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Why hire a carpenter?

Have you been meaning to fix a broken shelf for over a month now, but you’re struggling to find the time? Maybe, you’ve been wanting to build a partition wall, but you’re unsure if you have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the job correctly. Don’t risk messing it up and causing more damage than you started with -call in the professionals.

At the Handy Squad, our team of highly skilled carpenters can help you complete any task, no matter how big or small. Here are some more reasons as to why you should hire a professional carpenter to help you complete your job.

You pay for years of training and experience

When you hire a professional carpenter, you’re not just getting a few hours of their time. You’re also getting experience and skills that they have accumulated over the years. That’s why you can always tell the difference between a professionally completed job and a job that was DIY’ed. Professional carpenters will precisely plan out each step of a job, maximizing efficiency and ensuring that nothing is forgotten.

Looking for expert carpenters in London to help you with your project? Need a handyman to fix your sash windows? That’s no problem for the Handy Squad. To find out more about our services, give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

Pay trade prices for materials

Carpenters are constantly buying materials for jobs, so they will often get their products discounted or at a cheaper rate than regular consumers. They are also familiar with all different types of products, so they know which are the highest quality and best for your job. They can also give recommendations on different types of glosses and varnishes and how to upkeep your furniture.

Save time and effort

Some carpentry jobs can be physically exhausting, as well as time-consuming. This can be quite the challenge – especially when you’re trying to juggle your project with work and family time. While many of us think we can get the job done efficiently and without hassle, it’s very unlikely that everything will go according to plan. You may end up stressed, burnt out and with an unfinished job.

Avoid injury

Carpenters often work with dangerous tools, which can require hours of special training, risk assessments and a steady hand. If you do manage to get a hold of these tools, it is unlikely that you will have received any training on how to use them safely and you run the risk of hurting yourself. Carpenters also have professional-grade safety equipment, to prevent and minimise harm to themselves and those around them.

Our carpenters are professional, police and fully CRB checked, so you know that you’re in good hands. Ready to find carpenters in my area? The Handy Squad’s team operate across the capital, so if you need a carpenter Fulham or carpenter North Kensington, our team is happy to help.

We also have teams who can help you with plumbing, electrics, decorating and general tasks around your home. Book your plumber, electrician, Ealing carpenter or handyman today by calling our team on 0800-0-12-12-12 or filling out our online form.

Why hire a plumber?

Do you have a leaky tap that’s starting to get on your nerves? Do you think it’s time to install a new bath? While many of us will reach straight for a phone to call a skilled plumber to help with the job, there’s always someone who attempts to fix the problem themselves – and often fails. Although it can be tempting to pick up a spanner and attack the problem firsthand, plumbing isn’t the same as hanging a picture frame or painting a cabinet.

At the Handy Squad, we have a team of highly-skilled, friendly plumbers, who are ready and eager to help you. Is your toilet blocked? We’ll send a toilet plumber straight to your door. Need a new boiler? That’s not a problem for our team. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Still thinking of giving it a go yourself? Here are some reasons why you should hire a professional plumber to help with any repairs, installations and replacements.

Don’t waste time guessing what’s wrong

If you decide to fix your plumbing problem on your own, you need to find out what the issue actually is. Trial and error isn’t the most efficient method of problem solving, but when you lack the knowledge and expertise, it’s your only option. Why waste an entire afternoon guessing, when a qualified plumber could take a single look at your issue, instantly identify what’s going on and know exactly how to fix it?

Searching for a plumber in London to help fix your leaky pipe? Maybe you need a plumber to fix a kitchen sink? From installing waste disposal units to repairing radiators, the Handy Squad are the team for the job. Learn more about our services today by calling our friendly team on 0800 0-12-12-12.

Mistakes aren’t worth the money ‘saved’

When attempting to fix your own plumbing issues, there is a chance that you will make the problem even worse. One wrong move and you could burst a water pipe, flooding your house and forcing you to spend more money on a plumber than you would have spent in the first place. Many of us don’t enjoy asking for help, but sometimes, it’s time to swallow your pride and let the experts do what they’re trained to do.

