deluge head to the stylish 360 multi-mode showerhead for ultimate practicality, and for a full drenching flow they can be easily switched to work together. Platinum Dual also comes with a bath fill option, allowing users with a tub to have the flexibility of both shower and bath fill. With Platinum Dual bath fill mode there's no need for taps, creating a clean minimalist look.

The stylish shower, designed in response to growing consumer demand for digital solutions, can be pre-programmed to provide precise temperature and flow control with LCD feedback, whilst additional wireless controllers* mean that the shower can even be turned on from outside of the bathroom for added luxury. The thermostatic shower can be programmed to warm up to the desired temperature and will then pause to save water, ready to be reactivated upon stepping into the shower. Platinum Dual also offers a maximum temperature setting, a safety feature which limits the temperature making it the ideal choice for families with young children.

For those looking to save water and money on their energy bills, Mira Platinum Dual also has an eco-mode to ensure the water flow is moderated. Additional benefits include a digital clock display and a shower timer setting, so that you can keep track of how long you're spending in the shower and regulate your water usage, as well as ensuring that you're never late for work again!

Mira Platinum comes with the innovative Mira 360m showerhead which features Flipstream Technology^TM, a completely unique flipping mechanism that allows you to alternate between the four different spray patterns by rotating on its axis for the best possible shower, as well as providing a stylish look for any modern bathroom.

This minimal cutting-edge shower is quick, flexible and unobtrusive to install as well as simple to use. Mira Platinum Dual comes with a choice of fittings which allow the water supply to be either rear or ceiling fed, and there are options for either high pressure or pumped systems.

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.

Almost 40 million Brits will celebrate an occasion in their garden this summer

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New research reveals that the summer of 2012 is a bumper year for the Great British garden, with 77 per cent of Brits set to spend time in their garden for a summer of celebration and 37 per cent going garden mad by spending more money on their outdoor space than ever before. Further findings reveal figures around outdoorsy young Brits, true sheddies and men showing their 'masculine' side in the garden.

The study by garden woodcare brand Cuprinol, found that as a result of this summer's national events, green fingered Brits across the UK are splashing out on lavishing their outdoor oasis. From planting budding bulbs and adding fresh licks of paint to garden furniture, the nation is set to ensure it's in tip top shape for this summer's garden parties.

With this exciting time for the Great British garden, more than a quarter of Brits (26 per cent) are organising more patriotic parties in their garden space, compared to previous years. As friends and family kick-start celebrations, men are getting ready to show-off their 'masculine side' with 83 per cent of those polled planning to roll up their sleeves and take charge of the BBQ this summer, compared to past years.

There has even been a significant rise in the number of sheds we own with 22 per cent more being bought now than 10 years ago, revealing we are truly becoming a country of sheddies and spending more time than ever before in our outdoor havens.

The research reveals that it's not just the older generation who will be making use of their outside space, with an impressive number of patriotic youngsters under the age of 25 (44 per cent), planning to celebrate in their garden due to this summers nationalistic events.

Garden crazed Brits have been thinking ahead in preparation for this year's celebrations, with over half of the nation (52 per cent) beginning to spruce up their outdoors over the spring months.

As many as a quarter of Londoners plan to show their nationalistic side this June and celebrate the Jubilee in their garden, followed by those in the East Midlands (22 per cent). Bank holidays (in particular the Jubilee) will be the biggest events of the year with over half of Brits (61 per cent) using the long weekends to enjoy their outdoor retreats.

Kathryn Ledson, Cuprinol Marketing Manager, Comments:
"As the country get's into the swing of this year's exciting events and the Union Jack begins to line our streets, now is the perfect time to give your garden a patriotic sprucing-up in true British style. Why not add a lick of paint to brighten-up tired looking garden furniture or fix-up those fences to create a tip-top garden in-time for all that alfresco entertaining this summer."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Londoners are the most likely to celebrate the games in their garden (17 per cent), while those in the North East are least likely to venture outside to celebrate the sporting event (8 per cent).

