How do you find the DIY tools or product that you’re looking for?

Personally, initially I tend to search the internet when I’m looking for a specific product or tool.

When it comes to buying either hand or power tools, I check out the prices and decide which store to visit to get the feel of the tool. I like to hold the tool to make sure it feels right and check out the quality. With other items and products I’ll order on-line. I imagine that this buying scenario to be true in most cases so therefore it is vital that the DIY Stores are highly ranked on the search engines.

I ran a simple search on Google just to see who was ranked the highest for the term ‘DIY Store’ and this is the order in which they appeared. (I ignored the paid ads)

1 – Homebase

2 – B&Q

3 – Wickes

4 – Focus (DIY)

5 – WilkinsonPlus

6 – Godfrey DIY

7 – Screwfix

8 – Maxwell’s DIY

9 – Amazon

10 - Robert Dyas

Possibly my biggest surprise was that B&Q were not in the number one slot. Well done Homebase!!! WilkinsonPlus was also another surprise as I didn’t think that they would be ranked as high.

Do you search and buy on-line or do you visit a store and hand over the cash?

This search was conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday 14th July 2010.

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WHAT IF SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE CHANCE TO CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME?

Have you got a burning ambition to design or build your dream home?

Are you up for a real challenge? Do you have amazing design ideas, but have never had the opportunity to see these through.

Is there a rundown building in your area you believe has the potential to be turned into an incredible house? But it’s out of your reach?

Maybe you’ve got your eye on a plot of land and want to build a property from scratch?

If this sounds familiar, then the BBC wants to hear from you. Read the rest of this entry »

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Buying for trade or DIY?… Make sure you get rewarded.

If you’re shopping at top DIY and trade suppliers like Wickes, Screwfix Direct, B&Q, Homebase and Focus, make sure your first step is visiting www.maximiles.co.uk

With Maximiles you collect points every time you shop online with the UK’s biggest DIY and trade brands. You can then spend those points on over 10,000 rewards in the Maximiles rewards catalogue. You’ll find everything from TVs and DVDs to holidays and more. You can get up to £20 worth of rewards for every £500 you spend. That could add up to serious amounts if you’re buying for your business or refurbishing your home.

But it’s not only DIY and trade brands. Maximiles also allows you to collect points at over 600 retailers, including some of the biggest names on the high street. The beauty is you get rewarded for the shopping that you would be doing anyway. You’d be crazy not to!

All you need to do is join, find the partner you want to shop with on the Maximiles website, and then click through and shop online as you normally would. Your points will then be automatically added to your Maximiles account. You can then browse through the reward catalogue at any time and spend your points on thousands of rewards. It’s so simple. What are you waiting for!?

To see our DIY and trade partners click here.
To see where else you can collect points visit our A-Z partner listing.
To see what rewards you can get visit our rewards catalogue.
To get collecting simply join now!

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Self Build & Home Improvement on the Increase

Interest in both self build and home improvement continues to grow, according to a recent survey from The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

Twenty nine percent of visitors to the Show, held at the NEC in March, are currently involved in a self build project, compared to 20% in 2009, with 38% involved in a renovation project, compared to 34% in 2009.  This homeowner confidence is mirrored by recent news from the Nationwide that house prices in the UK have risen by 10.5% in the year to the end of April.

Homeowners keen to improve, extend, renovate or even build their own home should visit The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at Sandown Park on 26 and 27 June. Visitors can pick up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, restoration tips, cost saving ideas and eco friendly solutions – all under one roof. Bring along your plans or drawings, meet with the experts and get great advice and information from the free seminars and masterclasses.

The Show is co-located with The Kitchen & Bathroom Show, the UK’s only dedicated kitchen and bathroom consumer show. Individual manufacturers and suppliers often not seen on the High Street, will inspire with bespoke designs, the latest technology and a fabulous array of colours and styles.  New this year is The Kitchen & Bathroom Design Experience where visitors can bring along their room plans and get a one-to-one consultation with experts from The Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and Essential Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom magazine.

The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show and The Kitchen and Bathroom Show are on at Sandown Park on 26 and 27 June. The Shows feature over 150 exhibitors, 30 free seminars and master classes and the chance to Ask the Experts.

For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or www.kitchenandbathroomshow.co.uk.

Tickets give entry to both Shows and are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).

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What’s The Best Way Of Cleaning Up During A Renovation Project?

It’s great having renovation work carried out on a property. It might be given a new look, added structures, modern look and feel. It’s certainly an exciting time. However, with the excitement there is a lot to put up with whilst the work’s being completed. What’s more is the mess that’s created whilst all the work is going on.

