A building supplies e-commerce start-up is taking on industry heavyweights B&Q, Travis Perkins, Selco, Jewson and Wickes to offer savings of 20-35%. Go Banana is said to be the UK’s first comparison website for building and DIY supplies. With 50,000 searchable products Go Banana provides an online platform for builders, tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts looking to purchase supplies quickly and …
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There’s been lots happening on the Skill Builder YouTube channel in 2016; here’s a few highlights. Power tools In January 2016 we published the first part of the new 18v drill test which was first published in 2014. This time we split it into three parts looking at: Part 1 – batteries; Part 2 – flat bits; Part 3 – …
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In the second part of this video Roger Bisby continues his explanation of how to fit a wall hung WC and basin from British company Abacus Bathrooms. As a British company Abacus has a good understanding of British plumbing and the WC and Basin in this video have been designed to work with British systems so you’re not running around …
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Roger Bisby talks through how to fit a wall hung WC and basin from British company Abacus Bathrooms. As a British company Abacus has a good understanding of British plumbing and the WC and Basin in this video have been designed to work with British systems so you’re not running around different merchants looking for a non-existant adapter for a …
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In this video Roger Bisby looks at how a water distribution manifold from Abacus Bathrooms can take all the sweat and drama out of plumbing. The use of water distribution manifolds in mains pressure installations is a useful way of giving ultimate serviceability to all your bathroom products. It also reduces the chances of any leaks because you aren’t teeing …
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Makita has launched two new 18v Brushless motor LXT drills: the Makita DDF483 13mm drill driver and the Makita DHP483 combi drill. Both new products are notable for their compact size: the drill driver has an overall body length of 162mm and the combi drill has a 176mm overall length. Both are ideally suited for tight space installation work, such …
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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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Timber Conservation windows and doors by Mumford & Wood have been specified by a building developer for his own residential property in Poole, Dorset. This large coastal town, once a maritime trade hub, has attracted tourists and visitors to its beaches and landscapes for many decades and is an established area of beauty. The 1950s cottage-style property was purchased by …
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In this review Dale Cromwell, owner of Crafted Group (Bathrooms, Kitchens, Electrical & Landscaping) has been testing the FEIN AFMM18 Cordless MultiMaster.
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Bathroom designer Twyford has donated ceramic products for a toilet block in the Rainbow Foundation Pre-School, a new school in Faala in The Gambia, for 60 local children. Faala is a new settlement near to Sanyang and the school has been constructed for younger children who can’t safely travel to Sanyang, due to the long and dangerous route on foot. …
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Roger Bisby puts Medite Tricoya Extreme to the test, a waterproof outdoor quality MDF from Medite Tricoya. The potential applications for Medite Tricoya Extreme are far ranging particularly in environments where humidity and weather are usually concerns. It is possible to imagine Medite Tricoya Extreme used virtually anywhere, including: Façade cladding/siding Fascia and soffit panels and other secondary exterior applications …
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I have always been a sucker for a challenge. If someone tells me that they have a problem that nobody has been able to fix, I am there. Rising damp is not usually baffling but rising damp in a third floor flat is. Yes I do mean rising damp and not penetrating damp, the proof being that some of it …
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I am currently working on the building site from hell. It was a job I took on against my better judgment. When I was pricing it alarm bells were ringing in my head because there was a new spec and drawing almost every day. The job itself isn’t actually that bad; it’s a complete re-plumb on a large central London …
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The golden rule that I have followed through years of fault finding is ‘never assume and never jump to conclusions’. OK that is two golden rules but the basic message is never say you know something until you prove it. This has stood me in good stead where other tradesmen have come and gone from a job missing one small …
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Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
