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How to decorate home offices

Working from home or hybrid working seems to have become the norm for many employees across the world. Even though many employees are actively encouraged to return to the workplace, many companies are embracing hybrid work as best practice.

Flexible working is here to stay. This means, that it is more important than ever to create a work space at home that clearly separates work and home life. Home offices should be functional and comfortable to ensure you maintain productivity and boost creativity.

At the Handy Squad, we have a team of painters and decorators in London who are able to transform your spare room into a home office in a timely manner. So, if you are looking for an office decorator, search no further. Whilst we are decorating your office, we can also tackle other decorating tasks you might have. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help.

Think of function first.

Whilst aesthetics are important for the overall look of your workspace, considering function first is key. What do you want to achieve with this space? How do you like to work? What makes you be more productive? What equipment will you require in the office? How much space will you need for your office tech? Think about the essential things you need in an office space to be comfortable and productive and go from there.

Keep it minimal.

Keeping your home office clean and minimal will ensure that it doesn’t feel cluttered and unorganised. Plus, it will allow you to have fewer distractions. This includes tidying those loose messy cables (yes, those ones!). Does cable tidying sound like a nightmare? Our handyman can give you a helping hand.

To help you keep your home office as tidy and organised as possible, consider different storage options, from shelving to storage boxes. Want custom shelves? Our London carpenters can build and install bespoke shelves.

Lighting is key.

A well-lit room will do wonders for your mood whilst working. Poor lighting can produce eyestrain, dampen your mood and easily reduce your productivity. So, be sure to adjust your furniture accordingly, and if your office space is not exposed to much natural light add enough artificial lighting to help you work comfortably.

Don’t skimp on comfort.

It is essential to sit in comfort when you are working for hours at your desk. Choose an ergonomic chair that provides proper back support and posture. Having good quality and comfortable office furniture will increase productivity and ensure you are more efficient when working.

What can painters and decorators do?

Do you want to decorate your property but don’t have the expertise to do it yourself? Perhaps you are looking to sell your property and would like to give a paint refresh but simply don’t have the time? There are many reasons why choosing a professional might be the best solution but what can the professionals offer you?

Related: Why hire a decorator?

At the Handy Squad, we have a team of painters and decorators in London who can complete all kinds of tasks, from small paint touch-up jobs to full home makeovers. If you are looking for a professional to uplift your property, look no further. What can our painters and decorators do?

Repair wall cracks and holes.

Have you noticed cracks in walls around windows? Perhaps you are moving into a new home and need some professional help filling all of the holes left by picture frames? Our local painters and decorators will be able to fill cracks in walls, fix ceiling cracks, fix holes in walls and more. Maybe your kids were playing footie inside and now the plaster wall is ruined? We can also patch plaster walls, so they look brand-new again.

Paint any surface.

Looking for a “painter and decorator near me” to paint rooms? Maybe your home is in dire need of a fresh, new colour. We can paint rooms, from living rooms to bedrooms and even games rooms. Maybe you are tired of a bright colour that is taking over your office space? We can paint offices or completely renovate office spaces. No matter the reason you want a new colour in your home or a colour refresh, we can help.

Plus, our London painters will be able to paint any surface you might require. We can paint kitchen cabinets, paint staircases, paint doors, paint home exteriors, paint skirting boards… the list goes on! Give us a call today on 0800-0 12 12 12 and let us know how our painters can help.

Hang wallpaper.

Maybe you’re not ready to commit to a paint colour. If this is the case, wallpaper is a good alternative. If you’ve tried to hang wallpaper yourself, you know how difficult it can help. Don’t break a sweat and save yourself a headache by hiring a professional. We can hang wallpaper in your dining room, hall or any other part of your home.

Interior and exterior redecoration.

Our team can also complete large decoration jobs, including interior and exterior redecorating. This includes transforming your property inside and out. For a complete makeover, our other tradesmen can also lend a hand by fitting flooring, tiling, fitting wardrobes, installing kitchen units and more.

Instead of spending hours searching for the right “painter and decorator in my area”, give the Squad a call and let us give you a helping hand. Alternatively, request a free quote by filling our book online form.

How to tile a bathroom

Are you fully renovating your bathroom with new tiles for both the floor and walls? Perhaps you want to add a splash of colour to your current bathroom by adding a striking tile feature to your bathroom wall? Either way, today we are sharing the ins and outs of tiling a bathroom.

Tiling a bathroom might seem like a daunting task but it’s easier than it looks. At the Handy Squad, we offer tiling services all across London. Our team can tile walls, tile floors, grout tiles or simply drill through tiles to install a new bathroom mirror. If you ever get stuck whilst tiling your bathroom or need another pair of hands to help, contact our team.

