Now Is the Time to Think About Outside Security Lighting

As the summer draws to a close and the days become longer, maybe now is the time to start looking at security lighting for your home.

Now I’m not going to tell you that security lighting will prevent a burglar attempting or succeeding to enter your home but as most things that we do, it may act as a deterrent. Should the external lights come on outside your house when any movement is detected, the potential intruder will realise that you have taken some essential security measures. They will most probably go to a property that doesn’t illuminate their every movement.

There are many different types of lighting currently on the market. Some have built in P.I.R. sensors to detect any movement in the vicinity of your property and switch on the light. The sensor can be aimed to cover a particular area and the sensitivity adjusted so it isn’t activated by a small animal such as a cat.

Please don’t for the brightest light that you can find so the whole exterior is fully illuminated. Select the size and style of light that will just adequately do it’s job. Think of your poor neighbours, if every time movement is detected, their garden or rooms are lit by your security lighting.

At the present time outside security lighting comes in many shapes, sizes, complexity and operating costs. Before buying any system check out what you really need by looking around your home and identifying and dark areas that could be an invitation for the would-be burglar. Then buy the most cost-efficient and suitable products to do the job. This simple process will lead to money savings in the winter months!

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What Items Do You Have In Your Toolbox?

And even more importantly what essential tools you need in your toolbox!

When you get known as a DIY’er it is amazing how many birthday and Christmas present that you get, that are related to your hobby. This will result in your toolbox overflowing with some amazing tools… But what type of tools do you really need?

The two most popular tools amongst our members are the hammer, which comes in various types but I should imagine that the claw hammer being the most popular. Then there is the measuring tape. Again is comes in various types with the steel retractable tape being the type most found in the toolbox.

A Selection of Screwdrivers – for flat head and Pozi-Drive. An electric drill is also handy for many tasks, most obviously drilling holes in walls that wall plugs are then inserted into. However these item could be rolled into one if you were to buy a good quality Rechargeable drill. You would still need the odd hand screwdriver.

A spirit level is essential if you want to get things level. It is no use measuring off the floor as the floor may slope. Whilst we are on the subject of getting things right we should throw in a Set Square to enable you to mark out materials with square ends etc.
And to cut the materials you will need a saw for cutting wood, ply and MDF etc, plus a hacksaw which is used for cutting metals. Other items could include a Wood Plane, a set of Allen keys and a sander.

The items listed will form a basic tool kit and may do 90% of your DIY jobs. However, to make the job more pleasurable then more specialist tools can be added. Also if you specialise in something like making furniture then the list will become almost endless.

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How do you find the DIY tools or product that you’re looking for?

Personally, initially I tend to search the internet when I’m looking for a specific product or tool.

When it comes to buying either hand or power tools, I check out the prices and decide which store to visit to get the feel of the tool. I like to hold the tool to make sure it feels right and check out the quality. With other items and products I’ll order on-line. I imagine that this buying scenario to be true in most cases so therefore it is vital that the DIY Stores are highly ranked on the search engines.

I ran a simple search on Google just to see who was ranked the highest for the term ‘DIY Store’ and this is the order in which they appeared. (I ignored the paid ads)

1 – Homebase

2 – B&Q

3 – Wickes

4 – Focus (DIY)

5 – WilkinsonPlus

6 – Godfrey DIY

7 – Screwfix

8 – Maxwell’s DIY

9 – Amazon

10 - Robert Dyas

Possibly my biggest surprise was that B&Q were not in the number one slot. Well done Homebase!!! WilkinsonPlus was also another surprise as I didn’t think that they would be ranked as high.

Do you search and buy on-line or do you visit a store and hand over the cash?

This search was conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday 14th July 2010.

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WHAT IF SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE CHANCE TO CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME?

Have you got a burning ambition to design or build your dream home?

Are you up for a real challenge? Do you have amazing design ideas, but have never had the opportunity to see these through.

Is there a rundown building in your area you believe has the potential to be turned into an incredible house? But it’s out of your reach?

Maybe you’ve got your eye on a plot of land and want to build a property from scratch?

If this sounds familiar, then the BBC wants to hear from you. Read the rest of this entry »

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Saving Money with a DIY Conservatory

If you’ve ever thought about adding a conservatory to your home but were put off by the cost, why not consider the DIY option?

ConservatoryLand, one of the UK’s leading specialist manufacturers and suppliers of bespoke DIY conservatories to the UK retail market explains the basics of building your own conservatory and the typical cost savings that are made.

This guide assumes that any planning permission approval and building regulation control that may be required has been approved before proceeding and is based on the conservatory being supplied by ConservatoryLand.

