Lets-do-diy.com News

Second-time homebuyers 'benefit from DIY improvements'

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:34:00 GMT

A website has stressed the advantages that DIY projects hold for second-time homebuyers.

According to Ratedpeople.com, DIY improvements are worthwhile for Britons buying their second home because they are likely to remain there for a number of years.

The website claimed that homeowners can improve the value of their property by carrying out relatively straightforward DIY improvements.

Added to this, for many second-time buyers, the new home will provide an opportunity to start a family and begin to create their ideal residence.

As a result, these homes are likely to receive more attention than a first property.

Andrew Skipwith, founder of Ratedpeople.com, said "second-time movers are more likely to have cash to spend on home improvements", adding that they often look to make more significant "alterations to their home to suit their needs over a longer period".

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen recently claimed that DIY enthusiasts are seeking a luxurious appearance for their homes in 2010.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

How to carry out environmentally friendly improvements to your home

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With the recent publication of the Government's Strategy for Household Energy Management (Warmer Homes, Greener Homes) and the introduction of Pay as You Save, there is no better time to investigate how to carry out environmentally friendly improvements to your home. Pay as You Save allows the cost of energy- saving measures to be paid back over many years - removing a major hurdle to investing in large-scale 'green' improvements.

To help homeowners and others decide which measures could be most beneficial, Haynes publishes The Eco House Manual. In keeping with Haynes' practical approach to a wide range of subjects (from cars, motorcycles, to babies), The Eco House Manual offers concise information, sensible advice and step-by-step projects for your home and garden.

A wide range of subjects are covered including construction materials, insulation, heating, electricity use, water supply and waste. There are sections to help you work out how well (or badly) your house is insulated and how long a wind turbine will take to pay for itself. Grants that may be available are covered as are building regulations and planning permission. Another section deals with gardens - everything from composting to encouraging wildlife.

Reviewing this book REUK.co.uk, a website covering all aspects of renewable energy wrote: 'This book is recommended reading for anyone interested in improving their home in an eco-friendly manner.'

On the Transitions Culture website the reviewer wrote: 'Publishers of books on a range of practical energy descent related topics could learn a lot from this book about accessibility, clarity and design.

The author, Nigel Griffiths, ran his own building business for 15 years, specialising in conservation and green building, and project-managed a development of 12 new eco-homes in Somerset. He is a building consultant, a visiting university lecturer on sustainability, and an eco-homes assessor for the Building Research Establishment. He writes in a clear, easy-to-understand style, which is complemented by many colour photographs and informative diagrams.

Whether you are contemplating simple environmentally friendly improvements or a major refurbishment, The Eco House Manual should be your first purchase and costs just £19.99 (hardback).

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.

Free expert planning, design and build advice at Grand Designs Live

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This year's Grand Designs Live which takes place from the 1st-9th May at London's ExCeL Centre will offer a greater range of expert advice for your building, home improvement, interior or garden design project than ever before, and all for the price of your/an entry ticket!

Building on the phenomenal success of last year's event, organizers have gone all out to ensure that the very best in expert help is available to visitors of this year's show. So, if you're planning to start your own project or are simply looking for answers to build-related questions then the Grand Designs Expert Advice Centre sponsored by VELUX is the place for you.

Leading industry specialists from across the UK will be there, from fields as far and wide as architecture, finance, structural engineering, planning, self-build and interior design.

Very much an interactive and personal experience, visitors will be able to have a FREE, one-to-one consultation with the experts, in which they can pick the brains of professionals on anything and everything from planning applications and building design to general interiors and gardening ideas.

In order to take full advantage of the help on offer, visitors are encouraged to bring their project plans, pictures or even videos to the show.

Here are some of the expert organisations at this year's show:

Planning & Building

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will have a number of chartered architects, on hand to offer free advice without obligation. The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists will provide technical guidance on how to carry out your project from conception to completion. The largest professional institute for planners in Europe, the Royal Town Planning Association will have their qualified planners ready to help you navigate the planning system, and the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) will also be on hand to help you plan your dream living space.

