High rise in construction

The European Union's Statistical office have released figures about the monthly estimates for construction. The UK has the highest monthly increase, rising to 11.7%. Read more

Statistical press release 2012

The 2012 Energy trends and Quarterly Energy prices have been published today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Several main points follow, but you can also download a PDF press release.  

- Indigenous production of fuels in the UK fell by 7.3%

 - Consumption for energy uses rose by 1.2%

- Fixed consumption levels of electricity bills increased by £25 to £478

- Off shore wind increased by 54%

Commercial refurbishment in London

Refurbishing a pub, club or bar in central london doesn’t have to cost the earth but can have a huge impact on profit and turn over. An investment into a property, if done right, will secure the rewards. We Brits love a good pub, especially one with an inviting and warm atmosphere. 

A refurbishment can include a repaint and decoration of the interior and exterior of your pub to a complete fit out. We have a trusted relationship with highly skilled carpenters if you require stunning bespoke furniture. 

Things to think about when refurbishing a drinking establishment are space, enticing a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining a clean and safe environment, visual aspects, flooring design and decoration.

Get a quote via our estimate page if you require a pub/bar or club refurbishment in London.

Old air raid shelter explosion

A company has been fined for lack of instruction and health and safety. Two men sustained serious burns in the attempt to burn garden waste. Read more 

Handyman garden services in london

Pukkajob Handyman services in london include:
Lawn mowing

Hedge cutting

Garden tidy up

Leaf clearance

Rubbish removal

Installing stand to sheds

Installing greenhouses

Odd jobs

Erecting fences

Weeding

Get in touch via our estimate page if you need a job doing today.

Condensing boiler maintenance

It has been extremely cold lately, even in the house! If your heating hasn't come on, it may be due to the pipes being frozen. If you have a condensing boiler, check the condensate pipe. 

If it has frozen, defrost it with warm water and reset the boiler to check the pilot light comes on. If it doesn't, get a plumber in london. Keep your home cosy and warm over the festive period. 

Interesting reports about fracking for shale gas

Fracking for shale gas gets green light in UK

Shale Gas: a burning carbon issue

Trade Talk

Connect with other Professionals, DIYer's and enthusiasts via the Jewson Forum. Its free to post conversations, make comments and engage in all things trade. 

Over 7,000 new homes planned for london

The Earls Court Exhibition Centre is to be demolished to make way for new housing and opportunities. The initial stage of planning permission has been passed proposed offices, homes, cultural community facilities and a park. 

Working with young people

Hiring and working with young people can occur certain risks because of lack of experience, training and awareness. The HSE has great tips and advice for ensuring the well being and safety of your team.

Gas Strategy

The government believes that we will need more gas capacity in 2030 compared to now, so 30 new gas fired power stations will have to be built across the UK in the next 12 years. More info

Solar Energy at Home

Solar power and energy saving products are becoming increasingly popular. People are realising that it does not cost as much as expected and will save money and time in the long run. 
Read the following article about Solar Cooker, Solar Home Lighting and Solar Heating System's. 
For more energy saving related articles, have a browse at our energy efficient building materials blog post. 

Empty homes figures 2012

In 2011, just under 20,000 empty homes were taken into use

At present there are 259,842 long term empty homes in the UK.  7% down from 2011

Since last September, 19,069 long term empty homes were bought back into use

Currently, there are over 700,00 empty properties in England

Find out more information here.

What funding will be in place once the current spending review period ends in 2015?

Doubts are in the air about future funding for affordable homes. Developments are holding back surrounding huge uncertainty about the amount of spending available for after 2015. Read more here.

Cracking Paint

Cracks will appear naturally in the walls of your home because the plaster expands and contracts. 

Small cracks are generally nothing to worry about, larger cracks should be inspected by a professional. 

Likely causes of cracking: 

Changes in temperature within a building

Changes in moisture levels in a building

Vibrations from passing traffic

Plasterboard joined too tightly 

Shrinkage of wall material

Expansion of wall material 

Corrosion of wall ties

Movement of foundations

Pukkajob Painters and decorators in London will be happy to fix any problem in your home. 

