Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

How much do extensions cost? Or, what will it cost to add on an extra room? Both these questions appear fairly high on my “frequently asked questions” list, and on a basic level, there is a simple answer, but this is quickly followed by advice containing much greater detail, that will immediately start pushing the initial figure up. This guide therefore looks at finding your initial starting estimate, as well as pointing out the factors that will impact on this estimate to determine how much your extension may finally cost. read more »

How do you find good tradesmen, and how much do you need them? Well, even if you are a keen DIY enthusiast, there will always be some jobs where you need professional assistance. For example, you may need a builder for something large scale like constructing your new extension or on a much smaller scale you might need an electrician to move a few sockets. In all cases, the rules of engagement should always be the same. read more »

I don’t know how many thousand questions I’ve been asked about DIY, but the most common theme, somewhat unsurprisingly, is about the nuts and bolts of how do to a specific DIY job. When I reply with a carefully considered answer, the assumed DIY ability of the individual soon becomes apparent as they either lap up every instruction I give them with confident abandon, or, their eyes begin to glaze over as if I’ve started speaking an obscure Russian dialect. read more »