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Mr-Skill says that oft times, you may want to consider building work around your home, and, if so, up to date floor plans will prove vital. He goes on to advise that getting hold of a copy is not that difficult, but more importantly, any substantial work is going to require planning permission to make it legal. One of our regular London general builders reminds us that planning and approval are vital to the homeowner’s interests. 
Getting Started
You will need to locate the archives office of your local municipality. You may also find that your local tax office could help point you in the right direction. Archive offices hold all the information since the original deed, including owners, building permits, and maybe even a set of blue prints. If your archive office draws a blank, proceed to the next level. Meantime, find your general builder here on Mr-Skill, and let them worry about all the legalities.
Research Time
Find out where the fire insurance maps get filed and stored for your local community. These important maps provide information on the construction materials used in buildings in the entire neighbourhood. Some go back as far as the late-19th century when formal records became a local government requirement. Plans will help you determine exactly what your home looked like when built, as well as all the legal modifications officially recorded down the decades.
The Building Inspectorate
This is an important office, as well as a place where you can find out all the do’s and don’ts when it comes to building regulations. Your builder will be required to make application for a building permit before commencing any work on your home. This will then provide you with all the guideline information and processes required. Building permits simply enforce the building restrictions, and alert your local building inspectorate to what is happening.
Keep it Legal
Mr-Skill is a stickler for doing things the right way, that way will be no come back. The role of the building inspectorate is to ensure that all parties involved report on progress with any building work approved. Each entity to the agreement will be held accountable and responsible for all work undertaken. You can be sure that each review stage will undergo close-scrutiny! Mr-Skill has several pre-approved members, so get your general building quote right now
Tags: agreement, buildin plan, building inspectorate, building permits, building regulations, building restrictions, building work, builer, Construction, find a general builder, General Builders, general building quote, Home Improvements, London general builder, materials, modifications, Mr Skill, progress, records
Posted in General Building, Project Advice | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Aug 27
Even the roof of a well-constructed metal shed may eventually submit to the elements, leaving you with a problem to resolve. Noted for their structural stability, metal roofed sheds can be a useful asset on your property, provided you keep things well maintained. Sam, one of our London general builders, has the following sage advice to offer: “minor rust patches and small holes in your metal roofed shed can cause water intrusion in the form of unwanted leaks. You must attend to these leaks as soon as possible if you want to keep the appearance and structural integrity.” Wise advice indeed – thank you Sam! 
What You’ll Need
- Metal roof mesh
- Metal cutters
- Wire brush
- Broom and ladder
- Trowel
- Roof cement (urethane)
Off you go!
Begin by wire-brushing the damaged section of the shed roof, in order to remove all loose and flaky material. Use the broom to brush away the dirt and debris, and make sure that everything is dry before proceeding. If building repairs are not your forte, you can find a general builder right here on Mr-Skill. That way, you know that you’ll be getting the best prices from any one of our many rated members.
Ready to Roll 
Using the roofing mesh, cut two identical square patches with the metal cutters, ensuring that they are over-sized to cover the holes or rusted area – the rule of thumb is to overlap by at least two inches. Now, using the trowel, work the urethane roof cement around to cover the area under repair – as always, read and follow the instructions on the pot.
It is time to press the first patch into the wet roof cement. Spread a further even layer of the urethane coating over that mesh using your trowel. Add the second square of mesh, and apply a final even layer of the urethane over the top. You may have to work the wet roof cement in – this is to ensure a complete and even spread. Finally, always be guided by the instructions and allow sufficient drying time.
If this all proves too hard…
Many people simply don’t have the patience or the necessary know-how to repair things for themselves around their homes. If this describes you, get your general builder quote right here on Mr-Skill, then just put your feet up and relax! A soothing cuppa will always assist!
Tags: asset, clean, debris, dirt, find a general builder, general builder, get a general building quote, leaks, London building expert, mesh, metal, metal cutters, metal roof, repairs, roof, rust, structural integrity, trowel, urethane roof cement, water, wire brush
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Once you have decided to go ahead and get on with a project, one of the greatest frustrations to making a good start is not having a decent measuring device. Whether its woodwork, metalwork, tiling, building or even planting out the garden, accurate measuring forms the vital start point. And, as our Alf says – he’s one of our regular London tilers – “if you get it wrong from the outset, imagine how you’ll be feeling when all is said and done!”