Don’t bother searching “painter and decorator near me” – our team of professional tradesmen is inclusive of decorators in London who will be able to help you with any decorating tasks you might have. This includes renovating your bathroom head to toe!

Types of bathroom tiles.

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom is essential. Not only are some tiles more practical for bathrooms than others but also tiles can make or break the look of your bathroom. So, it’s important to pick the right ones. Some of the most popular bathroom tiles include porcelain tiles, marble tiles, ceramic tiles, mosaic tiles and glass tiles.

Bathroom tile ideas.

Forget about the all-white bathrooms or bathrooms with marble all around. Bathrooms can be playful rooms, just like any other area of your home. Give it some colour, add a bold pattern, make your personality shine through. If you are looking for inspiration, here are a few bathroom tile ideas.

Combine different shapes.

Go bold.

Make the shower/bath stand out.

Mix tile styles.

Go monochrome.

Make a statement wall.

How to tile a bathroom.

Materials:

- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Tile cutter
- Tile nipper
- Tile spacers
- Bucket
- Mixing paddle
- Trowel with curved notch
- Grout float
- Spirit level
- Sponge
- Tiles

How to.

Step 1. Get the surface where you want to install tiles clean, dry and flat. This means, getting rid of old grout, filling in any holes in the walls and more. Look at your surface and access accordingly.

Step 2. Cut tiles to size. You might find that tiles at the edges of your walls and floors need to be cut. Use a measuring tape to work out the size that needs to be cut. Then, it’s time to cut the tiles to size. Make sure to use safety equipment before cutting tiles.

Step 3. Now, it’s time to apply tiles to the walls and floors. Apply tile adhesive in small amounts with your trowel and place your tiles in the correct place. Place tile spacers between each tile to make sure all tiles are spaced equally.

Step 4. Let your tiles sit for at least 24 hours. Then, it’s time to grout. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare your grout. Remove the tile spacers. Next, apply grout in the spaces in between the tiles. Use a grout float to ensure this is done properly. Clean any excess grout and then leave it to dry.

Disclaimer

At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

How to paint stairs

Looking to give your staircase a whole new look? Why not paint the stairs? Paint is a budget-friendly way of uplifting your stairs and giving your home a new splash of colour. As a blank canvas, stairs are ideal for a new lick of paint. So, the question now is… how to paint stairs?

Plan it out.

Before getting out the paintbrush or even thinking of sanding your stairs, it’s important to know what you want to achieve. Do you want to go for a single colour? Do you want to go for a bold look? Do you want to make your stairs unique? Many people use painter’s tape or stencils to create various templates on their chosen surface. The same can be done with stairs.

What you will need:

- Sander
- Dust mask
- Cleaning solution and cloth
- Masking tape
- Painter’s tape
- Paint brush
- Paint scraper
- Wood filler
- Paint roller
- Paint tray
- Primer

Clean and sand.

No matter the surface you are painting, there will always be some prep work. Thoroughly clean your stairs. Repair any loose or broken parts of your stairs and remember to fill any dents with wood filler. Next, sand down the stairs to prepare the floor for painting. Use a dust mask while sanding the stairs.

In case you are too busy to paint your staircase yourself or would prefer if a professional did it for you, why not get one of our London decorators? At the Handy Squad, we have a team of expert painters and decorators all across London who will be able to paint stairs, paint walls or paint your whole house while they are at it (or complete a variety of other painting services).

Prime time.

Choosing a good primer is key to ensuring your stairs will remain looking stunning for many years to come. As stairs are highly used and get a good amount of wear, it’s important to prime them before painting.

Tape out your template.

If you’ve chosen to use painter’s tape to create a unique template, now is the time to start taping your stairs with your chosen template. Once you are happy with your template, it’s time to paint. Don’t forget to tape the sides of your staircase too (so you don’t accidentally also paint your walls).

Get the paint brush.

Paint your stairs (whatever colour you prefer!) and then let them dry. Allow for the paint to dry completely before walking on your stairs. Remove the painter’s tape and admire your hard work!

Disclaimer

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

How to repair holes in plasterboard

Are you looking to move out of your current house soon but need to cover some holes left by fitting shelves on the drywall? Perhaps your kid was playing football in his room and now a hole in the wall has magically appeared? Maybe you created a beautiful gallery wall with all your favourite picture frames but now want to sell the house and need to fill holes left by the picture frames?

No matter why you have holes in plasterboard, no matter how they go there… Today, to help you make your drywall look brand new once again by explaining how to repair holes that might or might not have “magically” appeared.

