Bridgnorth Home Improvements, Whitmore Close, Bridgnorth (2026)

24/11/2021

Large format porcelain tiles seem to be "all the rage" now, but if your walls aren't perfectly flat (and few are) they can be a nightmare to install.

There are tile levelling spacers on the market now, which make the job so much easier but don't opt for the cheapest ones. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

14/08/2021

I turned up to a job this week only for the next door neighbour to rush out as soon as I pulled up.

He needed a plasterer to attend to a couple of areas of damage, but had been unable to find anyone. I discussed what he needed doing, and it was cosmetic work, not urgent in any way.

My advice to him was to leave it at least six months.

Every plasterer worth his salt is snowed under at the moment. Whilst plaster is now available again following the shortage caused by the manufacturers closing due to covid, there is a large backlog of work, and tradesmen who could not work for months, are now flat out, and many are consequently charging more.

If the neighbour waits, he will find a good plasterer and probably pay less for the job too.

And the same goes for many other jobs too.

People furloughed, or working from home, have meant many more house repairs needed as well as less urgent cosmetic work wanted. Factory closures and transport problems, have led to shortages and massive increases in the price of some materials. Cement has been in short supply recently, I have had jobs waiting because I couldn't get any. Timber prices have increased dramatically, as have other materials.

It's a tough time for most tradesmen, if you can find one that isn't busy you should be wondering why. Always look for recommendations if you possibly can, I am far more likely to take a job that comes from a recommendation, I'm sure others are the same.

Most of all though, if it's not urgent, wait. Things will improve.

23/12/2020

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. :)

12/12/2020

Landlords, you tend to get what they pay for.

Unlike 30 years ago, many Landlords now are not big property investors, but 'ordinary' people who have inherited a home and decided to rent it out.

And while the monthly rental can be a welcome income, maintenance and repair bills can be seen as a nuisance. But whereas you can check immediately the work done on your own home, it is not so easy to do so on your rental property, and sadly there are those who will take advantage of that.

Which is why it took me a lot longer to sort out a hot tap that had stopped working than I thought it would earlier this month, with a much higher bill as a result.

Having arrived at the property and found nothing wrong with the tap head, I asked the tenant for a few details and was told the problem had started a year previously when the header tank had been replaced because it was full of 'gunk'. Immediately the plumber had gone they found the hot water pressure was reduced, but they never thought to say anything to the Landlord.

With the new information I decided to dismantle the pipework to the tap, suspecting a certain amount of the 'gunk' had been allowed to enter the system when the header tank was replaced, which had then gradually accumulated at the tap end until it had completely clogged the pipes.

First problem was isolating the pipework. A check valve under the sink had been broken in the open position at some point, and the gate valve below the header tank also appeared to be broken. Tying up the ballcock and plugging the outlet in the header tank did the trick and I was able to remove the flexible tap tail which was clogged as I had thought, and had to be replaced.

Working back along the pipe, the check valve is a 90p item that was also replaced as I needed to remove it anyway to flush the debris out of the pipework going to the tap. Onwards to the gate valve, an £8 item that again was replaced on the basis it makes more sense to do it while the water is off than risk a future call out to it. Finally I could get a good flow of water going when the plug was removed in the header tank, everything was tidied up, all joints checked for leakage, and a happy tenant meant I was on my way.

So what lessons can be learnt for the poor Landlord? I have no idea who changed the header tank but whether by accident or through incompetence they messed up. More importantly though, they must have known they had messed up, you don't replace a header tank without running the tap afterwards to draw the water through the system. The weak flow would have been obvious, but they clearly decided to cut and run and hope for the best.

Fortunately for them the tenant couldn't be bothered to report the problem until it got so bad they had no hot water at all, otherwise the plumber could have been called back to sort it.

Landlords should perhaps take note more than anyone that you get what you pay for. Go with the cheapest quote and you could well end up with a cheaper job done, which may mean additional costs further down the line.

With the internet on hand it is not difficult to find out what the going rate is for any job, and armed with this information a low quote should be treated with suspicion. Either the tradesman doesn't intend to spend the time to do the job properly or is desperate for work. Often the former leads to the latter.

