Building DIY Gardening

Now it is getting colder it is time for some advice on Autumn, Fall and Winter jobs.

Insulation is less of a concern in the summer, obviously, so that is a good time to fit it. But if you haven’t it is not too late.

Modern insulation standards are very high. In the UK, BREEAM standards cover all aspects of building homes and offices. So if you buy a new build, or newly converted, property you should have excellent insulation.

We have an advice on DIY Building – Insulation >

Wall insulation - pictures - from our Ebook

Sound insulation is controlled under the ‘robust details’ standards.

See advice on DIY Building sound insulation robust details >

If your property is older than 2000 or so, ie, a typical renovation, conversion or older property, it is most likely the insulation is bad. This is because it is an ‘invisible’ feature so developers can save money by fitting low quality basic insulation. This means higher fuel bills and also more noise pollution.

Noise nuisance is an all year round problem – either you make the noise – young children, music, parties, trombone practice – or your neighbours do – but you ALL get to hear it!

This is true of all old buildings, not just cheaply built modern properties. Desirable Edwardian and Victorian houses are usually ’single skin’ – one layer of brick, without even a cavity wall double layer structure.

Loft and attic insulation

Loft spaces (attics in the USA) are another huge source of lost heat (is that gramatically correct?). Most of your expensive heat escapes through the ceiling into the roof space and hence the outside.

It is cheap and easy to lay rolls of loft insulation so get to it!

If you are short of cash, there might be grants for loft insulation, so call your local Council. It must be done anyway, as it will immediately save money on heating.

See DIY Building on Lofts, attics, an dother extensions to the home >

Loft attic stairs can be noisy!

Glazing and double glazing

Double glazing is another must-have, but this is expensive. See our DIY Building advice on windows and glazing >

Energy efficiency and greening the housing stock

Lack of insulation is a major problem with housing in the UK or anywhere else. The existing housing stock is so poorly insulated, that is where the money should be spent.

New build homes with high insulation and building standards are a very small part of the picture, under 1% of housing stock. Even less now there are fewer new houses being built due to the recession (the company that runs this website stopped building eco houses in 2007 due to banking failures, not lack of demand).

We will be adding more posts about Autumn, Fall and Winter jobs such as how to prepare your garden, guttering, roofing, walls, water inress, damp, mould, etc.

Reference:

Visit website for insulation and building standards at BREEAM >

Building a Greener Britain (improving the UK’s housing stock) (pdf) >

The National Home Improvement Show.
Friday 30th September to Sunday 2 October. Earl’s Court, London, open 10am to 5pm every day.

This is a big show with a focus on saving energy – hardly surprising as energy prices have increased so much. This having the green effect as saving money is a bigger motivator than saving the planet.

There are big areas devoted to:

Insulation
Real Homes Live Seminar sessions from various experts.

Underfloor heating
In the Real Homes Live! Theatres.
Underfloor heating used to seem very glamorous and expensive, but it is more energy efficient. Simply, the heat is distributed where it is needed – your feet – to make you feel warmer. Rather than ending up at the ceiling level like conventional radiators which work (badly) by convection.

See our sections on:

Introduction to Underfloor heating >

Hot water underfloor heating >

and Electric underfloor heating >

Eco lighting
In the Home Entertainment & Technology Zone.
Much improved now, can get decent lighting levels out of energy efficient tubes.

See our section on Lighting technology explained >

Secondary glazing
Also known as double glazing or even triple glazing (which adds a sound and heat loss reducing third layer).
Check out advice for windows, conservatories, etc.

Green finishes
This is at Julia Kendell’s Interior’s Pavilion.
See eco paints, eco flooring, eco furnitures. Basically it is about sustainable matericla (bamboo, hemp, etc) and using natural solvents rather than dangerous ones. All the main paint manufacturers are into this now, in premium ranges (ie, people still mainly buy traditional paints).