Once you have decided on the location of your proposed conservatory, it’s size and style, you will need to decide how you are going to build the base and walls (if applicable). There are two options available; the traditional build method where concrete footings are created or a much easier, cleaner and more modern method of using a steel conservatory base which can easily be carried out by anyone with moderate DIY skills, thus making the whole project truly DIY.

The next step is to place an order for your conservatory, at which point, you will be issued with a base plan (if opting for traditional build) or a pad plan (if opting for a steel base, which simply stands on concrete pads or foundation blocks). This will enable you or your local builder to build your base/walls before your conservatory is delivered.

Upon confirmation that you are ready to take delivery of your conservatory, you will be contacted to check all sizes and specifications before manufacture, your delivery scheduled and your conservatory delivered on a mutually convenient date.

The installation of your conservatory can then be completed, either by you or your local builder. Whichever way you choose, substantial savings can be made compared to purchasing a full design, build and installation package from a window or conservatory company.

The cost savings that are made depend on the size of the conservatory and whether you get a local builder to assist you or carry out the work yourself, but typically around £4000 is saved on the average project.

So how can you save so much? Well, there’s no sales people or surveyors visiting your home, no profits made on building work or installation and less VAT to pay. All you have to do is a little organisation yourself and the rewards are well worth the effort.

For further information about DIY conservatories, visit www.conservatoryland.com and for steel conservatory bases, visit www.conservabase.com.

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Buying for trade or DIY?… Make sure you get rewarded.

If you’re shopping at top DIY and trade suppliers like Wickes, Screwfix Direct, B&Q, Homebase and Focus, make sure your first step is visiting www.maximiles.co.uk

With Maximiles you collect points every time you shop online with the UK’s biggest DIY and trade brands. You can then spend those points on over 10,000 rewards in the Maximiles rewards catalogue. You’ll find everything from TVs and DVDs to holidays and more. You can get up to £20 worth of rewards for every £500 you spend. That could add up to serious amounts if you’re buying for your business or refurbishing your home.

But it’s not only DIY and trade brands. Maximiles also allows you to collect points at over 600 retailers, including some of the biggest names on the high street. The beauty is you get rewarded for the shopping that you would be doing anyway. You’d be crazy not to!

All you need to do is join, find the partner you want to shop with on the Maximiles website, and then click through and shop online as you normally would. Your points will then be automatically added to your Maximiles account. You can then browse through the reward catalogue at any time and spend your points on thousands of rewards. It’s so simple. What are you waiting for!?

To see our DIY and trade partners click here.
To see where else you can collect points visit our A-Z partner listing.
To see what rewards you can get visit our rewards catalogue.
To get collecting simply join now!

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Self Build & Home Improvement on the Increase

Interest in both self build and home improvement continues to grow, according to a recent survey from The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

Twenty nine percent of visitors to the Show, held at the NEC in March, are currently involved in a self build project, compared to 20% in 2009, with 38% involved in a renovation project, compared to 34% in 2009.  This homeowner confidence is mirrored by recent news from the Nationwide that house prices in the UK have risen by 10.5% in the year to the end of April.

Homeowners keen to improve, extend, renovate or even build their own home should visit The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at Sandown Park on 26 and 27 June. Visitors can pick up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, restoration tips, cost saving ideas and eco friendly solutions – all under one roof. Bring along your plans or drawings, meet with the experts and get great advice and information from the free seminars and masterclasses.

The Show is co-located with The Kitchen & Bathroom Show, the UK’s only dedicated kitchen and bathroom consumer show. Individual manufacturers and suppliers often not seen on the High Street, will inspire with bespoke designs, the latest technology and a fabulous array of colours and styles.  New this year is The Kitchen & Bathroom Design Experience where visitors can bring along their room plans and get a one-to-one consultation with experts from The Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and Essential Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom magazine.

The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show and The Kitchen and Bathroom Show are on at Sandown Park on 26 and 27 June. The Shows feature over 150 exhibitors, 30 free seminars and master classes and the chance to Ask the Experts.

For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or www.kitchenandbathroomshow.co.uk.

Tickets give entry to both Shows and are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).

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Claim your Tax Refund…….They won’t remind you !

Well it’s getting close to that time of year for us in the UK to enter a New Financial year. Yes April is fast approaching and i thought now was as good a time as ever to remind you about checking your P60.

A friend of mine reclaimed tax he had paid in the 2002/2003 period. I asked him how and i was amazed at the simplicity of it all.

Here’s how……..
Everyone who pays tax gets a P60 at the end of the financial tax year outlining their income and tax paid for that year. I for some reason seem to have every P60 since i started work ( sad i know ) and thus began my search.

