Oct 24
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) have blogged an interesting post highlighting five low tech eco building projects which they think people should be aware of and we think you might be interested too!
CAT have listed Lammas Ecovillages, which are based in West Wales, as the first example. Their aim is provide a model for an eco village in Pembrokeshire which can be replicated across Wales.
The Hockerton Housing Project in Nottinghamshire is the first earth sheltered, self-sufficient eco-housing development in the UK and is another inspiring project.
There has been much publicity about number three on their list – Simon Dale’s woodland house, and quite rightly so. Again it was built in Wales, and is a fantastic example of a low impact home and was built in an amazing 4 months!!
Tinkers Bubble in Somerset is their fourth example and was established in 1994 as an ‘intentional community’. It consists of low impact housing as well as 20 acres of woodland.
Finally is Cae Mabon, which is an eco retreat centre in North Wales. They offer events during the year including working parties, workshops and retreats, but you can also book it for group workshops and retreats etc.
Oct 21
Following on from Wednesday’s blog post about heating your home and saving money this winter, Neweys Online, one of the UK’s leading online electrical wholesalers have announced that they have slashed their prices on selected products in heating ranges from Newlec and Dimplex.
Both are well known brands with both trade and retail customers so the promotion provides everyone with a great opportunity to reduce the costs of heating their homes and offices.
With prices starting from as little as £10.59 and up to 30% off the regular retail price on a range of heating products including convection heaters, fan heaters (upright and wall mounted), warm air curtains and over door heaters anyone looking to add to their current heating solutions will find a considerable saving .
To view the full discounted range at NeweysOnline click here
Oct 20
DIY Doctor are in the process of redesigning the website and we are keen to understand who our users are and what their attitudes are to DIY and home improvement.
We would like to ask you to fill in a brief survey consisting of twelve simple questions. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes and everyone who completes a survey will be entered into a draw to win £200 worth of Screwfix vouchers.
So, if you can spare a couple of minutes, simply click here to take part in our survey.
We would be very grateful!
Oct 19
With a chill in the air and winter fast approaching, we thought it might be time for a brief reminder of what we can do in the home to keep warm, save energy and also save money.
We hear it all the time, but it’s true – loft insulation is the most cost effective way to keep your heating bills down. You can lose over 15% of your heating if you have no insulation, and it doesn’t have to be a nightmare job to do. There are also grants available – check out the Energy Saving Trust’s website.
Do a window audit. If you chose to have double glazed windows fitted, this can half the heat lost via them. Obviously this isn’t a cheap option, but it is a good investment, just make sure you get a registered installer – you can get free quotes via out Find a Tradesman section. Other possibilities can be to fit secondary glazing or even plastic film on the inside of the glass, although this isn’t usually a long term option. If you aren’t replacing any windows, do still check all windows for draughts, as you are often losing more heat through badly fitting windows. Make sure you plug and gaps and fill any rotten wood.
Continuing on the draughtproofing idea – go round the whole house and fill and plug any gaps you find including round doors, loft hatches, skirting boards and floorboards. Arm yourself with silicone sealant and some adhesive foam strips and away you go!
Oct 18
You can still get your hands on free tickets to the Harrogate Homebuilding & Renovating Show by clicking on the banner to register!
It is the north of England’s only dedicated self build and renovation event and is a brilliant opportunity to come and get advice and inspiration for your own projects.
It takes place at Harrogate International Centre from Friday 4th November until Sunday 6th November. DIY Doctor will be on the Tricks of the Trade stage, so drop in to one of our talks and demonstrations running over the three days and you can get help and advice from the DIY Doctor himself, Mike Edwards.
