Magazine Help, Advice & DIY Tips

A Day in the Life of a Tradesman

The daily lfe of a tradesman from the all important builder's breakfast to finishing quotes at midnight

Architects Explained

Guide explaining the role of an Architect, what services they offer, how to select a suitably qualified professional and how they charge for their services from drawings to planning and project management.

Avoiding Condensation and Mould

Guide to avoiding condensation and mould in the home, particularly the kitchen and bathroom, with practical advice on ventilation and remedies for dampness and damp walls which cause the mould growth

Best Oak Kitchen Range

Diy Fix It compares Oak Kitchens from three of the big stores – looking at quality, design, availability, appeal and cost. See how they rated and which is The Winner of the Best Solid Oak Kitchen

Bizarre Insurance Claims

Diy Fix It takes a look at some embarrassing silly and funny insurance claims

Britain on Red Alert as Flood Warning Issued

Essential tips and advice help to guard against loss and damage from flood as well as advice on checking home insurance policies provide adequate cover in case of a claim

Britain’s Dirtiest Homes

Survey reveals dirtiest uUK homes and how we hate to clean

Building Regulations - The Basics Explained

Before carrying out any building project you should find out if you need bulding regulations approval. This is different to planningh permission. Failing to get work approved may be a costly mistake. Here we look at the basics - what the building ...

Buying a Home at Auction

Diy Fix It guide to buying houses at auctions and how to prepare so that you know what you are buying, spotting whether it has dry rot, subsidence or other problems, and avoid costly mistakes

Buying a New Mattress

Diy Fix It guide to choosing and buying a new mattress for a better nights sleep

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

We look at the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to protect yourself and family – correct installation and maintenance of appliances plus suitable CO alarm

Changing Utility Supplier

Diy Fix It guide to changing and comparing energy supplier to get a better deal and save money on your electricity and gas bill

Chic Stationary for Your Home Office

A guide to stationary for a home office and creating the right work environment

Choosing a Shower

Diy Fix It guide to choosing a shower. We compare electric, mixer and power showers - how they work and what you need to know when fitting a new shower

Choosing the Best Tradesman

How to choose the best tradesman by asking for references and other sources to avoid being ripped off by cowboy builders

Cooking Projects for Kids

Encouraging kids to cook in a safe and fun way using recipes to make food they enjoy

Custom Joinery

Having bespoke or custom joinery made, whether it’s bookcase, wardrobe, or other item of furniture, is more expensive than off-the-shelf but you do get to choose and design it to meet your exact requirements.

Dangerous DIY

Gas Safe Register warns of dangers as research shows how many people would try to do their own gas work or electrical work to save money. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can work on gas in your home

Dangers of Asbestos

Commonly used for rigid structures and fire resistance, asbestos can be dangerous. In this guide we look at the dangers of asbestos, what it is, where it may be have been used, how to minimise the problem and how to dispose of asbestos

Dealing with double glazing salesmen

Diy Fix It guide to double glazing salesmen and how to make sure you get a good job for a fair price. Doing your homework before asking for a quote for new pvc windows and doors to replace old or rotten ones will help you avoid the cowboys and ro ...

DIY Dry-cleaning

Diy dry cleaning using home made or shop bought cleaners to remove stains and marks from fabrics and materials

DIY Gadgets for the Man in your Life

Diy gadgets for home improvement and diy

DIY Skills Courses

With less DIY and Home Improvement skills being passed on by parents, there are other options for learning everything from basic skills to plastering, plumbing, tiling, bricklaying and loft insulation. Diy Fix It looks at the training courses on ...

DIY Together

How to work as a team when doing home improvements. Know your DIY skills and weaknesses to get the best results and finish the job faster

Dry Rot - Identifying and Treating

Dry rot can be very expensive to deal with. Knowing how to recognise dry rot is essential and the earlier it is spotted the better. We look at what dry rot is, what it loooks like, and how to treat it successfully and dispose of infected material ...

Easy Hand-made Christmas Presents

Simple ideas for christmas presents saving money making jewellery bags food and knitting

Eco-Gadgets for the Home

Eco gadgets including sloar power rechargeable batteries as well as energy usage meters water saving devices and wind up radios

Efflorescence, What is it & What to do

How to identify, resolve & prevent efflorescence. Efflorescence shows as a white chalkiness or powder on external walls & as white salts on internal walls, which is normally caused by water or damp getting into the bricks or mortar.