I came across the following website of which i have no connection with but find it a very useful tool to use, CLICK HERE. On the left hand side you will see three boxes for you to enter the details directly from your P60. When you click the calculate button, making sure it’s the correct year you will be informed as to whether you are entitled to a refund. Here’s the bit you need to be careful with though, it will then ask you to fill in your details as they will claim on your behalf but they don’t do it for nothing, they take a cut of your repayment so do the following.

How do i claim it back then ?
Easy, simply print off the details and ring the following phone number 08459 000 444 this number is to the Inland Revenue and they will be able to confirm if the refund details are correct. Ask them for your Tax Office where you can send them a brief letter explaining you are reclaiming a refund and also enclose your original P60, you will get this back.

Last year someone i know claimed a Grand total of £1250.50 for 2003/04 and £369.53 for 2006/07 as he was on the wrong codes. He contacted the Tax Office and they confirmed that the figures were correct and 4 weeks later he received a lovely cheque back from the treasury.

On another note you can claim back a laundry allowance for your work wear provided the company logo is emblazoned somewhere upon the garment. I successfully managed to claim this back after sending a letter confirming the company details of where i was employed to my local tax office. At the time of writing the allowance is currently at £45 per year but you can claim for the last 6 years worth, please check with your company that the allowance has not already been applied to your tax code.

To find out more and calculate your tax…

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What’s The Best Way Of Cleaning Up During A Renovation Project?

It’s great having renovation work carried out on a property. It might be given a new look, added structures, modern look and feel. It’s certainly an exciting time. However, with the excitement there is a lot to put up with whilst the work’s being completed. What’s more is the mess that’s created whilst all the work is going on.

Each day more and more dust, dirt, debris, and general mess will start to pile up. On smaller renovation projects just a small skip should do the job. But on larger scale building projects much larger waste containers will be required. The cleaning should be carried out daily to make sure there’s no lasting damage to the building work and existing fixtures.

In this article we’ll look at the different types of home cleaning products and also industrial cleaning products that are available for the clean up operation. Instead of leaving the entire clean up until the renovation has finished it’s a good idea to clean as you go. That way it’ll be much easier and there’s less likely to be any stains that won’t come out.

Types of products
There are a wide variety of solutions suitable for different areas. One of the biggest problems during renovation is likely to be dust. Dust can quickly be removed by using any standard vacuum cleaner. If there is any dust on surfaces you can use a different nozzle with gentle brush attached to it.
Most home cleaning products will contain weaker chemicals than industrial ones. Which means it might take a bit more effort to remove larger areas or more stubborn areas. Either way there are floor cleaners such as anti static cleaners that are suitable for hard floor surfaces. Bleach will work very well to clean sinks and toilets but be careful not to use it on coloured surfaces as it will stain them white.

How best to clean
Firstly, you should leave the cleaning until the builders have left. Otherwise more mess may be created after you’ve cleaned. The best method to clean up during a renovation is to vacuum twice. Before you start any cleaning vacuum all the floors and all surfaces. That way, any surfaces will be clear from dust.
You can then clean the surfaces with antibacterial cleaner. Once the surfaces have dried you can then apply the furniture polish. If you don’t’ vacuum the services there might be dust on them which will just get wet when the antibacterial cleaner is applied. Many cleaning products are also fragranced which can give a pleasant smell which makes it feel cleaner too.

Do it yourself or outsource it
It’s cheaper to carry out the cleaning yourself; however, it depends on how big the area is. If a large part of the building is being renovated it might be worthwhile to outsource the cleaning to save your time. Many builders will often carry out a basic clean up after they’ve finished which always helps.

to find out more please click here

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Do you have an unusual routin a quirky ritual or an outrageous habit?

Or do you know someone who has?

We’re a nation of eccentrics and we’ve all got odd habits, funny little quirks and now it’s time to celebrate them and discover that you’re not alone!

• Do you have a weird and wonderful habit that you just can’t give up?
• Does your partner despair at your strange behaviour and particular way of doing things?
• Perhaps you’re super organised, and colour code your wardrobe or alphabetise your fridge?
• Do you have a habit your friends think is a bit gross, perhaps you secretly chew your toe nails?
• Do you have an unusual bedtime ritual or a unique approach to getting ready in the morning?

Remarkable Television (an Endemol company) are making a new show for BBC3 that will celebrate the nation’s habits, rituals and routines - everyone has them, so let’s be proud!

You can contact us at:

myfunnyhabit@endemoluk.com or call us on 0333 577 7771

All 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as 01 or 02 numbers. If you have inclusive minutes in your phone package then a call to an 03 number is free. If you have a pay as you go mobile, or do not have inclusive calls then you will be charges at the local rate. Remarkable will use any information provided by you for the purpose of selecting contributors for the programme. We will keep your data securely for the purposes of the programme and will only share information with the BBC and any independent contractors involved in the programme. We will not pass it on to any third parties who are not directly involved in the production, without your consent.

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