November 2009 Home & DIY Magazine
Contents
A Day in the Life of a Tradesman
When you hire someone to come and do some work on your house, it wouldn’t be unusual to expect them to simply turn up, do the job and go home. But unfortunately things are never as simple as that... Bi-Fold DoorsWe have all seen the TV makeover shows with the amazing indoor outdoor spaces. They throw open the folding doors to reveal the expanse of decking and on to the garden. Well, bif-old or folding doors really are a brilliant way of making the outside of your home feel like the inside. They can even be used to separate living areas, making the space more flexible. The fact is that they are not cheap, but the added value has to be worthwhile. War on MouldSealant has never been the easiest DIY job to get right so, after battling to do a good job, the last thing you want is the seemingly inevitable arrival of mould... But there's an answer. Winter Design TrendsWith the cooler weather approaching, many of us are turning our minds to redecorating. Having a fresh new household scheme is perfect for the winter when we spend much more time indoors. Better by DesignEmploying an architect can make any job, big or small, run more smoothly and be more cost efficient. However, finding the right one, establishing a relationship and communicating your wants are all key. London architect Bruce Lowrie shares some advice on how to get it right. Best of ChristmasChristmas isn't far away and the shops are already decked out. It's that time of year again when we start thinking about giving our homes the Christmas look.
Going, Going, GoneBuying furniture at auction can be a great way to find a unique or classic piece at a decent price. Modern furniture sold at auction houses comes from a variety of places: liquidators, house clearances or companies offloading old stock. Antiques or much sought after pieces from the mid-20th century will cost more but... How to Prune your Trees
The best time to prune most trees is in the Autumn and Winter months when your trees are dormant. Pruning at this time will mean they are less likely to bleed sap. If you need to climb high or cut a large tree you might want to consider getting an expert in. Also be aware that some trees have preservation orders on them, so check before you chop! Even if all you are doing is pruning them, you still need to gain permission. Finance for Projects
We have all mentally rearranged the downstairs layout, but for many of us the thought of how to get the money together puts an end to any pipe dreams. Protecting Plants in Winter
The winters these days may not be quite as harsh as we remember from our childhoods, but the occasional few days of extreme temperatures still do happen. Cooking Projects for KidsKids love to cook. It doesn't matter how old they are, boy or girl, they simply love the idea of putting things in a pot and magically having something worthwhile eating at the end. As parents we tend not to let them loose in the kitchen as often as perhaps we should. Easy Hand-made Christmas PresentsIt is amazing how much money can be saved simply by learning a few simple skills and taking a few hours to make wonderful presents for children and adults alike. If you are considering making your Christmas presents it pays to think ahead. |
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