Retrofitting Your Home

In keeping with the show's environmentally responsible image, the Carbon Free Group, Energy Saving Trust and National Self Build and Renovation Centre's David Hilton will be around to offer suggestions on all things eco-friendly. In addition, the Grand Designs Expert Advice Centre will feature three building conservation groups in the form of The Georgian Group, The Landmark Trust and The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

Expert minds

Heading the cast of top individuals is Grand Designs Magazine architectural expert Peter Caplehorn, who returns for his 6th successive show. Finance guru Mary Riley, urban designer and planner Roger Estop and project manager Graham Davies will also be on hand to provide tips and share useful information.

If it's structural issues that are your concern then look no further than engineers Daniel Wallington and Stuart Tappin. Anything from surveys, appraisals, building defect analysis, repairs, alterations, demolitions or scaffolding, the pair will have it covered.
To help with planning permission in areas of conservation to dealing with neighbourly disputes, Andrew Thompson from Barrett Lloyd Davis Associates will be on hand in The How To...BUILD Theatre sponsored by Bosch

How To... BUILD Theatre sponsored by Bosch

The Grand Designs Live How To...BUILD Theatre sponsored by Bosch will be a veritable fountain of knowledge for the duration of the show's nine days, with a diverse range of informative talks to suit all levels of interest. The feature offers hands-on workshops and advice with solid practical information - this is the place to learn something new.
Both the consumer and trade sectors will be catered for with DIY tips as well as several Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars on offer.

Whether you're after the right renewable materials for your property or just want to learn how to add value to your home, there'll be a seminar with your name on it. From maximizing daylight in the home with the VELUX design Pod, to fitting solar water systems or choosing under-floor heating, the array of topics are bound to prove useful if you're planning a build project

No problem too big or small

So, if you're tempted to convert your current loft space, reduce your carbon footprint, submit a planning application, design a new home or just generally make the most of your current space, no project is too big or too small for the Grand Designs Expert Advice Centre, and the show's wide range of on-site experts. Save yourself the financial and emotional pain of unnecessary mistakes and speak to the experts for FREE before you get your project underway...

Check the Grand Designs Live website for a full list of experts. And don't forget to bring those plans! Grand Designs Live, London runs from Saturday 1st - Sunday 9th May 2010, at London's ExCeL Centre. Book tickets now and save £5* through www.granddesignlive.com, or call the 24 hour box office on 08445810771 + kids go free.

Ticket Information:

Open daily 10am - 6pm

Standard prices Advanced On the door Weekdays (Tuesday - Friday) £10 £15

Weekend
(Incl. Bank Holiday Monday)

£13 £18 Children (aged 15 or under) Free (ticket is required)

Group Discounts
Bring your friends and save even more, with great discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Call 0800 358 0058 for further details on group discounts.

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 Britons told roof insulation is 'an easy way to save money'

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:10:24 GMT

Roof insulation is one of the easiest ways for DIY enthusiasts to save money on household bills, it has been claimed.

According to the Guardian, DIY homeowners are able to save about £150 annually simply by installing insulation to their loft.

In addition, consumers have been told that loft insulation is a relatively straightforward DIY job that can be done at "an extremely low cost".

The newspaper advised: "If there is already some insulation up there, then be sure to top it up to 270mm, you could save around £45 a year on your heating bills."

Meanwhile, cavity wall insulation has been identified as another sensible way to reduce the cost of energy bills.

A third of a home's heat is lost through walls, but solid walls - often found in Victorian properties - are more difficult to insulate than homes built after the 1920s, the newspaper claimed.

The government recently launched a new loan initiative designed to encourage UK homeowners to improve their energy efficiency and save on household bills.

Posted by Thomas Morris

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.

Metro launch search to find fashion & interiors entrepreneurs of the future

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Applications are now open for aspiring fashion and interiors business owners to win the chance of a lifetime as part of a major new competition being run by the free newspaper Metro.

The competition, which launches today (16 March), is called Venture Candy and aims to find the UK's top up-and-coming entrepreneurs and to help their new businesses become established brands.

The lucky winners will receive investment and a host of other top prizes that will give them the business foundations they need to grow.

The benefits on offer to the finalists include a £50,000 advertising campaign, mentorship and a PA service. Other elements of the prize involve marketing and branding, IT support and membership to premier business clubs in the UK.