Good to know.

Before you get started, it’s important to lay protective sheets to cover the floor and furniture plus, turn off any radiators in the room so that the plaster doesn’t dry too quickly. If you ever need an extra pair of hands during this task, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Our decorators in London can repair plasterboards, fill cracks in walls, fix ceiling cracks, paint rooms and much more.

What you’ll need:

- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Retractable knife
- Spirit level
- Plasterboard pieces
- Screw
- Adhesive
- Plaster repair filler
- Trowel
- Sandpaper
- Paint

Draw a rectangle shape around the hole.

Use a stud finder to check the area around the hole to ensure it’s safe to cut through the plasterboard. You’ll need to draw and cut out a rectangle or square around the hole. Use the measuring tape to make sure the shape is even. Cut the shape you have marked on the wall.

Cut plasterboard piece to size.

Mark the measurements of the rectangular/square shape onto a piece of plasterboard. Add an extra 25mm on top and bottom of the plasterboard piece and cut with a retractable knife. Push a screw through the middle of the plasterboard piece.

Apply plasterboard piece to the wall.

Apply adhesive to the 25mm extra on top and bottom of the plasterboard piece. Slide this through the hole in your wall and into position. Pull the screw towards you to help create a strong bond between the adhesive and the surface. Once it has dried enough, you can push the screw into the wall. Leave it to dry completely.

Apply plaster repair filler.

Mix a plaster repair filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply filling into the hole until the gap had been fully filled. Use a trowel to get the surface as flat as possible. Let it dry.

Smooth it out and paint.

Use sandpaper to create a smooth and level finish. Finally, paint the surface to match the colour of your wall.

Disclaimer

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

How to paint skirting boards

Whether you want to make your skirting boards stand out with a bold colour or want to simply refresh them with a new lick of white paint, it’s essential to do it properly. Badly painted skirting boards will be an eyesore that you won’t be able to unsee. So, to make sure you end up with lovely freshly painted skirting boards, follow our guide below.

Need some help?

Before we get started, let us remind you that it’s okay to ask for a second pair of hands. You might have even already started painting your skirting boards and are now wondering if a professional should be doing it instead – your choice! At the Handy Squad, our London decorators can help with this task if you need some help. Our professional painters and decorators will be able to paint skirting boards or any other surface you require.

What you’ll need:

- Cleaning solution
- Sponge
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Dust sheet
- Masking tape

Picking the right colour.

The rule of thumb when it comes to skirting boards is to go for colours that match the tone of your walls. Contrasting colours can also be used for a visually interesting detail. Darker skirting boards are a modern alternative to light and more traditional skirting boards. If you want to refresh your skirting boards but don’t want to paint them outright, why not use some gloss instead?

Can you paint skirting boards with wall paint?

Technically yes, wall paint can be used to paint skirting boards. However, it’s very important to sand the skirting board when using wall paint. For an optimal result, it is recommended to use skirting board paint.

Paint walls while you are at it.

While you are thinking of painting your skirting boards, why not paint your walls as well? I’m sure you haven’t re-painted your walls in a while – they could use a new coat of paint too! If you are considering painting your walls as well, remember to paint walls first and then skirting boards. The main rule when painting is to start at the top and work your way down.

Prepare skirting boards.

Clean the skirting boards and any other surface you are going to paint. Any dust, grease and dirt should be removed. Then, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper and wipe down the dust.

Tip: If you are painting skirting boards right above the carpet, tape down a dust sheet as close to the skirting board as possible.

Paint the skirting boards.

Once the skirting boards are fully clean and dry, it’s time to tape the edges with painter’s tape and prime the surface. Let the primer dry. Next, apply the first coat of paint and apply it the same way as the primer. Check on the paint tin how many coats you should use. Let paint dry in between coats. When you are done painting, remove the masking tape and let the paint dry completely.

Disclaimer

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

Why hire a decorator?

Decorating your home can be stressful, draining and a lot of hard work, but many of us are still reluctant to call in the experts. While a simple paint job may sound easy enough to complete yourself, it can take a lot of planning, materials and time – and the end result could be sloppy, rushed, easily damaged or all three. Still thinking about decorating your house on your own? Here are a few things you should take into consideration before grabbing that paintbrush.

It’s time-consuming

Depending on the task, decorating can be an extremely time-consuming process. When juggled with work, leisure and family time, it can become overwhelming, leaving you feeling exhausted and burned out. Why waste your precious evenings when you can get someone else to do the work for you?

