‘How To’ Archives
How to insulate your loft
Approximately 25% of the heat from a home is lost through the roof, so start saving money and keeping warm by making sure you have a properly insulated loft. This is an ideal DIY job that doesn't need any special skills. Time to complete job: One day. Approximate budget: 200mm (8in) thick insulation rolls, 7m (8yds) long and 370mm (15in) [...]
Gas leaks: Heating and Plumbing
It's important to make sure all your gas appliances are installed properly and serviced regularly. Problems Contact a Gas Safe Register registered installer immediately if you notice the appliance isn't working properly. Never try and tackle any repairs or pipe connections yourself. Top tip You can buy carbon monoxide detectors that [...]
How to install a garden tap
Keep your garden green with our handy guide to installing an outside tap. Even if you have several water butts that provide you with most of your water needs in the garden (and you should!), you'll still find that a source of running water in the garden is necessary on occasion. How else are you going to fill that gorgeous water feature you'll [...]
How to fix a spluttering tap
It's really the last thing you want when you wake up at 4am and hit the bathroom for a quick drink of water: a spluttering, chugging tap that seems loud enough to wake the neighbours. But, in older houses where there's a header tank in the loft, spitting taps are all too common. If you've had any work done on your plumbing and there's not quite [...]
How to repair a burst pipe
Learn how to cope with this plumbing emergency before it happens. Find out how to turn off the hot and cold water supply so that you can minimise the damage when a pipe bursts, and have the basic tools somewhere handy. But never try and repair a leaking boiler - call in a professional instead. Time to complete job: About 30 [...]
How to Apply Feng Shui to a Room
Do you avoid feng shui because you think you'll have to use crystals, wind chimes and little trinkets from the souvenir shop in Chinatown? Well, fear not! You can add feng shui to any home and receive all the wonderful benefits that it brings (more money, love, health and well-being). Since your intention is the most important ingredient, you can [...]
How To Store and Display Books
A collection of books can be a decorative element in a room if you learn how to display books in an effective way. Learn how to display books for easy reference as well as for decoration.Choose the type of books you have and how they'll look best. Remember that you'll want to read the books from time to time, so make sure they're easily [...]