The application process is simple and easy and is a refreshing shift away from the established format of business investment, where gatekeepers are corporate, wealthy financiers. Venture Candy is easy and free to enter with no "old boy network" to navigate.

The only criterion is that each business idea must fit in to one of the five umbrella themes, which are: Design & Technology, Food & Drink, Fashion & Interiors, Health & Beauty and Green.

Applications can be submitted until 6th April after which time a panel of judges, including Sarah Beeny, Piers Linney, Laura Tenison and Richard Reed, will select the best 3 from each category, from a list of the top 100.

It will then be up to Metro readers to vote for their favourite products, as the top 15 are featured in the newspaper.

The five lucky winners, one from each category, will also receive creative support from The Scarlett Mark, who co-created and designed the project with Metro. Whilst the top 100 entrants will have their businesses reviewed by the panel of investors, with the potential for their business to receive independent investment.

For further details about entering and the prizes, visit www.venturecandy.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.

DIY Britons should 'use white paint to create fresh look'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:59:00 GMT

An interior design expert has told DIY enthusiasts that painting a room white, creating a feature wall and sanding floorboards to a natural finish are all quick ways to give their home a fresh new look.

According to George Clarke, best known for his appearances at the Ideal Home Show, Britons who are fearful of too much colour can just paint their walls white and rely on personal belongings to add colour.

He added: "If you can brave it, pick out one key wall and make it into a feature wall with a beautiful colourful wallpaper."

In addition, Mr Clarke recommended using light to adjust the mood and tone of rooms, while he also suggested returning floor boards to their natural condition.

He urged homeowners to sand old floorboards to get rid of the years of dust and return them to a natural finish.

The Ideal Home Show is an annual event held in London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

Importance of home exterior emphasised to DIY Britons

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:03:59 GMT

DIY enthusiasts have been told that the exterior of their homes is crucial as it determines their "curb appeal" and helps to create the all-important first impression, northjersey.com reports.

Pat Verlodt, president of Colour Services and Associates, an organisation that identifies colour trends, explained that the principal reason why choosing a colour for the exterior is important is that it is such a long-term decision.

Ms Verlodt stated that the average consumer keeps a car for less time than the average homeowner keeps the exterior of their property the same colour.

According to Ms Verlodt, home colours follow various trends and begin years in advance before entering the mainstream.

"Siding colour trends are slow to change because the trends themselves are long-term. They often begin in fashion or accessory colours, then neutralise over time and become popular home colours," she said.

Kristine Tucker, writer for helium.com, recently advised homeowners that warm tone colours can be used to create a surprisingly "fabulous" living room design.

Posted by Barney Marshall

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.

DIYnot for everyone

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An increase in the number of home owners calling out tradesmen for quotes has increased by 122% year on year according to Ratedpeople.com.

The quotes are for more traditional crafts such as stonemasonry and carpentry, skills that are not easy for the average DIYer.

Ratedpeople.com, the UK's largest website for finding trades people, believes the reason for the increase is because homeowners have been inspired by home improvement and property shows on the TV. As people learn about the benefits of the traditional home improvements, they seek a professional to do the job as a fair amount of skill and craftsmanship is necessary to complete the project.

Andrew Skipwith, CEO and Founder of Ratedpeople.com said: "The increase in requests for stonemasons recommended by others is likely to be down to the growing trend in using more traditional features on homes and the increase in number of people building their own homes. It is more important that the aesthetics of a traditional project are correct so most quite rightly opt for a professional to do the job as quite a lot of skill and craftsmanship is necessary to get the right result."

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.

Expert forecasts DIY trends for 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:36:22 GMT

Kelly Hoppen explained that DIY enthusiasts are seeking a luxurious appearance for their homes.

A leading interior designer has given her predictions for the DIY looks for 2010 and claimed that Britons are seeking a luxurious approach.

Kelly Hoppen, who recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show 'The Bottom Line', explained that despite the economic downturn, Britons "still want luxury".

However, the home design expert stated that the "meaning of luxury has been redefined", adding that the trend for 2010 is "Linear Shabby Chic".

Ms Hoppen claimed that the latest interior design trend is for homes to look as though they have "been lived in for years".

Further to this, she said that the popular look can be achieved by making a home appear as if it is an amalgamation of different designs and ideas.