Traditional Tape Measures 
This is what most of us buy as a basic start up. But today, there’s such a wide selection, with literally hundreds of variations to choose from. Practicality suggests that you purchase one that is easy to read and use. Here at Mr-Skill, we concluded that a 3 meter-long flexible metal tape measure – with a 13mm wide blade – makes a useful tool. Oh, and make sure it has a yellow backing with clear black numbering in centimetres and inches, as well as a blade lock and a smooth retracting mechanism. Of course, you could find a carpenter right here and leave the calculations to them too!
We have all used tape measures that threaten to slice our fingertips off when we reel them in! A smaller belt tape should suffice for most project work. Bigger projects, such as built-in cupboards for example, may benefit from an 8 meter tape with a 19mm or wider blade. However Alf simply cannot do without his long-standing 300mm long steel rule. With the measurements etched on the stainless steel face, this one is in it for the long haul.
Callipers
A 200mm basic vernier calliper finished in stainless steel is very useful when cutting mortises or tenons, where accuracy is paramount. This measure is also handy for fitting butt hinges, when you need to measure the thickness of the leaf, and you cannot do so accurately with a tape or rule. Don’t forget to have a set-square available to check for perfect right angles when needed. 
Keeping it Simple
These days, there are all sorts of clever gadgets that allegedly make our working lives simpler. Electronic room measurers for example – they cost a fortune and by the time you have figured out how the infernal device actually works, the batteries have gone flat and you could have long since finished the job using a conventional measure. If this all seems code to you, rather get a general building quote here on Mr Skill. That way, you can sit back and relax while the professionals work out the detail and do the measuring. As our Alf always says, “life is too short for hassles!”
Tags: blade, Building, built-in-cupboards, calculations, calliper, Carpentry, electronic, find a carpenter, get a general building quote, london tiler, measuring, professional, project, right angles, set square, stainless steel, steel rule, tape measure, tiling, woodwork
Posted in Carpentry & Joinery, General Building, Tiling & Flooring | Comments Off
Last month, Mr-Skill posted a couple of articles on the subject of safety. The first specifically related to electrical safety, while the other talked about general safety awareness. In an on-going effort to get this vital message across, we are going to discuss safety in broad terms here. We’ll cover protective clothing, footwear, headgear, tools and a basic understanding of why we all need to be safety conscious and alert. Before we start, a quick word from our many sponsors – we have several skilled experts right here on Mr-Skill – you can find your qualified electrician right now!
Why We Need Safety
Ever since the early days of the Industrial Revolution, the well-being and protection of workers has been evolving rapidly. To begin with life was cheap, labour inexpensive and in plentiful supply, and observing basic safety was not a priority for factory owners and industrialists. These days, we have comprehensive labour laws to protect everybody in the working environment.
Historically speaking, many horrendous work-place disasters have occurred. Investigations into the causes were always enlightening, but if one good thing did emerge, it was the refinement and enforcement of strict new rules, and the introduction of accountability. Unfortunately, quite a number of workers continue to pay the ultimate price while trying to complete their work at all costs.
Safety Apparel
Clothing
Over the centuries, workplace clothing has evolved with safety in mind. Clothing not only protects the body it is covering, but also prevents burns and lacerations, as well as harmful chemical spills on the skin. Appropriate protective clothing is an important safety consideration across all trades, particularly those with moving machinery.
Head Gear
This includes hardhats, goggles and headphones to protect the head, eyes and ears respectively. Face masks too, are important in many occupations. Mr-Skill would like to remind you of the many signed-up members – for example, you can get your plumbing, heating and gas quotes right here in confidence.
Footwear and Hand Protection
Inadequate foot protection continues to result in grotesque accidents in the work place. Proper safety shoes and boots are an absolute must in many of our trades. Likewise, our hands are the tools of our bodies and need protection under harsh working conditions.
Tools 
Over the years tools have become more sophisticated, often with the user’s safety in mind. Tools include not only equipment we use with our hands, but items that we stand on – ladders and scaffolding for example – and machines that we operate too.