CO Awareness Week 19th - 23rd November

Its CO Awareness Week! The Carbon Monoxide charity will be traveling the country raising awareness and supporting victims of CO poisoning. 
Have your gas appliances checked annually and read the following gas safety tips. 

Secondary Double Glazing

Secondary double glazing offers an extra layer to your existing windows. It wont change the aesthetics and characteristic values to your home and is a great move if you own a listed building. 

Advantages to having secondary double glazing are:

Prevents heat loss, reduces heating bills and droughts
Largely reduces outside noise and road traffic
Kills condensation
Will not discolour with age
Can be applied to stonework
Window strips can be painted to match inside and exterior colour 
Will not affect internal shutters or blind fittings
More affordable than replacement windows

Check out our blog post on maintaining windows.

Free Insulation Scheme

The date for Insulation Grants has been extended until June 2013. The scheme aims to help save money on bills, be more comfortable in the home, help protect the environment and increase the value of your home. Everyone can apply for a grant, anyone on receipt of benefits or allowances can apply for a free grant. Read more about Free Insulation Grants, it is definitely something worth thinking about.

Baxi Boiler Savings Calculator

Use this boiler efficiency calculator to find out whether you could be saving on your bills. Its quick, easy and will give you information about how to be more energy efficient.

Christmas tree preparation and maintenance

If you are buying a real tree this Christmas, make sure you know how to look after it! B&Q have a great guide to Christmas tree buying and preparation.

Identifying Wood Rot

Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal bacteria in a building. It can spread onto and eat away much of the timber and other building materials.

Common signs of dry rot are:

Darkening colour and shrinking of wood 

In cooler areas a grey coating with patches of yellow often develops 

In warmer conditions a fluffy white material will develop

The bacteria will cause a stale, damp odour

Red coloured bacteria can latch onto the fruiting bodies

Wet rot occurs more frequently, but is less serious - decay is typically confined to the area where timber has become and remains wet.

Typical causes of wet rot are:

gutter leaks

roofing defects

plumbing leaks 

damp, poorly ventilated settings are susceptible to wet rot

Pukkajob tradesmen cannot treat wood rot. You need a specialist for that. However, our handymen in london, painters and decorators in london and builders in london can turn your property into a home again. Tell us your details and visit our estimate page. 

Tip for a blocked toilet

Do not keep flushing a blocked toilet, the water will just keep filling the bowl and may over flow. Generally, a blocked toilet can be fixed with a plunger. When using a plunger, ensure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the rubber cup, and move the plunger up and down. If there isn't enough water in the toilet bowl, fill a bowl of water from the sink and pour this into the toilet so the plunger is covered. If this doesn't work then it’s time to call a plumber in central london. 

Waste Crime in Britain

There are more than 1,000 illegal waste sites in Britain, causing huge pollution and ruining people's lives. The persecutor's don't seem to be taking the crime or the authorities seriously. Waste Crime: Britain's war on illegal dumping is a very interesting article which was posted yesterday by the guardian. Take a read and help get these numbers down to save the environment! 

Industry Standards for Apprenticeships

The chief executive of National Electrical Training has called for all apprenticeships to follow the electrical industry’s commitment to industry defined standards to show the value and necessity of apprenticeships and the important link to the industry. 

New smaller WC for tight spaces

There is a new one piece WC available for smaller space. Its light. compact and comes with 
everything needed for installation. Check out the Elite Ceramics International SP580.

Young Ambassadors

B&Q have a Young Ambassadors initiative where 11-16 year olds can become DIY Ambassadors. This is a great initiative for younger people to explore and share there passion, ideas and show positive creativity. 

'Industry letter calls for decarbonisation target in energy bill'

'the amount of power expected to be generated from gas by 2030 has quadrupled in the last year, raising fears that carbon targets will be missed and low-carbon generation crowded out.' Read more here. 

Simple precautions when working with electricity

The HSE have made a list of simple precautions to take when working with electricity. Whether you are a qualified electrician or completing a spot of home maintenance, always ensure you and your working environment is safe. 

Plumbers in London

Blocked drains can be a real pain and inconvenience. There are shop bought products which are suitable to use and may just do the trick. If the blockage is really greasy and full of debris, stronger chemicals may be needed which only a plumber can buy. 