Ms Hoppen described the in-vogue look as one that "has been thrown together with a bit of this from his house and a bit of this from hers and some bits from grannies."

Meanwhile, fellow interior design professional Linda Barker recently claimed that DIY home design is more "eclectic" than ever before.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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 Britons urged to use warm tones

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:34:00 GMT

DIY enthusiasts have been told colours that comprise of warm tones can help homeowners to create an unexpectedly "fabulous" living room design.

According to Kristine Tucker of helium.com, warm paint colours are an appealing option for living room decor because they are soft and are appealing to both men and women.

Ms Tucker explained that warm colours "bring an ethereal presence to your room design", though she acknowledged that such colours can be "unexpected".

Further to this, she noted that "warm brown hues like cappuccino, mocha, and milk chocolate" can make a room seem more attractive.

In addition, Ms Tucker remarked that "soft golden yellows and spicy reds can bring a harmonious blend" to the appearance of a living room, adding that glossy designs are out of fashion.

Meanwhile, a DIY company recently launched a new range of environmentally-friendly paints, which is supposed to contain 22 per cent lower embodied carbon content.

Posted by Thomas Morris

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.

Prime Kensington refurbishment opportunity

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cheniston Lodge, an exceptional unmodernised Grade II listed freehold building, is being launched for sale this week with John D Wood & Co. Currently in use as Class B1 offices, the property benefits from Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for a change of use to a single family house.

The house was built in 1885, of Queen Anne style, with a shaped gable, stereotyped panels of aesthetic decoration and patterns in the glazing bars. Being situated in the prime residential turning of Cheniston Gardens, it is just a 5 minute stroll from Kensington High Street and Holland Park.

Planning permission has been granted for the following accommodation:

Master bedroom with dressing area and ensuite bathroom : four further bedrooms : two ensuite bathrooms : three shower rooms (two ensuite) double reception room : study, library : family room : kitchen/dining room : 2 cloak rooms : store room lift

Matthew Harrop of John D Wood & Co. comments, "This is an intriguing house and an exciting opportunity to create something rather special in the heart of Kensington. I would therefore expect the property to receive a great deal of interest".

The property currently offers 5,178 sq ft of accommodation, and is being for sale with a Guide Price of £2,950,000

For further information, contact Matthew Harrop at Kensington on 020 7908 1100

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

Fathers prefer to use a handyman

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fathers are more likely to use a handyman to do their home improvements, resulting in a big increase in male domestic labour.

It is thought that because fathers are unable to reduce their working hours during the week, they prefer to spend time with their children on the weekend rather than complete DIY home improvement and minor repairs.

This has resulted in an increase of foreign handyman, many of which from Eastern Europe. It is thought that 16% of domestic sector workers in the UK were born abroad, an increase of 7% since the early 1990s.

According to reports from Hull University and the London School of Economics a third of the work force is male.

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.

Fresh decorating ideas to transform your home

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

According to research nearly 1.2 million litres of white emulsion paint will be sold over the Easter weekend, enough to repaint The White House 452 times. To ensure you don't fall in to the same rut, EASIpanel has suggested some fresh decorating ideas to transform your home.

EASIpanel makes a simple, inexpensive and satisfying project and can be used to cover uneven walls and outdated woodchip with minimum fuss. Available in two decorative finishes, tongue & groove or raised & fielded, simply cut the high quality, embossed mdf panels to size and attach over existing surfaces using a liquid nails type adhesive.

Paint effects - add character to a room by enhancing the panel's woodgrain effects. Paint the panels with oil-based gloss and use a gilt cream to enhance the woodgrain texture for a decorative finish. Alternatively, paint with a neutral or pastel shade and rub with fine sandpaper until the desirer ‘shabby chic' look is achieved.
Beautiful bathrooms - transform your bathroom by painting the panels with an on trend colour such as turquoise, named as the 2010 colour of the year. Team the vibrant panels with flamboyant wallpaper and create a look of continuity by cutting the panels to size and boxing in the bath and unsightly pipe work.
Hardwearing hallways - use the panelling to create a tough kid-proof finish in the hallway. For a classic fresh look use a neutral toned eggshell paint and team with natural textures and complete the look with dado moulding.