See our section on Building and DIY Paint >

Heat pumps
See the Masterclass sessions.
Alternative off-grid heat and energy is the way forward, but one little used in the UK, unlike say Germany. UK prefers huge projects like the Severn barge, massive wind farms… is that to do with the vast bureaucracies needed to organise such projects?
What happened to all that about Britain leading the way for green tech?
The Sustainable Development Commission SDC has just been closed down…

We have a lot of pages on renewable energy, have a look around the site.

Solar heating
Solar panels, PV, thermal, costs and benefits.

See our section on Solar Energy >

Boilers
See our sections on Eco Green Homes > and use the navigation.

Water recycling
Go to The Advice Centre on how to save up to half of your water needs from grey water recycling. Expensive to install but saves money over the long term.

See Water use in houses >

There are also big section on Gardens, Design, Kitchens, Home Entertainment, Layout, etc.

To get tickets (£8 advance, £12 on door) go to The National Home Improvement Show site >

The National Home Improvement Show is at Earls Court 1, Warwick Rd, London, SW5 9TA.
Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October 2011

Friday 30 September 10:00 – 17.00
Saturday 1 October 10:00 – 17.00
Sunday 2 October 10:00 – 17.00

Ticketas are 8 UKP or 12 UKP on the door, see this link:

Tickets for The National Home Improvement Show 2011 >

This is a vast show so give yourself plenty of time. Features this year are:

Over 300 company stands

Real Homes live – BBC’s Charlie Luxton and ITV’s Matt James will be answering questions, this is quoite fun and makes a change from staring at the products

Julia Kendell’s Interiors Pavilion – advice from this expert

The Advice Centre – more advice…

Kitchen & Bathroom Inspiration Zone… guess what

Eco Home Zone – this is new, amazingly, and migth have some good ideas so check it out

The Period Property Pavilion – for all things retro, which usually means not energy efficient

The Home Entertainment & Technology (from CEDIA) – spend your money before it goes out of fashion – oh it already has!

The Landscaping & Gardens – this is nicely staged and worth a look for a rest from the clamour and crowds

Also Masterclasses and DIY Doctor… more advice.

This is all very un-green, it is really about consumerism, so although interesting, the show can be a bit exhausting. Be prepared.

DIY Building save energy ratings

Location:
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, off M4 in Swindon
When:
Saturday 16th July 2011
10.00am to 5pm
Tickets are free in advance

Find out about recent Government changes to tariffs, ratings etc. Many experts will be there including David Hilton and reps from 4 other eco companies.

• Micro Renewable Energy Solutions (represented by Eco Living)
• Heating & Hot Water Solutions (Glow Worm)
• Air & Ground Source Heat Pumps (Greenheat)
• Solar Thermal Panels & Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (Nibe)

Plus even more experts:

• Eco Architect Paul Richards
• SAP Assessor Sue Dewhirst
• Environmental Building Systems adviser Ian Jones
• Project Management expert Bob Harris
• Eco Materials specialist Joe Wild

And it is free. Get your tickets from here >

See our DIY and Building Green and Eco pages here >

And saving energy with solar power pages here >

This weekend in Esher, Surrey, exhibition for all DIY and Builders.

Make the most of this weekend and the most of your home at The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Surrey!

When?

THIS Weekend!
Join us Saturday 10am – 5pm &
Sunday 10am – 4.30pm

Where?
A venue close to home: Sandown Park Race Course, Esher KT10 9AJ
Easy access by car, rail or air.

Why?

NOW 200 companies! 50 more expert companies to compare than last year

Save Money by comparing 1000s of products and services

Gain confidence when you Ask an Expert for free advice

Make the most of your plans -
Ask an Architect for FREE

Unmissable seminars to help you plan your project

Must see masterclasses
to help you stay on time and on target

Discover Tricks of the Trade with the
DIY Doctor

Discover eco-efficient products and
new technologies

How?

Book Now! The Box Office closes at 3pm on Friday – book now to get advanced tickets for ONLY £5!