Emergency Dinners

A quick meals and being prepared by cooking in advance and having basic foods in store

Financing Your Home Improvement Project

We look at the options for raising money to pay for major home improvements such as a loft extension, conservatory, or extension. From re-mortgaging to personal loans we explore the pros and cons

Find a Vintage Bargain

Finding vintage bargain furniture at car boot sales charity and antique shops as well as auction houses and online sites like ebay to bag a real deal

Fire Doors and Door Closers

Fire doors and closers are essential in slowing down the spread of fire and smoke in a building. This article explores the types of fire door, how they are used to compartmentalise a building and the protection they give as well as the importance ...

Foolproof Christmas Cake

Recipe for a foolproof delicious christmas cake using quality ingredients

Front Door Security

DIY security for the front door, using spy holes and a door chain to ensure you don't open you door to unwanted visitors. With general advice on safety and what to do when a stranger calls at your door.

Gadgets for the Home

A look at household and other gadgets from watch phones and photo frames to paintpods bookreaders and dust blasters

Gas or Electric for Ovens and Hobs

Diy Fix It quick guide to the choice of gas and electric for hobs and ovens when fitting a kitchen. We look at the advantages and disadvantages as well as the practicality for each

Gas or Electric – Choosing the Best Cooker

Gas and electric cooking options and installing and choosing fan ovens hobs and cookers

Getting a discount from your tradesman

Tips for getting a discount on quotes or estimates for building work from builders and tradesmen by being confident and informed

Getting a Home Ready To Sell

Getting the best price when selling your home needn't cost a fortune. From fixing leaky taps and small diy jobs, to a thorough clean. Top tips to maximise the money you get when selling your house.

Getting Finance for Your Home Renovation Plans

Diy Fix It looks at the finance options for borrowing money for home improvements and renovating your house

Getting the most from your Appliances

Maintaining and looking after washing machines and dishwashers as well as other kitchen appliances to reduce replacement costs

Going, Going, Gone

Guide to finding and buying unique and classic antique furniture at auction and how to bid on a bargain

Home Improvement Myths

A look at some of the home improvement myths and the real facts from rogue builders and fitting a bathroom in a week to wallpaper being the new paint and the cost of new versus and old house

Home Staging – Is it Worth The Money?

Hiring a home stager can help to maximise the sale price of your house. You can employ them to do all the work or, just pay for ideas and suggestions then do it yourself.

Home vandalism increases during winter

Vandalism burglary and theft increases in winter and home owners are encouraged to have suitable home insurance cover, take additional security precautions such as outdoor lights, securing windows and fitting decent locks

How Safe Is Your Home

Simple steps to prevent accidents in the home including boiler service, hot water, electrical equipment, chemicals, climbing, protective gear and fire and smoke alarms

How to Avoid Disputes with Tradesmen

Avoiding disputes with builders and tradesmen getting quotes and knowing your rights

How to beat the burglar – from common sense to intruder alarms

Advice from Wireless Alarms Direct on protecting your home from burglars includes common sense measures as well as tips on buying and fitting burglar alarms, telephone alert systems, security lighting, and safeguarding your property

How to get the best price for your home

Guide to getting the best price and maximising the sale value of your house

How to Have a Cheaper Christmas Dinner

Diy Fix it guide to creating a cheaper Christmas dinner to save you pounds

How to Recycle More

With increased awareness we show you how to be green and recycle with tips on practical recycling

How to spot a real antique

Guide to finding a real antique what to look for and how to spot a fake or genuine piece of furniture

Insurers Definition of a Bedroom

What is meant when an Insurer asks how many bedrooms your home has

Keep your Leather Furniture in Tip Top Condition

Looking after cleaning and maintaining leather furniture by protecting from heat and damage as well as choosing and using the right cleaning methods and products

Keeping on top of DIY Maintenance

DIY Fix It guide to keeping on top of Do It Yourself jobs around the home to keep it in good condition – maintenance tasks include clearing gutters, checking the roof, decorating and checking smoke alarms

Kids and DIY – Match Made in Heaven?

Kids and diy home improvement with the children helping at design painting carpentry and demolition

Latest Kitchen Gadgets

We look at kitchen gadgets from smart microwaves to steamers and now the Egg and Toast machine. Even salt and pepper robots. We all love gadgets in the home

Mouldy Sealant - Replacing and Preventing

Top tips and advice on replacing mouldy sealant in bathrooms and shower areas and a look at the new range of anti-mould and mould resistant sealants as well as how to remove and replace old silicone

Perfect window cleaning

Tips and tricks for cleaning windows to get rid of smears and streaks to leave glass shining and sparkling

Planning Applications: What You Need to do

How to make a planning application and the documents and drawings that will be required. Rules vary for conservation areas and listed buildings but there is help available on the planning portal website and at your local planning office

Preventing a DIY Disaster!

