Category: homecategories

The Handy Squad is the number one handyman service in London. We have a team of highly efficient plumbers who will take on anything from unblocking a blocked toilet to installing new white good appliances. We also offer electrician services, decorating services, carpentry, locksmith services and much more.

When pockets of air are trapped by the water flow, it creates air locks, which will block the water pressure completely. To have your residential or commercial pipes working properly again, you will need to follow this how-to guide on how to effectively remove air locks.

First Method

There are two ways you can fix this problem. The most effective way of dealing with air locks is increasing the water pressure to push out the air bubble. For this first method you will need a hosepipe.

Attach the hosepipe to the tap that is not working properly and the other end of the hosepipe to a working tap. Turn both the faulty and working taps on, and then leave the water running for a few minutes.

If the tap is working again, remove the hosepipe from the highest tap and then from the lowest tap.

Second Method

If the last method did not work, the second method to fix the problem is to drain the whole pipe system.

Firstly, turn off the water supply at the main water valve. Next, turn on all the taps in the property and flush the toilets until they stop filling up. When there is no water coming out of any taps, make sure to partially close them, so there will be low water pressure getting out.

Turn on the water supply and then turn on all the faucets in the property. The high-water pressure should be able to remove any air locks in the pipes.

At the Handy Squad we have a team of highly trained Carpenters, all skilled with anything related to Flooring. However their expertise doesn’t stop there as your Carpenter in London can also provide services which relate to; Sash windows, Cupboard doors, Hanging doors, Kitchen units, Shelves and Partition walls.

Preparation is an essential part for the installation of laminate and real wood flooring. Ensuring you have undertaken the required steps before laying any material, will guarantee both a neat and stylish finish.

 

 

 

 

 

You firstly need to ensure you have modified your working space appropriately. The room needs to have been emptied of furniture, floor coverings or any rugs and mats. Any fixings, such as rods or adhesive, should also be removed to leave the floor space level.

One of the most crucial elements for this process, is ensuring you have smoothed out the sub-floor area. You also need to check that the surface is dry and precisely level throughout in order to maximise the structural integrity of your floor. Once you have an even surface to work with, you need to install underlay, in order to achieve an effective final fitting.

There are two types of underlay that can be used for laminate and real wood flooring. The foam version, is either folded into a concertina or slotted together in the style of a jigsaw puzzle. Whereas fibreboard underlay, needs to be cut precisely and installed at a 90-degree angle in the direction that your flooring is being laid.

 

 

 

 

 

Before the aforementioned can be done, you need to ensure that there are no damp areas present on your flooring. You should regularly test the integrity of the surface and only conduct fitting once you are certain that you have a clean area to work with.

When your laminate and real wood flooring arrives, you will need to give it time to adapt to the temperature and humidity of your house. This will reduce the likelihood of gaps appearing between any of your flooring boards. Previously, the materials will have most likely been exposed to differing conditions, meaning a transitional period is required to alleviate shrinking or expanding.

To allow your flooring to adjust, you need to stack them on top of each other, whilst keeping them secured in their packaging. You need to position them in a way that allows air to circulate between each package and ensure they are not pressed against any walls, otherwise this could cause the material to bow.

It’s also important to ensure you are wearing knee pads during the entire process, since a consistent level of exposure to solid surfaces could cause strain on your body.

At the Handy Squad we have a team of highly efficient and skilled Handymen, ready to assemble your greenhouse with ease. Your Handyman in London can do more than assembling greenhouses, we can also help with the following jobs; Flat pack assembly, Hanging things up, Tiling, and Odd jobs.

Greenhouses are the perfect way to breathe new life into your garden, allowing the growth of fresh fruit and vegetables within a controlled and practical environment. With the spring season approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning and constructing a greenhouse ready for the forthcoming climate.