The EASipanel website is full of ideas for ways to use the product to improve your home, visit www.easipanel.co.uk for inspiration. EASipanel starts at £7.99 per panel and is available from Homebase stores nationwide (tel: 0870 900 8098) and independent retailers (tel: 0115 911 3500) or see www.easipanel.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.

DIY Britons told wooden flooring can transform the home

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 12:55:24 GMT

DIY enthusiasts have been told that they can enliven their homes simply by installing wooden flooring "without breaking the bank".

According to the denbighshirefreepress.co.uk, carpeting is one aspect of homes which can make them appear dated and, therefore, DIY Britons have been urged to bring their homes "into the 21st century" by installing wooden flooring.

Further to this, the website claims that wooden flooring is a practical alternative to carpets.

The website said: "Keeping wood floors clean is simple and quick as there is no more rubbing stains out of the carpet that will never come out or vacuuming up crumbs and mess that gets stuck in there."

In addition, wooden flooring was described as a "beauty that never dates", while the wide variety of available choices enables homeowners to find a style that reflects their personality and taste.

Cork flooring is regarded as eco-friendly because the tree bark is stripped every nine to ten years and does not damage the tree.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

Expert urges DIY enthusiasts to save energy

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 13:27:40 GMT

DIY enthusiasts have been told that simply by installing wall and roof insulation they can reduce heat loss in their homes by around half.

According to Laura Sevier from ecologist.org, just by improving wall, floor and loft insulation, consumers could "significantly reduce" the cost of their utilities bills.

In addition, Ms Sevier warned homeowners that some domestic appliances, such as fridges, dishwashers and televisions, can also waste unnecessary energy.

However, she warned Britons to ensure their home is as energy efficient as possible before installing renewable energy technologies.

Ms Sevier advised homeowners to "find out which renewable technologies will suit your home using the Energy Saving Trust home energy generation selector".

Meanwhile, the government recently announced plans to provide Britons with incentivised loans to help reduce carbon emissions in the UK.

The purpose of the new scheme is to encourage consumers to install energy-efficient appliances in their homes and, as a consequence, reduce the cost of their energy bills.

Posted by Thomas Morris

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 stencil from Crown and the RCA

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Following last year's success, Crown and the Royal College of Art have re-united to launch the Crown Jewels 2010, an exciting and unique collaboration to design modern, stylish and inspired wall stencils for the home.

A brief was given to second year textile and fashion students at the RCA to create a wall stencil for use in the home as a DIY ‘interior design' tool - to be painted directly onto walls within the home using Crown paints. From edgy and contemporary wall art through to more traditional motifs - the results were eclectic, inspired and stunning.

From this year's exceptional entries the Crown judging panel selected ‘The Consequences of a House Party' by Nabil El-Nayal, as the overall winner.

Nabil is currently studying for an MA in womenswear and has already been making impressive waves in the fashion world. In April 2008, he won the Royal Society of Arts Award and in 2009, his Graduate collection won the Womenswear Gala Award at Graduate Fashion Week. His work has already featured in the likes of Vogue.com, Elle and Drapers, making this much garlanded young designer clearly one to watch for the future.

Nabil's design was chosen due to its completely original concept and the quirky inspiration behind it. Nabil's stencil designs capture a selection of objects including a Martini glass, tea cup and vase being knocked over at a house party. Nabil commented: ‘I wanted to encapsulate that precise moment when excitement leads to an object falling, smashing and breaking, and to celebrate that moment by projecting it larger than life on the walls of many homes; therefore providing a long lasting memory of both the party itself, but also, more hauntingly, the object that is no longer'.

The avant-garde new stencils are set to lend a directional look to the walls of any home, and are sure to be a talking point at all social gatherings.

Stencils are the perfect way to bring a directional look in to any room in the home, they are fun to create and each is individual. Try using glamorous metallic's like Millionaire® Fashion for Walls® Metallic, or one of Crown's bold new Feature Wall colours such as Rebel®

Wendy Dagworthy, Head of Fashion and Textiles at the RCA comments: ‘Once again the students have really enjoyed the challenge from Crown and have produced some exceptional work. It is fantastic to give them the opportunity of working with such a fantastic brand and with such a creative brief.'

