In traditionally-built houses made of bricks and blocks, the purpose of plaster is to provide smooth wall surfaces. It is applied to the inner surfaces of the masonry walls that form the outer shell of the building and to both sides of any internal masonry walls. Plastering is a skill acquired only with a lot of practice. Do-it-yourself plasters make the job easier.

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The disparity between what bosses and their employees earn has become one of those recession-chic topics. Politicians are particularly wont to rabbit on about how unfair it is. There have been marches. “The people” are, rightly, very indignant. So much so that in the UK a public inquiry has been launched to have a poke around.Read more...

CARPET YOUR BATHROOM. Bathroom carpets do tend to hold moisture, often look drab and can smell. Use a water-resistant floor-covering instead. Read more...

NEUTRALISE: Tone down your wall colours and floor colourings to provide a clean, blank canvas. Use stronger colours sparingly as accents to create a pleasing, well-thought-out scheme that runs throughout the house. The goal is to create a look that will appeal to the broadest buying audience. Read more...

It’s an exciting moment — you found a home you love, and you’re ready to make an offer. You’re ready to take the next step — and it’s a big one — on your journey from househunter to homeowner.

Even in the midst of all the excitement, though, it’s easy to worry whether you’re doing things right. If you offer too much, the bank might not approve your loan. If you offer too little, the seller might reject the offer without a counteroffer from which you can negotiate. In addition, you need to think carefully about how to protect yourself if something goes wrong between now and closing. Read more...