Benchdogs. Precision woodworking tools and MFT accessories.
🔗 https://benchdogs.co.uk
Dan’s Ultimate Roofing Square
🔗 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
ABOUT BENCHDOGS
@BenchdogsUK is a family-run business, Founded and owned by Ralph Mignano, where customer service comes first.
They offer an extensive range of high-quality, precise MFT accessories that help you work with ease, speed and precision.
🔗 https://hardhatawarenessweek.com
Hard Hat Awareness Week 2023
12th – 18th June 2023
Hard Hat Awareness Week was introduced to drive brain injury awareness through activities encouraging best practices around safety equipment.
The impact of a brain injury can be life-changing for the injured person and their wider family and friends.
Wearing a hard hat, maintaining and storing it appropriately, and being more concussion and head injury aware are all vital to keeping hard hat wearers safe.
We want to remind people about the importance of wearing hard hats and taking any impact on the head seriously.
Even a minor brain injury can significantly impact, so take time to stop work, report the incident and recover fully before returning to work.
In the third episode of our West Country tour series, Roger spotted an exciting project and chatted with the owner Fiddian.
Set in one of North Cornwall’s most famous locations, this wonderful former manor house had fallen into a state of disrepair, but luckily the brave new owner has the resources and energy to take on this project.
Country Life feature:
🔗 https://shorturl.at/chlxB
? Ask Skill Builder: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Skill Builder viewer Ryan couldn’t figure out why his house was damp and wet under the floorboards. Now he’s found the cause of the damp problem and it’s incredibly simple.
Here’s part one of Ryan’s video:
https://youtu.be/vt2n1xmm6tU
Here’s our message from Ryan:
Hi I love your channel and find it really insightful hence why I’m here, I have a problem with my 1930s detached house.
As you can see from under the floor in the front of the property, it’s soaking and to be honest, I’m worried.
The inside of the cavity in the bay window area has no insulation nowhere in the property does but I can see beads of condensation on the bricks.
Please help.
Thank you
Snickers Workwear Summerwear – long-lasting, innovative fabrics for comfort, sustainability and longevity.
Clothes change as the seasons do. That’s why Snickers Workwear’s summer working clothes for professional tradesmen and women combine superior comfort and protection for beating the heat on-site.
This summer’s LITEWork range combines all the features of high-performance sportswear.
Its 37.5® Technology fabric technology is quick-drying and functional and provides UPF 40+sun protection.
It’s also longer-lasting than other comparable workwear making it a sensible, sustainable choice.
There’s also new Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, and Jackets and High-Vis summer clothes with new styles and stretch features for enhanced freedom of movement, including trousers that feature the bio-based Sorona® fibre for a more sustainable fit on site.
But for the ultimate in working comfort, durability and ventilation, check out the LiteWork garments for precisely the right clothes to fit your workday in summer.
A couple with no building experience take on somebody else’s abandoned project.
In the second episode of our West Country tour series, Roger drops in on Nikky and Stuart to see their significant barn conversion which was abandoned by the previous owners.
Can this couple complete it?
Buying a house, especially for first-time buyers, can be an exciting and daunting experience.
People often say to put your money in bricks and mortar, and you won’t go wrong, but here on Skill Builder, we get countless emails from people who either did go wrong or are looking for a safe path through the minefield of purchasing a property. So here is our attempt at a roadmap.
Before looking for a house, as a first time buyer, you must find what you can afford. Many people max out on their mortgage, and when interest rates go up, or their circumstances change, they cannot continue the payments.
We all want to buy the biggest house in the best area, but you need some wiggle room. Chucking the keys in after two years of paying a mortgage can leave you scarred for life, so be realistic.
‘Getting pre-approved for a mortgage, especially for first-time buyers, is a good idea.’
Once you have a budget in mind, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, especially for first-time buyers, is a good idea. This will give you a better idea of how much you can borrow and help you narrow your search to properties within your budget. Having a pre-approval letter from a lender also makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
If you buy a flat, but somebody else owns the land, you will have a lease from the freeholder, which means you have to pay an annual ground rent and service charges, and you never really own the property outright.
It might seem like an insignificant sum or detail in the grand scheme of things if you have a 99-year lease, but some leaseholders have suddenly found themselves with a new landlord who wants to impose conditions or put up the ground rent.
The law will likely be changed on leasehold properties to give the leaseholder more rights but check what a lease hod will mean for you.
The best scenario is where the leaseholders club together to buy the freehold so you become a shareholder in your apartment block.
