Building

The Diy Fix It guide to general building

This section covers a range of general building how to guides. Carpentry articles show how to repair and hang doors, sliding wardrobe doors and windows, fit locks and latches as well as fitting shelves and repairing rotten wood. From advice on creaking stairs to stripping varnishing and repairing floors as well as laying hardboard, laminate flooring and vinyl floor coverings. There's a complete guide to plastering and skimming plasterboard plus repairs to old plaster as well as advice for drilling and plugging walls. There are hints and tips on glazing and insulation plus guides on chisels planes power drills and saws. Other articles cover patio building, loft ladders and attic conversions plus roof repairs, rising damp, and sealants.

	Builder talk explained Guide to builders talk and understanding words and terms used particularly in relation to loft conversions
	Chimney flashing - front apron Diy how-to on fitting and dressing sheet lead apron to the chimney creating a weatherproof seal to prevent rain water penetrating the brickwork.
	Chimney flashing - lead dpc tray Diy how-to on fitting sheet lead dpc damp proof course to the chimney creating a weatherproof course to prevent rain water penetrating the brickwork.
	Chisels - choosing and using Diy advice for buying and keeping chisels sharp and how to use it correctly.
	Coving and cornice fixing Diy instructions for putting up cornice or coving, fixing to ceiling, cutting angles and supporting while the adhesive sets as well as advice on repair of old plaster cornicing.
	Cupboard handles and catches Guide to cupboard handles and bolts and choosing either magnetic or ball catches.
	Cupboard hinges Guide to hinge types and use. Butt flush piano cranked and concealed hinges.
	Door - reverse hanging 1 Diy guide to changing the hinges and hanging of a door to open in the opposite direction.
	Door - reverse hanging 2 Diy guide to changing hinges and hanging of a door to reverse the opening direction.
	Door and window joint repairs Help for diy repair of loose door or window frame joints explaining how to tighten and glue them.
	Door hanging 1 Choosing a new wood door and how to measure, mark and trim with a saw or plane to fit the frame opening.
	Door hanging 2 How to cut out for hinges on a new wood door including how to measure and mark the rebates to set the hinge flush with the door edge.
	Door hanging 3 Marking and fixing the hinge screws for a new wood door and how to measure and mark the frame ready for hanging the door.
	Door latch or mortice latch 1 Instructions for fitting or replacing the latch / mortice latch in a wooden door. Details for drilling the door to fit the handle and cutting the recess for the latch and strike plate
	Door latch or mortice latch 2 Details for fitting the strike plate on the door frame when replacing the latch in a wooden door. Instructions for cutting the recess and adjusting the lock.
	Door locks 1 Instructions for fitting or replacing a rim lock in a wooden door. Details for drilling the door and cutting the recess to fit the lock.
	Door locks 2 Instructions for fitting or replacing a mortice lock in a wooden door. Details for drilling the door and cutting the recess to fit the lock.
	Door locks 3 Details for fitting the strike plate on the door frame when replacing a lock in a wooden door. Instructions for cutting the recess and adjusting the strike plate.
	Drilling - Dust Free How to contain dust when drilling holes in plaster tiles plastic and wood and make cleaning up really easy
	Drills - power and hand 1 Advice on types of hand and electric power drills and how to use them correctly for diy. Details of drill stops and using a clamp to hold the wood or metal when drilling.
	Drills - power and hand 2 Advice on types of hand and electric power drills and how to use them correctly for diy. Details of drill stands, brace and bit and drill attachments.
	Flat roof repairs 1 Diy fault finding instructions for leaks and damp in a flat roof covered with asphalt bitumen or roofing felt.
	Flat roof repairs 2 Diy repair instructions for leaks, blisters and damp in a flat roof covered with asphalt bitumen or roofing felt, including patching kits.
	Flat roof repairs 3 Diy repair instructions for leaks and damp from defects in flat roof flashing, including patching kits.
	Floors - lifting boards How to lift floorboards for access to pipes and wiring with a guide to lifting tongue and groove boards or chipboard flooring as well as replacing them.
	Floors - loose boards Diy repairs to cure noisy loose or sqeaking floorboards with details for boards without support.
	Floors - stripping and varnishing boards 1 Diy step by step guide to stripping paint varnish or polish and wax from old floor boards.
	Floors - stripping and varnishing boards 2 Diy step by step guide to sanding old floor boards ready for varnish or wax coatings.
	Floors - stripping and varnishing boards 3 Diy step by step guide to scrubbing and cleaning old floor boards and applying varnish for a beautiful natural finish.
	Glass - glazing windows and doors How to re-glazing a door or window frame. Showing how to apply the putty and fix the pane of glass in the rebate with brads as well as instructions for shaping and trimming the putty.