Keep your family safe

Certain plumbing jobs can be dangerous, and if done incorrectly, can put your family at risk of harm or serious injury. Safety should always be the number one priority, and professional plumbers will have spent hours learning all about the different health and safety hazards and how to mitigate them. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Our team has over ten years’ experience and operates up and down London, so if you need a plumber East London or a plumber Twickenham, you know who to call. To get a free quote, fill in our online booking form today. Alternatively, you can speak with our friendly team on 0800 0-12-12-12.

How paint can shape a room

The way you paint or choose for our professionals to paint your room will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Different ways of painting walls can completely change a room, transforming the perception that you have of it – no matter if it is a bedroom, bathroom, living room or office space.

Today, we are going to share some tips and tricks on how to make your rooms feel bigger, longer, shorter or even feel more positive and calm (all with paint!). Don’t want to get your hands dirty with paint? Get out London painters to decorate your property. We can paint front doors, paint office spaces, paint kitchen cabinets and much more. Get in touch with our team on 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help, or book online today.

What colour to paint a room?

The first step to painting your room walls is to choose the right colour… and guess what? Choosing the right colour might affect your mood and how you feel inside the room. It all goes down to colour psychology.

Note: Reactions to colour are subjective. You might not particularly feel a specific way inside a room due to the colour used on the walls.

As Very Well Mind explains, while perceptions of colour are somewhat subjective, there are some colour effects that have universal meaning. For instance, warm colours, such as reds, oranges and yellows, can evoke emotions ranging “from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.”

Blue tones.

Can evoke: relaxation, serenity and calmness.
Best for: bedroom and bathroom.

Green tones.

Can evoke: calmness and de-stressing.
Best for: Living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Yellow tones.

Can evoke: positivity, happiness and joy.
Best for: kitchen, bathroom and living room.

Orange tones.

Can evoke: excitement and enthusiasm
Best for: Playroom, living room and exercise room.

Red tones.

Can evoke: passion, anger and power.
Best for: dining room, bedroom and living room.

What’s the best way to paint a room?

After choosing the right colour, it’s time to start thinking about the positioning of colour. Which walls are you going to paint? Do you want your room to feel more elongated? Then, paint the ceiling and a feature wall. Do you want to shorten your room? Paint a feature wall only.

There’s no wrong or right way to paint a room but there are definitely ways to paint a room that will be better to follow when you want to achieve a specific look – it’s all about perception!

Make a room feel bigger.

How: leave a white room unpainted.

Make a room feel elongated.

How: paint the ceiling and middle wall.

Make a room feel shorter.

How: paint the middle wall as a feature wall.

Make a room feel more narrow.

How: paint the side walls.

Make a room feel more compact.

How: paint all walls.

Make a room feel enlarged.

How: paint all walls but the ceiling.

Highlight a specific room wall.

How: paint side walls and ceiling, leaving the middle wall unpainted.

Make the ceiling feel lower.

How: paint the ceiling.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to paint a room. So, be sure to both think about which walls you want to paint and the colour you want to use. If you don’t have enough time to paint your office space or your living room, the Squad can help! Contact our team today on 0800 0-12-12-12 or book online, and we’ll be with you in a jiffy!

How to repair sash windows

Are your sash windows not staying up? Have you painted your sash windows and now your windows are stuck? Perhaps the cords on your sash windows are broken? These are some of the problems you might be experiencing with your sash windows. Today, to help you repair your sash windows, we will share some of the common issues with sash windows and how to fix them (or how to avoid them!).

1. Broken sash cords.

Over time, sash cords can become fragile due to wear and tear, which can lead to sash cords breaking or snapping. If this happens, you will need to replace the cords on your sash windows. You might choose to follow a guide our team has written in the past on how to replace a sash cord, or if you don’t feel confident undertaking this task, contact our London carpenters who will be able to replace the sash cords in a timely manner.

2. Sash windows not staying up.

If your sash windows are not staying up, there might be a few things happening:

Sash weights are not balanced properly.
Wrong size weights.
Faulty component.
Components fell out of alignment.