Each day more and more dust, dirt, debris, and general mess will start to pile up. On smaller renovation projects just a small skip should do the job. But on larger scale building projects much larger waste containers will be required. The cleaning should be carried out daily to make sure there’s no lasting damage to the building work and existing fixtures.

In this article we’ll look at the different types of home cleaning products and also industrial cleaning products that are available for the clean up operation. Instead of leaving the entire clean up until the renovation has finished it’s a good idea to clean as you go. That way it’ll be much easier and there’s less likely to be any stains that won’t come out.

Types of products
There are a wide variety of solutions suitable for different areas. One of the biggest problems during renovation is likely to be dust. Dust can quickly be removed by using any standard vacuum cleaner. If there is any dust on surfaces you can use a different nozzle with gentle brush attached to it.
Most home cleaning products will contain weaker chemicals than industrial ones. Which means it might take a bit more effort to remove larger areas or more stubborn areas. Either way there are floor cleaners such as anti static cleaners that are suitable for hard floor surfaces. Bleach will work very well to clean sinks and toilets but be careful not to use it on coloured surfaces as it will stain them white.

How best to clean
Firstly, you should leave the cleaning until the builders have left. Otherwise more mess may be created after you’ve cleaned. The best method to clean up during a renovation is to vacuum twice. Before you start any cleaning vacuum all the floors and all surfaces. That way, any surfaces will be clear from dust.
You can then clean the surfaces with antibacterial cleaner. Once the surfaces have dried you can then apply the furniture polish. If you don’t’ vacuum the services there might be dust on them which will just get wet when the antibacterial cleaner is applied. Many cleaning products are also fragranced which can give a pleasant smell which makes it feel cleaner too.

Do it yourself or outsource it
It’s cheaper to carry out the cleaning yourself; however, it depends on how big the area is. If a large part of the building is being renovated it might be worthwhile to outsource the cleaning to save your time. Many builders will often carry out a basic clean up after they’ve finished which always helps.

to find out more please click here

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Do you have an unusual routin a quirky ritual or an outrageous habit?

Or do you know someone who has?

We’re a nation of eccentrics and we’ve all got odd habits, funny little quirks and now it’s time to celebrate them and discover that you’re not alone!

• Do you have a weird and wonderful habit that you just can’t give up?
• Does your partner despair at your strange behaviour and particular way of doing things?
• Perhaps you’re super organised, and colour code your wardrobe or alphabetise your fridge?
• Do you have a habit your friends think is a bit gross, perhaps you secretly chew your toe nails?
• Do you have an unusual bedtime ritual or a unique approach to getting ready in the morning?

Remarkable Television (an Endemol company) are making a new show for BBC3 that will celebrate the nation’s habits, rituals and routines - everyone has them, so let’s be proud!

You can contact us at:

myfunnyhabit@endemoluk.com or call us on 0333 577 7771

All 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as 01 or 02 numbers. If you have inclusive minutes in your phone package then a call to an 03 number is free. If you have a pay as you go mobile, or do not have inclusive calls then you will be charges at the local rate. Remarkable will use any information provided by you for the purpose of selecting contributors for the programme. We will keep your data securely for the purposes of the programme and will only share information with the BBC and any independent contractors involved in the programme. We will not pass it on to any third parties who are not directly involved in the production, without your consent.

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SOUTH WEST HOME SHOW PROMISES TO INSPIRE

Are you interested in picking up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, renovation tips and cost saving solutions for the home?

Then look no further! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the UK ’s only dedicated self-build and home improvement show, is coming to Shepton Mallet on 21 & 22 November.

On at the Bath & West Showground, The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show features over 120 exhibitors, 36 free seminars and master-classes as well as the unique opportunity to get advice from the Experts. This really is a must-visit event.

Whether you are looking for land to build your own home, want to extend your property to create an open plan kitchen or are thinking about converting your loft or basement to create extra space, you will find the products, services, advice and information to help create your perfect home.

Want to find out more about how you can improve your home? Then attend How to Successfully Add Space and Value to your Home’, a free seminar at 11.30am on both days. Concerned about your impact on the environment and want to do more? Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint by attending ‘How to Heat Your Home for Nothing: Dream or Reality?’ a free seminar at 1.30pm on both days. Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk. to find out more about the other free seminars and the master-classes that run on both days of the Show.

