Useful guide
How to descale a shower head
A practical UK guide to descaling a blocked or weak shower head using citric acid or white vinegar, with tips for fixed and detachable heads.
Read the shower head descaling guideHome repairs
Handyman repairs in Sandwich, Kent
Small repairs and useful fixes for the household jobs that are easy to put off but make a real difference.
What this covers
Useful fixes around the home
- Gate repairs, door fixes, bathroom sealant, and loose fittings
- Mirrors, blinds, paintings, and small household fittings
- Helpful for homeowners, landlords, holiday lets, and second homes
- If a job needs a specialist trade, Richard will be clear about that
Useful guide
How to fit a window restrictor
A practical UK guide to fitting a child safety window restrictor on a uPVC window: choosing the right type, positioning, drilling, and testing the restrictor arm or cable.
Read the window restrictor guideUseful guide
How to fit a chimney balloon
A practical UK guide to fitting a chimney balloon: choosing the right size, inserting it into an unused flue, inflating it to stop draughts, and knowing when to remove it.
Read the chimney balloon guideUseful guide
How to fix a sticking uPVC window
A practical UK guide to fixing a sticking uPVC window: adjusting the hinges, lubricating the lock mechanism, and getting it opening and closing smoothly again.
Read the sticking window guideUseful guide
How to lay engineered wood flooring
A practical UK guide to laying engineered wood flooring: preparing the subfloor, acclimatising the boards, clicking or gluing them, and finishing around the edges neatly.
Read the engineered wood flooring guideUseful guide
How to tile around a window
A practical UK guide to tiling around a window: planning the layout, cutting the reveal tiles, fitting tile trim, and grouting for a clean, professional finish.
Read the window tiling guideUseful guide
How to fit a bath
A practical UK guide to fitting a bath: positioning and levelling the tub, connecting the waste and overflow, plumbing in the taps, and sealing for a watertight finish.
Read the bath fitting guideUseful guide
How to lay carpet on stairs
A practical UK guide to laying carpet on stairs: fitting gripper rods, cutting underlay, stretching the carpet over each nose, and finishing at the top landing.
Read the stair carpet guideUseful guide
How to fit shaker wall panelling
A practical UK guide to fitting shaker wall panelling: marking the dado height, cutting MDF strips, fixing with adhesive and pins, filling, and painting for a clean finish.
Read the shaker panelling guideUseful guide
How to fit kitchen plinths
A practical UK guide to fitting kitchen plinths and kickboards: measuring, cutting, clipping into place, and finishing around corners and appliances.
Read the kitchen plinths guideUseful guide
How to paint interior brick walls
A practical UK guide to painting exposed interior brick: prepping the surface, filling mortar joints, priming, and getting a clean finish with masonry paint.
Read the interior brick guideUseful guide
How to lay carpet tiles
A practical UK guide to laying carpet tiles: finding the centre of the room, cutting borders, and getting a tight fit around skirting and obstacles.
Read the carpet tiles guideUseful guide
How to fix a burst pipe
A practical UK guide to dealing with a burst pipe: stopping the water, assessing the damage, and choosing the right repair before the water spreads.
Read the burst pipe guideUseful guide
How to paint tiles
A practical UK guide to cleaning, keying, priming, and applying tile paint in two coats for a fresh-looking bathroom or kitchen without the cost of re-tiling.
Read the tile painting guideUseful guide
How to fix squeaky stairs
Practical UK guidance on tracking down the creak, fixing from above or below, and silencing loose treads and rubbing risers without lifting the whole staircase.
Read the squeaky stairs guideUseful guide
How to replace a uPVC door handle
Practical UK guidance on measuring the spindle size and PZ fixing centres, removing the old handle, threading the new spindle, and testing the lock operation for a smooth, secure result.
Read the uPVC door handle guideUseful guide
How to fit shower wall panels
Practical UK guidance on choosing panels, preparing walls, cutting to size, applying adhesive, and sealing joints for a waterproof, low-maintenance bathroom finish without grouting.
Read the shower wall panels guideUseful guide
How to fit a shower bath screen
Practical UK guidance on choosing the screen, fixing the wall profile plumb, fitting the bottom bath seal, hanging and adjusting the screen, and sealing for a watertight finish.
Read the bath screen guideUseful guide
How to fit a Velux roof window
Practical UK guidance on measuring the opening, fixing installation brackets, applying the tile flashing kit, hanging the sash, and finishing the internal lining for a watertight result.
Read the Velux window guideUseful guide
How to fit a sliding barn door
Practical UK guidance on planning clearances, fixing the header board, mounting the track level, hanging the door, and fitting the floor guide for a smooth, reliable sliding action.