If the sash window is heavier than the weights, it won’t stay open. If any of the window components have fallen out of alignment, it can lead to problems operating the window. So, it’s essential to inspect the sash window to figure out the problem and then assess the best way to deal with the issue. If there is a faulty component, it should be replaced.

3. Sash windows are stuck after painting.

So, you’ve painted over your sash window and now the window is stuck… it happens. You can easily unstick your window with a utility knife. Slide a utility knife along the edge of the window to gently break the paint seal. Then, gently loosen the window. Try raising the window – if it works, you’ve successfully opened a painted shut window.

In case you are still having issues with your sash windows, maybe it would be best to call a professional. At the Handy Squad, our team of experienced tradesmen can have a look at your sash windows, repair your windows and replace your sash windows. Book online today or get in touch with our team by calling 0800 0-12-12-12.

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 hang doors

Whether you are looking to change your bedroom door or want to replace your garden shed’s door, our easy-to-follow guide should teach you the basics of how to hang doors. Don’t forget to take your time with it, there is no need to rush. No matter if this is the first or fifth time hanging up a door, you want to do it perfectly every time. So, plan your schedule in advance to make sure you have enough free time to fit your door.

In case you don’t have enough time to install a new door or replace an old door, contact our team today. Our carpenters in London will be able to help you with any door-related tasks. Our team will be able to hang a front door, install an interior door, repair a door frame or fix a damaged door. So, if you are looking for a handyman to fix a door or for a handyman to hang a door book online or call 0800 0-12-12-12.

How to measure for a replacement door?

Has your kid been playing football inside and kicked the door by mistake? Has someone shut the door strongly and now it’s not closing properly? If you need to replace your door, it is essential that you choose the right door to fit into the door frame. To do this, measure the width, height and thickness of the existing door and then choose a door that matches your measurements. If you can’t find a door that exactly matches your measurements, round up them up and find the nearest door size.

Related: How to fix doors.

Can doors be hung upside down?

Yes, doors can be accidentally hung upside down. For instance, if you are installing a four or six panelled door, it often has a taller horizontal style across the bottom of the door than it has on the top. Be sure to check the right way up before you install your door.

Which way should doors be hung?

There is no right or wrong way to install a door. There are preferable ways of hanging doors. As this article on Hunker explains, “The rule of thumb is to hang interior doors to open into the room, not out into a hallway or other common area”. This is done to prevent blocking hallways or other common areas.

How to hang doors.

Materials:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Wood Plane
Hand Saw
Chisel
Hammer
Drill and drill bits
Wooden wedges
Hinges
Screws

How to:

Step 1. Measure and cut the new door to size. Lay the old door on top of the new door and mark any excess you will need to adjust on the new door. Hold the door in place using a workbench and cut the door to the required length with a saw. Test to see if fits the door frame.

Step 2. Get the door ready for the hinges. Hold the door up in the frame and mark the position of the existing hinge cutouts. Measure the thickness of the hinges and mark the depth with a pencil. Chisel the required area to create the hinge recess. Make several cuts and chisel in the same direction as the grain. Place the hinges in place and drill pilot holes.

Step 3. Hang the door on the frame. Place the door at 90° to the frame and place the wedges under the door. Fix one screw into the bottom hole of each hinge. Test the opening and closing of the door. Then, fasten the rest of the screws. Test the door one last time, and that’s it!

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 assemble flat pack furniture

Did you get new flatpack patio furniture and can’t seem to figure out how to put it together? Have you been putting off assembling the nursery room’s flat pack furniture? We get it, assembling flat pack furniture can be quite overwhelming. However, the Squad is here to help. Whether you are almost ready to tackle your flatpack furniture or have some questions regarding flat pack furniture assembly – our team will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions.

There is no shame in asking for a helping hand, especially if you’re not a skilled or trained handyman. The Handy Squad has teams of expert handymen who are highly skilled and happy to help you assemble your flat pack furniture. Get in touch with our team today or fill out our booking form to find out more.

Can a handyman assemble flat pack furniture?

Yes! If you’re looking for a handyman to help you assemble flat pack furniture, the Handy Squad can help. Our team of trained professionals are on call and ready to help with any of your flat pack assembly needs! Why bother wasting your precious time when a professional could do it in less than half the time?