Securing the base

Making sure you have secured the base of your greenhouse is crucial for structural solidity. Many people typically fix a greenhouse onto a brick or cement surface, in which a galvanised steel base will be required. The width and length of the structure will need to be accurately marked in accordance to the size of your greenhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you have the base measured and assembled, you will need to dig out a footing trench to act as the platform to grow produce. The centre will then need to be filled with concrete and levelled out neatly to ensure the surface is precisely even. Once the concrete is dry, mark a line around the entire edge of the footing trench. You will then be able to lay down a course of bricks for the galvanised steel base to rest.

Constructing the Greenhouse

Always start by putting together either the front or back component of your greenhouse. Lay all the pieces down onto a flat surface and put them into the required position, ready to be fixed together. Make sure that angled pieces are facing the correct way and bolts are exposed in the right direction.

You then need to repeat the procedure for the other end and the two side components. Every time a section is put into place, you need to make a loose fixing, ready for it to be placed into its final position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once all the sections are placed into their respective positions, they need to be loosely screwed together and then fixed to the galvanised base. The roof bar then needs to be placed on the top of the structure, resting on the two ends.

You then need to make sure everything has been placed correctly. You should use a spirit level to ensure the structure is firm and straight throughout. Once you are certain that your greenhouse has been properly assembled, you will then need to tighten all the screws to their maximum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The galvanised base will then need to be permanently fixed onto the brick surface, providing you a far stronger finish compared to a cement fixing. This means the structure has now been fully assembled and is ready for the window panels to be installed.

To ensure the panels are fixed securely, you will need to slide a thin layer of rubber around the frame area of the greenhouse. You can now position each panel in its place and fix them using clips. The roof vent should be put together first and put into place along the roof edge. Finally, put the doorway together and slide into position.

 

The Handy Squad is the number one handyman service in London. We have a team of trained professionals, prepared to bring your furniture back to life, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

 We also offer Moving Services, Plumbing, Electrics and much more.

Whether it is an unloved chair you’ve left in your garage for years or a vintage gem you found at a car boot sale, a makeover will save you money! And remember, you’ll be left with something unique that you’ve created.

If you have been going through Pinterest and found your dream bedside table or you want to use your imagination to create something different, all you need is some paint and a piece of furniture.

We have an easy to follow guide to help you strip, sand and paint your furniture in an efficient manner.

Step 1 – Think about what you want as the finished product.

You are all geared up, but still need to choose what paint to use, don’t worry. Firstly, you’ll have to think about your vision, do you want a distressed look or a glossy finish? There are many textures and shades you can opt for, so before you spend money on a paint think about the look you want to achieve.

Step 2 – To prime or not to prime?

It all depends on your furniture type and the paint you want to use. By using a primer, you are sealing the surface and providing a uniform base to apply your paint to, however there are some paints which don’t require any priming, so always check the instructions on the label before you get down to it.

Step 3 – Get ready to prep your surface.

Before priming or painting you’ll need to make sure your item is completely free from loose paint flakes, dirt and grease. So, give your surface a good cleaning and allow it to dry before painting. Next, sand your furniture with a medium-grit sandpaper and get all the glossy finish off, this will help the paint grip.

Step 4 – Our favourite part: painting!

To get a professional finish make sure you mask all the areas you don’t want paint to reach, that way you’ll have a clean and tidy finish. Paint thin coats and sand between each coat to achieve an even finish. You’ll need two to three coats to ensure an even coverage and after you’re done painting, make sure you give it extra protection by sealing it.

It doesn’t matter what paint brush you use; however, it does matter how you use them and how you take care of them. (Don’t worry, we have another article explaining all you need to know!)

If all this work turns out to be too much for your hands, our Squad of painters and decorators will lend you one of theirs.

How to fill cracks in walls

The Handy Squad is the number one handyman service in London. We have a team of professional painters and decorators who will take on anything from a small paint touch-up to repainting your house from top to bottom.

We also offer Electrician services, Carpentry, Plumbing and much more.

