This blog is the result of over 20 years of working in building and renovations and a growing career in writing guides, columns and books.
Space Solves
Cracks are giving me that sinking feeling
The Guardian, Saturday 16 May 2009
Three years ago we installed a ceramic, Belfast-style sink in our bathroom. It now has a couple of hairline cracks around the plughole. Is there a product to cover these and prevent them from spreading? read more »
Space solves
Stair Care
The Guardian, Saturday 25 April 2009
About 10 years ago, we replaced our boring 50s-style banister with pine spindles. We used a coloured varnish to stain them, which is now a greeny shade of orange. Can it be removed? Ideally, I’d like a clear varnish, but even painting them would be an improvement. 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 »
Hi, and a warm welcome to my blog.
My name is Julian Cassell and I’ve spent the best part of my working life either renovating houses or writing about how to renovate houses. My aim with this website is to share the knowledge I’ve picked up along the way, and to provide the best advice and information I can about all aspects of DIY.
Like all new ventures, they need to start somewhere, and in my case, it seems logical to use my first few posts to answer some of the more common questions that I’ve been asked over the years. Speaking as someone who has had to learn all the various techniques and theories, I’d also like to lay a few foundations and give you some idea of what I think most DIY enthusiasts are capable of, whether confident or apprehensive, keen or reluctant, experienced or novice. I’ve fallen into all these categories at some stage!
Hope you enjoy,
Best,
Julian