Developing an Understanding
A last word from one of our London general building experts: “These days, training and skills development play a vital role in promoting safety in the workplace. The word ‘workplace’ extends to every place of work, and covers hospitals and care homes, transport, shops, factories, business premises and, yes, including our homes! You can never forget ‘safety’ for a single moment, because if you do, the consequences could prove fatal. Please don’t cut corners or take chances.”
Tags: disasters, ear protection, eye protection, find an electrician, foot protection, gloves, head protection, home, labour laws, london general building expert, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, protective clothing, safety, safety rules, skills development, training, work, work aparrel, work environment, workplace safety
Posted in Electrical Work, General Building, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Jul 30
Here at Mr-Skill, we really take the subject of safety very seriously. Our message goes out to all employers and workers and of course the home handyman, DIY-type too. We firmly believe that by observing some basic down-to-earth safety rules, you can tackle any job without the risk and threat of personal harm. Any injury is one too many, and don’t forget that you can find a general builder right now on Mr-Skill’s website. 
Illustrating the Point
One of our London General Builders found the following interesting report back on the HSE website. HSE stands for the Health and Safety Executive, and is the independent national watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. They are an independent regulator, and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces.
“A Birmingham metal recycling company has been prosecuted after a worker trapped and broke his arm in an unguarded conveyor belt.”
“Two firms have been prosecuted after a worker suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a pipe and fell from a stepladder.”
“A Nottinghamshire die-casting firm has been fined after an employee suffered severe burns when he fell into a furnace.”
“A tour operator and a ship management firm have been fined after workers were exposed to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work on board a cruise ship.”
“A Derbyshire recycling firm has been fined after an employee was crushed in a machine at their depot at Griffon Road, Ilkeston.”
“Two workers were fortunate to escape with only minor injuries when they fell from a school roof in Didsbury, a court has heard.”
“A Bolton fabric manufacturer has been sentenced after one of its employees lost a finger when his hand became trapped by a rotating cog.”
Mr-Skill acknowledges with thanks, the above contribution from the HSE.
A Clear Message
We again remind all readers that before undertaking any job around your home or business, you should always think about safety issues first. If you intend appointing a contractor to do the work for you, make absolutely certain that they are safety conscious and fully compliant with Health and Safety issues at all times.
Mr-Skill has many members ready to provide a general building quote right now. If you are doing the work yourself, don’t cut corners and take chances. Accidents are all too common-place, and can be avoided simply by observing basic safety rules at all times.
Tags: accident, burns, care, compliant, contractor, DIY, find a general builder, general building quote quote, harm, health, Health & Safety Executive, illness, injury, job, London general builder, safety, safety conscious, safety rules, work, workplace deaths
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Posted in General Building on Jul 06
Most seasoned DIY types prefer to use high speed steel bits it seems. That’s because these tools are great for drilling into most wood and metal surfaces. You need to understand the principles of drilling, while maintaining respect for the object you are drilling into. In this article, Alf – he’s a regular London general builder on Mr-Skill – is going to tell us how we should drill into mild steel.
Choosing Your Bit 
Alf says, “First, select a high speed bit smaller than the diameter of the finished hole required. The drill itself is important too, because a semi-professional, variable speed impact power tool will make the job so much easier. It should also have a reverse switch for easing the bit out nicely once you’ve drilled your hole. Once you have your pilot hole, load up the correct diameter bit to finish the job.”
If drilling is really not your scene, rather get a general building quote from one of our members here on Mr-Skill. As a guideline, first use a bit that’s approximately half the diameter of the eventual hole size. In other words, if your final hole measures 8mm (5/16-inch), drill the pilot hole with a 4mm (5/32-inch) bit.
Before Drilling
Use a centre punch and hammer to mark the hole you are about to drill – a swift gentle tap should do it, and this will act as a guide for the bit once you start drilling. If you don’t, the chances are good that your bit will wander all over the surface. Many of our customers prefer to find a general builder on Mr-Skill.
Drilling Steel
Apart from tensile strength, steel has a uniform texture too. This is to avoid any unevenness in the sheet, which in turn allows for a simpler drilling action. It is important to properly secure the steel surface before drilling, because if you don’t, you risk having the object replicating the drilling motion and spinning dangerously out of control.