The recent problem with unsafe cladding is one example of how leasehold properties can leave you vulnerable.
Working with an estate agent can be beneficial, especially for first-time buyers. Still, estate agents are in the same league as solicitors and plumbers regarding a lack of public trust.
The estate agent is working for the seller, not the vendor, and it is in their interest to get the most they can for the property, so don’t expect them to do you any favours.
A reliable real estate agent can help you find properties that meet your criteria, negotiate with sellers, and guide you through buying.
These days you can do the whole thing online, but there is a lot to be said for an agent with experience and knowledge of your area.
You can change many things, but you can’t change the location. When you buy a home in a particular area, you are really buying access to amenities.
Good amenities will make the property more expensive, but it will hold its value and be easier to sell to others who also value the amenities.
Being close to a railway station or the tube may be necessary, or parking might be a priority.
It may be that you are buying in an area that is up and coming but don’t fall for the estate agents’ hype on this.
Consider aspects such as crime, air quality and noise. Some things don’t become apparent until you stay in an area, so spend some time in an area you plan to buy in if you can stay in an Airbnb for a night or two, that might help you get a feel for the area.
It is incredible how many people are swayed by superficial things when they buy a house or flat (apartment). Its easy to be dazzled by decor or dressing.
Try to be hard-headed on this and consider the layout, room sizes, storage space, and overall house functionality.
Storage space is something that is often missing in modern homes, so think about how much you love your stuff and what you are willing to get rid of to move from your palatial accommodation at Mum and Dad’s house to the pokey flat you are about to sink your life savings into. Yes, they want to eliminate you as much as you want to be free of them.
When you finally find a place you want to make an offer on, you will need a surveyor to inspect it.
Your mortgage company will appoint a valuation surveyor to make sure the property is worth the money they are willing to lend you on the property.
If you default on the mortgage, they want to be sure they will get their money back, and that is all they are interested in.
You may also want a full survey to ensure no significant problems. Complete surveys are very variable.
They can be as vague as saying, “we were unable to check the condition of the floorboards due to fitted carpets, we could not inspect the loft area due to the owner’s personal itemsâ€.
You also have to face the prospect of getting a survey on a home that you may then reject. That is money down the drain.
Often if you can find a local friendly builder who will run his eye over it and give you an idea of how much things cost to put right, you will do well in the initial stages, but the builder will only be able to give you some guarantees.
Most of us have suffered buyer’s remorse at some point. If it is a pair of shoes, you get over it, but if it is a home, you might take a little longer to conclude that it wasn’t the right choice for you.
If there are two of you in the purchase, try to have a frank conversation away from the pressure of estate agents.
Spending your weekends looking at houses and flats can be very wearing, and there comes a point where it ceases to be fun, and you want it to be over.
That is the dangerous time when you can make a wrong decision. Most of the time, you will know instinctively if it is right for you, so trust that and if it doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Be patient and wait until something comes along that you love. Make your first-time buyers experience a positive one.
When buying a house, it’s essential to factor in additional costs such as stamp duty, solicitor fees, and insurance. These expenses can add up quickly, so budget for them.
Then you have to think about builders and what they will cost you to do those things that need doing. Never underestimate this. These days even builders are shocked by the price of materials.
You may even think of doing a lot of the work yourself, and this is great, but it takes years out of your life, and I have seen many a fixer-upper run out of steam. It may be beneficial to start simple as first-time buyers, feeling your feet before jumping in at the deep end with a lot of potential work.
When buying a house, you must decide if it is a stepping stone or your forever home. Consider your long-term goals and how the house will fit into those plans.
For example, if you plan to start a family, ensure the house has enough space and is in a family-friendly neighbourhood.
If you want to get your foot on the ladder and move on, buying a house that others might also like is more important.
Making money on property is a very tempting thing. We have all seen those daytime television programmes, but a lot of the money people make on flipping properties is due to the rise in prices rather than the improvements they make.
I know one lady who buys houses, gets someone to come in and paint them white, cleans the windows, tidies up the garden, and then puts them back on the market.
I saw her do this with a house near me, and she marked it up by £100k for two weeks’ work.
I kicked myself for not having the guts to buy that house, but I would have got bogged down in the repairs and made a lot less.
Sometimes less is more in this game, especially as first-time buyers.
See more about home buying on Skill Builder
Further Reading
Top 10 best places to live in the UK
First-time home buyer financial guide
Buying a leasehold house – Freehold vs leasehold
Shared Ownership – all you need to know!