Is there flat pack assembly near me?

If you are looking for flat pack assemblers near you, the Handy Squad may be able to help. The Handy Squad has a team of highly-trained and multi-skilled tradesmen, who can help with almost any DIY or home improvement task in and around London. This includes office flat pack furniture assembly, bedroom flatpack furniture assembly, living room flatpack furniture assembly, garden flatpack furniture assembly and much more.

What tools do I need for flat pack furniture?

In order to assemble flat pack furniture, you will need a variety of tools. These may include an Allen key or wrench, a drill, a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, a hammer, a tape measure and a level, though some may require even more. Flat pack furniture will come with the required screws, so you don’t need to worry about buying any in advance.

What should I do before assembling flat pack furniture?

Before you start to assemble the flat pack furniture, it is important to check that all the pieces are there. You don’t want to spend your time putting together an incomplete desk and then having to take it apart again. You should refer to the instruction manual, as there will be a list of the parts that are included.

Can you assemble flat pack furniture on your own?

While you may be able to assemble some flat pack furniture on your own, it’s always a good idea to get the help of a friend. Sometimes you may need to manoeuvre or handle heavy and awkward shaped pieces, and you don’t want to risk dropping anything. Sometimes, you may need someone to hold a piece in place while you drill.

Do you really need instructions for flatpack assembly?

While many of us seem to think we could assemble flat pack furniture without using the instructions, it is highly advised that you follow them. There is nothing worse than assembling an entire table, only to realise that you’ve put one of the legs on the wrong way round. Also, if a piece of furniture is assembled incorrectly, it may be unsafe and could cause harm or injury.

How long does it take to assemble flat pack furniture?

Assembling flatpack furniture can take anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours. If you want to speed up the process, you should invite a friend to help or even hire a handyman. If you do decide to do it alone, stick to the instructions and be patient. After all, it’s better to take your time and get it right, than rush and get it wrong.

If you require assistance with any flatpack furniture, give the Handy Squad a call on 0800 0121212 or fill out our online booking form. Our expert handyman can also help with electrics, plumbing, decorating and 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

How to mount a TV on the wall

If you’re thinking of mounting your TV to the wall, you may have a lot of questions. One of which may be “should I be doing this by myself?”. While some may be able to mount a TV with no problem, there is no shame in hiring a helping hand. After all, the cost of a handyman is going to be way less than the cost of a new TV if you drop it. If you do decide to go ahead, we have tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about mounting a TV to the wall. Alternatively, fill our online booking form and get a handyman to hang your TV on the wall.

How do you install a TV bracket?

To install a TV bracket, start by placing the bracket in position and use a spirit level to ensure it is not wonky. Mark the bracket’s screw holes with a pencil then put it down and use a wire detector to check the wires behind the wall. If there are no wires, you may proceed to drill where the four screws will go. Close the bracket back on the wall and drill in place.

What bracket do I need for my TV?

There are many types of brackets for TVs, including fixed TV wall mount brackets, tilting wall mount brackets and motion wall mount brackets. bracket types depend on your personal preference, however, bracket size is very important and depends on the size of your TV. Make sure your TV is within the weight limit of the bracket that you choose.

Should I get a handyman to put my TV on the wall?

Why not? That’s the real question. Do you have enough free time to do it yourself? Do you know how to mount your TV? If you answered “no” to both questions, get a handyman to install your TV.

If you’re looking for a London handyman to help you mount a TV on your wall, the Handy Squad can help. They have a team of expert handymen, who are always on call to help with any DIY at home improvement tasks in and around London.

How to mount a TV on a brick wall without studs?

If you want to mount a TV to a brick wall without drilling, you will need to use strong adhesives or a stand to allow you to mount your TV on, instead of the wall. Clip-on adhesives are a good choice, as are toggle anchors or toggle bolts.

Can I mount a TV by myself?

Mounting a TV can be quite tricky, especially if you’re doing it on your own. It is recommended that you enlist the help of a friend or a professional handyman, to ensure you do not damage your wall or the TV.

How do you mount tv on plaster wall?