Depending on the type of blockage, different approaches can be made. For instance, pour hot water down a blocked drain to try and cleanse remove any substance which is blocking the flow of water. Then, try using a plunger to suck up any loose debris. 

If these methods have no luck, try a drain cleaning product. There are three main types of drain cleaners:

Caustic drain cleaners: is a base which will create a reaction on the substances stuck in the drain and clear the clog. The chemicals inside the product will release heat and easily dissolve grease by making it into a soapy material. The liquid is denser than water therefore is able to reach the blockage through sitting water. 

Oxidizing drain cleaners: contain bleach, peroxides and nitrates. These chemicals cause the material of the blockage to become oxidized by releasing gas and heat to help clear the clog.

Acid drain cleaners: cannot really be bought in shops as they contain high amounts of acid. The liquid will release heat once in the drain which then melts hard grease is stuck. 

When using shop bought products ensure you read the instructions beforehand.  

Electricians in London

Pukkajob work with highly skilled electricians in london to ensure electrics in homes and offices are safe and working correctly. Unfortunately, the amount of electrical fires and injuries in the home are increasing each year. To prevent damage to your home and family, read our electricians in london blog post. 

Higher design standards for new homes

The Royal Institute of British Architects want to solve the housing crisis by adding more statutory standards to new homes, including more light, privacy and more space. 
Read full article.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon Monoxide Awareness week commences on Monday 19th November. 
We should all be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Since 2005, over 30,000 have been affected by the gas in the UK. The charity will travel over the UK during this week offering support to victims and creating awareness to others. 

Kitchen Renovation in London

Our pukkajob tradesmen for london can offer the following Kitchen services:

- Highly skilled carpenters to make bespoke doors, units and shelves 

- Top notch electricians to sort out any fiddly extra wires, install lighting and reposition wall sockets

- Gas safe registered Plumbers to install appliances, pipework and drainage systems

- Qualified painter and decorators to ensure the perfect finish for your new kitchen 

- Efficient handymen to build anything that comes flat packed, install shelves  and disposing of unwanted items

Head over to pukkajob.com for more details and to arrange a service. 

Power centre opens in North Wales

The Power Centre will be used to present a variation of live UPS systems, monitoring packages and demonstrative units. There is a demonstration and training suite, training facilities, service engineers and critical education courses. More info here. 

New Flu Inspection kit

From early next year there will be new gas regulations for gas safe engineers. Find out more.

Climate Change - An interactive FAQ

Need questions about climate change answered? The guardian have produced an interactive map to allow you to find out everything you want to know about climate change. Includes topics on emissions  technology, impacts and science. 

'Bottle Schools'

Schools in Latin America are being built by using 'eco-bricks'. Plastic bottles are being filled with rubbish and used as building materials to produce the building foundations for schools. The organisation Hug it Forward  facilitates education and awareness by empowering communities to build “bottle schools”.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness week

Carbon Monoxide awareness week starts on Monday 19th Friday 23rd November. More information can be found on Co Awareness. 

Home maintenance tips for winter

As we are approaching the cooler winter months, it is best to keep on top of your home maintenance. Any repairs needed are best to be done now, before it gets more serious. The following jobs will not take up too much of your time and are essential to get through the winter.

- Test your garage door monthly to ensure that it opens and closes correctly. You don’t want to have a nasty surprise in those winter months when you desperately need     to put the car away

- Clean leaves and debris from guttering and drains

- Remove outdoor hoses to prevent frozen water from cracking the pipes and causing leaks

- Check your insulation for damages. If you don’t have insulation, think about it. Read our blog post on insulation in London

- If you have an original fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned annually. Also check the exterior of your chimney for obstructions like nest’s

- Store outdoor furniture inside if possible. If this isn’t an option, cover the furniture to stop mildew and mold forming

- Check around windows and doors for air leaks. Have any leaks repaired to save money on energy bills

- Finish off any interior painting, in later months it will be too cold to have the windows or doors open to ensure proper ventilation whilst painting

- Have your heating checked to ensure it is working properly

- Check your driveway for cracks. Avoid frost damage by repairing any problems straight away

- Check fences and posts. Any wood structure should be treated with a wood preserve to make it last through the winter

- Repair any loose or missing rendering on external and internal walls 

- Use a little oil to stop padlocks and locks on sheds, bikes or within the garage jamming or seizing up 

- Bleed the radiators -  read our blog post for tips on radiator maintenance

- Ensure the smoke alarms are working, replace batteries if necessary 

- Test RCD on electrical outlets monthly by pushing the test button, which should then cause the reset button to pop up.

- Allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass 

- Repair or replace weatherstripping on windows and door frames. 

- Clean and vacuum the refrigerator coils at the back of the fridge once a year, empty and clean trays or leaks

- Clean dishwasher drains, sinks, bathtubs and showers

- If possible keep snow clear of gas meters and gas appliance vents

- Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets, also check any outdoor lights you wish to use again to ensure fire safety

If you need a handyman, plumber, electrician or painter and decorator in london to ensure your house is safe and well maintained over the winter months don’t delay in getting in touch with one of ourpukkajob tradesmen. We will be more than happy to help. 

Plumbers in central london

Finding a reliable plumber in central London can be tough. When looking for a tradesman we generally follow recommendations from other people we know to stay clear of the cowboy tradesmen. In the case of emergency in clubs, bars and restaurants around central london a trustworthy plumber is always great to know. It is essential that a problem is taken care of, that’s why our plumbers are available 6 days a week. Check out pukkajob.com, home of the finest tradesmen in london. 

Plasterers in london

Our pukkajob plasterers are highly skilled and provide a high quality service. 

General services include:

Plaster skimming provides a smooth, seamless surface creating a base to start painting and decorating. This method offers a traditional finish that is suitable for all surfaces.

Screeding levels out and smooths the top layer of material that is poured. This allows the material to be the same height as the walls or guides, that surround it.

Plasterboard is an inner layer of gypsum sandwiched between two outer layers of lining paper. The finish will vary depending on the weight and strength of the lining paper and properties in the gypsum.

Cement rendering is a premixed layer of sand and cement, which is then applied on an exterior wall like brick or stone. The cement is often textured and can be painted after application. It can be used on an interior feature wall.

If you need a plasterer in london, dont delay in getting a quote today. 

Tool Safety

Ensure you are using your tools correctly and safely when completing any job. Safety catches and instructions are there for a reason! Guidance on risk assesments, manual handling, stress and skin conditions can be found on the Health and Safety Executive.

Naturepaint

Naturepaint is a natural, non toxic paint claiming to be the safest paint on the market. Read on for advantages of use. 

Home Insulation

Insulation in the home is used to prevent heat loss. Generally, insulation saves you money by lowering energy bills and keeps the home warmer through winter months.

Fiberglass insulation - frequently found in air ducts, pipes, roofs, walls and floors. It comes in two different forms, fiberglass loose-fill insulation and fiberglass blanket insulation; this comes in varying densities and sizes. Fiberglass is made up of recycled glass, sand and is naturally incombustible. It is very energy efficient and can reduce energy bills and will not retain moisture. 

Polystyrene insulation - is most often used for making foam board, concrete block and loose fill insulation. Foam board polystyrene's thermal resistance depends on its density.

Radiant barrier – is a reflective surface panel which faces out onto an open space. Mainly installed in the attic, it is designed to minimise heat absorbed in the summer and reduce heat loss in the winter. A Radiant barrier can prevent up to 90% of radiant heating which hits the roof surface. This type of insulation can lower energy costs.

Reflective insulation - is made up of a type of metallic foil, lined with a plastic film, polyethylene bubbles and cardboard. The insulation aims to prevent radiant heat transfer between open spaces and includes a radiant barrier as well as other insulation materials. 

Most houses in Britain will be insulated with either standard or more modern insulation materials. Older houses are more likely to need solid wall insulation. If you are renovating or building a new house then be sure to discuss the possibilities with your project manager. If you need a builder in London then look no further, pukkajob has the guys for you.

Lighting news

There is an increasing demand for companies to make the switch to energy efficient LED lighting. Read more about a new lighting partnership.

Save energy at home

 Below are just a few suggestions of things you can start doing around the house to reduce the amount of power you use and save some energy.