Read the sliding barn door guideUseful guide
How to fit kitchen wall units
Practical UK guidance on marking the level line, fixing wall brackets securely, hanging units, joining adjacent carcasses, and adjusting doors for a neat, even kitchen finish.
Read the kitchen wall units guideUseful guide
How to build alcove shelves
Practical UK guidance on fixing hidden ledger supports to alcove walls, scribing shelves to fit uneven surfaces, and finishing with caulk and paint for a clean built-in look.
Read the alcove shelves guideUseful guide
How to skim a wall
Practical UK guidance on sealing plasterboard with PVA, mixing finish plaster, applying two thin coats, and polishing to a smooth, paint-ready surface.
Read the wall skimming guideUseful guide
How to fit a shower tray
Practical UK guidance on checking floor level, cutting the waste hole, fitting and connecting the trap, levelling on adjustable feet, and sealing the tray watertight.
Read the shower tray guideUseful guide
How to install a close coupled toilet
Practical UK guidance on removing the old WC, assembling the cistern, fixing the pan, connecting the water supply, and checking for leaks before sealing the base.
Read the close coupled toilet guideUseful guide
How to install kitchen base units
Practical UK guidance on levelling adjustable legs, starting from the highest floor point, joining carcasses, and fixing the run to the wall for a solid, square kitchen base.
Read the kitchen base units guideUseful guide
How to fit a bathroom wall cabinet
Practical UK guidance on detecting pipes and cables, drilling into tiles safely, using the right wall plugs, and hanging a bathroom cabinet level and secure.
Read the bathroom cabinet guideUseful guide
How to replace a broken window pane
Practical UK guidance on removing old glass safely, clearing the rebate, bedding the new pane in linseed oil putty, and finishing with a neat chamfered bead ready for painting.
Read the window pane guideUseful guide
How to fit a bifold cupboard door
Practical UK guidance on fitting the top track and pivot brackets, hanging the door, and fine-tuning the adjustment for a smooth, rattle-free action on wardrobe and cupboard openings.
Read the bifold door guideUseful guide
How to remove mould from walls and ceilings
Practical UK guidance on treating and removing black mould, cleaning affected surfaces, and preventing regrowth with better ventilation and anti-mould paint.
Read the mould removal guideUseful guide
How to paint a garage or concrete floor
Practical UK guidance on degreasing and preparing a concrete floor, filling cracks, and applying two coats of floor paint for a tough, long-lasting finish.
Read the garage floor painting guideUseful guide
How to repair a rotten wooden window frame
Practical UK guidance on removing rot, applying wood hardener, filling with two-part compound, and finishing with primer and paint for a watertight repair.
Read the rotten window frame guideUseful guide
How to lay sheet vinyl flooring
Practical UK guidance on preparing the subfloor, scribing the vinyl sheet to the walls, cutting around obstacles, and securing the edges for a neat finish.
Read the sheet vinyl flooring guideUseful guide
How to fit a kitchen sink and tap
Practical UK guidance on cutting the worktop opening, fitting the tap and waste before dropping the sink in, connecting supply pipes, and testing all joints.
Read the kitchen sink fitting guideUseful guide
How to fit a dado rail
Practical guidance on marking the height, planning corner joints, cutting and coping lengths, fixing to masonry or plasterboard, and painting for a clean finish.
Read the dado rail guideUseful guide
How to fit a picture rail
Practical guidance on choosing the height, locating wall fixings, cutting and coping corners, fixing the rail to the wall, and finishing with primer and paint for a neat period look.
Read the picture rail guideUseful guide
How to treat rising damp
Practical UK guidance on diagnosing rising damp, drilling injection holes, applying damp-proofing cream, and replastering with salt-resistant backing plaster.
Read the rising damp guideUseful guide
How to fit a cooker hood
Step-by-step guidance on choosing vented or recirculating, coring through an external wall, wiring the electrical connection, and testing the extraction and lights.
Read the cooker hood guideUseful guide
How to replace sash window cords
Practical UK guidance on removing staff beads, lifting out the sash, accessing weight pockets, threading new cord, and reassembling for a smooth, balanced window.
Read the sash window cord guideUseful guide
How to replace a uPVC window handle
Practical guidance on identifying the handle type, measuring the spindle size, removing the screw cover caps, taking out both fixing screws, and fitting and testing the new handle.
Read the uPVC window handle guideUseful guide
How to silicone a bath
Step-by-step guidance on filling the bath before you start, removing old sealant completely, cleaning the joint, masking for a neat edge, applying a smooth continuous bead, and leaving it to cure properly.
Read the bath silicone guideUseful guide
How to plumb in a dishwasher
Practical guidance on connecting the cold water inlet hose, setting the drain hose with a high loop to prevent drain-back, levelling the machine, and running a test cycle to check for leaks.
