The Big Green Home Show is returning to The National Self Build & Renovation Centre for its fifth year this October. A massive three day show from 25-27 October 2013, the Show attracts self-builders, renovators and home-owners looking to either build using sustainable materials or introduce renewable energy systems to save money on utility bills. A…
“Go, Compare!” Listening to another jingle on the radio it suddenly struck me that this is exactly what our Tendering Service does. Whilst Go Compare, Money Supermarket or Compare the Market for example will survey the insurance market to get a client the best insurance quote we will survey the builder market, or the plumber…
Summer Fires and Asphalt Slumps. Summer? Yes it was hot on some days…. I took this picture of a building site next door to the one I am managing (…it would never happen on my sites!) The day in question was 02 August, 2013. Shirts off for the labourers! Tarmac paths being laid and rolled…
There are a number of different factors in deciding what sort of rainwater harvesting system one would like, one has space for or a system that one can afford. Questions that need to be addressed are in the first instance budgetary. This can not only be ones allocated figure to purchase the equipment, but in…
Anyone read the book ‘Build your own brick house’ yet? It’s out and a good read for all DIYers who are serious about building their own home! Written by Gerald Cole, this book takes you step by step through the processes and practicalities of building your own home in the UK in brick. It’s a…
Building your own home is demanding and you need to be able to juggle really well. Juggling priorities, suppliers, materials and costs as well as the family is a large part of self builds and many people who do end up building a house to live in only find that out half way through the…
It seems the rich tones of Winter are finally giving way to Spring and every interior palette is sporting green. Gone are the white backdrops and creamy frames and emerald has been named the colour of 2013 in all fashionable areas including Pantone paints!. According to the experts green complements the entire colour spectrum and…
Easter weekend is coming up and while we all need a good break there are also all those jobs around the house that never get done and many UK householders will be get their DIY on! Instead of focussing on the inside, why not try a few quick and easy outside jobs that will make…
I was interviewed recently for ‘Costing the Earth’ on Radio 4 for a programme that they are running on ‘Eco Homes‘ (due out 12th March if you are interested). One question they asked me was: “Why are so few people building their own homes in this country as opposed to the numbers being built on…
A great job for Easter – Cleaning the Grout in Your Bathroom. We asked our team what jobs they’ll be getting to grips with in the home over this Easter weekend! First on the list – cleaning the grout in the tiles in the bathroom and kitchen! The grout in your bathroom can become very…