- Keep the monitor and the computer switched off when you are not using them.

- Start using CFL light bulbs as much as you can. Benefit will prove much more cost-effective in the long run.

- Minimize the amount of times you use your washing machine every week by ensuring the machine is full with clothes for every wash.

- After cooking hot food, let it stand to room temperature before putting it into the refrigerator.

Portable Heating

If you don't have central heating in your home, an open fireplace or sufficient insulation it is more than likely you will have a fair bit of draft coming through the walls over the winter months. A cost effective way to solve this issue is a portable heater. They are safe, effective and can save on the dreaded heating bills over the next coming months. Types of portable heaters on the market include Fan Heaters, Ceramic Heaters, Convectors, Oil Filled Radiators and Oil Free Radiators. Continue reading for FAQs.

Water Tanks

After the past two days of constant rain, it might be worth thinking about getting a water tank for your garden. They will collect as much water as possible to help prevent your garden flooding. You can also get rainwater harvesting kits! Check out Tanks Direct for more info.  

Better safety measures needed for construction

A company in the South East have been fined over £200,000 in fines after the death of an employee on a construction site. The company failed to tell their workers that there was a live volt cable in the area they were working on and failed to put safety measures in place throughout the excavation. 

Safe & Sound at Work Campaign

The HSE are currently conducting the Safe & Sound at Work Campaign. They aim to offer step by step guidance to help business's involve their team in managing health and safety and benefit from improved consultation. A case study shows how one business lowered their insurance premiums by 50%. Read the article an do your bit! 

Door Security

Door security is vital in our homes. Unfortunately a number of break ins occur due to poor locking systems. Ensure your doors and secure, if you need a new locking system don't delay your home security any longer, get in touch with one of our handymen in london. If you would like a bespoke front door, contact our carpenters in london. We want to make your home safe!

Radiator maintenance

Bleeding your radiators is an important, safe and quick task that should be conducted annually. The process allows trapped air to be released. If your radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom, its more than likely that trapped air will be the problem. 
1. Turn off your central heating

2. Find the bleed valve - usually located on the side of the radiator

3. Place a cloth or bowl underneath the bleed valve to catch any water that may leak

4. To bleed the radiator, insert the bleed key into the bleed valve (located in step two) and carefully turn it anticlockwise. (Not too much, just half a turn will do) You will hear a hissing sound; this is the trapped air in your radiator escaping. You will know when all the air will have escaped because water starts to trickle out of the valve. 

5. Re tighten the bleed valve carefully and ensure it’s tight. Clear up any spills.

6. Switch the central heating back on once you have finished bleeding all the radiators in the house, making sure that all the bleed valves are tight so no air can escape. 

Wallpaper tips

First thing to do is to strip and remove all existing wallpaper. Cover the floors with dust sheets so the old wallpaper doesn’t stick to the carpet or flooring. Sand down any blemishes and plaster where necessary.

Wallpaper:

Lining paper is used as a base for painting.  It gives a smooth surface to paint onto.

Wood chip is a cheaper paper containing small bits of wood between two pieces of paper. When too thin it can be easily torn and when too thick it is hard to trim.

Relief wallpaper is good for covering rough or uneven surfaces. The paper has a raised pattern imprinted.

Textured vinyl papers are hard wearing and relatively easy to hang.

Paste:

Ensure that you use the right paste for the wallpaper you have chosen. For vinyl papers use a paste that prevents mould growth. For other papers use a hot or cold water paste. Avoid lumps developing by stirring well. On the back of the paste packet it will have instructions for mixing and standing times.

Abrasive tools

Abrasive materials can take a rough, patchy surface and make it smooth and clean. Use the right abrasive to touch up a small area or to strip an entire surface clean.

Sandpaper - is a fine or heavy gritted paper which can remove anything from thin varnish to heavy rust. Make sure the sandpaper's thickness suits the item being sanded. 

Steel Wool - the coarseness of the metal fibers can scour everything from tile to brass to wood.

Files - a small file can smooth out rough patches of wood.

Plane - allows you to shave off thin layers of wood without damaging the surface.

Sander - both electric and manual sanders speed up the process, allowing you to sand a larger surface quickly and more easily.