‘The Consequences of a House Party' stencil has been produced by the Stencil Library and is available to order now at http://www.crownpaint.co.uk

The stencil retails at: £24.00

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 home designers told to be more 'eclectic'

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 12:52:30 GMT

A leading interior designer has claimed that DIY home design is currently more "eclectic" than it has ever been before.

According to Linda Barker, spokesperson for the Ideal Home show, patterned wallpaper and a broad range of colours are two DIY trends that are set to continue this year.

The former star of the BBC DIY show Changing Rooms explained that the popular look for 2010 is "not formulaic, it is not boring, it is not minimalistic - it is quite exciting".

"It is about getting influences from all over the place and employing them in your own home," Ms Barker commented.

In addition, she said rich colours have made a big revival and urged DIY enthusiasts to consider using such colours throughout their homes.

Meanwhile, Ms Barker recently advised Britons to visit high-end showrooms to get inspiration for their own homes.

She said consumers should visit the "best showrooms to get the best ideas" and adjust their budget according to the most attractive design.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

Women's Institute launches DIY initiative

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:05:58 GMT

The Women's Institute (WI) plans to train its members to become more proficient in DIY chores in an attempt to challenge gender stereotypes, the Daily Mail reports.

The WI has invited a leading hardware store to teach its members the basics of home improvement and 75 ladies will soon take part in the first DIY teaching class at Denman College, Oxford.

Apprentices of the store will teach the women how to fix plumbing appliances, apply wallpaper and how to use power tools.

Anne Harrison, the chairman of Denman College, explained that although 21st century women are more independent than ever, many are still unable to fix relatively minor problems.

"It will be wonderful to know you don't have to wait for a man," she told the newspaper.

"You can also save money by being able to do simple five-minute jobs around the house rather than paying someone to come in."

The Women's Institute provides a programme of monthly meetings and demonstrations for its members.

Posted by Thomas Morris

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 homeowners given energy bill savings advice

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 18:03:41 GMT

DIY enthusiasts have been encouraged to save money on their energy bills by implementing a number of changes to their homes.

Chris Goodall, writing in the Guardian, suggested a few DIY changes that could help homeowners to become more energy efficient and also save money on bills.

Indeed, Mr Goodall claims that a series of "simple and inexpensive measures" can significantly reduce the need for heating in most homes.

"It's not glamorous or exciting but the single most cost-effective measure is probably to go round the house searching for leaks and draughts," he said.

In addition, homeowners were advised to fill the gaps in external doors, check for leaks around window frames and block any holes in the brickwork, all of which Mr Goodall claimed would cost less than £100.

Furthermore, he urged property owners to place reflective panels behind radiators because it helps to insulate heat in the room.

The government, meanwhile, is set to introduce a new scheme which will make loans available to Britons who wish to make their homes more energy efficient.

Posted by Jenny Summer

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.

Colourful and fresh ideas to liven up your home this Easter

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Easter Holidays are quickly approaching, and what better way to spend a Bank Holiday weekend then creating a gorgeous new look for your home! With spring finally arriving and summer soon approaching, it's time to give your home a new and colourful lease of life!

Crown paints have a huge array of ideas, paints and trends to inspire, and get your creative juices flowing, and here is just a little taster!

Crown Trends 2010

Using research, observation, experience and a splash of intuition, the 2010 Crown Trends Panel have presented themes that they believe will be pivotal to interior styling in 2010. Together they have created six distinct colour collections of Crown Paint that capture the spirit of each of trend.

Crown Feature Wall

The new Feature Wall collection is the perfect way to instantly give your home a new and colourful lease of life, and a fresh, directional lift! Paint a full wall, a stencil, alcove or stripe with one of Crown's new colours and you'll give your room a trendy boost!

earthbalance

earthbalance® is a paint with reduced environmental impact, perfect for the discerning consumer who wants to make a conscious decision about the environment without compromising on quality, performance or price. The colours are soft, mid to pastel tones that will look modern and stunning in any room of the home.

If you are planning an Easter Decorating special, Crown has the inspiration, ideas and images. We can provide quotations from the Trends Panel, expert colour advice as well as high resolution images, press releases and samples to accompany your feature.

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.