	Glass - removing a broken pane DIY how-to guide to removing a broken or cracked pane of glass from a window or door with details for preparing the frame for glazing.
	Gutter and downpipe repairs DIY guide explaining the repair methods for gutters and rain pipes using spray on asphalt or epxoy putty.
	Hardboard - laying on floors 1 Laying hardboard over floor boards for an even surface suitable for laying carpets, vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl or laminate flooring.
	Hardboard - laying on floors 2 Cutting and trimming hardboard laid over floor boards around pipes door frames and skirting edges.
	Laminate flooring Instructions for laying laminate floors. Details for acclimatising boards preparing the surafce and covering uneven floorboards with hardboard.
	Laminate flooring 2 Instructions for laying laminate and wood floors. Details for installing and how to scribe cut and fix the flooring as well replacing skirting boards or using mouldings.
	Lathe and plaster - minor repairs Guide to repairing minor damage to lathe and plaster walls and ceilings using undercoat plaster.
	Lathe and plaster - repair sagging ceiling How to repair a sagging or bulging lathe and plaster ceiling.
	Lathe and plaster ceiling - removing DIY guide to removing an old lathe and plaster ceiling leaving the joists ready for plasterboard and skimming.
	Loft access and loft ladders Guide to fitting a loft ladder and installing roof windows for daylight in your loft conversion.
	Loft conversion and loft ladders Guide to frequently asked questions about loft conversions and loft ladders.
	Loft conversions and loft conversion specialists Guide to loft conversions and choosing loft conversion specialists.
	Loft insulation Guide to insulating the loft to prevent heat loss and to protect from the cold. Details on measuring for the insulation and providing light to carry out the work.
	Loft insulation - blanket or wool Guide to insulating the loft to prevent heat loss and to protect from the cold. Details on laying blanket type insulation often referred to as fibreglass, lagging or glass fibre, rock or mineral wool.
	Loft insulation - loose granules Guide to insulating the loft to prevent heat loss and to protect from the cold. Details on laying loose or granule type insulation often referred to as lagging rock or mineral wool.
	Loft insulation - tanks and pipes Guide to insulating the pipes and water tanks in the loft to prevent heat loss and to protect from freezing. Details on lagging the pipes with insulation and covering the tank with an insulating jacket.
	Loft ladder Advice for loft ladder fitting to give access to attic space, covering metal folding ladders and insulation of the hatch.
	Loft ladder - fitting Guide to installing or fitting a loft ladder to provide access to an attic space.
	Lofts - new planning regulations Guide to the new planning regulations for loft and attic conversions.
	Nails 1 Nails and how to choose and use different types. Making strong nail joints and removing nails.
	Nails 2 Nail choices and different types used for strong joints. And nail removal.
	On the Level Choosing a decent spirit level with tips on what to look for plus testing a level for accuracy
	Party wall etc act 1996 Explanation of the party wall etc act 1996 and meeting the requirements avoiding disputes with neighbours.
	Patio laying 1 Making a patio by laying concrete or stone slabs. Preparing the ground, planning and setting out the site levels.
	Patio laying 2 Making a patio by laying concrete or stone slabs. Digging out the ground, building the foundation and laying slabs or flagstones. Pointing with dry sand cement mortar.
	Paving stones and slabs for patios Advice and know how for choosing paving slabs to meet your budget and suit the style of your house. From budget concrete slabs to quality natural stone replica slabs , there's plenty of choice.
	Permitted development - expansion to guidelines Expansion to the Permitted Development Order 1995 guidelines covering detached houses, semi-detached and terraced homes.
	Planes - power Advice on types of power planes and how to use them correctly for diy. Guide to planing wide boards for a smooth finish.
	Planes and planing wood Advice on types of hand and electric planes and how to use them correctly for diy. Details of techniques for smoothing and planing wood to make timber square and the use of a surform.
	Plaster and plastering 1 Plastering techniques showing how to choose the right plaster and tools for the job - and how to prepare the wall or ceiling.
	Plaster and plastering 2 Plastering techniques showing how to apply the plaster or render using the tools correctly and diy guide to angle beads, corners and patching lathe and plaster walls and ceilings.
	Plasterboard - cutting and fixing plasterboard guide showing how to use, cut and fix to wood battens or studs on walls and ceilings ready for plaster or taped joints.
	Plastering - skimming plasterboard 1 How to apply a skim or top coat of plaster to plasterboard. Tools required, covering the joints with tape and preparing the area for plastering.
	Plastering - skimming plasterboard 2 How to apply a skim or top coat of plaster to plasterboard. Mixing the plaster in a bucket, loading the float from the hawk sealing or skimming the joint tape, applying the plaster and polishing or trowelling off.
