Category: structure
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Lowering a ceiling: We explore what’s involved
Ceilings are the part of our homes that we tend not to think about until there’s a problem or a change of plan. Most of the time they’re just the surface that finishes a room, separating one floor from another. But in many homes, there are good reasons to alter them, and specifically lower certain…
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Lowering a ceiling: We explore what’s involved
Ceilings are the part of our homes that we tend not to think about until there’s a problem or a change of plan. Most of the time they’re just the surface that finishes a room, separating one floor from another. But in many homes, there are good reasons to alter them, and specifically lower certain…
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How to get rid of water streaks on walls
If you haven’t heard of surfactant leaching, you’re not alone. Neither had I until I started looking into why I had water streaks on my bathroom walls. I partly knew the reasons why, but wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything that could cause more damage in the long run such as damp. Plus,…
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Is your rising damp really rising damp?
If there’s a phrase that can spread fear into the bones of homeowners, it’s someone saying ‘it looks like you have rising damp.’ Enough to make a wallet twitch and your heart race, it’s been the subject of home horror stories on more than one occasion. But, what if your rising damp isn’t really rising…
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What to Consider in Load-Bearing Evaluations
Construction teams often work in buildings that have seen several rounds of updates, tenant changes, and added weight from new equipment. Walls that once carried light loads now support heavier demands. These shifts make structural checks more relevant, especially during remodels or changes to mechanical or storage layouts. Property owners look for clear guidance on…
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How to install coving to add a touch of period charm
Adding coving is a clever, subtle, and straightforward way to add character to a room. It softens the harsh straight edges where a wall meets the ceiling and introduces curves, depth, and definition. It also comes in a variety of styles and finishes. You can choose a simple, classic curved shape for modern homes, or…
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What is salt banding? How to treat damp walls properly
The first time you encounter salt banding on a damp wall, it’s easy to mistake it for mould – and in fairness, mould often follows soon after if the issue isn’t addressed. But salt banding is actually the result of salts being drawn up through the wall and deposited in a neat, horizontal line as…
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Drainage problems? Know the warning signs and possible fixes
Whether your drains are blocked, overflowing or simply running slowly, the words ‘drainage problems’ are ones. most homeowners would rather avoid hearing. Messy, costly and potentially disruptive, finding the root of them isn’t always an easy task. As with most problems, prevention is always better than cure, but if drainage problems do occur, knowing the…
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Could your home still have lead pipes for your drinking water? How to find out and what to do
Mention lead pipes and my first thought is of the Cluedo murder weapon – something from a bygone era when guests wandered through grand country houses with billiard rooms and libraries, plotting the demise of poor Dr Black. In other words, lead piping feels like a relic of centuries past – hardly something you’d expect…
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How to limewash walls: Step-by-step guide
With textured wall finishes on the rise, more and more people are wondering how to limewash their walls – and whether it’s really possible to achieve a professional look by doing it yourself. While it does require a fair amount of prep to avoid streakiness and around four coats to achieve full coverage, the good…