Extending 35A is our third project series on Skill Builder and looks back at a single storey extension that Roger worked on many years ago. In Part 4 of our 35A Extension series, we see a young Robin Clevett go to work on the roof timbers in his first appearance with the Skill Builder team.
Read More »The Capel Building Project Series #7 – Walls & Roof Assembly
The Capel Building Project series follows the renovation and extension of an unusual property designed by architect Michael Newberry in Surrey. Carpenter and Builder Robin Clevett is taking the first glass and steel house in the UK which was built in 1957 and extending it and refurbishing it, including the addition of a pool house, while paying homage to its …
Read More »SKILL BUILDER PROJECT: How to build an extension
In this series of videos, building industry journalist and expert, Roger Bisby provides an insight into how to build an extension by taking viewers through the build of a side and rear extension on a semi-detached property in the South East of England. In the latest episode – Episode 9 – Roger tries out a rapid drying screeding product on …
Read More »How to Replace a Central Heating Pump – Plumbing DIY
Spoiler alert – not all jobs go according to plan and this one had Roger on the ropes. Replacing a central heating pump is a simple enough DIY job, but years of plumbing experience come in very handy when the job gets too wet. The old broken pump goes out to be replaced by a brand new Grundfos UPS2.
Read More »How to render exterior walls – rendering tips for beginners
Roger revisits a topic that Skill Builder covered many years ago. Skill Builder’s original how to render video has been one of the channel’s most popular videos but some professionals responded to say that they prefer alternative techniques. Roger Bisby considers some of the points raised in response to the first video and shares some details about how to render …
Read More »Capel Build Part 5 – Robin’s cladding vlog update
In this fifth video from the Capel Build series Robin Clevett gives us a solo update vlog while Roger is away on holiday and we take a look at his approach to cladding. Robin is currently doing the exterior cladding for the summer house. Robin explains the importance of ventilation and airspace when assembling your tongue and groove cladding. Lots …
Read More »The Extension Part 7: Setting out the roof wall plates
The Extension project is now up to plate level so it’s time for Pythagoras’ theorem. “Plate level is the timber plate which is going to hold the roof structure including the roof joists, hips and roof rafters. “When you put this on you need to spend a lot of time getting this right because carpenters curse bricklayers like mad if …
Read More »Ford Transit security: The problems & some solutions
As tool thefts from vans soar across the nation and there is increasing unrest among tradespeople whose livelihoods depend on their tools, Skill Builder returns to Sussex Installations to find out more about the specific issues associated with Ford Transits and find out what can be done about them. The problems associated with Ford Transits are well known with the …
Read More »How to fix one cold radiator – Plumbing Tips
Do you have one cold radiator that needs fixing? Would you like to try fixing it yourself? Roger Bisby troubleshoots that problem radiator. “If you have a radiator that isn’t getting hot there are a few things potentially happening. “Your central heating might be on and your other radiators are warm but you have one cold radiator. “If you feel …
Read More »Building an extension Part 6 – Installing joists and steels
In Part 6 of The Extension series, which follows the build of a side and rear extension, we see the joists and steels slotted into position in preparation for the removal of a load bearing wall at the back of the house. The wall is being knocked out to extend the existing kitchen and create a kitchen/diner on the ground …
Read More »How to Join Copper and Plastic Pipe – Plumbing Tips
Roger visits his favourite local plumber’s merchant and shows you how to join copper and plastic pipe. There are two videos in this How to join pipes series – this, the first video, looks at how to join supply pipes – the second video will look at how to join waste pipes. For supply pipes and central heating pipes you …
Read More »Dewalt vs Hitachi framing nailer Head-2-Head
Roger visits his friend Malcolm to put the new Hitachi NR1890DBCL up against the established Dewalt DCN692 to see how much of a difference Hitachi’s new air spring drive technology makes to performance. Features of the new Hitachi NR1890DBCL/JP The Hitachi NR1890DBCL/JP is powered by a lightweight, rechargeable 5.0 Ah Li-Ion battery, so there’s no need to replace fuel cells. …
Read More »Building an Extension Part 5 – Up to the joists
In Part 5 of The Extension Series Roger and his team make preparations for the first floor. Roger talks through the key considerations at this stage including installing the lintels and exposing existing joists for bathroom pipework alterations Here’s a link to the Brickbrace video mentioned in this episode. Brickbrace is a system for supporting a wall when you’re going …
Read More »Cutting Roof Timbers – Capel Build #4
This is the fourth part of our second building project series on Skill Builder where we look at cutting roof timbers.
Read More »How Secure is Your Van? – The Truth & Solutions
Skill Builder shares some essential information about van security and takes a look at the shocking vulnerabilities of the Ford Transit.
Read More »What’s the Best Mix for Rendering?
Roger helps you get the perfect ratio for your rendering mix. So what's the best mix for rendering?
Read More »The Capel Build Part 3 – Timber Frames
This is the third part of our second building project series on Skill Builder. The Capel Build sees carpenter and builder Robin Clevett renovate and extend an unusual property in Surrey. In this episode we look at the timber frames. Robin has now taken delivery of the timber frame which was a day’s work in itself as some of the …
Read More »Building an Extension Part 4 – Brickwork & Insulation
In Part 4 of our series following the building of an extension we cover the brickwork and insulation stage and some points to consider when insulating your home.
Read More »Bosch Impact Driver review: GDR & GDX 18v Impact Drivers
In the eighth and final test of our big Impact Driver round up we put the Bosch GDR 18 V-LI & GDR 18-LI Impact Drivers and Bosch GDX 18 V-EC impact wrench through their paces. These tests complete this series of cordless impact driver tests which has covered models from Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Hilti, Metabo, Pansonic, DeWalt and Hitachi. Find …
Read More »Pecavoid Max Frank ~ The Capel Build #2
It’s time for the second instalment of the Capel Build which follows the renovation and extension of an unusual property designed by architect Michael Newberry in Surrey. Carpenter and Builder Robin Clevett is taking the first glass and steel house in the UK which was built in 1957 and extending it and refurbishing it while paying homage to its original …
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