	Professional Tools Looking at the difference between a basic and a top quailty saw and how it makes work easier
	Rainwater system replacement 1 How to remove old gutters and rain pipes and replace with a new plastic rainwater system.
	Rainwater system replacement 2 How to replace old gutters and rain pipes with new plastic rainwater system. Diy guide to fixing the outlet and guttering and connecting at the gulley.
	Rising damp Simple guide to identifying and curing rising damp and how to resolve problems with moisture penetration of walls.
	Roof domes and sun tunnels Guide to roof domes and sun tunnels allowing more daylight into the room.
	Roof domes and upstands - installing Guide to installing domes and upstands.
	Roof light and means of escape Guide to roof lights and MOE (Means Of Escape).
	Roof vents for extractors Guide to fitting roof vents for kitchen and bathroom extractors.
	Roof window - installing Guide to installing or fitting a new roof window to provide daylight for an attic or loft conversion.
	Rotten wood repairs and replacement DIY information on maintenance and prevention of wood rot, cutting away decay, fitting new wood and making good the repairs to doors and window frames.
	Saw - Multi Purpose Guide to the multi purpose saw from Magic Tools which can cut almost all materials easily
	Saws - power and hand 1 Diy guide to the types and use of hand saws. Cutting wood with a tenon saw, looking after saws and tip for making straight cuts on pipes.
	Saws - power and hand 2 Diy guide to the types and use of power saws. Circular saws and jigsaws. Making straight or curved cuts in wood and choosing the correct type of blade for the material.
	Screw types 1 Identify screw types and their uses. Details for slotted crosshead and round head screws as well as raised head and mirror screws.
	Screw types 2 Identify screw types and their uses. Details for chipboard twin thread and self tapping screws as well as clutch, dry wall and coach screws.
	Screw types 3 Identify screw types and their uses. Details for pilot holes, using brass screws and help with small screws.
	Screws - using with wood How to choose the right type of screw, drilling pilot holes and countersink methods for recessed screws.
	Sealant around baths and basins 1 Types of mastic and sealant for bathrooms. Preparing the bath or basin edges, setting up the sealant gun and masking for perfect results.
	Sealant around baths and basins 2 Types of mastic and sealant for bathrooms. Applying sealant around the bath or basin edges, using the sealant gun and cleaning for a professional finish.
	Shelves How to put up shelves, planning and designing as well as materials to use. Box shelving, edging and fixing methods for track and brackets.
	Sliding doors for wardrobes Guide to sliding wardrobe door and track systems. Measuring cutting and fixing the tracks and doors.
	Stairs - repairing creaks Diy repairs for curing problems with noisy creaking stairs and loose riser and tread joints on staircase.
	Stairs - repairing tread nosing Repair guide for damaged or worn stair tread nose. How to cut out the worn timber and fit new section to the staircase.
	Stairs for loft access Guide to traditional and spiral stairs for loft access.
	Stone balustrade Advice and know how for building a stone balustrade. Includes details of building regulation requirements, solid base construction, laying stone, jointing and pedestals
	Vinyl floor covering 1 Guide to choosing and laying vinyl floor covering. Measuring the room and marking the vinyl ready for cutting and fitting.
	Vinyl floor covering 2 DIY guide to laying vinyl floor covering. Fitting the sheet vinyl in the room and cutting, trimming and fitting around door frames. Then finishing the edges neatly.
	Wall fixings - heavy loads DIY guide to fixing and screwing heavy loads on hollow walls / stud walls / partition walls with extra support using wood battens to fit shelves, cupboards and other heavy fixtures.
	Wall fixings - hollow walls DIY guide to drilling, fixing and screwing to hollow walls / stud walls / partition walls with plugs or rawlplugs to fit shelves, cupboards and other fixtures.
	Wall fixings - solid walls How-to guide to drilling fixing and screwing to solid walls with plugs or rawlplugs to fit shelves, cupboards and other fixtures.
	Window locks - casement DIY guide to fitting window locks for security of casement windows.
	Window locks - sliding sash DIY guide to fitting window locks for security of sliding sash windows.
	Windows - casement repairs How to cure problems with windows, maintain the hinges and ease binding sashes or frames that are stuck.
	Windows - sash repairs Guide to replacing broken cords on sash windows. How to remove the sash, beads and cord. Fitting new sash cords and refitting the window so that it runs smoothly.
	Wood and sheet material 1 How-to on choosing wood sheets and board materials. Diy guide to buying, storage and use.
	Wood and sheet material 2 How-to on choosing wood sheet and board materials. Diy guide to marine or exterior plywood, melamine faced chipboard, hardboard and MDF.