If you’re still at the planning stage of your building project, then bring along your drawings, plans or just your ideas and speak to one of the many experts at the Show and get some great advice. Visit the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine stand where Michael Holmes, TV presenter and Editor-in-Chief of Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating magazines, will be heading up a team of experts specialising in renovating, design, planning, self-building and greener living.

The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show is on at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on 21 & 22 November. The Show features over 120 exhibitors, 36 free seminars and masterclasses and the chance to Ask the Experts. For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk.

Tickets are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377 or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).

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SUPERDADS IN LINE FOR £1M INSULATION BONUS

Superglass Insulation has joined forces with Scottish and Southern Energy in a £1m deal to make British homes green and help keep household finances in the black.

From September, consumers will be offered one free roll of insulation for every two purchased from Superglass builders merchant stockists in a scheme regulated by OFGEM and funded by SSE under the government’s Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) scheme.

Michael Beard, Sales & Marketing Director of Superglass stated, “This is a great opportunity for us all to do a little bit for the environment but save on one of our everyday household bills. It also means supporting local business in the form of our independent builder’s merchant. We are convinced there are more than just a few ‘SuperDads’ out there!

“And if getting it for nothing isn’t good enough, it’s worth knowing that Superglass Insulation is manufactured in the UK from recycled, locally sourced glass. The recycled content of one roll of Superglass’ Multi Roll 44 is in excess of 80%, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly than many other insulation products, indeed there are as many as 27 (empty) wine bottles in one roll of Superglass Multi Roll 44!”

Russell Ogg, Energy Efficiency Manager of Scottish and Southern Energy commented:
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting new partnership with Superglass. In these financially uncertain times this DIY scheme gives householders the prospect of making a significant difference to their household running costs. This initiative also enhances Scottish & Southern Energy’s commitment to providing energy savings in a responsible and sustainable way.”

The two UK owned, Scottish based companies have moved to provide more energy efficient solutions in the consumer market. Superglass, based in Stirling and SSE, with their headquarters in Perth, have teamed up to promote a ‘Superdad’ advertising campaign to encourage homeowners in the DIY sector to take the simple step of insulating their loft in a bid to cut energy waste as well as their heating bills.

Welcoming the scheme, Chris Pateman, Managing Director of the Builder’s Merchants Federation said: “At last, energy companies have started to notice merchants are the natural place to go for home improvement products. Hats off to Superglass and SSE for having the vision to bring this project to market. We hope it will be just the first of many routes for the merchant trade to access energy-efficiency price subsidies which have so far been available exclusively to DIY retailers.”

Allan Durning Executive Chairman of NBG LLP added “Superglass and SSE are to be congratulated for recognising the importance of the independent builders merchant sector in making a real contribution to the UK’s ambitious Zero Carbon objectives in domestic dwellings. Independents are strongly placed to offer the general public sound advice and availability of products for the correct application to save energy in their homes.”

The seven figure sum has been committed to support builder’s merchants and consumers and, if well received, may even be increased next year.

End of release.

Notes to Editors:

Further details of the CERT scheme are available from http://decc.gov.uk

Details of local stockists are to be found on the Superglass website www.superglass.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Superglass Insulation

Michael Beard - michael.beard@superglass.co.uk - 07855 420485

Laura Ralston - laura.ralston@superglass.co.uk - 07836 663119

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Is your dream home turning into a nightmare?

Sarah Beeny’s Brand New Property Series

Have you discovered problems in your home such as damp, dry rot, leaks, flooding, blocked drains, infestations, cracked walls or worse?

Are you thinking about renovating but need to do some serious repair work first?

We are looking for people who own what they hoped would be their perfect home but have since found serious problems such as subsidence, damp, dry rot, blocked drains or infestations and really need some help and advice to repair and restore their property.

Sarah and her team can help in this exciting new property programme.

How to Apply

If you are looking to save your property then please phone 020 7855 7545 or email property@redhousetv.co.uk

Please include a contact telephone number in your message so we can call to discuss the programme further.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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BUILD YOUR OWN CONSERVATORY AND SAVE THOUSANDS

Building your own conservatory

A conservatory is the ideal way to create some extra living space without the expense of moving house or building a full extension. In many cases, planning permission is not needed. This versatile space can be used as a sun room, dining room, family den or a study – letting in light, warmth and views of the garden. Building your own conservatory can save you money, while adding value to your property.

According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), a conservatory could increase the value of your property by up to 5%. Keen DIY-ers can build their own conservatory to maximise the financial benefits, doing it yourself means you get the conservatory you want at a Read the rest of this entry »

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