Selling a house can be a daunting task, especially when you are looking to sell it quickly. If you are in a situation where you need to sell your home fast, working with a cash buyer might be the ideal solution.
Selling to a cash buyer offers several advantages that can expedite the home selling process and provide you with a hassle-free experience. This post’ll explore why selling to a cash buyer can benefit UK homeowners.
One of the most significant benefits of selling to a cash buyer such as Hull Cash Buyers is the speed of the transaction. Unlike traditional methods that involve complex paperwork and lengthy processes, selling to them typically involves a streamlined procedure.
Cash buyers have readily available funds, eliminating the need for mortgage approvals or waiting for buyers to secure financing. This means that once you accept an offer from a cash buyer, you can often expect a quick closing, allowing you to move on with your plans faster.
When you sell to a cash buyer, you can enjoy the certainty of a straightforward transaction.
They are often experienced investors who have a thorough understanding of the property market. This expertise allows them to assess your property quickly and provide you with a fair cash offer.
Unlike traditional buyers who might back out at the last minute due to a change of heart or financial issues, cash buyers are likelier to follow through with the sale. This reliability and convenience can save you from the stress and uncertainty of dealing with unpredictable buyers.
Another advantage of selling to a cash buyer is that you can sell your home in its current condition. They’re typically willing to purchase properties as-is, meaning you don’t have to spend your time or money on repairs or renovations.
Whether your home requires major repairs or cosmetic updates, they will evaluate your property based on its potential, allowing you to sell it without needing costly improvements.
Selling a home through traditional methods often involves hiring an estate agent, who will charge a commission based on the sale price. This fee can significantly eat into your overall profits.
However, when you sell to a them, you can avoid estate agent fees altogether. They typically cover the transaction costs, ensuring that you receive the full agreed-upon amount for your property.
This financial benefit can make a considerable difference, especially if you are looking to maximise your returns or if you are in a situation where every penny counts.
Selling a home often comes with the challenge of coordinating moving dates and finding temporary accommodation.
However, when selling to a cash buyer, you can negotiate a flexible timeline that suits your needs. Whether you need to move out quickly or need extra time to arrange to relocate, they can often offer you the flexibility you require.
If you are looking for a quick and hassle-free home sale, selling to a cash buyer can be a smart choice.
See more about home advice on Skill Builder.
In the first of our West Country series, Roger visits Rosalind to see if he can solve her damp problems.
In this enlightening video, we’re diving deep into damp issues in homes, revealing the importance of thorough diagnoses before jumping to expensive solutions.
Did you know you could be throwing away up to £10,000 on unnecessary damp treatments? It’s a shocking truth many homeowners are unaware of, leaving them out of pocket and still battling damp issues.
We’ll guide you through the complexities of identifying and addressing damp problems, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your home without draining your wallet.
You’ll learn about various causes of dampness, how they can be mistaken for one another, and why fully exploring all possibilities is crucial to save money and effectively tackling the issue.
Every home is unique, and damp problems are no exception. Before investing in high-cost treatments, join us in uncovering the secrets of savvy damp diagnosis.
Let’s keep your home healthy and your savings intact. Tune in to uncover how you can save up to £10,000 on damp treatments by understanding the importance of a comprehensive diagnosis. Don’t let damp drain your funds; it’s time to reclaim control over your home’s health.
How to Repair a Motorised Central Heating Valve:
https://youtu.be/KT6mq1440zM
How to Fit an Isolation Valve on Copper Water Pipe:
https://youtu.be/zGp4dcgZEzM
How to Replace Ceramic Cartridge:
https://youtu.be/KVuaELhKHdQ
Motorised valves, also known as electrically actuated valves, are essential components in various industrial and home automation systems. They are designed to control the flow of fluids or gases, providing automation, efficiency, and precision.
Features of Motorised Valves
Automation: Motorised valves can automatically open or close in response to electrical, thermal, or mechanical signals.
Remote Operation: Many motorised valves can be remotely controlled via a central control system, smartphone app, or computer.
Multiple Types: They come in different types, including ball valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves, each suitable for different applications.
Versatility: These valves can handle a wide range of media, including water, oil, and gas, and they’re compatible with various temperature and pressure levels.
Manual Override: Many models include a manual override feature, allowing users to manually control the valve if necessary.
Position Indication: Some motorised valves have position indicators to easily monitor the valve’s status (open or closed).
Benefits of Motorised Valves
Improved Efficiency: By automating the process of opening and closing valves, operations can be streamlined, reducing the time and effort required for manual valve operation.