The rule applies to all work, I quoted to paint out the interior of a rental property last year but never got the work. I was somewhat bemused when I was asked to go this year to sort out a problem with the doors in the property which the new tenant was complaining wouldn't close. The shoddy decorating job had to be seen to be believed. A thick coat of cheap paint meant all of the doors were catching on the frames and two of the hinges had been bent by the doors being forced closed, one of them ripped out of the wall. I was surprised they hadn't complained about the fact the windows had all been painted closed, maybe they will next year and I'll be back again to sort that out.

16/10/2020

Is it no longer a buyer’s market?

For many many years homeowners needing work done on their property have been in a situation where there have been many skilled tradesmen looking for work, and getting two or three quotes, a fast response, and the job done quickly has not been a problem. It was a ‘buyer’s market’, the buyer having the upper hand as supply of tradesmen was plentiful.

But more recently the situation has been changing. More and more homeowners either don’t want to do maintenance work, or lack the skills to do it. At the same time, young people have shunned apprenticeships and learning a trade, in favour of going to University and getting a degree.

Finding a reliable tradesman who will turn up on time and do a good job is no longer easy, I have many people asking for quotes and telling me what a nightmare they’ve had finding someone who will even go and price the job. Indeed I too now find myself turning potential work down because I have so many clients waiting.

If good tradesmen no longer need to put themselves out to find work, what can you do to get that job done at a fair price and to a good standard?

The most important piece of advice I can give is to understand the days of getting four or five people to come and give free quotes are gone. Tradesmen do talk to each other, whether in the pub or at the local builders merchants. You don’t want to get a reputation as someone who wastes their time, when time is money. I was asked to quote for a quite small job recently, and found the customer hassling me for a price before I had even had chance to cost the materials. I therefore asked the question on the grapevine, only to find that they had already had quotes from numerous other builders. I declined, they will struggle to find anyone reputable who will touch them.

So how do you know you are getting a fair quote if you don't 'shop around'?
Companies like Which give average costs for many jobs on their website, even showing the differences in different parts of the Country. Using the internet, it shouldn't take long to get a good idea of how much a job will cost. This could also save you the embarrassment of calling a tradesman to quote a job, only to find it is five times more than you thought it would be.

Ask friends who have had work done for recommendations. A tradesman is far more likely to come and quote if he has been recommended by one of his current customers. The reason for this is quite simple - sadly there are people out there who will have work done and then refuse to pay, every tradesman has been stung at least once if he has been in business for a long time. Any new customer is a risk, but the risk is far less if they are a friend of a current customer.

Finally, if you do find a good tradesman, don't lose them by trying to get more done than they quoted for. It happens all the time, and sometimes quite innocently - "Oh, while you're changing the tap washer can you just tighten the tap under the sink, I forgot to mention it, only I tried and couldn't reach as its really hard to get at."

I had this request quite recently, and while I did it without complaint, it meant five minutes of going to get the torch and special tool out of the van and another ten minutes of contortion to get it done. I quoted for a ten minute job which ended up taking 25 minutes. Next time I have two customers both wanting a job done, which one do you think I am going to choose?

11/07/2020

Some good news as more hot weather is forecast to be heading our way - BHI has teamed up with a commercial refrigeration company to offer fully certified residential split system air conditioning for your home fully fitted at a very affordable price.

A split system has a heat exchange unit outside which is connected to one or more fan units on the wall inside the house enabling you to control the temperature to keep things comfortable as the mercury rises. It can also be used to heat rooms in cold weather and is more economical than some other heating methods.

We can now fit this for you with prices starting from £999 fully inclusive. The units will be installed by BHI, then tested, commissioned and certified by a fully F-Gas qualified engineer to meet all current regulations.

Air condition your home with BHI and say goodbye to sweltering hot days and nights. Wake up refreshed ready to enjoy the sunshine instead of soaked in sweat. You can control the temperature with the remote provided or via an app on your phone from anywhere. Contact us to find out more.

03/07/2020

We seem to have come out of lockdown with something of a jolt. One week I'm happily pottering around, taking my time, enjoying the sunshine, the next I'm swamped with urgent jobs needing doing as soon as possible because people have been putting up with them for weeks!

