Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Roger watches Kirk Johnstone The Plasterer, from On The Trowel, do his own plumbing!

China's control over crucial resources like lithium and cobalt, coupled with their advanced manufacturing capabilities, positions them at the forefront of the global Electric Vehicle industry.

The Chinese electric vans you can buy today: more EV for less cash?

Roger gets a plastering lesson from Kirk Johnstone, the plasterer behind YouTube channel On The Trowel.

Extension Build 2024: In 2024, the United Kingdom saw significant changes in its building regulations, marking a pivotal shift towards more sustainable, energy-efficient construction practices.

Rising damp is a condition that affects the walls of buildings when water from the ground rises up through the bricks and mortar, mainly due to capillary action. Despite its well-documented presence and the potential damage it can cause to properties, a contingent of sceptics believe that rising dampness is a myth concocted to sell unnecessary damp-proofing services.

Tackling Tool Theft Roger has a chat with Police Superintendent Andrew Huddleston about tool theft. Andrew is Head of the National Rural Crime Unit / National Construction Agriculture Theft Team and NPCC lead: Theft of Construction & Agri Machinery. National Rural Crime Network 🔗https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net National Police Chiefs’ Council 🔗https://www.npcc.police.uk Northumbria Police 🔗http://northumbria.police.uk ________________________________ Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, Head of the National …

Damp problems in a single brick skin house - Seeking expert advice! Our message from Rachel: I am writing to you today for advice on a persistent damp problem in our old house. We live in a single brick terrace house in Hanover, Brighton built in the 1800s on a timber sole plate...

The transition to sustainable energy solutions is more critical in the UK than ever. With concerns over rising energy costs and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, homeowners increasingly turn to innovative heating solutions. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are emerging as a frontrunner in this shift, offering many benefits that align with the UK's climate goals and the specific needs of British homeowners.

Domestic underfloor heating offers an efficient and comfortable way to heat your home by distributing warmth evenly across floor surfaces and creating a cosy environment from the ground up. This system comes in various types, each with distinct features and benefits.

Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream 🛒 https://skill-builder.uk/stormdry Coastline Composite Cladding & Panels https://www.eurocell.co.uk/external-cladding/coastline-composite-cladding Everbuild Black Jack 908 D.P.M (Damp Proof Membrane) 🛒 https://amzn.to/3vfqne9 https://youtu.be/ob4gqgtQcg4?si=k_E7AK1Vhp7i3X6D ________________________________________ Roger revisits Meadvale Builders to watch them build a simple single storey extension Check out Meadvale Builders: https://www.mybuilder.com/profile/view/meadvale_builders Tel: 01737 227009 The Benefits and Considerations of Timber Framed Single Storey Extensions Expanding your home with a …

Purchasing a fixer Upper house can be an exciting and rewarding investment. It offers the potential to customize your dream home or make a profit through renovation. However, it requires careful consideration and planning.

Working beyond retirement age in the UK can be influenced by a variety of factors, with both economic and personal dimensions playing a part. Here’s why someone might choose or need to work longer, along with the benefits this can offer...

https://j-strut.com ◾ J-STRUT is a temporary steel prop that height adjusts safely, quickly and effortlessly using a cordless impact wrench. 📪 Newsletter: http://skill-builder.uk/signup Roger revisits Meadvale Builders to help support a load-bearing wall for a room knock-through. Check out Meadvale Builders: https://www.mybuilder.com/profile/view/meadvale_builders Tel: 01737 227009 Supporting a Load-Bearing Wall: Essential Steps and Considerations Removing or altering a load-bearing wall can …

📪 Newsletter: http://skill-builder.uk/signup Roger helps his neighbour with some fault finding, which the British Gas engineer failed to spot. ________________________________________ A systematic approach to fault finding is essential when tackling electrical issues in central heating systems that cause fuses to trip. This method not only identifies the underlying cause of the problem but also ensures safety and system efficiency. Here …

Building techniques reflect the practices, materials, and methods employed in the construction of buildings. These techniques vary significantly across countries due to climate, available resources, cultural influences, and technological advancements. Roger looks at a new-build in Waregem, Belgium, to see how they do things.