Precision Control: Motorised valves provide precision control of flow rates, which can improve the system’s performance in which they’re installed.
Safety: They can help to reduce the risk of accidents by automatically shutting off the flow of dangerous substances in case of anomalies.
Reduced Labor Costs: With automation and remote control capabilities, the need for manual operation is diminished, which can reduce labour costs.
Energy Saving: Some motorised valves have energy-saving features, as they only consume power when they change state (open or close), leading to lower energy consumption.
Longevity: Thanks to their sturdy design and construction, motorised valves tend to have a long operational life, reducing the frequency and costs of replacement.
Motorized valves are integral to modern fluid and gas control systems, offering automation, versatility, and efficiency. Their multiple features and benefits make them a valuable investment for many industries and applications.
Dan Cox assembles a bespoke staircase created by Bliss Joinery.
Bliss Joinery ~ Bespoke Staircases
🔗 https://blissjoinery.co.uk
Tracer AMK1 Deep Pencil Marker with Lead:
🛒 https://amzn.to/3ARurQM
Dan’s Roofing Square & App:
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Creating vision boards for your dream room renovations is an enjoyable pastime. Investing the time and funds into redesigning areas of your home is a big step.
This could be adding a fresh coat of paint, changing the flooring, adding new units, or knocking down walls to create open-plan living spaces.
Renovating any area of your home is an exciting time. It can mark fresh beginnings in a new space, allowing you to create new memories in these newly renovated rooms.
Once the new floor has been laid, the paint has dried, the units installed, and the wiring updated, you can begin looking at furnishing your home. Naturally, you might already have a plan, but here are a few ideas to help you along the way.
Don’t Forget The Switches And Sockets
When we think of home furnishings, we immediately think of larger pieces of furniture that occupy the space. These large items will help to tie the space together, bringing the visions for the room to life. However, it is the small details that help to make the difference.
Choosing blinds over curtains or a warm light bulb instead of a bright white light bulb can help complete a room renovation. Another is choosing the types of switches and sockets.
As you can imagine, it is easy to forget to choose the switches and sockets type. The switches and sockets you choose can help to emphasise the aesthetic you have for your home and each room, hence why they should be remembered.
For instance, if the home’s overall aesthetic is minimalistic, you could choose to have Perspex light switches and sockets to fit in with the clean and simple style of the rest of your house.
Look at Corston’s clear switches and sockets designs to see what options you could use. Even though switches and sockets are just a small detail, they can help to have a noticeable difference in a space. Ultimately, it can help to complete a room renovation.
Accessorise With Lighting Features
Staying on the topic of lighting, after choosing the light switches and sockets for the spaces, consider your lighting options. For example, will your kitchen feature spotlights? Do you prefer under-cabinet lighting? Are you debating between panel lights or statement pendant lights?
All of these choices can enhance the aesthetic of the room. Aside from main lighting sources, will you have lamps placed at the side of beds, in the corner of the living room or in a hallway to help offer a bit of light to a dark space?
Your choice of lamps and how they are placed can help in completing the room renovation. It can emphasise the style of the space or the overall vibe you have been trying to create.
Sometimes, you might want something other than the main light on in the evenings. Instead, you can use the light source from your choice of lamps to create a warm ambience, ideal for the tone you are trying to set.
Adding Decorative Throws And Cushions
Now, we are not saying you should cover your bed or sofa with cushions – although it does help to make the space more inviting! Adding a decorative cushion, whether it be brightly coloured or features a bold print, to a sofa, chair, or bed can help to add a finishing touch to the space.
Consider it like the cherry on top of a cake – it can be the missing piece that helps to bring the space together. It can feature the room’s colour schemes or add a nice contrast to the space.
The same is applied to adding a throw on the back of the sofa or at the foot of the bed. It can bring the colour scheme or aesthetic of the space together. An additional bonus it is great to have it close by when the weather turns a bit colder!
Organisation Of Bookshelves And Open Units
Adding more storage solutions is often one of the main goals for a room renovation. Rooms might have been extended to accommodate new storage spaces, or shelves could have been added to draw attention upwards whilst adding innovative storage solutions.
Adding shelves or bookshelves into a room helps to create great storage options.
Of course, the primary purpose of bookshelves is for you to store your books. However, it can also make an excellent decorative feature in a room. You can organise your books by colour, colour coding them, creating a rainbow effect or by size.
