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Here is a quick guide to replacing a domestic one-way light switch. Before proceeding with any electrical work you must first contact your Building Control department at your local council.

What you’ll need…
Voltage tester
Screwdrivers
One way plat eswitch
Green/yellow earth sleeving
Red PVC electrical sleeving

How you do it…

As reported by ProblemSolved only yesterday, in the uncertainty of the housing market, people are looking to improve their homes rather than move from them. But according to the government advice service Consumer Direct, many people are having a less than satisfactory service when getting an electrician in.

When you're happy with your choice of installer there are a number of other issues to discuss with him/her and this is best achieved when contacting the installer to let them know you wish him/her to undertake the installation.

Below is a list of further considerations you should discuss with an installer.

1. Vehicle access - How close can a vehicle park to the work area?
2. Vehicle parking - Once unloaded, where can a vehicle be parked? Will it be safe in the space you suggest?
3. Rubbish removal - Will a skip be required?

Having been a victim or burglary myself, I was less than surprised when a recent survey stated that 1 in 3 homes in London have been broken into, and 1 in 4 nationally. What did surprise me (at the risk of sounding like a Daily Mail scare story) was the degree to which homeowners seem to be underestimating the threat on their homes.

Before being broken into, half of those surveyed viewed security as very important; this figure dramatically rises to 84% after a break-in.

Installation issues

Are your existing electrical and plumbing services adequate for your new kitchen?

As the kitchen houses a number of appliances, it is imperative that your electrical supply is sufficient to withstand the demands placed on it. The same is true of water, waste and gas supplies and it is strongly advised to undertake a pre-installation check of all services.

How do I choose where my cabinets and appliances fit in my kitchen?

Replacement doors and worktops

Of course, some of the measuring advice can be ignored if you are simply replacing doors and worktops but you will need to detail the position of existing hinge holes to make for easier replacement.

Here are the rules to make for easier installation.

Measuring up for your kitchen

Next up is measuring your room in a way that will ensure easy transfer of your plans to paper.
Proceed as follows
• Measure ceiling heights - Cabinets come in a variety of heights and your floor to ceiling height will determine which height cabinet is best suited to your room.