When it comes to the Euros, those in Yorkshire are most likely to hold a garden party (17 per cent), while those in Scotland and the North East are least likely to (8 per cent and 6 per cent respectively).

Further results show that Northern Ireland will spend the most time on their garden this year (50 per cent) but it is those garden enthusiasts in the East Midlands (36 per cent) who will be holding more garden parties (36 per cent) this year, compared to the rest of the UK.

Cuprinol's top tips to spruce your garden up while the sun is still shining:

1. Create an on-trend look for this summer of celebration by painting your garden furniture in the right colour to complement your favourite plants

2. Use subtle hues and pastel shades introduced through soft colour planting to achieve this season's 'country garden' look

3. Curpinol Garden Shades colours in Purple PansyT, Fresh RosemaryT and Forest MushroomT can be used to highlight picket fences, gates and seating in these soft colour palettes

4. The use of strong fiery oranges, pinks and yellows in planting are key in creating the big, 'bold and bright' look, also a popular look for this summer

5. Dahlias and Chrysanthemums will provide structure and give the look of a jewelled garden alongside the use of Cuprinol Garden Shades Sunny LimeT, Beach BlueT, and Hammerite YellowT on seating and planters

6. In an urban or contemporary garden take inspiration from the 'monochrome' trend, use neutral colours such as Cuprinol Garden Shades Jasmine White TM and Silver Birch TM against dark backdrops such as Cuprinol Garden Shades Black AshT to give your garden a chic makeover

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.

Supreme Court ruling will benefit homeowners

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Local green energy experts BSOLAR have welcomed a Supreme Court decision meaning homeowners will benefit from higher green incentives.

Last year the government slashed the green incentives they offered for solar panel installations through the "Feed in Tariff scheme" (FITs).

The FITs scheme guaranteed homeowners 43p per kWh of energy they generate from solar panels but in December the government cut this to rate to 21p.

Friends of Earth successfully took the government to court over the cuts because there hadn't been an adequate consultation process and this has now been upheld in the Supreme Court.

For homeowners this means that if they have had solar panels installed between 12 December last year and 4 March this year they will receive the higher 43p per kWh rate.

Peter Bladen, managing director of BSOLAR said: "This is a welcome decision which brings to an end months of uncertainty in the industry. It's also great news for homeowners who installed before the 4 March but weren't sure what incentive they would get. It now means that they will receive the high rate of 43p per kWh, which is guaranteed for the next 25 years. As a result homeowners could be earning up £1,600 a year on an average system, and be turning a profit on their systems in less than five years."

Peter does have some concerns of the judgment though. He said: "The judgment means that the government will now have to fork out more money for installations made between December last year and March this year. As a result there will be less in the ‘pot' and it is much more likely that the government with go through with planned cuts for any new solar panel installations."

Peter advises any homeowners considering solar panels to install them now before the government implements the cuts expected to come into effect in summer.

He said: "Now the government is offering a reduced rate 21p KWh for homeowners who install panels. This is still a good rate for homeowners, meaning they would earn an income of around £800 a year and the panels will pay for themselves in less than 10 years. However if the government goes through with their intention to reduce the FIT rate to as low as 13.6p after July, then solar panels will be a less lucrative investment. So simply put install now to benefit from the higher rate."

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.

DIY Britain is back, says George Clarke

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

BRITAIN is becoming nation of DIY experts as homeowners increasingly turn their hand to big jobs around the house to save money rather than pay big bills to professional workmen, says Ideal Home Improvement Ambassador George Clarke

"DIY is making a big resurgence in Britain at the moment. With the rising costs of living, homeowners are now looking for more ways to save money and cutting back on household expenses. So, with this increasing need to save, homeowners are now being encouraged to do their own DIY again" said George.

However, the experience of bad DIY can also put people off. With botched or unfinished projects often leaving your once beautiful home in a worse state than before you started, some homeowners are apprehensive about embarking on DIY for fear of devaluing the property.