DIY is becoming increasingly popular, whether its sprucing up a small side table or completely renovating a new dinning room table and chairs. 

Wind farms break record

Last week, Britains windfarms generated a record breaking 4GW which is enough to light and heat 3 million homes. At around 10am, wind turbines were supplying 10.8% of the total amount of electricity going into the grid. This is a positive change to create a lower carbon economy. 

Exterior house maintenance

Before the winter months draw closer, check the exterior of your home and windows for wood rot, loose cement or peeling paint. These problems will make your home look tired and run down and can become worse during the winter. 
If you need to spruce up the exterior of your home in preparation for colder times, get in touch with our handymen in london or painter and decorators in london who would be more than happy to help. 

Kitchen Floor Tiles

The most common types of kitchen flooring are vinyl and tiles. Generally in the kitchen there is plenty of water spilt, heat, grease and condensation. Its best to choose a flooring that is easily maintainable and has resistant properties. These how to fit a kitchen floor tips are ideal if you are attempting DIY. If you are still unsure and not overly confident, get in touch with our handymen in london who would be more than happy to help.

Loft conversions in london

The advantages of having a loft conversion are:

- Extra space is added to your home

- Increase in value of your property

- You can avoid moving house if in need of extra space

- Creates a comfortable house for a larger family

- Faster renovation than other extension construction

- No planning permission is required

- Cost effective renovation 

- No need to decrease your garden/outdoor space

 If you want to know more about loft conversions in london get in touch with our builders in london at Pukkajob.com.

Home maintenance tips

Now that we are approaching Autumn, ensure your home is ready for the cooler months by following these easy maintenance tips.  

- Test your garage door monthly to ensure that it opens and closes correctly. You don’t want to have a nasty surprise in those winter months when you desperately need to put the car away

- Check your fires and replace furnace filters quarterly

- A RCD (residual current devise) is an electrical device that can be installed in the home electrical system to protect your family from electrical shocks. Check this monthly, any faults, call an electrician

- Clean leaves and debris from guttering and drains every season

- Clean and vacuum the refrigerator coils at the back of the fridge once a year

- If you have an original fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned annually. Also check the exterior of your chimney

- Inspect window and door caulking, sealing and weather stripping yearly 

- Replace the batteries in smoke detectors yearly

- Examine roof shingles to see if any are lost or damaged

- Inspect concrete slabs for cracks, movement or damages

- Check exterior hose faucets for freezing after winter

- Check your gas boiler quarterly

- Clean your oven every 6 months and check the door has tight sealing

- Change the refridgerator water filter every 3-6 months depending on water condition and usage. 

- Inspect your washing machine for leaks

- Polish natural wood to keep it clean and looking fresh

If you need a helping hand, our handymen in london would be more than happy to offer their services. 

Wood is still top building material

Wood has always been a significant and useful building material used for a variety of purposes from houses and boats to kitchen utensils, furniture and artifacts. The most common types of timber are:

Oak – this wood is popular in high quality joinery, offering a luxury finish. Very suitable for construction, Oak is a number one timber for furniture, coffins, church pews and pulpits. 

Pine – this wood is used in heavy construction and supports spars and masts in ship building.  Lower density pines are used for joinery and light construction. 

Beech-  this wood is typically straight grained and offers a fine, even texture. Beech varies in density and toughness. Some beechwood is used in beer as a fining agent, it is used in German malt beer to give it flavor. 

Carpenters in London

Pukkajob.com offers highly skilled Carpenters in London for commercial and domestic services. Jobs can include:

• Making timber framed structures

• Studwork partitioning and floor joisting

• Hand cut roofs

• Stair removal and installation.

• Fitting door frames and locks

• Handrail installation

• Hardwood/laminate flooring installed

• Sanding and varnishing of floorboards.

• Floors and walls ply lined

• Fitting decking, fence posts and sheds 

• Bedroom wardrobe fitting

• Commercial refurbishment and renovation 

• Replacement of Wooden fascias and soffits 

• Bespoke kitchens, cupboards and doors

• Bespoke storage solutions, shelving and bookcases

• Full carpentry and restoration service on small and large projects.

• Make up/install/alter flat pack furniture.