To mount your TV on a plaster wall you may need to use weight rated anchors to fasten the TV to the wall. These ensure that the TV does not fall off the wall. You should also use a level to make sure that your TV is not wonky. If you do not feel comfortable fixing your TV by yourself, you should enlist the help of a professional.

Can you mount a TV on any wall?

You can mount a TV on almost any wall, but you need to be careful with stud walls, as they are very thin. You should line your bracket up with the wooden studs in your stud wall. To do this, you can use a stud finder.

What do I do if I can’t mount my TV on the wall?

If you’re unable to mount your TV to the wall due to a lack of skill, consider hiring a handyman to help with the task. If this is not an option, you may have to resort to buying a TV stand.

What are the benefits of mounting your TV to the wall?

When you mount your TV to the wall, you eliminate the possibility of a child or a pet, knocking it over. You will gain a large amount of floor space that would have otherwise been occupied by a TV stand or cabinet. You are also able to view your television at a comfortable height.

Is there a service for mounting TVs to walls?

Yes, there are multiple handyman services that offer wall mounting services, such as the Handy Squad. Our team of qualified, experienced tradesmen have been fixing TVs to walls in and around London for over a decade. So, you can rest assured that your TV will be in safe hands!

For more information about the Handy Squad and their services, contact our team today. We can be reached on 0800-0 12 12 12 or through our online booking form. Our team can also help with electrics, plumbing, carpentry and 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

What can handymen do?

Whether you have a busy schedule and can’t find the time to replace your lightbulbs or want to spend the free time you have with the family instead of repairing your kitchen cupboards – the best thing to do is to call a handyman. A professional handyman can complete a whole list of tasks that you might have, from small tasks to large projects.

However, you might have some questions about handyman services before you book a professional. From “what are typical handyman services?” to “why hire a handyman?”, today we want to help you better understand handymen and handyman services, so we are answering some of the most frequently asked questions about handymen.

If you need a handyman to help you paint kitchen cabinets or jet wash garden furniture, get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 0800-0 12 12 12 or filling out our online booking form. Our team is highly-trained, multi-skilled, polite, professional, fully insured and CRB checked. That is the only way they get to wear our uniform!

What are typical handyman services?

Typical handyman services include assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging up shelves, putting up curtains, mounting TV screens to walls, tidying loose cables, draughtproofing homes and much more. Our handymen can also complete decorating and painting tasks, such as fixing cracks in walls, painting rooms and hanging up wallpaper.

Some of our handymen can also complete minor electrical, carpentry and plumbing work. This includes replacing lightbulbs, changing light fixtures, assembling kitchen units, unblocking sinks, and much more.

Can a handyman do electrical work?

Yes, handymen can help with electrical work, as long as they have an electrical licence. Some unqualified handymen can carry out basic electrical work, but it is recommended that you opt for a qualified electrician for most jobs.

As Which? explains, “When you carry out changes to the electrical installation (wiring, fuse box and electrical circuits) in your home, this work needs to comply with building regulations, known as Part P. The building regulations are there to ensure that properties are built or altered to a safe standard.”

So, it is recommended to always use registered electrical for electrical work. However, it isn’t against regulations for handymen to carry out minor electrical works, such as replacing a light fixing, provided the wiring stays the same.

Can a handyman do plumbing?

Yes, handymen can legally help with basic plumbing tasks, such as unblocking toilets and repairing leaky taps. However, for tasks such as installing a gas boiler, make sure you opt for a qualified plumber, with certification and experience. The same goes for the installation of mains pressurised hot water. A lot of damage can be done if someone without the required knowledge or skills tries to complete such a task.

Can a handyman do flooring?

Yes, handymen are able to fit and repair flooring. Some of the types of flooring they can fit include wood flooring; engineered wood flooring; laminate flooring; vinyl flooring; PVC flooring; solid wood flooring; dark wood flooring and birch flooring.

Handyman how much per hour?

The average price per house of a handyman can depend on a few factors, such as the day and time – many handymen will charge more for out of hours work. For large projects, it is best to contact the company to provide a quote.