According to a recent survey by B&Q just four in ten people believe they have the necessary skills to tackle DIY projects themselves. As a nation it is evident that we are getting worse at doing simple tasks such as fixing a light, tiling the bathroom or putting up a set of shelves.

"It's time we started giving homeowners the confidence to embark on their own DIY projects and teach the nation how to do DIY properly, as well as providing the tools to do it themselves" added George.

This year, George Clarke and the Ideal Home Show and B&Q are looking to encourage Brits to tackle their own DIY challenges, helping homeowners save money by showing them how to transform their homes on any kind of budget as well as teaching people the tricks of the trade of how to be a DIY expert.

The resurgence of DIY in Britain also comes at as Grant Schapps MP, Housing Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government, also announced his ‘Tenant Cashback' scheme which will allow house-proud residents to take over more of their repairs budget and carry out their own DIY or choose a local handyman to do the work. Any savings made will be theirs to pocket.

"Companies like the ideal Home Show and B&Q are mobilising the nation to help make DIY easier and value for money, quality products more accessible and affordable" said George.

This year's show offers a range of practical sessions in the ‘How To Theatre' in association with B&Q where all members of the family can learn new skills including energy saving solutions, plastering, painting, wallpapering, flooring and sessions on how to create fabulous and co-ordinated looks within the home, and how to do DIY properly, as well as offering a variety of brands and suppliers who can help people understand how to improve their homes or even self-build.

B&Q's team of You Can Do It instructors, all highly experienced DIYers who teach daily DIY classes at 15 You Can Do It centres located in B&Q stores around the UK will also be on hand offering a series of daily workshops throughout the 17 days. Visitors will also receive a postcard including details of each project and product used to take away with them.

"The Ideal Home Show is a perfect place for consumers to come and see a variety of products, with manufacturers and companies offering expert advice on how to do it properly. If you're embarking on a DIY project these initiatives are great way to give people the confidence to do it themselves" added George Clarke.

The show's ideal Interiors Ambassador Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is also on a mission to spruce up our living rooms and aims to make us a nation with the world's best interiors, alongside Dan Hill the UK's leading expert in reclaimed building materials and construction waste who will show you how easy it is to take an old bit of furniture and show you how to turn it into something amazing.

B&Q Ambassador Kirstie Allsopp will also be hosting a special Jubilee themed ‘Get the look' workshop on the 28th March in which she will pass on her tips for styling your home as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this summer.

Money Saving expert Martin Lewis will also be on hand on Friday 16th March from 11.30am offering advice on how to save money on the cost of living at this year's show.

It's not only inside the house where people can get back to DIY, but in the garden too. The gloomy outlook on the cost of landscaping and garden maintenance combined with some poor summers, has led to a decline in the number of people looking to invest in their outside space, focusing on more pressing household maintenance. But Alan Titchmarsh, TV presenter and Ambassador for the ideal Gardens section sponsored by Hydropool at the Ideal Home Show is encouraging homeowners to take to the lawn and do it themselves in the garden:

Alan Titchmarsh commented: "A garden always looks better when it's maintained properly. But there are ways that you can make your money go further. I want to make people think and say ‘I can do that'. I want to inspire people with ideas, so that they get back into the garden and give it a go themselves".

This year's ideal gardens sponsored by Hydropool will be showcasing beautiful gardens in different situations, and offering practical DIY advice for landscaping your garden.

The Ideal Home show by Hydropool is also calling for entries into the annual DIY Dad of the year competition sponsored by B&Q. Following on from the success of last year, the competition - to be hosted by George Clarke - will see all willing Dads compete against each other, answering a series of rapid fire questions in a pub style quiz, with the 3 highest scoring dads going through to the final with a guaranteed £250 prize.

From here they will go for GOLD as they battle it out in a series of practical DIY challenges that may include flat pack furniture assembly, laying a floor, a delicate painting task, or even wiring a plug!