Read the dishwasher plumbing guideUseful guide
How to fit carpet
Practical guidance on fixing gripper rods, laying underlay, rough-cutting the carpet, using a knee kicker to stretch and hook it onto the pins, and tucking the edges for a neat finish.
Read the carpet fitting guideUseful guide
How to board a loft
Practical guidance on checking joists, using raised loft legs to protect insulation, cutting boards around tanks and pipes, and fixing everything down safely for usable storage.
Read the loft boarding guideUseful guide
How to replace a shower head
Step-by-step guidance on identifying the hose connection type, removing the old head, wrapping PTFE tape on the wall outlet thread, fitting the new head, and checking for drips.
Read the shower head guideUseful guide
How to fit tongue-and-groove wall panelling
Practical guidance on fixing timber battens, slotting boards together plumb across the wall, cutting around sockets and obstacles, and finishing with primer and paint.
Read the wall panelling guideUseful guide
How to mount a TV on a wall
Step-by-step guidance on choosing the right bracket type, identifying your wall, fixing a wall plate to masonry or timber studs, and hanging the TV securely with tidy cable management.
Read the TV wall mounting guideUseful guide
How to fit venetian blinds
Practical guidance on choosing inside recess or face fit, measuring the window accurately, drilling and fixing brackets level, clipping in the headrail, and testing the slat operation.
Read the venetian blinds guideUseful guide
How to plumb in a washing machine
Step-by-step guidance on removing transit bolts, connecting the cold water inlet hose, setting the drain hose at the correct height, levelling the machine, and running a test cycle.
Read the washing machine plumbing guideUseful guide
How to fit a bath panel
Practical guidance on measuring, cutting the panel to size, fitting the floor support clips, securing in place, and finishing with bathroom silicone for a neat, watertight finish.
Read the bath panel guideUseful guide
How to fit a bathroom basin
Practical guidance on turning off the supply, fitting taps and waste before mounting, fixing the basin to the wall, connecting the trap and supply pipes, and checking for leaks.
Read the bathroom basin guideUseful guide
How to fit a kitchen worktop
Step-by-step guidance on measuring, cutting laminate to length, making sink and hob cut-outs, joining lengths at corners, sealing cut edges, and finishing with silicone.
Read the kitchen worktop guideUseful guide
How to fit stair spindles and a handrail
Practical guidance on removing old spindles, planning the spacing to meet Building Regulations, cutting to angle, fixing securely, and finishing the handrail.
Read the stair spindles and handrail guideUseful guide
How to paint a ceiling
A practical guide to preparing the surface, cutting in around the edges, rolling without drips, and getting a smooth, even finish first time.
Read the ceiling painting guideUseful guide
How to unblock a toilet
Practical steps for clearing a blocked toilet using a plunger, hot water, and patience, plus signs the blockage is further down the drain.
Read the toilet unblocking guideUseful guide
How to fit roller blinds
Practical steps for measuring a recess or face fit, marking bracket positions, drilling and fixing, and fitting the roller tube for smooth, even operation.
Read the roller blinds guideUseful guide
How to sand and varnish floorboards
Practical UK guidance on clearing the room, punching nails, hiring a drum sander, working through grit grades, sanding the edges, and applying a durable finish.
Read the floorboard sanding guideUseful guide
How to fit a loft ladder
Step-by-step guidance on checking hatch size, framing the opening, fitting the ladder box, hanging the sections, adjusting the feet, and draught-proofing the hatch.
Read the loft ladder guideUseful guide
How to replace a kitchen tap
Step-by-step guidance on turning off the water supply, disconnecting supply pipes, undoing the back nut, fitting the new tap, and testing for leaks.
Read the kitchen tap guideUseful guide
How to lay LVT flooring
Step-by-step guidance on preparing the subfloor, acclimatising the boards, planning the layout, clicking the planks together, and finishing with beading for a neat, professional result.
Read the LVT flooring guideUseful guide
How to paint kitchen cabinets
Practical guidance on degreasing, removing doors, sanding, priming, and applying a durable topcoat to kitchen cabinets for a fresh finish that lasts.
Read the kitchen cabinet painting guideUseful guide
How to replace a toilet fill valve
Simple steps for diagnosing a running or noisy cistern, turning off the water supply, removing the old Torbeck valve, fitting the replacement, and adjusting the water level.
Read the toilet fill valve guideUseful guide
How to build a stud wall
Practical guidance on marking out, fixing sole and head plates, spacing intermediate studs, adding noggings, and plasterboarding the frame for a solid partition wall.
Read the stud wall guideUseful guide
How to tile a kitchen splashback
Step-by-step guidance on planning your layout from the centre, applying adhesive, laying and cutting tiles, and finishing joints with grout and silicone sealant.