As a house settles it is very common for small cracks to open in the plaster, however it is an eyesore that no one wants in their house.

You will only need simple tools and materials from your local home improvement store to make your cracked walls to smooth, and aesthetically pleasing once again.

We have an easy to follow guide to help you fill cracks in your walls with ease.

Step 1 – Start by scraping up any loose plaster from the crack with a filling knife.

Next, use a small wet paintbrush to dampen the crack. For deep cracks fill with screwed-up newspaper and for larger holes you might need to build up several thin coats of filler.

Step 2 – Load some filler onto a filling knife.

Draw it across the hole, until the filler comes just over the surface. Leave it to dry. Avoid overfilling to minimize sanding.

Step 3 – Sand the newly filled area.

Once the filler has dried completely, no matter what some labels say about not having to sand your wall after the filling – for a professional finish you ultimately will have to do this. You’ll have to sand between coats if there’s any excess filler. After the final coat, use fine-grit sand paper to ensure a level and smooth finish.

Small cracks often appear in plaster walls and ceilings, usually these are nothing to worry about. However, some cracks might indicate something more serious. If you need an extra hand, don’t hesitate to contact one of our professionals.

If you are prepping your walls for decoration, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to check how long your filler should be left to dry before painting.

Never forget safety, whenever you’re sanding, wear a dust mask and ensure the area is well ventilated by opening doors and windows.

 

Whether you want a complete home makeover or just want to paint a wall, it’s crucial to oversee an effective planning process to achieve the strong look you desire.

A change is as good as a rest and sprucing up a room can really change how you feel about it.

Taking the time to make sure you have prepared your workspace in a methodical fashion will give you the right start to finish the job in an easy and practical environment.

So here is our easy to follow guide on how to prepare a wall for painting.

 

Step 1 – Ensure you have the correct materials and equipment

Painting jobs often require a multitude of different materials and equipment. You need to ensure you have all the essentials in order to conduct each part of the job effectively.

You firstly need to set up the room with preparatory equipment. This includes masking tape, for the concealment of wall edges and dust sheets for pieces of furniture that may incur paint splatters.

Once you have prepared your room, you will then require the necessary tools to carry out the painting.

Using quality brushes and trays is an obvious start, but people often forget about safety clothing such as dust masks and rubber gloves.

 

Step 2 – Clear your room

Once you have all the necessary equipment in place for decorating, you need to ensure that your room has been cleared appropriately.

Large scale items need to be placed in the centre of the room, where they won’t be able to cause any obstruction, whereas small pieces of furniture should be removed completely.

Hardware and appliances also need to be considered. Where possible, devices that can be unscrewed or pulled apart should also be taken out of the room.

Step 3 –  Clean the walls

Having clean walls will maximise the level of quality you achieve with any decorating job. It’s important to tackle any scuffs, marks or dents, to reduce the likelihood of additional coating.

You need to thoroughly dust the entire room from top to bottom. There should be no grease or dirt anywhere, otherwise the painting job will become needlessly harder.

You can use a sugar soap mixture to strengthen the smoothness of walls and help alleviate any uneven areas.

It could be a good idea to replace old or worn out electrics during this phase when your room is clear, as replacing sockets or light switches might damage your new pristine surfaces. We always recommend using a qualified electrician.

Conducting a painting job can also be simplified by, The Handy Squad. We are the premier decorating service in London with a rafter of professional decorators ready to tackle any job.

If you’re looking to move to a new accommodation, you’re probably already aware of how gruelling the entire process can be. From setting up viewings and down payments to packing boxes and organising transportation, moving to a new house can be an exhaustive and stressful time for even the most hardened globetrotter.

That’s why at Handy Squad we strive to lighten the load by offering a robust selection of Moving Services to facilitate your big transfer, so you can focus on making sure you and your family have everything you need for the journey ahead.

Of course, some moves may require the services of a professional London handyman, who can visit you before the move to help with various installation and dismantling tasks. Handy Squad has you covered here, and any other jobs you need completing can be arranged as well.

