Repairs & DIY
Silicone, sealant and filling gaps
Choosing the wrong product for a gap is the reason so many repairs fail within months.
Repairs & DIY
The jobs worth doing yourself, and the ones that are not.
Repairs & DIY
When to call a professional
Some work is legally restricted, some is dangerous, and some is simply not worth the time it takes to learn.
Repairs & DIY
Doors, windows and things that stick
Sticking doors, failing catches and draughty windows have straightforward causes and quick fixes.
Repairs & DIY
Tiling and grouting
A small tiling job is within reach for most people, and the preparation determines whether it looks professional.
Repairs & DIY
Assembling and fixing flat-pack furniture
Flat-pack assembly has predictable failure points, and most wobbly furniture can be repaired rather than replaced.
Repairs & DIY
Draughts, insulation and keeping heat in
The cheapest measures have the shortest payback, and most homes have not done them.
Repairs & DIY
Electrical basics and the limits
A small amount of electrical understanding prevents most household problems, and the boundary of what to attempt is clear.
Repairs & DIY
Basic plumbing that is worth learning
A handful of plumbing tasks are straightforward, and knowing where the stopcock is matters more than any of them.
Repairs & DIY
Hanging things on walls
The fixing matters more than the screw, and choosing the wrong one for the wall is why things fall down.
Repairs & DIY
Painting a room properly
Preparation is most of the work, and the finish reflects exactly how much of it was skipped.
Repairs & DIY
Damp, condensation and mould
Most household damp is condensation rather than a building fault, and distinguishing them determines whether the fix works.
Repairs & DIY
Fixing things instead of replacing them
A substantial proportion of discarded household items are repairable, and the obstacles are information and confidence rather than skill.
Repairs & DIY
The tools worth owning
A short list covers the great majority of household repairs, and buying beyond it is generally wasted.