Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

Time is always precious and finding the required time to do some DIY is no different in that respect. Therefore below, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 tips to save time when carrying out DIY jobs. You’ll notice that most of my suggestions are related to planning and how to approach jobs, as I’m really not one for recommending so-called ‘time-saving’ products, as there aren’t many out there as far as I’m aware. Instead, get organised, plan well, and have a read through my more practical time-saving recommendations below. read more »

In DIY stores across the land, there are great products for sale……but amongst these are an equally large number of items that I really don’t think help the DIY cause in any shape or form. My top 10 (or rather bottom 10!) listed below are products that I find to be generally unnecessary, or trying to provide a ‘quick fix’ when the tried and tested option is for me, so much better. I’m not trying to single out manufacturers, as with those featured below, I will often sing their praises in other articles, with different products in their ‘catalogues’. However there really is some stuff that I wish they wouldn’t produce, and that I’d advise you to leave on the shelf. read more »

A thorough home buying inspection is an essential step in the process of buying a new home. I tend to do quite a number every year, for friends or family, and below are a selection of my best tips for assessing a potential new house. Before exploring the list below, there are a few general rules for that first visit; remember to make notes, take a tape measure, ask questions, and above all take your time. You’ll clearly have at least one more viewing if you think you’ve found the house of your dreams read more »

Home safety is of paramount importance for all of us, and from time to time we should all take a ‘step back’ and just make sure that we’re doing everything we reasonably can, to make our homes as safe as possible. I don’t want to talk about home security here, as I think that is a separate topic in itself, but rather, issues more concerned with topics such as fire safety. The below list of 10 home safety tips read more »

A good home maintenance schedule is essential for all of us, and exterior maintenance is of paramount importance as failure to look after things outside, may even cause structural damage. Even the jobs that don’t have structural significance are still vital, because if you let your outdoor features and surfaces deteriorate, it generally ends up costing you money to restore them, further down the line. The list of tips below is by no means comprehensive read more »