How to remove a load bearing wall safely and easily using brick brace

load bearing wall removal

In this video Roger Bisby demonstrates how to support brick work safely using the brick brace system during load bearing wall removal.  “It seems like years ago that I was first introduced to the Brick Brace. It is no illusion, time flies and in all that time I have been waiting for the right job to try it out on. …

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Business as usual for two thirds of SME house builders

SME house builders

Two thirds of SME house builders are yet to see any significant changes to their project pipelines in the wake of Brexit, new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed. The survey – which is the first to be conducted among SME house builders since the EU referendum – found that 69% of firms are yet to …

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Speedskim review – updated

Speedskim review

Since our first look at Speedskim the range is now being distributed by Ox Tools. It is fair to say that the Speedskim is not for everyone as some plasterers simply could not adapt to it but for those plasterers who have embraced it the main benefit is they can complete the laying down of finish plaster without the trowel. …

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Wimbledon-based property developer chooses Lomax + Wood

Sash windows from Lomax + Wood

High performance, made-to-order wooden windows and doors have been specified by a leading London-based property developer who has  chosen Lomax + Wood for their most recent project in Wimbledon, South West London. The four-storey, period style private residence, which includes a converted basement and contemporary light wells, is built of brick with lavish use of stone to back and front …

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Alba Krapf Murxi bar review

murxi bar review

Roger Bisby takes delivery of two Swiss made heavy wrecking bars and goes in search of jobs that need this kind of leverage. The Swiss made Murxi bar sounds like something you might want to eat but you would do serious damage to your teeth if you took a bite out of this drop forged wrecking bar from the Swiss …

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What’s the state of the construction industry post-Brexit?

construction industry post-Brexit

Ian Anfield, managing director for construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, comments on recent talk of a recession in light of the Brexit vote and  considers the state of the construction industry post-Brexit. “Whether we’re entering a recession or not is a big talking point at the moment. Certainly, we at Hudson Contract have seen that the number …

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Scangrip Nova work lights review

Scangrip Nova work lights

Although they’re not the cheapest models on the market, Roger Bisby finds the Scangrip Nova work lights are built to last. Two or three (time flies) years ago I went to review some Scangrip LED work lights which shine their powerful beam under the name of Nova. I was so impressed that I bought a pair together with stands and …

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Origin launches residential door

Origin Residential Door

Origin has introduced the Origin Residential Door available in the UK to trade from 1st September 2016, or consumers from 1st October 2016. The Origin Residential Door can be used as a front or garage door for an integrated front of house look. Manufactured with a high-grade aluminium, there are 35 panel choices on offer, available in over 150 different RAL …

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Rockwool Sound Insulation review

Rockwool Sound Insulation review

In this Rockwool Sound Insulation review Roger Bisby finds the product has come a long way since it’s ultra itchy conception. It seems to me from my visits to sites  that many builders and loft converters don’t attach very much importance to sound insulation. This is a great pity because good sound insulation is an important indicator of a quality  …

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How to silicone seal a basin or bath with Abacus Bathrooms

silicone seal a basin or bath

In this latest video on the Skill Builder You Tube channel Roger Bisby shares some tips on how to silicone seal a basin or bath and explains some cheats which can make the job easier. Among Roger’s tips are making sure that the surface is clean and dry before beginning the job. Roger also demonstrates a tool from Abacus which …

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Limited edition Irwin tool organiser

Irwin tool organiser

Skill Builder went to Toolbank‘s headquarters to take a sneak preview of their Real Deals Christmas promotion (yes sorry to mention it so early) and among the things we saw was this Irwin tool organiser packed full of Irwin’s best selling tools. It is ideal for the jobbing builder who never knows quite what they are going to come up …

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Could a jacket make you more productive?

Allround Insulated Work Jacket

Snickers thinks so which is why performance and comfort are integral features of the company’s new water-resistant, padded jacket Top athletes have long enjoyed the benefits of performance wear – so Snickers thinks its about time tradespeople can too. Snickers Workwear is one of the first manufacturers of working clothes to introduce 37.5® Technology into their clothing. As any athlete …

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Laying Cempolatex Fibreflex: Lessons learned

Bostik self levelling compound

I chose to put down some Cempolatex Fibreflex in a loft conversion on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. It was a foolish undertaking and I should have known better. Last year I made a video for YouTube on applying this very self-levelling compound and in it I talk about the need to store bags …

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Bond It confirms Tiling Show plans

2016 tiling show

Bond It, the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing products and building chemicals, has announced its plans for the 2016 Tiling Show. At the brand new event for the UK’s tile and stone industry, which runs from the 18th to 20th September at the Harrogate International Centre, the business will promote an array of products targeted at the tiling sector …

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Evolution Rage saw review

Evolution rage saw review

In this Evolution Rage saw review, Roger Bisby finds a variety of applications for the Evolution Rage 3 sliding mitre saw. The Evolution Rage range of saws are made in China to a British design and manage to sell across the globe. When you consider the competition this is no mean feat but the Rage saws have some interesting features …

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Gas engineer fined for unsafe installation

Construction boss jailed

A Gas Safe registered engineer from Middlesex has been fined for safety failings after he carried out an unsafe installation. In a one day trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court it was heard how Michael Efthymiou, a self- employed gas engineer, carried out an unsafe installation of a gas combination boiler and flue at a domestic property in Crossfield Road, Clacton-on-Sea. An investigation …

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Roofing firms fined after worker fell to his death

Construction boss jailed

Two roofing companies and one of their directors have been fined after a worker fell to his death through a skylight. Cardiff Crown Court heard how 46 year old Lance Davies, a father of seven, died after falling over seven metres through a roof light at industrial premises in the Crumlin area of South Wales. An investigation by the Health …

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Skills shortage lowering quality of construction work

quality of construction work

Nearly 85% of public sector construction managers, and 58% of private sector contractors and suppliers say the current skills shortage is negatively impacting the quality of their workmanship, as well as one in ten citing it as critically impacting their ability to keep to budget. Sustainability in the Supply Chain, a new report from built environment specialist Scape Group which …

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Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw REVIEW

Evolution RAGE3-S 210mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw

In this latest product review Roger Bisby looks at the Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw which is said to to cut steel, aluminium & wood with one saw and one blade. These are the claims for the Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw. See Roger put these claims to the test. Multipurpose cutting Using patented professional RAGE® …

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