The competition is expected to be fierce with B&Q's offer of £1000 to spend in store for the winner as well as the coveted title, providing the perfect incentive. Not content with providing fantastic prizes, B&Q's team of DIY experts will be on hand to cheer our dads on and ensure that the boys play fair.

The DIY competition will take place on Thursday 29th March 2012 in the ‘How to' Theatre sponsored by B&Q at the Ideal Home Show, Earls Court London.

George Commented: "This is a brilliant, fun competition for the family. Initiatives like this are exactly what the country needs to encourage people to roll up their sleeves and re-build DIY Britain again! I'm looking forward to extending this to women and kids next year. Who knows, maybe we'll create the DIY family of the year."

Together, ideal Home Show ambassadors George Clarke and Alan Titchmarsh and our range of guest speakers are hoping to inspire millions of people around the UK to get back to household DIY.

For further information on this and a full schedule of the sessions taking place on the ‘How to' Theatre in association with B&Q just visit the home improvement section of www.idealhomeshow.co.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.

Creating your ideal home

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

- Home Improvement workshops, Kirstie Allsopp, George Clarke and Alan Titchmarsh to help the nation transform their homes and gardens at this year's Ideal Home Show -

A recent survey by B&Q reveals that in what is expected to be Britain's biggest year of home celebrations for a decade, an impressive 70 per cent of UK home owners admit to being house proud, with a quarter of us planning to do up our home and garden ahead of the Jubilee and Olympics festivities. However, in spite of these good intentions, the survey also highlighted that just four in ten people believe they have the necessary skills to tackle these projects themselves, and over a third (33 per cent) profess to being terrible at DIY.

Fortunately, this is set to change, thanks to B&Q who will be leading the way in helping the nation overcome their DIY fears at this year's Ideal Home Show. The show opens at Earls Court London on 16th March where the UK's largest home improvement and garden centre retailer will be supporting this year's show by leading a series of daily ‘How to' home improvement workshops which are expected to attract thousands of people during the show.

In addition, B&Q's celebrity ambassadors Kirstie Allsopp, George Clarke and Alan Titchmarsh will be appearing at the show, doing what they do best and showing people how to get the best from their home and garden. As a recent survey by B&Q shows, of all the expert celebrities who people trust and would turn to for home and gardening advice, Alan, Kirstie and George come out on top.

B&Q will be hosting four daily sessions in the ‘How to' Theatre, in which a team of B&Q experts will cover many of the jobs people put off or don't feel confident doing including, painting***, wallpapering, flooring and a final session on how to create fabulous and co-ordinated looks within the home. The workshops will be presented by B&Q's team of You Can Do It instructors, all highly experienced DIYers who teach daily DIY classes at 15 You Can Do It centres located in B&Q stores around the UK.

Visitors will also receive a postcard including details of each project and product used to take away with them.

On Wednesday 28th March (4.30 - 5.30pm), Kirstie Allsopp will be hosting a special Jubilee themed ‘Get the look' workshop in which she will pass on her tips for styling your home as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this summer. For further information on this and the full schedule of sessions at the ‘How to' Theatre in association with B&Q, just visit the ideal home improvement section of www.idealhomeshow.co.uk.

Katherine Paterson, B&Q's Marketing Director says; "As our research shows, many people are planning to do some home improvement ahead of this summer's celebrations, but many are yet to feel confident about doing the jobs themselves. We are really excited to be leading the ‘How to' Theatre at this year's show, and hope our daily workshops will make people feel energised and ready to have a go themselves at home.

Our team of experts will be there to show you how simple it can be, whether it's laying new flooring or painting a feature wall in the living room. We look forward to welcoming our celebrity ambassadors to the show who will be there to help make it easier for everyone to get the best out of their home and garden."

On the 17th - 19th March, everyone's favourite gardener Alan Titchmarsh will be putting his gardening expertise to good use, by demonstrating his essential tips to achieve the perfect, vibrant garden this summer in his ‘Bringing Colour into your Garden' session.

