Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Transforming a soggy, neglected basement into a warm, solid, modern space – this is a full breakdown of how we did it, step by step.

Paramount board is fragile and problematic during renovations. Made of thin plaster layers with a cardboard core, it often tears apart when removing tiles, taking chunks of the wall with it.

A walkthrough of a Victorian home highlights energy inefficiencies, with an EPC rating of Band B. The goal under the UK’s Warm Homes Plan is to improve to Band C, focusing on insulation and sensible upgrades.

Indoor Air Quality Checklist – Are You Protecting Your Home? Use our checklist to assess if your home is at risk from poor ventilation and moisture buildup.

Further reading 👇 🔗 UK Government Building Regulations – Approved Document A (Structure) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/structure-approved-document-a The official PDF outlines the structural requirements, including lateral support for walls and the handling of wind pressures. 🔗 Helifix – Wall Tie Replacement and Masonry Repair Solutions https://helifix.co.uk Provides detailed solutions and product specifications for identifying and correcting wall tie failures and reinforcing masonry. _____________________ …

The Underfloor Heating Store 👇 https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com @theunderfloorheatingstore _________________________________ FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ProWarm Multi Room & ProCrate Kit https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/prowarm-water-underfloor-heating-multi-room-kit-procrate INDIVIDUAL PARTS Grundfos Manifold Pump & ESBE Mixing Valve Unit https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/manifold-pump-mixing-valve-unit Pert-Evoh-Pert Barrier Pipe https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/pert-evoh-pert-pipe Manifold Ball Valve Pair https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/manifold-ball-valve-pairs Heatmiser UH4 4 Zone Wiring Centre https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/heatmiser-uh4-4-zone-wiring-center ProWarm Underfloor Heating Manifold https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/prowarm-underfloor-heating-manifold?variant=44442756415769 ProWarm ProTouch WiFi Smart Thermostat https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products/prowarm-protouch-w-wifi-smart-thermostat ProWarm Underfloor Heating …

Buy Dan’s Roofing Square here 👇 🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk Essential Hinge Jig 👇 https://benchdogs.co.uk/collections/benchdog-tools-and-dan-cox _______________________________ In this hands-on carpentry session, the crew takes on the challenge of constructing a hipped roof over a stylish outdoor bar area—an increasingly popular feature in modern backyard makeovers. This video dives deep into the techniques, tools, and trade secrets that ensure structural precision and aesthetic …

https://youtu.be/bdLDahhFuVQ 🛠️ How to Stop Wall Movement Permanently • Assess the Wall Condition Look for signs of gable end wall movement, such as internal cracks. Determine if it’s surface-level damage or signs of structural stress. • Take Advantage of Access If scaffolding is already in place (e.g., for chimney work), it’s the perfect time to reinforce nearby walls. • Install …

👇 Benchdog Tools https://benchdogs.co.uk 🔹Essential Hinge Jig https://benchdogs.co.uk/collections/benchdog-tools-and-dan-cox 🔹MK2 Hinge Jig 3″ & 4″ Imperial & Metric Door Kit https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/mk2-hinge-jig-3-4-imperial-metric-doors 🔹MK3 ULTRA Rail Square With Canvas Bag https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/mk3-rail-square-ultra 🔹MK2 Parallel Guide System https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/330mm-parallel-guide-system-festool-makita 🔹Setup Blocks 17 Piece (Metric) Mini Systainer https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/setup-blocks-17-piece-metric 🔹Ultra MFT Workstation – Medite Bundle https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/ultra-mft-workstation-medite-bundle 🔹Flag Stop M6 – Lever (Blue) https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/flag-stop-m6-lever-blue @Benchdogtools https://instagram.com/benchdogtools https://www.facebook.com/benchdogtools https://www.tiktok.com/@benchdogtools Dan’s …