Utilising ‘Lift & Load London’, one of the premier moving companies in the capital, Handy Squad are able to deliver efficient results and a friendly, punctual service that’ll get you where you need to go – whether that’s across the street or deep in the heart of Europe. Regardless of where you’re going, both Handy Squad and Lift & Load London go to great lengths to ensure your home’s assets are moved carefully and deliberately.

We also offer a dedicated Lifting and Shifting service which can help move the trickier bits and pieces around your home. From awkwardly shaped furniture to heavy white kitchen appliances, we can assist with internal office moving, packing and unloading, delivery assistance, or simply moving around the house. After all, not everyone who requires our services is moving to a new home.

For those who are only interested in a Man & Van feature, Handy Squad can support you there as well – our Mini Moving service specialises in lighter loads, and every item transported will be treated with the care it deserves. Our friendly, efficient professionals can transfer all kinds of cargo from A to B, so don’t hesitate to enquire if you’re uncertain.

Lift & Load London also offers a Specialist Lifting service, which can assist with all sorts of clearance and disposal tasks. Whether in your own home or an office setting, Handy Squad can organise for your old furniture, devices and appliances to be safely removed and taken away, and can even visit you on the same day if the job demands a swift execution.

Finally, Handy Squad and Lift & Load London are proud to present our UK Removals service, which handles packing, moving and storage across the entire United Kingdom. Available to households, businesses, charities, students and more, we’ll ensure that your belongings reach your new destination on time and in perfect condition, so you can have peace of mind.

You’re always in good hands with Handy Squad, so if you’d like to request our services, feel free to give us a call on 08000 12 12 12. Alternatively, you can use our online booking system.

If you’re looking to sell your house or your tenants are coming to the end of their lease, you’re likely considering all the last-minute improvements you can make in order to raise the value of your home, or sustain its desirability for the next set of occupants.

However, investing in significant renovations can end up being a huge waste of time and money, since the returns rarely justify any developments made.

Instead of redesigning your home in preparation for its new residents, estate agents often recommend that a few simple changes to the property can make all the difference. As long as you ensure that your home looks its absolute best, then what you already have will be plenty.

Even the most house-proud of residents will inevitably see some wear and tear in their home after several years of living there. From carpet stains to cracks in the paint, tattered skirting boards to flickering lights, surface level signs of depreciation are the first things an agent will notice when valuing your property – thankfully, they’re also the easiest problems to fix!

That’s why Handy Squad is proud to present a brand new service: Home Makeover. This are purposed with breathing life back into your home in time for a viewing, whether you’re the owner looking to sell for the highest price possible, or a landlord/landlady aiming to revitalise your home before renting it out once more.

Handy Squad’s highly trained handymen can help with those restorations in a timely and proficient manner; if you have a grimy patio, our Jet Washing service will spruce it up in a flash. If any floor tiles are broken, our premier Tiling service can fix up your floors in no time, and if your pipes have seen better days, we also offer a comprehensive set of Plumbing services. No matter its current condition, our handymen can breathe life into your home and restore it to the state it was in when you first moved in, or better!

For more information on how Handy Squad can make your agent speechless, give us a call on:  0800-0 12 12 12.

Alternatively, feel free to fill out our online booking form for a speedy response on an appointment that suits you.

Introduction

Replacing your old toilet isn’t a particularly gruelling task; it’s as simple as connecting it to an existing branch of the soil pipe. If you want a new toilet in another part of your home, however, it’s best to consult a professional Handy Squad plumber.

Your plumber can connect your new toilet to the main soil pipe, and even install a dual flush toilet mechanism for more efficient water usage.
Close-coupled cisterns are a popular contemporary design easily distinguished by the way they’re positioned – directly on top of the pan.