On 28th March from 4.30 - 5.30pm, Kirstie Allsopp will be hosting her special Jubilee themed ‘Get the look' workshop in the ‘How to' Theatre in association with B&Q.

From 16th - 1st April, Celebrity architect and TV presenter George Clarke, will be hosting a number of interactive sessions in the ‘How to' Theatre in association with B&Q under the theme; Making Space & Homes Work, Empty Homes & Restoration Man. George will be drawing on his experiences from his latest TV series, Restoration Man as well as his Great British Property Scandal campaign to bring visitors new insights on updating and getting the best out of their home.

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 expands compact and powerful 10.8V Lithium-Ion range

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Makita is expanding the already popular 10.8 volt Lithium-ion power tool range to meet the demand from tradesmen for compact yet powerful tools ideally suited to confined space operations. The Makita 18v Li-ion range has set the industry standard for performance and rugged reliability in the toughest site operations and a complimentary range of equally robust yet more compact-size tools are in demand. These are ideal for such tasks as kitchen and bathroom installations and other projects where access is limited. The exceptional running time provided by these Makita 10.8v tools is longer than similar voltage Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries and with a swift 50-minute recharge time these cells provide power and extended operation.

A new jigsaw, reciprocating saw, tile cutter and even a compact site radio, join the range which includes drill drivers, impact driver, impact wrench, 85mm circular saw and vacuum cleaner. The range also includes the ‘Pink Drill', the special edition 10.8v drill driver marketed to support the Breast Cancer Care charity with a £5 donation from Makita for every unit sold.

The new Makita JV100 10.8v Lithium-ion jigsaw will cut 65mm in timber and 2mm in mild steel. With an 18mm stroke length and up to 2,400 strokes per minute and three orbital and one straight cut blade operating mode selected by a body side lever, this is a full feature jigsaw that weighs only 1.7kgs and measures just 196mm from the top of the soft-grip handle to the base-plate and 231mm from front to rear. The rigid aluminium base-plate bevels from 0° to 45°, both left and right. The useful dust blower feature from Makita's 18v range is incorporated to keep the cutting line clear and visible and a dust extraction connection is provided. This compact and powerful jigsaw will be very useful in many installation operations.

The new Makita JR100D and JR102D 10.8v reciprocating saws expand on the "easy access" principle by providing two operating switch alternatives on one tool. The normal rubberised non-slip pistol grip has the traditional variable speed trigger switch but for very tight access operations a paddle switch on the tool body only requires the operator to get his hand around the body to hold it in position and squeeze the paddle switch. This is a really useful limited-access option. With a 13mm stroke and up to 3,300spm the Makita JR100D will cut a 50mm diameter steel pipe which is ideal for all plumbing installation work on site. Tool-less blade change is a feature of the JR100D while the JR102D also uses jigsaw blades, again offering integrated product compatibility.

The new Makita CC300D tile and glass cutter is just 300mm long and tips the scales at 1.7kg. The 85mm diamond blade will run up to 1,400rpm providing a 25.5mm depth of cut at 90° and 16.5mm cut at 45°. Dust suppression is by a 300ml easy-fill water canister whilst the nickel-plated base plate resists rust.

Maintaining the compact and robust philosophy of the 10.8v range is the new Makita MR051 site radio with two 1.5 watt speakers and full AM and FM ranges, push-button or manual tuning and full-volume run time of two hours. This 0.5kg sound system has an earphone jack plug and MP3 input connection.

All 10.8v Makita tools are available in "body only" format for operators who already have sufficient battery cells, or are supplied complete with two 1.3Ah Li-ion cells, fast charger and carry case. Compact and powerful, the Makita 10.8v range is set to establish new standards for limited-access tool operations.

More information about the extensive and comprehensive Makita Li-ion cordless range is available at www.makitauk.com

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.

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.