👇 See us forge an axe! https://youtu.be/kau9YrV8SK8 👇 Visit Oldfield Forge 🔨 https://www.oldfieldforge.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/oldfieldforge https://www.facebook.com/oldfieldforge https://www.tiktok.com/@oldfieldforge More sayings from blacksmithing ‘Hammer it out’ ‘Forge ahead’ ‘Beaten into shape’ ‘It’s got a nice ring to it’ ‘Lose your temper’ ‘The heat is on’ ‘Going hammer and tongs’ ‘Beat the daylights out of it’ ‘Strike a deal’ ________________________ Oldfield Forge is a …

Thomas Cubitt – A very remarkable man https://ranmorewarmemorial.info/the-cubitt-family/thomas-cubitt/ The Denbies House in Country Life https://tinyurl.com/mr9sfs22 Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking https://www.denbies.co.uk/welcome-to-denbies-wine-estate St Barnabas Church, Ranmore https://www.stbarnabasranmore.com ______________________________ Early Life and Background Thomas Cubitt (1788–1855) was born on February 25, 1788, in Buxton, Norfolk, England, to a humble family of modest means. His early years were shaped by practical skills, as …

Heat Geek House 👇 Live Data https://skill-builder.uk/heatgeek ___________________________________________ 🔥 Heat Geek – @HeatGeek https://www.heatgeek.com ◾ Vaillant aroTHERM plus Air Source Heat Pump @VaillantUK https://www.vaillant.co.uk/product-systems/heat-pumps/arotherm-plus ___________________________________________ Summary 🔧 From Frustration to Functionality: Initially, the homeowner’s heat pump was a failure—freezing up, noisy, inefficient, and poorly installed. It even led them to consider reverting to gas heating. 🌡️ Tailored System = Game …

Roger is up on the ladder again, but it’s a tricky one this time. He’s looking at a gutter that overflows when it rains, but before he even gets to fix it, there’s a significant safety concern—is the ladder even tall enough? Ladder Safety 101: When to Walk Away! ⚠️ 🚨 Key Ladder Safety Lessons from Roger: Right Ladder for …

👇CHECK OUT OUR OTHER GUIDES https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvRh7uimDQfddLu9kc-cCSBds9xNeoUiU Summary 🏗 Preparation & Assessment: The presenter inspects the chimney stack and explains the damage. The cement pointing had failed due to frost, leading to loose mortar and bricks. 🔨 Chasing Out Mortar: The old mortar is removed using a grinder and chisel, ensuring a clean depth of 20-25mm for reporting. 🏠 Lime vs. …

Proster Pinless Moisture Meter 🛒 https://amzn.to/4iB8Gsc Stormdry Masonry Waterproofing Cream 🛒 https://amzn.to/4bG13hX Dryzone Anti Condensation Paint 🛒 https://amzn.to/43AJiP2 ________________________ Problem Summary: Understanding the Damp Issue and Insulation Failure The homeowners in the video are experiencing random damp patches inside their house, which at first glance do not seem severe. However, these patches could become a more serious mould issue if …

Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: a guide to good practice (BR 209 2022 edition – Download) https://bregroup.com/store/bookshop/site-layout-planning-for-daylight-and-sunlight-a-guide-to-good-practice-br-209-2022-edition ________________________ The Law of Ancient Light – BBC 1972 Nationwide visited Bacton-on-Sea, to investigate a strange case involving an unusual structure made of wooden boards, the law of ancient light (or right to light), and the obstinate and reclusive Miss Day. …

BGS Geology Viewer https://geologyviewer.bgs.ac.uk Burst water main ‘probable’ cause of Surrey sinkhole, geologists say https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/burst-water-main-probable-cause-of-surrey-sinkhole-geologists-say ________________________ The Godstone sinkhole incident has brought attention to the growing concern of ground collapses in the UK. The sinkhole suddenly appeared on a road near residential properties, forcing local residents to evacuate and seek temporary accommodation. As engineers assessed the situation, it became clear …