Standard Rate

(8am-6pm weekdays)

	Handyman	Electrician / Plumber / Locksmith / Carpenter*
1st half hour	£42.50 / £51.00 inc.VAT	min 1 hour
1st hour	£65.00 / £78.00 inc.VAT	£75.00 / £90.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£22.50 / £27.00 inc.VAT	£37.50 / £45.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£180.00 / £216.00 inc.VAT	£270.00 / £324.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£320.00 / £384.00 inc.VAT	£450.00 / £540.00 inc.VAT

Standard Rate

(8am-6pm weekdays)

	Handyman
1st half hour	£42.50 / £51.00 inc.VAT
1st hour	£65.00 / £78.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£22.50 / £27.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£180.00 / £216.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£320.00 / £384.00 inc.VAT

	Electrician / Plumber
1st half hour	min 1 hour
1st hour	£75.00 / £90.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£37.50 / £45.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£270.00 / £324.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£450.00 / £540.00 inc.VAT

Out Of Hours rate

(7-8am, 6-8pm weekdays, all day Saturdays)

	Handyman	Electrician / Plumber / Locksmith / Carpenter*
1st half hour	£52.50 / £63.00 inc.VAT	min 1 hour
1st hour	£85.00 / £102.00 inc.VAT	£95.00 / £114.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£32.50 / £39.00 inc.VAT	£47.50 / £57.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£235.00 / £282.00 inc.VAT	£340.00 / £408.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£395.00 / £474.00 inc.VAT	£540.00 / £648.00 inc.VAT

Out Of Hours rate

(7-8am, 6-8pm weekdays, all day Saturdays)

	Handyman
1st half hour	£52.50 / £63.00 inc.VAT
1st hour	£85.00 / £102.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£32.50 / £39.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£235.00 / £282.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£395.00 / £474.00 inc.VAT

	Electrician / Plumber
1st half hour	min 1 hour
1st hour	£95.00 / £114.00 inc.VAT
Each further half hour	£47.50 / £57.00 inc.VAT
Half day (up to 4 hours)	£340.00 / £408.00 inc.VAT
Full day (up to 8 hours)	£540.00 / £648.00 inc.VAT

Why hire a handyman?

Hiring a handyman is the best way to ensure that your task is completed quickly, efficiently and to the highest standard. While many choose to try their hand at their own DIY tasks, trying to complete certain tasks alone could prove too difficult, or even dangerous, for the average person. Handymen are trained in their craft and are a much better and safer alternative.

If you have any further questions about handymen and what they do, feel free to contact our team today. If you need help with any task or simply don’t have time to tackle it yourself, book our handymen today.

Blinds – Pros and Cons of the Different Types [2021 Update]

Assuming you don’t want to be on show 24/7, you need some kind of covering for your windows. You might even be trying to work from home but with the sun shining on your laptop’s screen, it’s making it impossible for you to work – you’ll need some shade for your windows.

Have you just moved into a new place that had no blinds or curtains? You’ll need to find the perfect shade solution for your windows. The last thing you want is to be woken up by the sun when you are trying to sleep in on a Sunday morning.

You could choose curtains for a traditional look, though there are some rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, where they’re not advisable. More common these days, especially for homes with a contemporary look, is to use blinds. They’re relatively easy to fit, clean and adjust. But which of the many types of blinds are best?

The Types of Blind

There are numerous different blind designs, and they can be made of various materials. The most familiar styles include the Venetian blind, with its folding horizontal slats, or the vertical blind with slats running top to bottom. There are also roller blinds and Roman blinds, sometimes called shades, with material rolled or folded away when not in use.

Blinds with slats can be made of wood, bamboo, aluminium, plastic or stiffened fabric. The roller and Roman types are usually made of fabric but can also be made of plastic.

All of these suit certain uses, but what are the main pros and cons?

Blind Pros and Cons

Venetian blind

Pros: Easy to adjust to regulate the sunlight coming in. Can give the room a stylish, continental feel.

Cons: Not the easiest type of blind to install.

Vertical blind

Pros: Easily adjustable like the Venetian blind, but doesn’t look as good when opened.

Cons: Can break easily in the breeze if hung over an open window.

Roller blind

Pros: Easy to install and allows a pattern to match the room’s décor, as with curtains.