Tickets are £8 on the door, and all under 16s go in free

Repair this house

Unless your holiday is DIY… well maybe it is too hot to do much but if you feel the need for a sweaty workout try some of these. Feeling fit?

Garages and carports

Needs a lot of work, and help from at least on one other or you might have an accident. A garage is a large DIY Building project. Summer is a good time though as you might (well possibly) escape the rain. The job will take several days so be prepared for cover in case it does rain after all.

Garage and carports >

Garage door types and tips >

Garage doors and security >

Barbecues

Building a brick or stone barbecue is a good small job, no one will get hurt much if it is a bit rough, in fact it might add to the charm.

Build a brick barbecue or oven >

Garden – Water features

Might be too hot but have a go as this is a good time for building garden features like waterfalls, fountains, ponds etc – which are good for biodiversity.

Garden waterfalls and water features >

Garden fountains >

Green roof and vertical garden

You can also try a Green roof or vertical garden >

Garden – Swimming pools

This should have been done in the spring! Now you have to watch the contractors digging and making the pool while you sit and… don’t swim.

Swimming pool – above ground >

Outdoor buildings and outhouses

Sheds, garden offices, pagodas, pergolas, awnings, canopies – these can all be built or erected in the summer.

Make sure they are strong enough for the winter winds though.

Awnings and canopies >

Garden buildings general article >

Garden sheds and useful buildings >

Garden tool sheds and storage >

Roofing covered in tarpaulin

Roofs and roofing

Check your roof is OK in the summer as it is easy to fix when dry and with easy access.

Roof and roofing materials >

Lofts and attic conversion

As there is less rain, summer is an ideal time to do this kind of work. Better to start in the spring though as this is usually major work and can take 3 months easily, though outside roof and structural work is at the start only.

Make your own retractable pull-down loft stairs >

Lofts and attic conversion >

Cladding

Cladding is on the outside of the house so is best to repair or replace in the summer.

Cladding >

Window frames, damp proof courses dpc, gutters

Check these also in case of damage, disrepair, or blockage. DPC is easier to do in the dry. Windows and frames are better changed in the dry but it is a quiick job. If you are self repairing is a good time. Blocked gutters regularly cause floods, and if the top roof floods, you whole house will get wet.

Damp proof DPC >

Window frames >

Outside walls and fencing

You can also build any fencing, fences, walls, paving etc.

Fencing fences and outdoor walls >

Driveways and paving, patios

Garden patio furniture outdoor

All these features can also be made or repaired more easily in the summer.

Driveways and access roads and paths >

Painting and Decorating

Sounds obvious but if your family are more outside in the summer, it is easier to paint and wallpaper and decorate the interior. Also you can ventilate more easily. Although if you use our recommended eco solvent-free paint, that is not a problem, and your home will not smell of petrochemicals for years either.

Wallpaper and decorating >

Paint and painting >

OK that is twelve and some of these are combinations but you get the general idea! Good luck and don’t forget safety precautions.

Self Build & Renovation Workshops at the National Centre in Swindon.

Workshops on renovation, DIY, remodeling, building for amateurs.

There are Masterclasses and also open format Ask the Experts sessions.

Masterclasses are on:

9.30 to 10.15 am Walking Tours – Self Build & Renovation
These are on all day and comprise an expert walking and talking around the many standing exhibits in the centre.

10.30 to 11.15 am Is It For Me?

Some jobs are too big for beginners. So get an idea of the scope of a job before you create a disaster.

11.30 to 12.15am Finding and Funding Your Project
This covers financing for land, construction, materials, workers, insurance etc.

1 to 1.45pm Design, Planning & Sustainable Building

Just get it in budget. This is a hard one as things get added (let’s have a wine cellar!), or the spec improves (you are buying flooring and suddenly decide the better version is what you want) so always add a bit – perhaps 50%.

3.00 to 3:45pm Project Management

Don’t made horrible expensive mistakes. Hire an expert to run your job – you can still be hands-on.

4 to 4:45pm Walking Tours – Self Build & Renovation

More walk and talk with the experts.