Find a way of organising your books that suits your taste, and that blends in with the style of the room. You can also add photographs, plants and other trinket items to add character to these shelves.
As you can see, there are many home furnishing ideas you can use to help you complete your latest room renovation. Each one can be tailored to suit your style and budget whilst helping to bring your visions to life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:00 — 14.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS
Roger and Sam discuss working with type 1 diabetes and how to stay motivated and energised as self-employed tradesmen (sorry, tradespeople).
FURTHER VIEWING
Quoting Jobs & Price Conditioning
Reasons for Going Self-Employed
Mental Health & Dealing with Stress
Special thanks to Sam & Jen from SJ Ward Builders.
Check out Sam and Jen on Facebook
#mentalhealth #stressrelief #diabetes
Roger and Sam discuss working with type 1 diabetes and how to stay motivated and energised as self-employed tradesmen (sorry, tradespeople).
FURTHER VIEWING
Quoting Jobs & Price Conditioning:
https://youtu.be/oTGstQVMIWU
Reasons for Going Self-Employed:
https://youtu.be/3plpu_A7Pnk
Mental Health & Dealing with Stress:
https://youtu.be/S9Wt5ADFuWk
Special thanks to Sam & Jen from SJ Ward Builders.
â–¶ https://bit.ly/3eh17v0
Dan Cox answers some of the many questions posted in the comments section.
Dan’s Roofing Square & App:
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Dan’s Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvRh7uimDQfejtJYfW_yI1U-EAkth0vxr
Tracer AMK1 Deep Pencil Marker with Lead:
🛒 https://amzn.to/3ARurQM
Sam & Jen carry out a conservatory to extension conversion.
SHOPPING
Makita DGA452Z Cordless Angle Grinder
🛒 https://amzn.to/3I6Dp0t
Makita DTD154Z Brushless Impact Driver
🛒 https://amzn.to/3O6tN9P
Makita DHP482Z Combi Drill
🛒 https://amzn.to/3BnLGcY
Beech Lead Dresser 50 x 170mm
🛒 https://amzn.to/3pzKS1Y
Makita DUB185Z 18v LXT Blower
🛒 https://amzn.to/3nRJEP8
Fischer FIS VL 300 T Injection Resin
🛒 https://amzn.to/3I9lqGN
Makita GN900SE Framing Nailer
🛒 https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-gn900se-7-2v-1st-fix-framing-gas-nailer-inc-2x-batteries-in-carry-case
FURTHER VIEWING
How To Lay Perfect Paving With Tobermore:
https://youtu.be/igF95S0QkeA
How To Install GRP on Flat Roofing:
https://youtu.be/Po2N67826wc
Special thanks to Sam & Jen from SJ Ward Builders.
â–¶ https://bit.ly/3eh17v0
CHAPTERS
00:00 Demolition
04:03 Brickwork
06:46 Timber
12:49 Ply Ceiling
14:19 Fascias
16:46 Roof Lantern
17:49 Lead Flashing
22:45 Finished Job
Dan Cox explains why he marks out an arc when cutting his hips.
Tracer AMK1 Deep Pencil Marker with Lead:
🛒 https://amzn.to/3ARurQM
Dan’s Roofing Square & App:
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Cover up for shade with lightweight Snickers LiteWork – a must for the summer months.
LiteWork working clothes from Snickers Workwear are specially designed for craftsmen and craftswomen who need to keep cool when it’s hot and protected when it’s sunny.
Just like high-performance sportswear, these lightweight, durable garments employ intelligent fabric and design solutions to provide moisture-wicking, quick-drying features to keep you dry and ventilated plus UV-protection when the heat is on at work.
After all, keeping a balanced body temperature is not just about staying cool it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety.
So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the LiteWork product range for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.
snickersworkwear.com/products/litework
The ergonomic, body-mapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, mid-layer Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments but give extra freedom of movement on site.
Snickers LiteWork, just what you’ll need to get your job done comfortably in summer.
See more about Snickers on Skill Builder
Roger shows us how to breathe new life into tired old shabby render with the help of the EWI Store.
EWI Store: https://ewistore.co.uk
Universal Primer (EWI 310)
🛒 https://bit.ly/42sBN9f
Premium Basecoat (EWI 225)
🛒 https://bit.ly/3LARJPS
Angle Beads
🛒 https://bit.ly/3VFudFZ
Silicone Render (EWI 075)
🛒 https://bit.ly/3HGF7p6
Silicone Paint (EWI 005) – 5 Litres
🛒 https://bit.ly/44uGWzj