Cons: Can’t be adjusted like slatted blinds for an exact amount of light.

Roman blind

Pros: Allows a patterned design but can also be lined with added insulation.

Cons: Harder to clean.

Blind Materials Pros and Cons

The various materials have their pros and cons too:

Wood Blinds

Pros: Looks luxurious and stylish.

Cons: Expensive and unsuitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

Bamboo Blinds

Pros: Great for giving the room a modern and sleek look.

Cons: Even more expensive than wood.

Aluminium Blinds

Pros: Cheap and easy to keep clean. Good for commercial spaces.

Cons: Doesn’t give the most sophisticated look to a room.

Fabric Blinds

Pros: Can be patterned like curtains and lined for insulation.

Cons: Unsuitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

Plastic Blinds

Pros: Cheap and flexible. Can be used anywhere.

Cons: Can look tacky and might not last long.

If you’re a good DIYer, most blinds are fairly easy to fit yourself. A mistake can ruin more than the blind, so if you don’t feel confident hanging blinds, call the Handy Squad on 0800 0 12 12 12 or book online today.

How to draughtproof your home

Chilly draughts can quickly become a problem during the cold months if not dealt with. Whether you have a draughty window or more inconspicuous gaps in your home that let warm air out and cold air in, you should start thinking about sealing these as soon as possible.

If you don’t have time to draughtproof your home or would prefer to leave this job to the professionals, today is your lucky day! At the Handy Squad, our London handymen offer professional draught proofing and many other odd jobs. Contact us today on 0800-0 12 12 12 or book online.

What is draughtproofing?

Draughtproofing is the method of finding and sealing draughts. Draughts are “a current of air that comes into a place in an undesirable way.” as explained by Collins Dictionary. If you’ve ever been at home watching a film and felt a chilly breeze – no, it wasn’t a ghost – it was most likely a draught.

These unwanted gaps are uncontrolled. By having air openings in your home, cold air comes in and warm air is let out and wasted. By sealing these gaps, your home will be more comfortable, cosy and energy-efficient.

What are the benefits of draughtproofing?

- Keeps your home warm and cosy
- Saves money on energy bills
- Uses less energy to heat your home
- Helps reduce damp and condensation
- Makes your home energy efficient

How to check for draughts?

The best way to check for draughts is by touch. Walk around your home and feel the sides of your doors, windows and other openings if you can feel chilly breezes coming from the outside. If you can, you’ve found a draught! Unwanted and uncovered gaps can be found in other areas, such as keyholes, cat flaps, letterboxes, floorboards, chimneys, skirting boards and much more.

How to draughtproof doors.

Your front door might be letting a lot of heat escape from a variety of areas – keyhole, letterbox and gaps around the edges and bottom. So, it’s important to consider draughtproofing all of these areas.

Keyhole – to make sure there are no chilly draughts coming in from the gap on your keyhole, purchase a keyhole cover. It will be very easy to install.

Letterbox – similarly to keyhole covers, letterboxes also can be sealed with letterbox covers, letterbox flaps or brushes. Keep in mind to purchase the right size letterbox flap for your letterbox.

Bottom gap – you can fit a brush strip at the bottom of your door or simply purchase a draught excluder (which come in a variety of styles and colours to match your décor!) that you can replace whenever you want.

Side gaps – to seal the side gaps of your front door, you can do the same as you did with your standard windows, to fit foam strip around the edges.

How to draughtproof windows.

Depending on the type of windows you have, there are various ways of sealing draughts.

For sliding sash windows, metal or plastic brush strips are recommended. You might choose to fit brush strips yourself or contact a professional to take care of it. Maybe your sash windows are quite outdated and highly draughty, it’s time to replace them. Our London carpenters can fix sash windows and replace sash windows.

For other windows, you can purchase draughtproofing strips that will stick around the window frame and block out any gaps. These are easy to install, so you can draughtproof your windows in an afternoon. If you have gaps on windows that don’t open, consider using silicone sealant instead.

Again, if you need any help draughtproofing your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We are happy and ready to help. Book online today or give our team a call on 0800-0 12 12 12 and let us know how we can help.

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.

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.