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Posts Tagged ‘DIY<’
Wise old Mr-Skill has often come across water-damaged ceilings, and he rightly advises that the first thing to do is to find and repair the source of the problem. It may be a leaking pipe in the loft, or perhaps a cracked tile on your roof. Once the cause of the problem’s sorted, the damaged ceiling should be allowed to dry out naturally. If it has suffered significant damage, you may need to replace that whole section entirely – simply find a roofing expert right here on Mr-Skill.
Weighing your Options
If you are going to go the route of a DIY repair, there are some important considerations. Maybe that’s all too difficult for you, in which case you can find a painter or decorator here on Mr-Skill. Ceiling and roof work in general are difficult areas to work with, and that’s why it is advisable to call in the experts.
Steps to Ceiling Recovery 
- A proper repair of the damaged area is essential, as simply leaving the moisture to evaporate will not prevent further leaks. Assuming that the source of the leak has been eliminated – this could mean getting a painting quote afterwards – you can now commence the recovery process.
- If you can access the area above the ceiling board, prepare to inspect the area from on top. Drying out the water-damaged area is important, and there is no real substitute for time and some movement of air in the affected space. Attempting to paint too soon will simply result in the water marks re-appearing through the fresh paint, no matter how many coats you apply.
- If the damaged ceiling has severe blackening or water staining, try applying bleach to the area on a sponge or cloth. If the old paint starts to peel or crack, you must scrape the entire area until you get back to raw ceiling board.
- Once the ceiling panel has dried out thoroughly, and you have removed as many of the water marks as possible, apply a liberal coat of universal undercoat. Allow this to dry properly too.
- After a day or two, you can go ahead and apply a good quality ceiling paint with a roller. Allow to dry naturally, and apply as many coats as necessary to cover the old problem zone.
Good as New
One of our regular London painters tells us that he never ceases to be amazed at what water damage can do to a ceiling and how difficult it can be to put right. After all, nobody enjoys walking into a room with a blackened ceiling!
Tags: access, ceiling, ceilings, considerations, cracked tile, DIY, find a painter decorator, leak, leaking, leaking pipe, London painter-and-decorator, moisture, movement, naturally, painter, painting decorating quote, roof work, undercoat, water marks, water-damaged
Posted in Painting & Decorating, Project Advice, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
The mains pipe that connects your home to the water utility supply should always have a functional shutoff valve. Since this stopcock is normally located outside your property, it is subject to the elements and can rust over time. Mr-Skill says that the last thing you need when there is an urgent requirement to close off the water supply is a non-functioning tap! All water-main pipes are either 1-inch or ¾-inch, so you should check before you order a replacement shutoff valve. 
One of our regular London plumbers warns that this is a moderately difficult task, because you don’t know what you are going to encounter when you get going. He insists that this is a job best left to the experts, so perhaps rather find a plumber and leave the guesswork out of it. Mr-Skill has a number of pre-screened members just waiting to be at your service. That said, it certainly does not hurt to know where your shutoff valve is, so that you can check its condition from time to time.
Why Maintain or Replace?
Actually, there could be a number of valid reasons for wanting to shut off your water supply:
- The Hot Water Heater has developed problems and needs to be repaired
- Any one of the plumbing joints in your home could be weak and leaking
- The toilet is overflowing and does not switch off when the cistern is full
- There will be times when you need to shut off the water to replace a hand basin, sink or even a bath
- You hear a dripping sound on one of your ceilings, which, on checking, turns out to be a leaking pipe in the roof
When any of the above problems present, get a plumbing quote right here on Mr-Skill. Always remember that there is a good reason why it takes so long for a plumber to qualify. If it were that easy to fix plumbing problems, you can bet a penny to a pound that most of us would be instant DIY plumbers!
Tags: bath, cistern, DIY, find a plumber, fix it, handiman, Home Maintenance, leaking, london plumber, mains, plumber, plumbing quote, plumbing.joints, repair, shut-off, tank, toilet, valve, water, water heater
Posted in Plumbing, Heating & Gas, Project Advice | Comments Off
Posted in Tiling & Flooring on Aug 29
If you are a ‘handy’ person, jobs such as tiling around the home could be something you can tackle yourself. Make no mistake though, tiling is not a job for the inexperienced first-timer, although we all have to start somewhere. Here at Mr-Skill we often have friendly chats with our many pre-screened members, and it really is amazing what comes up in discussion. 
Take tiling over existing wall tiles for example. Many less-experienced tilers shrug their shoulders and walk away from such ideas. Fred is one of our regular London tiling and flooring experts, and he believes that this is quite in order, provided the existing surface is stable and crack-free. As always, you need to plan properly and carefully though!
Ready, steady…
Before we start, we assume you have done your research and have everything you’ll need. If you have decided not to go-it-alone, you can always find a tiling and flooring specialist through Mr-Skill. Remember to ask for the “special discount”.
Go…
Begin with a thorough inspection of every tile and each grout line. Check the existing tiles for stability – a gentle tap with your knuckles will soon confirm any underlying problem zones. When it comes to the grout, you need to use a putty knife to look for loose or crumbling fill. Remember, if you have problems at the outset, you’ll have major headaches at the finish if you tile over unstable surfaces! 
Cleaning and Preparing
The surface you are tiling over must be squeaky clean and grease/soap/wax free, so use a quality tile cleaner to prepare the old tiles for covering.
You are now ready to apply the pre-mixed adhesive slurry to the wall surface to facilitate proper bonding when you start gluing down the new tiles. Let the slurry dry completely before continuing. Remember to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t be Shy
If you think the preparation work is hard enough, imagine how hard the tiling job itself can be. If in doubt, rather get a tiling quote – Mr-Skill is on hand and has a number of keen experts ready to solve your problems! And at a third-off market rates too!
Tags: cleaning, cracks, DIY, find a tiling-and-flooring specialist, glue, grout, inspection, London tiling and flooring, loose grout, preparation, putty knife, slurry, surface, tile on tile, tiling, tiling-and-flooring quote, wall tile
Posted in Tiling & Flooring | Comments Off
Posted in Handyman Services on Aug 23
New tools are always a bit of a distraction for the home handyman. You know the feeling, you are just browsing through one of your favourite hardware stores and suddenly, you are attracted to an absolute bargain that is only good for as “long as stocks last”. You simply have to buy it, even though you really don’t have a need! 
Mr-Skill calls it compulsive buying, and the retail stores are fully aware of the power of this emotion – and they know how to cash in on the situation too. If you are like one of our regular London handymen, you’ll be constantly on the lookout for bargains, especially when it comes to new-fangled gadgets and tools, but just exercise a bit of discipline before splurging!
Electric Screwdrivers
These have been on the market for a long time and they are very useful indeed. Offering the option of different screw thread attachments and even screw sizes, these tools can save a lot of time and sweat when you are pushing the clock. The rechargeable batteries have improved since the early days, but if there is one criticism, it is that battery life is still very limited and you cannot replace them cheaply when they fail. If you are not the DIY type you could find a handyman right here now.
Cordless Drills
These are getting better and better as technology improves. The great thing about this tool is that you don’t have to worry about dangling power leads waiting to trip you up. Running time is improving, although a lot depends on what you pay upfront for this beauty. You can even get them with hammer functions too.
Electric Table Saws
This is every woodworker’s dream come true. They are safe – as long as you use them properly – and they cut beautifully. As with all power tools, Mr-Skill always promotes safety first, so remember the eye protection and the gloves, and always make sure you have decent industrial footwear too. A facemask can also prove useful with all that sawdust, and a decent set of earphones will dampen the sound if you are trimming a lot of wood. If woodworking is not your scene, get a handyman quote right here on Mr-Skill.
Jig Saws 
Although we don’t use them all that often, you are sure to miss this useful tool when it comes to intricate cuts in limited space. Always begin sawing from a pre-drilled hole in a straight line towards the opposite hole.
Here at Mr-Skill, we do realise that there are many other fantastic power tools for just about every imaginable application. Those discussed above are the bare minimum and oft-used ally of the enthusiastic home fixer!
Tags: bargains, batteries, cordless screwdriver, DIY, drill holes, find a handyman, hammer, handyman services quote, hardware, jig saw, london handyman, power lead, power tools, protection, recharge, safety, safety gear, sawdust, table saw, tools, trim
Posted in Handyman Services | Comments Off
Central Heating Blockages
Now is a good time to check your central heating system, with a view to professional maintenance before the arrival of the cooler weather. It is far better to inspect for smooth running now, than wait for a problem to present itself when you least need it. Besides, there are some good offers around, so make a call and find your plumbing, heating and gas expert now. Mr-Skill has a number of qualified specialists able to assist you in next to no time. 
The purpose of our central heating system is to provide warmth throughout the home, thus keeping the ambient temperature even and pleasant. It all works off a series of pipes carrying hot water, which is pumped to the radiators around the home before being returned to the boiler for re-heating. Sometimes, dirt or internal rust can lead to a build-up of debris, which can cause a blockage and restrict or even stop the flow.
The quality of the water in some areas varies greatly, and if you live in a particularly hard water area – such as the South Downs for example – softening the water before you pipe it around your central heating system could be a good move. Otherwise, your pipes and radiators can fur up very quickly, and then you could be looking at major costs to replace your system.
Checking for Blockages
Manually switch on the boiler to ensure that it is operating normally throughout your home. Set the thermostat to warm, to make the testing process easier. It will take a while the water to circulate through the system. As you walk through each room, it should not be difficult to spot the pipes and radiators that are not responding. This indicates a blockage or possibly even a leak.
