Nov 17
We love a bit of building on the telly, there are more and more programs about restoration, self build, conversion, and improvement for homes and gardens aren’t there?
One of the ones we like the best is Channel 4′s Restoration Man and here are our top 5 reasons why
- It is presented by George Clarke
- It delves into the history of the buildings being restored (kind of ‘meets Time Team’ stuff)
- The people featured have a sensible budget in place
- The time-frame for completing the project is not exaggerated – good building projects take time. Good restoration projects often take more time!
- The projects chosen to be featured include some really interesting buildings – and this is where you come in (possibly)
Because we are such a large website for Homebuilders, Home Improvers and DIY enthusiasts the production company for Restoration Man, Tiger Aspect, have asked us to approach our users to find building projects for their next series. They are looking for restoration projects on any building that has a really interesting history or is an unusual building – think folly, dovecote, public toilet (yes public toilet – did you see that episode of Amazing Spaces?).
Click on the image above for an interview with George Clarke about the program, on the Channel 4 Website.
If you think you have just the thing to feature on the program, and you fancy your 15 minutes of fame, get in touch by contacting the Restoration Man team on 0208 222 4042 or restorationman@tigeraspect.co.uk.
Good luck! Let us know if you get accepted.
Sep 01
As our regular blog readers will know DIY Doctor have a bit of a crusade going to try to improve standards across the building industry. One of the ways we aim to do this is by supplying customers with the information they need to make sensible and informed choices when employing tradesmen.
This interest is shared by the NHIC (National Home Improvement Council) and we are pleased to see that they are releasing a series of articles which aim to highlight some of the most popular home improvement projects that homeowners want to tackle, and give them the information they need to do it (or get it done) safely efficiently and cost effectively.
We will be keeping an eye out for such subjects as
Basements & cellars
Home insulation
Extensions
Green Deal
Lighting
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Renewable heating
In the mean time have a browse through our project pages to see similar themes.
If you are considering employing workmen then check out HIPS (Home Improvers Protection Scheme), by clicking on the button on the left.
Here you will find lots of help in avoiding cowboy builders including a FREE desired outcome contract.
Aug 16
Cast iron radiators have an old world charm that is bang on-trend. What is more they may be more environmentally friendly than they first seem.
Although they take longer to heat up than modern radiators but because they are excellent conductors with more mass of metal they give off heat better and longer than other types of radiator.
For more information on cast iron radiators, their pros and cons, with tips on where they are best used, then visit our Cast Iron Radiator project. See also how they can be given a modern twist with hot new paint effects.
DIY Doctor are really pleased to introduce our customers to Paladin Radiators who stock an extensive range of cast iron radiators, from the functional to the decorative, and they even have an electrical model. You can have any colour finish you like and we are particularly fond of this hot pink model.
Paladin Radiators - Custom colours
Paladin Radiators is a family run business set up by MD Helen Proctor, whose passion for interior design and renovating period properties led to her realisation that removing the original cast iron radiators and replacing them with modern radiators actually made a less efficient and more unsympathetic system in these older properties.
They work with English Heritage and National Trust, but they are also updating their range constantly so check out their website to find a product to suit your project and create a practical design statement on budget.
Aug 13
Today’s review looks at a Laser level to make finding a line on site a simple process.
In this video Mike uses the Forge Steel Rotary Laser Level to make fitting a picture rail level around the room a simple process. As he says in his review “We found it easy to set up and after testing with previously known levels it was also accurate to 0.5mm per metre as stated.”
For the full review please click here.
Or simply watch the video review below.
We are updating our video reviews constantly, so please see our others on the main page, and if there is something you want to see reviewed then comment using the box below.
To have your product reviewed by DIY Doctor click here
Jul 29
In an earlier post we looked at workboots and now we are moving up to trousers.
Our CEO Mike Edwards can’t claim to be the Gok Wan of the Home Improvement world, but he can say whether it is worthwhile buying specialist workwear. Obviously these items are made from durable materials and often include extra pockets, double stitching and padded knees. Also if you have dedicated work clothes you wont ruin your everyday clothes when you are DIYing.
We can’t promise these trousers won’t give you a builders-bum, but hopefully you are less likely to suffer in these than in your trendy jeans (which seem to include waistbands halfway down your buttocks before you even start wriggling into awkward spaces!).
See the full review here.
See reviews on other products here.
To have your product reviewed click here