Alf’s Final Tip
When you’re drilling into particularly hard or resistant surfaces, use short bursts of speed-to-slow motions, and keep your drill straight at all times. This way, your drill will last longer and your drilling action will be correct. Sustained high speed drilling will wear out the bit, as well as the power tool and the driller! “Go with the flow, but exercise patience at all times” is Alf’s motto!
Tags: centre punch, diameter, DIY, drilling, drilling action, drilling steel, drilling wood, find a general builder, general building quote, hammer, high speed drill, hole, impact, London general builder, mild steel, reverse, steel, tensile strength, texture, wood
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Posted in General Building on Jun 22
Many people have discovered that building their own home can work out cheaper and “greener” than simply buying an existing property. That’s not to say that you personally need clear the land, put in the footings and then lay every brick yourself before roofing out. It’s more about managing the processes than taking on a complete DIY project yourself.
The Different Choices
You can choose from several different options when it comes to building your own home:
- Self-build DIY – Here, you do most of the work yourself, only contracting licensed operators to complete matters of a plumbing or electrical nature.
- Manage the Process – You control everything, rather than do the work. This includes the surveyor, the architect, and all the tradespeople who do the physical tasks.
- Appoint a Contractor – Find your general builder right here on Mr-Skill, and let them manage the project from start to finish.
- Buy from a Reputable Developer – This option includes the land, planning permission, as well as a number of home designs for you to choose from. The developer then has all the headaches.
- Purchase a “Kit Home” – This involves selecting from among a limited number of approved designs offered, and appointing the kit home company to complete your new home.
Budget Carefully
- Calculate all the costs in detail and then stick to your budget throughout the project. Don’t forget to include the cost of land, tradespeople, materials, professional consultations, local authority charges, insurances, accommodation and transport. Keep a contingency fund for the unexpected too.
- Arrange comparative general building quotes. You will be surprised when you sit down and compare apples to apples, especially when you use a contractor from Mr-Skill.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have sufficient funds available to cover the costs, you are going to need a mortgage. Lenders will apply strict conditions, so have your planning and paperwork properly prepared before you approach them.
Planning Permission
After the outline building plans have been drawn up, you must visit your local authority to familiarise yourself with all their rules and conditions. This will include land suitability and a whole host of other requirements that you will need to factor into your planning before you can start to build.
One of our London general builders confirms that this is an important starting point, and that all the checks and balances are there for the general good. Sure, it may seem like red tape to you, but just consider what our towns and cities would look like if there were no controls in place.
Tags: architect, balances, budget, Building, building restrictions, checks, contract, DIY, find a general builder, general building quote, kit home, land, land.costs, local authority, London general builder, mortgage, own build, planning, self build, trademen
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Posted in General Building on May 30
If you run your own business and are contemplating some general maintenance at your premises, then you need to determine the risks to your staff and customers carefully. This is because accidents do happen, even under controlled circumstances – and you could well find that you are on the wrong side of the law after the event.
Risk Management
Start by compiling a list of all the activities that are going to occur by way of general building maintenance.  Then, you must identify all significant hazards, and plan appropriate measures to reduce, and even avoid these risks. Your “risk list” will go a long way in supporting the fact that you took due cognisance, and even proposed control measures aimed at reducing risks to an acceptable level.
If you are inexperienced in these matters, rather find a general building company who are well versed in the law, and ask them to include risk management in their costing when they draw up their quote. However, the list of identified problems and proposed solutions should be quite specific, and not too general. This will indicate that you appointed a responsible general building company.
Issue Clear Instructions
Before you accept a general building quote, be sure to record your instructions properly. You can do this by entering a contractual agreement with your preferred builder. General builders will not shy away from fairly-worded contracts – indeed it is in their own interests to have them in place. 
Prime Your Staff and Warn Customers Too
Involve your staff from the outset so that they can buy into your vision. Explain in detail precisely what’s going to happen on a specific day and time, and get them to understand and agree to everything willingly. You must have their cooperation.
Similarly, you need to take reasonable measures to warn clients about events unfolding. Everybody likes to see a business prospering. Your regulars will be delighted to know that you are going to a lot of trouble to make their shopping experience safer and more pleasant.
As one of our regular London general builders says “Ensure that your risk assessment is sufficient in the eyes of the law – it needs to accurately reflect any significant hazards that lie ahead and then show that reasonable measures have been taken to avoid them.” Don’t forget the warning signage.