Looking to find painters and decorators near me? The Handy Squad are here to help. Need an office decorator to repaint your walls, or someone to remove old wallpaper? We’ve got you covered. To find out more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team today on 0800 0-12-12-12. Know exactly what you need? Fill out our booking form and we’ll start planning your project.

You don’t need to worry about tools and materials

Another advantage of calling in a professional decorator is that they know exactly what tools to bring, the number and amount of materials needed and where to source them from for a good price.

You get access to higher quality products

When hiring a decorator, you gain access to high-quality materials that you may not have found otherwise. Professional decorators have worked with all sorts of paints, sealants, glosses and wallpapers, and therefore know exactly which brands will achieve the best results and which types of products to avoid.

The Handy Squad is comprised of a large team of decorators who operate up and down London. If you’re looking for decorators Fulham or Holborn decorators to help fix holes in walls, just give us a call and we’ll be over in a jiffy.

You can hear expert opinions

While there’s no such thing as decorating your house in the wrong way, there are some guidelines and tips that professional decorators use to create different looks. For example, if you want to make your ceiling look higher, you should opt for bright, light colours. Similarly, if you want to make your room look bigger, you should use pale neutrals or a light grey. These tips are easy to find online, but sometimes, there are tips and tricks that you aren’t even aware that you need. Professional decorators have seen all different types of homes and can give personalised advice on how to optimize your space.

So, are you ready to start your next project? From painting a staircase to fixing ceiling cracks, the Handy Squad will do it all – and they don’t settle for anything less than perfection. Get in touch with our team on 0800 0-12-12-12 to find out more about our services.

How to remove a radiator

Are you decorating walls in your house and need to remove a radiator or two, to allow you to paint behind them? Or, maybe you’ve damaged your current radiator and you need to replace it? Whatever the reason may be, the Handy Squad has created this guide to help you remove your radiator safely, without damaging your walls, floor or the radiator itself.

The Handy Squad is a London handyman service with skilled tradespeople who can help you with plumbing, electrics, decorating and more. Our handymen have over a decade of experience and are friendly, polite and fully CRB checked. To learn more about what we do, call our team on 0800-0-12-12-12. Ready to book your handyman? It couldn’t be easier. Just fill out our online booking form and a member of our team will be at your doorstep.

Ready to remove your radiator? The job should take around half an hour, but allocate some extra time, as you won’t want to rush. Here’s the Handy Squad’s guide on how to remove a radiator.

Gather your equipment

Before you can start the removal, you need to make sure you have the correct tools and equipment to complete the job. You should grab a radiator bleed key, an adjustable spanner, a pair of grips, tissue paper, a large bowl and two towels. If possible, use towels that you don’t mind getting dirty, as you will be putting them directly on the floor.

Turn off the radiator

Start by turning off the radiator, isolating it from the rest of your central heating. You can do this by turning the valves fully clockwise.

Protect your floor

Place your two towels underneath your radiator valves and place the bowl on top. The aim is to protect your floor from any water that falls from your radiator.

Drain the water

Using your adjustable spanner and grips, slowly undo the radiator valve nut. Be careful, as the water will begin to leak out. Use the bowl to catch the water and allow it to fully drain.

To get the last little bit of water out, place your bleed key in the valve and turn anti-clockwise. This will open the bleed valve, making it easier for the last drops of water to escape.

Once all the water is out, close the bleed valve by turning the key clockwise.

Remove any remaining water

Move to the other side of the radiator and use your spanner to undo the valve nut.

Then, carefully lift the radiator from the securing brackets and tip any remaining water into the bowl. You may need some help lifting the radiator, so be sure to ask a friend before attempting it yourself, as you don’t want to damage anything. Once all the water is out, place the radiator back on the wall briefly.

Need someone to help you with moving furniture, including moving your radiator? Why not enlist the help of a trusted handyman from the Handy Squad?

Block up the valve inlets and remove the radiator

Using tissue paper, block up the radiator valve inlets to ensure that no water leaks onto your floor.

With the help of a friend, lift the radiator out of the brackets and away from the wall.

Put your radiator back

Once you have finished decorating, or have acquired your new radiator, it’s time to connect it to the wall. Once it’s on the brackets and reconnected to the valves and pipework, make sure that you fully open the valves by turning them clockwise.

Don’t forget to refill your radiator!

We hope that this guide has helped you learn exactly how to remove your radiator. If you still need help, why not get one of our handymen to help?

To learn more about the Handy Squad and what we offer, contact our team today by calling 0800-0-12-12-12. We have carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople who are ready and eager to help you with your next project.

Disclaimer

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

Why hire an electrician?

