DIY Home and Garden

Different radiators in the bathroom

2009-09-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

There are a variety of electrical and alternative features for your bathroom, many of which serve practical as well as attractive purposes. Here we look at two types of radiator that you may wish to install; the heated towel rail and the electric radiator. Radiators are generally rated in terms of core dimension and the number of rows of tubes used. Larger cores and more tubes mean a greater capacity. The most common material used for radiator manufacturing is traditionally a combination of brass and copper, but modern units are often aluminium.

Before choosing your radiator, you must determine how much heat the bathroom requires. This is done by using the radiator manufacturer’s heat loss calculations (your radiator installer can do this when quoting). The most accurate calculations take room measurements, including the window and outside wall sizes. They calculate the temperature required and apply this to determine the radiator size. Too big and the system will exceed its temperature requirement and be uneconomical to run, too small and it won't reach its desired temperature.

Heated towel rails are an alternative to common radiators as they provide a rail for hanging towels, act as radiators and possess a popular, modern style. There are many different designs and styles of heated towel rail but the most popular are the ladder type, which are usually available in a white or chrome finish. Choosing the right model needs some consideration.

Heated towel rails are designed to be plumbed in to your central heating system in the same way as a radiator, but there are two other installation options.

Dual Fuel Option - the towel rail can be installed with an electrical heating element that fits inside one of the vertical rails. Special radiator valves are used which enable the radiator to be isolated from the heating system and warmed using the electric element. This is very useful in summer months when your heating may be off.

Oil Filled Option - with this option the towel rail is not connected to your heating system, and is heated by electricity alone. The towel rail is factory fitted with a heating element and filled with special oil, ready for connection to your electricity supply.

All radiators have different heat outputs depending on the size and design. Make sure that you are replacing a radiator with a heated towel rail of similar output; otherwise you might notice a drop in temperature in the bathroom.

Electric radiators are an option if you do not wish to install a standard, centrally heated type. Conventional radiators need to be attached to the existing system, and this may be a hassle that electric radiators avoid. Many new electric models claim to save energy in the long term; this becoming a popular feature for money and energy saving people. They also possess a timer which can be set to turn on or off at particular times to suit the user. Although electric radiators are generally more bulky than their counterparts, there are an increasing number to choose from, allowing the buyer a wide selection choice.

The benefits of a low-flow toilet

2009-07-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

When considering installing a new toilet, there are a few things to contemplate. Firstly it is important that the toilet meets the recommended flushing limit. In the 1960’s, toilets were larger than the ones we use today and used around 32 litres of water every time someone flushed them. Today, low-flow toilets are pretty much standard. These basic, yet effective toilets are focused on conserving water and only use around 7.2 litres of water per flush making them the customary option on the market today.

One of the most obvious benefits of low-flow toilets is the fact that they conserve water. The average person flushes the toilet six times each day. Low-flow toilets use approximately 172 litres less water per day than other toilets. This creates massive water conservation. Using less water is also beneficial to consumers as it saves money. Due to the fact that low-flow toilets use a smaller amount of water than other toilets, their tanks don't need to be as large. This makes the toilet smaller, and thus generally more attractive.

The environmental and economical benefits are a big plus; however it must be considered that toilets have been reduced in size and thus struggle to remove as much waste as older toilets.

If the benefits of a low-flow toilet outweigh the drawbacks to the consumer, then they are a perfectly worthwhile purchase. Almost all new toilets are low-flow varieties anyway. The money you spend to purchase the toilet can be regained in a few years by the amount of money you save using less water.

Another option for a suitable toilet is the dual flush design. This refers to the two buttons that are used to operate the toilet. Pressing one button will flush the toilet with about 3 litres of water and is generally referred to as a short flush. Pressing the other button will release about 6 to7 litres of water and is called a long flush.

Despite the use of the words "short" and "long," the long flush of a dual flush toilet generally uses less than half of the water that is needed in a normal toilet, which by and large uses around 20 litres of water per flush. The dual flush is so efficient that it is arguably the most efficient toilet on the market.What's more, you will be playing your part in saving resources.

If you have decided and are ready to purchase a low-flow or dual flush toilet, make certain to do your homework and compare brands and types. Some do a better job of disposing of waste than others, and research by experts can inform you of toilets that are good quality and best buys.

More tips and advice for replacing a toilet, replacing a bath or replacing and descaling a shower head can be found at lets-do-diy.com

Tips and advice when tiling

2009-07-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tiling is a good skill to learn, and when done well, the job should not ordinarily have to be repeated or repaired. When deciding to tile a room you must consider the tiles purpose in its environment. Ceramic tiles can be applied to many different surfaces but each may require a different preparation. Bare plaster is the ideal surface on which to apply ceramic tiles, but ensure the plaster is sound.

Newly plastered walls should always be treated with a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) sealant solution - five parts water to one part PVA. This will seal the surface and promote adhesion.

To determine the number of tiles you will need, calculate the surface area of the wall by multiplying the length of the wall by its height (or by the height you wish to tile up to). This should be done for each surface you are planning to tile; then the figures for each surface should be added together. Always add at least 10% to your final figure to allow for wastage and cutting, and then divide the total surface area by the area of one tile.

Tiling adhesive is available as a dry powder that you mix with water or in ready-mix tubs, which can be used as both adhesive and grouting. Remember that some surfaces may require a particular adhesive e.g. shower cubicles, so ask at your local DIY store if you are not sure.

Remember not to lay the adhesive more than 4mm thick. Apply the adhesive evenly over the surface, but avoid covering too large an area as it may dry before you fit the tiles.

Finally, when grouting, make sure the adhesive has been given enough time to go hard (ideally 12 hours). Also check that there is nothing protruding above the surface of the tile that will get in the way of the grout. Finish off by using a grout shaper to create a smooth finish.

More tips and advice for fixing ceramic wall tiles, fixing mosaic tiles to a wall or replacing a damaged tile can be found at lets-do-diy.com

An easy way to saving energy and water

2009-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

With increasing pressure to save energy and water, homeowners can sometimes sacrifice the use of a bath, for the more stringent shower. When deciding whether to install a bath or a shower you may want to consider which of the two saves more water. Taking a shower instead of a bath is a commonly known money/energy saving tip. To save water through shower usage depends on the time you spend in the shower and how quickly the shower head dispenses water. A typical bathtub requires about 30 gallons for a bath. A standard shower head will flow about 3 gallons per minute. In five minutes, this uses only 15 gallons of water.

Using a low-flow shower head can cut the total water usage to less than ten gallons saving thousands of gallons of water per year. Depending on your showerhead and whether it has a flow restrictor in it and how long you shower, the answer could oscillate either towards shower or bath.

There are two types of low-flow shower heads: aerating and non-aerating.

Aerating - mixes air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray. Because air is mixed in with the water, the water temperature can cool down a bit towards the floor of the shower. Aerating shower heads are the most popular type of low-flow shower head.

Non-aerating - air is not mixed into the water stream. This maintains temperature well and delivers a strong spray. The water flow pulses with non-aerating shower heads, giving more of a massaging showerhead effect.

More tips and advice for fitting a bathroom sink, installing a shower or wiring an electric shower can be found at lets-do-diy.com

Greener UK

2009-05-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Brits are taking steps to make their homes more environmentally friendly, uSwitch.com reports.

Research from the price comparison site reveals that more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of UK households are more energy efficient now than they were 12 months ago.

Of such people, 36 per cent cite recent increases in the cost of gas and electricity.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy for uSwitch.com, states: "Consumers are reacting to the recession and the high cost of energy by cutting back on energy usage."

The study also reveals that 43 per cent of people believe that taking the time to reduce energy usage will cost them, with 64 per cent of consumers yet to have cavity or solid wall insulation installed in the home citing the expense involved in such a project as a reason why they do not.

However, by carrying out energy efficient DIY work, homeowners may find that any initial expenditure is recouped later on through lower utility bills.

Last month, Grand Designs present Kevin McCloud claimed eco-friendly DIY will play a crucial role in reducing the nation's carbon footprint.

Economy

2009-03-30T06:03:00.001-07:00

Work has dried up. I think it is because of the economy. Not a lot is going on here. I get some small jobs but nothing really worth much money.

I need to sit tight and wait. I have heard that many people in my old job have been let go, so I don’t have any regrets now. I least I have managed to get myself established in the handyman business. I think If had been made redundant now I would have panicked more than I am now. At least I know I am capable.

DIY Websites

2009-03-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Work is beginning to slow down now. I am not getting as many calls and I am not booked up as long as I was, I’m only booked for a week.

I’m looking on the bright side, spring is on its way and I am completing jobs to a good standard. People are happy, and I am confident people will call me back for more work.

I am looking for good resources to get advice and tips to help me. There are a few good sites out there; Screwfix has a good forum, so does lets-do-diy, diynot and a few others. I am going to register to the lot and try them out to see who can help me best. I will keep you posted on my experience. I might end up a regular at all of them, but I predict I will settle for one or two of these sites.

Anxiety Of Life

2009-02-02T01:48:00.000-08:00

I am making my way through my work. Still booked out for 5 weeks. People are asking me to do more work and recommending me. So that is very pleasing.

Something still eats at me though. When I was in a full-time job. I was relaxed because I knew I would be in work for the next year. (With the exception of redundancy and sacking).

It’s not like that anymore. I am getting some anxiety. Will I have work in the next few months? What if it stops? What then?

Its great having the freedom of being my own boss, but is it worth the anxiety?

Booked for 7 Weeks!

2009-01-20T02:34:00.000-08:00

Work is going well at the moment. I have work booked for the next 7 weeks. That is really good news for me. 7 weeks!! They aren’t massive jobs; garden walls, decorating, laying patios…that kind of thing. I did however get offered a big job the other day…building a garage. Ummm..hello…I am a DIY handyman not Sir Robert McAlpine construction company. I politely turned it down.

So things are going rather well. I am still anxious at times. I worry if I am up to the job. I am slower than most builders, but I am cheaper than most builders. I charge about £100 a day. That is £15 an hour. Reasonable I think compared to some tradesmen out there.

Well it must be reasonable if I am booked for 7 weeks. Hopefully my work goes well and I will be booked for another 7 weeks. Here goes…

2009-01-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

I have been getting some outdoor work recently. It’s great. It’s the reason I wanted to do DIY. I have been building a garden wall. The wall is only small and runs around the garden. Its purpose is to stop weeds and earth getting onto the grass.

The reason I am posting is to let you know how great it is to work outside. I know the novelty will wear off when rain is lashing into my face, but its great to breath fresh air and not be sat on my ass all day.

I hope everyone tries to get out as much as they can.

First Job

2009-01-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

I have been getting some work, nothing too serious. I had to decorate 3 bedrooms for a few neighbours and decorate a bathroom. I’m glad it’s not too strenuous because I am starting out, and to be honest I am just relieved to get some work.

Everything went well. The clients were pleased. The wife tells me to stay patient and the more good work I do the more people will gossip about me (Gossip in a good way! – I hope.).

I have 3 kids (a girl and 2 boys, 20, 18 and 14), a dog, 2 cats and a wife to support. So waiting for DIY work to arrive is not easy. I sometimes contemplate applying for another office job, although that would be admitting defeat. I could go back, but to a life I didn’t enjoy, on less money and with less responsibility.

I will stick with the DIY life for now…

This is a picture of one of the rooms I decorated. It is a really nice room actually. Luckily it had no furniture in it so I didn’t have to worry about moving furniture or using any dust covers, except for the floor of course.

The Beginning - Preparation

2008-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Printing the fliers wasn’t so bad. I did a simple design on my PC. Then took the file, saved in a MS Word document, to my local printer. They printed off 500. They are about the size of a postcard. I will load an image of one up soon. The cost to get them printed was £150.00. Not cheap, but they started to bring in customers.

I went around my local area posting them through front doors. The most response I got was from the flier I posted in my local shop. I posted them in many local shops, yet the responses came from one particular shop. Weird.

I got lucky with the van. It’s a good size VW Caddy. It cost about £2000. It’s in good condition, messy inside though. I purchased signs on the outside that are magnetic. They match the fliers and cost £100 each. I just attach them to either side of the van when working. At night pull them off.

So I’m prepared…kinda.

The Beginning

2008-12-18T04:36:00.001-08:00

Where shall I start? I will start from the beginning. I was born in Bristol on a Monday morning…wait…not that far in the beginning. Ok, I will start from 2007. I quit my job. Why? Easy decision really. I did not like it and they made my life hell. So I quit. Stress was getting the better of me and I was left with no choice.

Quitting was the easy bit. What do I do next? DIY, I can do DIY; I had done lots of it in my last property. Everyone needs an odd job done here and there. Builders are too busy for the small job. Who will lay a small patio or build a garden wall. I will. I can decorate, plaster, build (small scale), etc.

Everything seemed in order. I will make the fliers on my pc and take them to a printing company. I have some tools already. Purchase a van next. Take it from there.