I know people panic bought toilet paper, but it seems from the number of broken toilet seats I've been asked to replace that maybe they've been spending extra time on their loos to use it up.

I already have one kitchen installation booked in, my lead time is back out to 6 weeks already.

I'm really hoping this is the same for many others who have been twiddling their thumbs these last few months, and that our economy will bounce back quickly as drinkers make up for lost drinking hours in the pubs, tourists get out and about touring once again, and everyone starts spending on things they haven't been able to spend on for so long.

Of course I didn't get a chance to twiddle my thumbs, having been told I couldn't have a new TV until the bathroom had been done and a new front window was fitted. I put the bathroom in whilst it was very quiet and the new window should be delivered next week for me to fit.

Somehow I have also been talked into fitting aircon upstairs too following the stonkingly hot weather we had, where we ended up sleeping in the living room, and the threat of its return soon. Rather than tap off the current compressor that serves the living room, I have installed a second outdoor unit to cool the bedrooms, my thought being a compressor will go on the hottest day when it is needed most, so two separate ones will mean we will still have at least some cool rooms.

I have however sadly worked out now that having bought the bathroom tiles and suite, etc. and the new front window and air conditioner, I don't have enough money left for a new TV!!!!! 😭

19/06/2020

A chrome squeegee to clean the shower screen seemed like a good idea when I bought it for our new bathroom, but when the suction cup for the bracket failed after a few hours and it dropped off the wall, chipping the brand new bath I was slightly annoyed.

For most people such an accident to a brand new bath just installed would be seen as a disaster, for me it was an annoyance, as it meant I had to get my enamel repair kit out and waste time fixing it.

And that made me wonder how many people realise that these things can be repaired and usually the repair is pretty much invisible, and the cost is not horrendous.

So here is a list of some of the things I have professional repair kits for:
Enamel and ceramic baths and other sanitary ware.
Wooden furniture of all types including woodgrain and polished.
Kitchen worktops.
Vinyl flooring including different texture surfaces.
UPVC windows and doors in white and all wood finishes.
Skirtings and architraves.
Walls and ceilings including exact paint matching technology.
Fridges etc. dent removal and touch up.

I have also repaired a 3' tall porcelain fox which was broken into a number of pieces, carefully replacing as many fragments as possible and then filling the remaining cracks and colouring to disguise them. Whilst it will never achieve the price it would have at auction in perfect condition, the owner was delighted with the restoration.

If you do have an accident and scratch that dining room table, chip the kitchen sink, or make a dent in the wall when moving something heavy, don't despair, get a quote for repair.

22/05/2020

From the beginning of June BHI will be increasing the range of work being carried out for customers.

Since the initial lockdown, work has been limited to only emergencies, such as burst pipes, roof leaks and broken locks.

The reduction in workload has allowed a complete new bathroom to be installed at home, with underfloor heating, power shower and dual fuel towel rail etc., much to the delight of a wife who has only been waiting 25 years.

With the relaxation in lockdown taking place the backlog of jobs will be addressed as quickly as possible.

Additional work which will now be carried out includes:
All outdoor work.
Indoor work where occupants are not in the 'vulnerable' category, and where the work can be carried out in a room which remains unoccupied for the duration.
Obtaining materials from trade sources has been particularly difficult since March, but the situation is slowly improving.

Please be assured precautions will continue to be taken to minimise the risk of spread of covid-19. Disposable gloves are worn for indoor work and an industrial PP3 filter mask is used when in proximity to customers which meets the same requirements as its medical equivalent.

09/05/2020

As the current good weather has continued I know that many have taken on more work in their gardens, and the imminent announcement that Garden Centres will be allowed to re-open is sure to be very popular.
Please do take care, particularly if you are not used to the quite physical work involved, or if you are climbing ladders to get to high tree branches.
Queen guitarist, Brian May, said he is currently in "relentless pain" following a gardening mishap, having ripped his Gluteus Maximus to shreds in a "moment of over-enthusiastic gardening". Be careful!