When it comes to general maintenance around the house, there are many tasks that you may feel comfortable completing yourself, such as changing a lightbulb or hanging up a shelf. However, when it comes to dealing with live wires and electrical systems, it’s strongly recommended that you leave it to the experts. We know it can be tempting to try and have a go yourself, but you could potentially damage your systems, or worse, put yourself in danger.

If you’re trying to find an electrician near me, you’ve come to the right place. The Handy Squad will send a skilled London electrician right to your doorstep, allowing you to sit back and relax, knowing that the work is being completed to the highest standards. Contact our team today by calling 0800 0-12-12-12 or filling out our online booking form.

Are you still thinking of attempting electrics yourself? Here are some reasons why you should bring in the experts.

It’s not worth the risk

Electricity can be extremely dangerous, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Live wires and electrical fires can be fatal; It’s not worth putting your life in danger for the sake of the price of an electrician. While it can still be a dangerous job for even them, electricians have received hours of health and safety training, to ensure that they know exactly how to minimise risk and work safely.

Trained electricians will work fast and to a high standard

While you may be able to figure out how to fix a wire by watching videos and reading tutorials, it’ll likely take you an entire evening, just to do one small task. For trained electricians, this is literally their job. They work with electricity multiple times a week and know every task inside out. Not only will they be able to do the job in a fraction of the time it would take you, but they’re also well-practised, and will get it right, and to the highest standards, on the first try.

Our electricians can help you with a plethora of tasks, including replacements, such as replacing plug sockets and replacing electrical wires, installations, like installing a spur from existing sockets, finding faults and repairs and any other electrical work.

Save money on tools and equipment

Why bother investing your money into tools and equipment that you’re only going to use for a single job? Electricians will arrive at your home with the correct materials and industry-standard tools for the job, meaning you don’t have to worry about trying to find a good voltmeter.

Are you ready to find electricians near me? The Handy Squad’s electricians operate in and around London, so if whether you need an electrician in North London, an Islington electrician, or an electrician Wimbledon, we’ve got you covered. To find out more about our electrician services, speak with our friendly team today on 0800 0-12-12-12, or request a free quote by filling out our booking form.

How to change bathroom pull cord

Commonly seen in bathrooms, pull cord switches are mechanisms used to turn lights on and off while preventing accidental electrocution. The long string cord allows wet hands to operate the mechanism without the hazard of the water reaching the circuit. While these switches are convenient, they can be harder to replace since they are often suspended from the ceiling.

Before attempting to fit a new pull light, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the risks. As the light is directly above you, you’ll need to be comfortable using a tall ladder. More notably, you’ll need to be comfortable with circuits.

Why do it yourself when you could get an expert electrician in London to do it for you? Electricity can be dangerous, especially when you don’t really know what you’re doing. The Handy Squad’s team of skilled electricians have been working with circuits for over ten years and are able to change a light in no time at all. Our team operate across London, so if you ever need an electrician in Chelsea, Mortlake electrician or an electrician Soho, you know who to call.

While we highly recommend hiring a professional electrician to help with any electrical work, here is our guide on how to change a bathroom light pull cord.

Turn off your mains electricity

Before you go anywhere near your light switch, start by turning off your electricity. If you can’t locate the specific circuit breaker, turn off all the electricity in your house. While you may have to be in the dark for a short while, it’s a lot better than accidentally electrocuting yourself. It is also recommended to test that the circuit isn’t live before you start working on it.

Remove the cover

Look at the cover and determine what model of switch you have. If there are screws, unscrew them to remove the cap. If it’s a twist cover, firmly grip onto the cover and twist anticlockwise to release it.

Top tip: take a photo of the wires for later reference.

Unscrew the wires and base unit

Using a flathead screwdriver, undo the screws holding the wires in place and remove the wires. Make sure you don’t loosen the screws too much or they may fall out. Now, use a screwdriver to unscrew the base unit.

Need a helping hand? Speak with our friendly team today at 0800-0-12-12-12 and we’ll send a handyman straight to your door. Alternatively, you can fill out our booking form.

Install your new switch

Undo the screws on your new switch and feed the wires through the base. Then, screw the base to the ceiling. Using the reference photo from earlier, reconnect the wires and tighten the screws that hold them back in place. If there is an earth wire, make sure you place a sleeve on it, then connect it to the base plate.

Are you renovating your bathroom? The Handy Squad can help! Our team of experts are able to hang bathroom mirrors, box in bathroom pipes and regrout bathroom tiles in no time, while you sit back and relax knowing that your bathroom is in good hands. Get in touch with our team today on 0800-0-12-12-12 or fill out our booking form to find out more.

Disclaimer

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed