Building advice & 'how to' for DIY with Self Builder's 'Skill Builder'

Skill Builder is our 'How To' Section with step by step guides. In this section we assume a certain level of competence. If you want to tackle any of these jobs you should already know the basics. If you have specific questions please share them on our forum.

Now for a little Zen

These days everyone is obsessed by speed, but no job is ever done better by rushing and many jobs end up having to be done twice. Keep the whole project under control, tidy up regularly and always stop when you are tired or aren't enjoying it, and don't forget to give yourself a reward whenever you reach a goal. Taking a half-day off to play golf won't affect the progress half as much as working when you are tired and uninspired and if you have your own live-in slave driver tell them that we said so. If you approach the job calmly and methodically you will be amazed how much smoother and better everything will run and you'll enjoy it.

	FRANKE LASER LSX651 SINK A stainless steel Laser sink from Franke designed for quicker installation. Offering a super-slim edge profile virtually flush with work surface.

	OSO 'SUPER S' CYLINDER OSO Hotwater UK claim that lots of innovation has gone into their new 'Super S' unvented cylinder, so we thought we'd have a go at installing one.

	KLOBER ROLL-FIX KIT Achieve a water-tight dry hip, and the option of a ventilated ridge. With the Klober Roll-Fix, it's simple and fast.

	FUSION STAIRCASE SYSTEM The idea behind the Richard Burbidge Fusion staircase system is to make fitting balustrades easier, and open it up to DIY and self builders. But have they succeeded?

	SOLAR WATER HEATING This Halstead EdenSol solar water heating system proved to be quite a challenge to install for our team led by Roger Bisby. But once installed, the feel-good factor soon kicks in.

	SUNTILE NATURAL DAYLIGHT Suntile is a strong, secure and clear polycarbonate tile that brings you some much needed daylight into those dim bathrooms, bedrooms and landings.

	ANDERSON SASH WINDOWS Roger Bisby teams up with Black Millwork Co. (UK distributor for Andersen Windows) to install an Andersen Woodwright Series replacement double-hung sliding sash window.

	BATHROOM INSTALLATION We create the ideal modern bathroom with the installation team from Reigate Heating and Plumbing, who installed a Heritage suite with taps and valves from Bristan.

	DRYZONE DAMP-PROOF CREAM We show you how to damp-proof a wall using the Dryzone Damp-proof Cream.

	INSTALLING A RADIATOR By using instant 'direct' energy from a low wattage radiant element, this radiator can provide energy-efficient heating at any time of the day or evening.

	ROOF WATERPROOFING Industry-leading flexible waterproofing system for flat roof repair, walls, decks, below-grade, Green Roof applications.

	MAKING A SHOWER ROOM After years of suffering leaks around shower trays, installers and manufacturers have started working together to fix the problem.

	BASEMENT WATERPROOFING The task of making your basement or cellar habitable should certainly not be under estimated. We take on the damp in the huge basement of a hotel in Bath.

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