Mr-Skill recommends that once you have identified the problem area, you ought not to attempt any further DIY intervention. Get your plumbing, heating and gas quote right away instead. Then sit back and leave it to the experts. 
Our leading London plumbing, heating and gas expert advises that cleaning and bleeding a central heating system – and chasing down leaks or blockages – is a job for a properly trained technician. He goes on to warn, “This is definitely an area where a little knowledge is potentially dangerous.” Don’t take chances, call in the professionals right now – Mr-Skill has a number of them waiting to sort your central heating system out for you right away.
Tags: blockages, boiler, DIY, expert, find a plumbing-heating-and-gas specialist, gas, hard awter, heating, inspection, leaks, london plumbing-heating-and-gas expert, maintenance, pipes, piping, Plumbing, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, professionals, qualified, radiator, water softener
Posted in 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
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
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
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
Fitting new interior doors is not as simple as it may seem. To begin with, you are dealing with “a given” in terms of the existing space and door frame. Then, the chances are that you will need to trim the new door to size too, and this could involve more than one side. Lining up the hinges and door lock can be a headache too. 
So, if you want to avoid ending up with a new door looking anything but well-fitted, consider finding a door fitter through Mr-Skill. That way, you’ll have more time to focus on something you really enjoy doing, as our expert door fitter transforms your home.
Meanwhile, we asked one of our regular London door fitters to provide some tips for the die-hard DIY types, and here’s what he has to offer:
- Don’t forget to have a spirit level handy, as well as a hammer, plane, saw and screwdriver set. You will need a chisel too, to cut the recess for the door lock, We assume, of course, that you have already bought your new door.
- When replacing a door, be sure to take the exact measurements. Check the height twice on the left and right side, and again twice for the width at the top and bottom. This will ensure that your replacement door is a good fit.
- Put the new door flush up against the framed opening of the doorway. Now position the door so the edges are flush with the frame, making sure the hinge side is plumb using the level.
- Use your hammer to gently tap some wooden wedges to support the door. You can now work out the fit of the new door and mark up exactly where it needs to be trimmed.
- Make gradual adjustments and check back to the frame – this way you will see how your new door’s shaping up.
- Once the replacement door fits correctly, you can mark up the hinge positions on the one side and the door lock on the opposite.
Our door expert jokingly says that if you haven’t hung yourself before your new door, you’re really doing well. If you find it’s all too much for you, check the Mr-Skill home page and get some door fitting quotes right there. Then, pop the kettle on and make a nice cuppa tea, while you wait for the professionals to replace your doors for you, just as you intended!
Tags: adjustment, DIY, door, door frame, door lock, find a window and door fitter, fitting, hammer, hinges, interior door, level, london window and door fitter, mark, plane, plumb, saw, screwdrivers, trim, wedges, window and door fitting quote
Posted in Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
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
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Apr 12
Most of the internal brick surfaces in our homes these days are plaster-finished. This allows many options when it comes to choosing the final decorative touch, such as papering, tiling or even simply painting. As with any DIY task, achieving a smooth finish comes with practice. It may pay you to find a plasterer and see how they go about plastering your wall first – sort of paying for your education in a way!
The plaster mix is as important as having the right equipment. It is well worth investing in a good set of plasterer’s tools, especially if you plan to do several jobs. A good start point is always planning and preparation. Make sure the surface is clean and properly prepared to receive the plaster. Remove any loose material, and clean off dust with a damp cloth. If you are getting nervous about what lies ahead, consider getting a plaster quote from Mr-Skill instead. 
Now, you are ready to start the job. Begin by mixing the quantity of plaster-mix you will need in a plastic bucket or a basin, following the maker’s instructions carefully. Adding the plaster to the water helps prevent lumps and air pockets forming. Use a wooden spoon or paddle to mix to the right consistency. Apply clean water with a block brush to dampen the surface you are about to plaster – this assists greatly with the bonding process.
Load up your trowel and apply the mix to the wall surface, keeping the tool at an angle to spread it easily. Using a strong upward stroke, flatten the angle of the trowel to the wall as you work. After the surface has semi-dried out, apply a long ruler or straightedge to the surface to level it, beginning at the bottom and working from side to side and upwards. 
When the plaster coat has dried solid, scan for any hollows or imperfections from your first attempt, and fill them with fresh plaster before levelling off again. You may need to repeat this process several times until you get the hang of it. The final skin of plaster should be left to stiffen and almost dry before sanding smooth.
Here’s a useful tip from one of our London plasterers – always rinse your bucket thoroughly before mixing fresh batches. This will prevent lumps of old dry plaster getting into your new mix. Don’t forget to clean up nicely when finished!
Tags: basin, block brush, brush, bucket, cracks, DIY, find a plasterer, london plasterer, mix, paint, paper, plaster, plaster quote, plasterer, rule, skin, smooth, straightedge, tiles, walls, wet
Posted in Plastering & Drywall | Comments Off
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