How to avoid disasters and accidents - using the right tools safely as well as having safety protective equipment and insurance.

Preventing Allergies in the Home

Ways to reduce and prevent allergy and allergic reactions in the home exploring fabrics cleanliness dust vacuum systems and air filters

Reducing the Risk of a House Fire

Reducing the risk of a house fire can be significantly improved by following basic safety precautions. The tips in this guide should help to keep you safe.

SAP Assessments and Energy Performance Certificates

DIY Fix It guide to SAP and Energy performance of houses. These allow buyers to better judge the efficiency and running costs of a home based on size, insulation and ventilation as well as heating and hot water systems

Save a Battery Hen

new life for battery hens from crowded cages to improved space and welfare

Save When You Spend

Save money whether you're planning a kitchen makeover or relaxing in the garden - Summer savings discount card when you spend at Focus

Saving Money on Your Food Shopping

Ways to reduce costs and save money on food shopping timing and choosing wisely as well as being creative and using recipe lists and sell by dates

Scrap Recycling

Scrap and waste from building and home improvement projects often has a resale value – we look at the options for selling unwanted materials as well as recycling opportunities

Selling Your Home Yourself

DIY guide to selling your home yourself. Big savings can be made, but it can be stressful. We look at advertising routes, HIPs, For Sale boards as well as solicitors and negotiating

Simple Solutions for those Summer Stains and Spills

The carpet and upholstery cleaning and freshening experts are here to offer a few quick remedies for tackling the most annoying stains

Spruce Up Your Wood

Top tips for looking after wood surfaces - from banisters and kitchen worktops to garden furniture. Guide to Danish Oil, varnish, scratch removal and polishing

Stain Removal Guide

Quick guide to dealing with stains around the home – from carpets to curtains, walls, paintwork, bed linen and clothing

Sustainable Wood - What’s it all About

Quick guide to understanding sustainable wood and the importance of knowing where timber has been sourced so that you can enjoy a greener building experience with you home improvements.

The Beauty of Wax

How to use wax on wood to bring out the natural beauty of the grain as well as protect and maintain.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Diy Fix It looks at the noises houses make and the likely causes with advice and tips - from mice and birds in the loft to creaking floors, old boilers and radiators as well as simple expansion and contraction of timbers

Tips For Buying Online

Tips for shopping safely online, avoiding having your identity stolen, losing money or being caught out by a scam

Top 10 Holiday Security Tips

Top ten security tips for safeguarding your home and property when you're on holiday - from lights on timers to outdoor security lighting, as well as ensuring that out buildings, sheds and garages are secure and remembering to set your burglar ala ...

Top 10 Tips for Employing a Tradesman

Our top tips for finding and employing a decent tradesman to work on your house and avoiding the cowboy builders

Top 10 Tips For Keeping Your New Kitchen Looking That Way

Diy Fix It brings you their top ten tips for keeping a new kitchen looking like new – from cleaning advice and care of worktops to mould free grout and floor sealants, plus advice on fixing problems

Top Tips for Buying DIY Supplies

Our top tips for buying your DIY supplies will help save you money. Knowing what questions to ask and how to get good discounts will help you get your jobs done in the quickest time and for the cheapest price.

Top Tips for Saving Energy and Money

Tips for saving energy and money on your bills – we look at how to improve the efficiency of your home and cut your electricity costs

Top tips for selling your home quickly

How to make the most of the potential when it comes to selling your house. From getting all those DIY jobs done to de-cluttering and cleaning as well as tips for neutral decor to maximise appeal

Water conservation - saving water and reducing waste

With water shortages being more common we offer some practical tips and advice on conserving and saving water – not leaving taps running, using grey water for the garden, running washing machines only when full plus many more ideas

Ways to save on your house insurance

saving money by shopping around for home insurance and checking house value and excess as well as improving security

Wet Rot

Wet rot caused by high moisture levels - from the ground, leaking gutters and downpipes or roofs can quickly damage timbers. Diy fix offers advice and tips on how to identify and rectify wet rot

Winter DIY Jobs

Our guide to DIY jobs for the winter includes outside tasks like clearing paths gutters pipes and leaves as well as inspecting roof tiles. Have you boiler Gas Safe tested and inspected, check insulation and deal with draughts

Woodworm

Guide to woodworm and how to recognise from the small holes in wood and dust from active infestation – options for treatment and eradication to prevent further damage and when to call an expert

Stair Parts Plumbworld Toolbox

Avoiding the Pain !

Top 10 Tips for
Employing a Tradesman

Your Must-Know Guide to avoid being ripped off by Rogue Traders

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