Read the splashback tiling guideUseful guide
How to plaster a wall
Practical UK guidance on preparing the surface, applying PVA, mixing and laying two coats of finish plaster, and polishing to a smooth, paint-ready surface.
Read the plastering guideUseful guide
How to tile a floor
Practical UK guidance on preparing the sub-floor, planning your tile layout, applying floor adhesive, laying from the centre outward, cutting edge tiles, and grouting.
Read the floor tiling guideUseful guide
How to strip wallpaper
Step-by-step advice on scoring, soaking, removing the top layer and backing paper, and cleaning the wall before painting or re-papering.
Read the wallpaper stripping guideUseful guide
How to lay laminate flooring
Practical steps for acclimatising boards, preparing the subfloor, laying underlay, fitting the first row straight, working across the room, and finishing with beading or skirting.
Read the laminate flooring guideUseful guide
How to replace a toilet seat
Simple steps for measuring the pan, removing the old seat, cleaning around the fixings, and fitting a new soft-close or standard seat securely.
Read the toilet seat guideUseful guide
How to hang an internal door
Step-by-step guidance on measuring, trimming, chiselling hinge recesses, hanging the door, and adjusting for a clean, even gap all round.
Read the internal door guideUseful guide
How to fit skirting boards
Practical guidance on measuring, cutting coped internal corners and external mitres, fixing boards to the wall, and caulking for a clean, professional finish.
Read the skirting board guideUseful guide
How to fix squeaky floorboards
Simple fixes for loose boards causing squeaks, including screwing down to joists and silencing dry timber rubs with lubrication, with or without lifting carpet.
Read the squeaky floorboard guideUseful guide
How to fit a cat flap
Practical steps for choosing the right flap, marking and cutting the opening in a uPVC or timber door, fitting the frame, and sealing the edges neatly.
Read the cat flap guideUseful guide
How to draught-proof doors
Simple, affordable fixes for draughty letterboxes, keyholes, door frames, and thresholds that keep warmth in and cold air out.
Read the draught-proofing guideUseful guide
How to fit coving
Practical guidance on measuring, cutting accurate mitres, applying adhesive, filling joints, and painting for a clean finish at the ceiling line.
Read the coving guideUseful guide
How to tile a bathroom wall
Step-by-step guidance on planning your tile layout, preparing the surface, applying adhesive, setting tiles with spacers, and grouting for a neat bathroom finish.
Read the bathroom tiling guideUseful guide
How to hang wallpaper
Practical guidance on preparing walls, finding a true plumb line, mixing paste, hanging the first length straight, and butt-joining drops for a clean finish.
Read the wallpaper guideUseful guide
How to put up a shelf
How to choose the right fixings for your wall type, mark brackets level, drill safely, and fit a bracket or floating shelf that stays put.
Read the shelf guideUseful guide
How to patch a hole in plasterboard
Step-by-step guidance for small filler repairs, mesh patches, and timber-backed repairs for larger damage in plasterboard walls.
Read the plasterboard repair guideUseful guide
How to re-grout tiles
Practical steps for removing old cracked grout, cleaning the joints thoroughly, and applying fresh grout for a clean bathroom or kitchen finish.
Read the re-grouting guideUseful guide
How to paint a room
A step-by-step guide to filling, masking, cutting in, and rolling a room to a clean finish, with advice on primers and getting the order right.
Read the room painting guideUseful guide
How to change a tap washer
Step-by-step guidance on turning off the water, removing the headgear, fitting a new washer, and testing the repair.
Read the tap washer guideUseful guide
How to free a stuck door
If a door has dropped, swelled, or stopped latching, this guide explains the safe checks to try and when to call for a repair.
Read the stuck door guideUseful guide
How to change a euro lock on a uPVC door
A practical guide to measuring, replacing, and testing euro cylinders safely, including matching locks around the house.
Read the euro lock guideUseful guide
How to resilicone a shower
Step-by-step advice for removing old shower silicone, cleaning the joint, applying sanitary bathroom sealant, and knowing when to call for help.
Read the shower silicone guideUseful guide
How to hang a picture or mirror
Advice on measuring, checking for pipes and cables, and choosing fixings for plasterboard, masonry, dot-and-dab, studs, and tiles.
Read the picture and mirror guideUseful guide
How to install curtain rails
Practical steps for measuring, levelling brackets, and selecting secure fixings for different wall types above windows.
Read the curtain rail guideUseful guide
How to assemble flat pack furniture
Practical tips for checking parts, sorting fixings, keeping frames square, and safely fixing tall furniture to the wall.
Read the flat pack guideUseful guide
How to unblock a drain
Simple checks for slow sinks, showers, baths, and outside drains, plus when it is better to stop and get help.
Read the drain guide