Tags: accident, assessment, business, clients, customers, danger, find a general builder, general building quote, general maintenance, hazard, law, London general builder, notices, revamp, risk, risk assessment, shop fitting, staff
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Posted in General Building on Apr 30
 Even if only performing simple tasks when working at your home, a general builder needs to have a clear understanding of all of the home construction processes. This must include the basic building structure through the laying on of electrical, plumbing and even heating and ventilation systems too. Moreover, your general builder must be able to read and interpret blueprints, and should be able to calculate dimensions for each room t00.
The scope of the work could include building your home from scratch, but a skilled general builder should easily be able to assist with renovation work and smaller projects as well. So if you are looking to find a general builder, there is no better place to start than right here on Mr-Skill.
Things to Watch For 
When requesting a general builder quote, don’t be shy to ask these important questions, and make sure they get properly answered too:
- Does the person you are considering have the all-round skills that they will need? If they don’t, they may end up sub-contracting certain tasks, and this could be dangerous as you would be dealing with unknown people.
- Do he or she have a thorough understanding of all interior and exterior building materials?
- Are they at ease with kitchen and bathroom fittings, including lights and switches?
- Do they have a comprehensive set of equipment including power tools, and do they know how to use them correctly?
Sign a Contract
Be sure to draw up a contract with your general builder. This agreement needs to cover the specifics such as start date and time, agreed costs, supply of tools and materials, and so on. Ask too about penalties, should the builder run over the agreed time schedule – this prevents unfair delays due to things beyond your control that could include deliberate time wasting too. Remember to add an arbitration clause to cover disputes and disagreements. Any good builder will be quite willing to sign a fair contractagreement
Accreditation
One of our expert London general builders is very proud of his workmanship, which has come at the cost of extensive training and apprenticeships too. He advises that you should check that your builder is properly trained and has the experience to finish the assignment satisfactorily. Don’t be shy to ask for certificates of registration – the last thing you want is to become some cowboy builder’s training ground!
Tags: accreditation, apprenticeship, arbitration, blueprints, building materials, contract, equipment, exterior, fair, find a general builder, general builder quote, interior, London general builder, penalty, plans, power tool, registration, training
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Posted in General Building on Mar 26
Apart from looking very nice, a new bathroom can play a significant role when it comes to selling your home and achieving a good price. Bathrooms are not that difficult to spruce up either, so long as you plan carefully, and have all your ducks in a row.
First, decide if you need to find a general builder to do the job for you. Then, you should set a budget by listing everything that you have to buy. This should include all the sanitary ware such as new toilet and cistern, hand basin and cabinet, bath and shower cubicle, tiles, and a wall cabinet with mirror. Don’t forget tap fittings, extractor fans and a new combination light and ceiling heater. Towel rails, as well as other finishing touches can come later once everything else is finished.
Planning
- Draw up a copy of your new bathroom layout, and work out a budget too.
- Choose your new bathroom fittings from your preferred dealer. Remember to agree a delivery date before paying.
- Decide when you are going to start the job and warn the general household.
- Unless you have two bathrooms, allow for the time your bathroom will be out of commission.
Project Advice
- Make sure you have everything you need, including tools and safety gear.
- Isolate the water supply to the bathroom under renovation.
- Remove old bathroom tiles and fittings.
- Make good with any repairs needed to the subfloor and walls – fill plaster cracks for example and attend to any damp. If you discover things you did not expect, consider getting a general building quote instead.
- Prepare and repaint any wall area that you are not planning to tile, making sure the paint is suitable for bathroom use.
- You’re now ready to install your new tiles and fittings – imagine your new bathroom looking like this!
Oswald is a wild old sage – he’s one of our favourite London general builders. He has been refitting bathrooms for longer than most of us would guess, and he says that provided you are reasonably handy, renovating your bathroom yourself is possible. One word of caution though…once you have started it’s all about commitment. So plan the event carefully before starting!
Tags: add value, bath, bathroom refit, bathrrom renovation, cabinet, ceiling heater, ceiling light, damp, equipment, extractor fan, find a general builder, fittings, floor, general building quote, handbasin, London general builder, new bathroom, Plumbing, renovate bathroom, sanitary ware, shower, subfloor, tiles, toilet, tools
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