Because there is a style of toilet for virtually every kind of interior, we encourage you to take note of your new toilet’s condition before removing your old fittings. The worst time to notice a flaw or lack of components is when your bathroom is out of commission, after all. If your toilet needs repairing it’s best to call Handy Squad, as this is not an ideal DIY task. The same applies for toilet blockages.

If you’re just looking to change the seat, this is easily accomplished without affecting the rest of the toilet. Which seat you choose is up to you, but selecting one that matches your toilet is recommended. Alternatively, certain contrasting designs can be rather tasteful – wood-effect seats on plain white pans, for example.

Before you drill any holes in your bathroom walls or floor, we recommend the use of an electronic detector to sniff out any cables and pipes that are hidden from view. The last thing you want is a flooded bathroom when you’re attempting to fit a new toilet.

How to Fit a Close-Coupled Toilet

•  First, assemble the flush mechanism and insert it as per the manufacturer’s directions, ensuring the rubber sealing rings are applied where required.

•  Position the large rubber gasket inside the pan’s flush entrance.

•  Making use of the rubber and large metal washers included, feed the long fixing bolts into the holes in the cistern.

•  Push the threaded segment of the flush mechanism through the rubber gasket on the flush entrance of the pan before placing the cistern on top of the pan and securing the connecting bolts through the holes.

•  Apply the washers provided to the connecting bolts, and tighten the wing nuts until they’re firmly secure.

•  After ensuring there are no cables or pipes underneath the fixing points, position the toilet in place and slot the pan outlet into the flexible connector attached to the soil pipe. If this proves too troublesome, consider using a little silicone grease to slide it on. Next, drill a pilot hole in the floor at each fixing point, utilising a hammer-action drill and a few plugs if the floor is too solid.

•  The base of the pan should have several holes that the plastic protective inserts can be pushed into, before the retaining screws are applied to hold the toilet firmly to the floor. Some cisterns may have their fixing holes in the back, which will require it to be attached to the wall via drilling and plugging. Adding rubber washers before you tighten the nuts is crucial – just remember not to tighten the washers too much.

•  The supply pipe for the cold-water feed should be connected next, making use of a push-fit tap connector.

•  Following the manufacturer’s directions, attach the hinge assembly to the seat.

•  The seat can then be attached to the pan by securing it through the holes on the back using the screws included. Then simply position it until it sits correctly.

Jet washers provide an effective method for tackling some of the more difficult cleaning duties in outdoor areas. From defacements involving gum and graffiti to natural blemishes like weeds and moss, it’s never been so easy to lift the grime from your personal property.

Before purchasing a jet washer, it’s important to choose the right model for the task at hand. As efficient and versatile as these devices are, deciding on the most suitable pressure rating and size of water flow will always produce the best results. We also encourage you to take into account the weight of the machine, whether it has wheels included, and the length of the hose and cables.

Washing your car can also be a quick, easy task. Simply reduce the pressure when targeting painted or delicate areas, and crank up the power when focusing on tough dirt to pry it loose. A variety of attachments are available to facilitate more specific jobs, as well. From detergent tanks storing car shampoo to variable brush attachments, giving your car that sparkling finish can be cheaper, faster, and more enjoyable than ever before.

For patios, driveways, walls and other surfaces, start with a high pressure blast to clear weeds, moss, algae and general muck within seconds. Follow-up with a more gentle spray to cleanse the remaining residue and you’ll finish your high maintenance cleaning in a fraction of the time.

Of course, you may find you want one of these technical wonders to grace your property no more than once or twice a year, in the hands of a trained professional. You might be short on free time, intimidated by the massive selection of products, reluctant to get hands on with unfamiliar equipment, or simply more comfortable with the idea of leaving the job to an expert.

Our jet washing specialists can give your garden such a drastic makeover, you’ll barely recognise it. We treat an array of different materials with our exclusive Garden Refresh package, restoring your outdoor furnishings to a pristine state.

For the best jet washing service in London, call The Handy Squad today for a quote on our services…