Welcome to the Blogs

Looking to bring a bit of style to your garden this summer? If you are, then take a look at Alison Cork's latest podcast for TK Maxx. She offers advice on how to construct three key looks for your patio. Check it out here.

To search for reliable tradespeople in your local area, visit ProblemSolved.

ProblemSolved is delighted to announce that tradesmen can now sign up online for a free basic webpage. This is a great way of advertising and marketing your company for free.

I’m sure if most of us were asked to name a famous plumber, a certain computer game character would spring to mind.

The clever people at Train4Trade Skills have taken this association one step further by creating a virtual reality house where trainee plumbers can fix problems that occur in the real world.

As we head into summer, homeowners will be putting pocketing their wallets and pulling out their toolboxes - as a new survey from ProblemSolved.co.uk reveals 3 in 4 people would rather attempt DIY for home improvement projects than hire a professional.

And whilst the statistic may be a reflection on a general slowdown in spending, new research also suggests that many homeowners attempting maintenance work themselves aren’t covered against subsequent problems arising from bungled attempts..

A report released by the UK Green Building Council (GBC) has suggested that the definition of zero carbon needs to be reconsidered to allow the government to meet its own housing targets.

It is thought that up to 80% of new homes could fail to meet what is currently defined as zero carbon because of a ban that restricts using off-site renewable energy that is not connected to development by private wires.

The report proposes that whilst most of the zero carbon homes should generate their own energy, there shoul

Well, here’s something that you don’t hear too often – a builder taking revenge on a rogue customer!

After waiting for four months to receive payment for a porch and conservatory, Nigel Gray and his team took the law into their own hands, by knocking down their own handiwork with sledgehammers.

Nigel, 44, who was owed £15,000 by Mrs Dovey of West Sussex, said: “I just reached the end of my tether and thought why should they enjoy the fruits of my hard work – laughing at me while I don’t get paid.

After celebrating its 21st birthday last month, sales in Ikea’s new flat pack homes have fallen because of fears among mortgage lenders.

The development of homes, known as Bokloks, was opened in Gateshead last week and was backed by massive publicity campaigns.

Reliable and recommended builders, plumbers and electricians are all well and good, but when a homeowner attempts a DIY project themselves, there is always the chance that something could go wrong.

A builder from Stamford, whose springer spaniel was stolen with his van, is appealing for its return.

After going for a walk on Tuesday afternoon, Richard Prodger returned to find that his Nissan Navara had been taken with his dog, Tilley, inside. Mr Prodger’s nine year old daughter and wife are both said to be particularly devastated.

He said: "My daughter was very upset. It was heartbreaking having to tell her that Tilley was missing. I just hope that she hasn't been dumped on the side of the road.

Yorkshire Copper Tube, Europe’s largest manufacturer of copper plumbing tube, is giving one lucky plumber the chance to win a van.

To enter the competition, plumbers should pick up Yorkshire game cards from trade merchants across the UK. Each card contains a unique code which is sent by text, with one lucky winner qualifying for a new Ford Connect van.