Go here for Tickets and more details >

This following text is the start of our new article coming up soon.

We have already published one article on this topic at:

Laptops, netbooks, ereaders, tablets and trade use >

Computing Enters a New Age – Part 2

Win 7 Mobile Phone

Microsoft has been somewhat struggling to find its pace with the advent of the new generation of tablet computers and smartphones. Windows has been in the tablet scene since early 2000 but Apple’s breakthrough with its iPad has caused problems for Windows relating to its legacy design and use. With that said, Microsoft is collaborating with hardware giants like ASUS, MSI and Samsung etc to break into the tablet computer and mobile market and deliver the iPad and iPhone beater.

Windows Phone 7 – Hit or Miss

Microsoft has refrained from using Windows Phone 7 as its tablet operating system and kept it to use with smartphones only. Instead Microsoft has chosen to use Windows 7 Home Premium and above versions. Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft’s next attempt after Windows Mobile at breaking back into the smartphones race currently being spearheaded by Android and iOS. With WP7 Microsoft (new release called ‘Mango’) has tried to abandon its keyboard and stylus strategy and replace it with a total touchscreen experience.

To be continued soon…

On 16th – 17th April 2011 is another exciting event at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, off the M4 junction 16.

Coming soon, 3 weeks away, this event is a practical guide to what to do to renovate, refurbish and generally spring build your home.

Building DIY advice tips materials

With 200 exhibitors, many workshops and master classes with real experts. There are Buildstore (the sponsors) Finance (mortgages, grants, loans etc), Land Finding (with planning PP or with ouline planning OPP or none), and Materials Purchasing (wholesale and normal) experts. Also available to discuss your project are architects, project managers, building control officers, planners and planning officers, green and eco advisors and sustainability experts.

Amazingly, you can bring along drawings and sketches for the experts to comment on. That should be fun!

There are also many proper workshops.

Sat. 16th April 2011
10am to 5pm (doors open 9.30 am).
Parking: There is a big car park at the rear of the building, drive past the front, turn right and right again. It is basically a huge warehouse.
Or get a bus from Swindon Bus Station. See their website for details.

Self Build and Renovation Workshop 1
Talk to the experts. Ask questions, Get practical answers. Whatever you level – DIY, builder, enthusiast – this will be very useful.

Sun. 17th April 2011
10am to 5pm

Self Build and Renovation Workshop 2
As above. The Masterclasses are the same schedule each day,.

See the website for for free tickets or they are 10 UKP on the door.

See also DIY building advice and tips, information and topics >

Hanse Haus make modular eco-friendly houses that are simple to construct and cheap too. They are ideal for quick builds on cheap land, as normal housing development involves buying expensive land. This means the new build property has to maximize the potential of the site, and be custom built, to get the best price on the market.

Hans Hause prefab modular building

There are new Hans Hause going up in Fife, Scotland and Guernsey in the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Plus many others. Note none of these is in a large city. Excellent houses though.

There is also a new Hanse Haus DVD. This is a educational journey, and although aimed at the customer (obviously) it is also useful for students finding out about sustainable development and housing, modular buildings, prefab building, and that sort of area.

The DVD goes through these stages:

• fact-finding visit to their German offices and factory
• tour state-of-the-art factory
• see each home being constructed using advanced manufacturing technology
• see the house being assembled
• finally constructed on site in the UK

There is also a new image gallery of housing projects in the UK website.

They have also added a rolling news feature but this is a bit of overkill for a housing company – a blog is fine.

There are also customer stories about their builds. Very good stuff to learn about the process and get an inside view before you take the plunge.

Hans Hause buildings use passive heating (from people’s bodies, pets, lighting etc) and use very low amounts of grid energy to heat. Add a solar panel or two and you could be zero rated.

Have a look at Hans Hause new UK website >

And see our pages on DIY Building and Green building >

Also DIY recycled building materials >

Also have a look at Property development grants and finance >

Try Garden buildings and garden rooms and offices > as this is a related activity.