With next week expected to be cooler and cloudier, some may be looking for a few things to do indoors, so I have put together a list of 10 suggested maintenance jobs that are always worth doing occasionally:

1. Lubricate all door hinges - WD40 or 3-in-1 oil and an old cloth will stop any squeeks and ensure hinges remain happy.

2. Lubricate locks - Often forgotten until it is too late, a sq**rt in time.....while you have the oil out put a sq**rt on to any door latches or lock mechanisms and operate them a few times to get them working smoothly. The same for UPVC window locks.

3. Check for wobbly chairs - Older wooden furniture often has joints that are glued and can work loose over time. Dining room chairs can become wobbly. Prevent any future mishaps by checking them now, if you find any loose joints apply a little wood glue and clamp the pieces tight for 24 hours.

4. Brighten dull paintwork - Doors etc. that have been painted with traditional white gloss paint tend to gradually dull over the years and even yellow. If you have one that is letting the side down, you can use T Cut (or even a car polish with a cutting agent in it) to bring back the shine once more until you are ready to redecorate.

5. Bleed the radiators - A five minute job that will ensure they are ready when you need them in the Autumn. Find the bleed key (some will accept a flat headed screwdriver) and loosen the bleed valve on the top end of each radiator until water starts to emerge and any air has been expelled. Tighten and wipe.

6. Check the stopcock - First of all find it if you don't know where it is, this is the 'tap' that turns off the water to the whole house, and is often found under the kitchen sink. It should be turned fully off to check it is operating correctly (turn on the cold tap at the kitchen sink to ensure it stops flowing), then turn it fully back on and then back it off a half turn to prevent it seizing. If it is very stiff or won't turn fully off don't force it, but make a note to get it sorted by a reliable tradesman once lockdown is over.

7. Check for dripping taps - We live in an area of hard water and a dripping tap will soon leave limescale stains and make a small job into a much larger one.
Older taps will take a 1/2" rubber washer on a sink or a 3/4" rubber washer on a bath. Changing it involves turning the water off, taking the head off the tap (usually a cross head screwdriver) then unscrewing the valve head with an adjustable spanner.
Newer taps that turn on and off with a 1/4 turn have a ceramic valve which has to be replaced. Take it out and measure it then match it to a new one at a plumbers merchant or on Amazon.

8. Change old light bulbs - Your typical 60w bayonet type bulb, which will soon be obsolete now, uses at least 10 x the electricity of a new LED bulb. Prices have gradually reduced and it makes sense to change any old bulbs now to save money. Walk round the house and check what bulbs you have, and what type they are. LED equivalents are available for all now so why not spend a little now and save a lot on your future electric bills.

9. Glue back the wallpaper corners - If you have wallpaper sometimes you might find a corner where it is coming away from the wall, usually at the top and particularly if it has been overlapped. Mix up a tiny bit of wallpaper paste, get out the stepladder, soak the wallpaper that has come away with a wet sponge to soften it, then paste the back and press it in place against the wall.

10. Touch up any paint damage - Painted walls inevitably get knocked now and then, which is why we always keep that last bit of paint in the tin, don't we? Find the paint, pry off the lid and hope it is still usable. Touch in any marks or scrapes on the walls and don't worry if it looks darker, it will lighten as it dries. Now, don't just stick the lid back on the tin and put it back, find an old jam jar or similar and decant the paint into that. The less air in the jar the better, but it will certainly be better than the old tin. Screw the lid on and turn it upside down and shake it (the paint will create an airtight seal). Now find a Sharpie and write which room the paint belongs to. It will keep for years and is much easier to use for future touching in.

If you do all of the above it will save you money, prevent future problems and make your home look better.
If everyone does it I will have less call outs, which I don't mind.
Well worth the time while you have plenty of it.

24/03/2020

Following the latest Government advice Bridgnorth Home Improvements will only be carrying out emergency work until further notice.
This includes water leaks either plumbing or roofing and locks affecting the security of your property.
Please stay at home and stay safe.

21/03/2020

With so many people now stuck at home for an unknown period of time, I am aware that some are considering doing some decorating and other DIY jobs around the house, and that is a great idea, but as the weather improves I would recommend getting out in the garden too as sunshine and fresh air are great for lifting spirits.

Do think through what you are taking on where DIY is concerned, these are difficult times for tradesmen, and set to get more difficult. Getting someone to quickly come and sort out a plumbing or electrical problem you have accidentally caused may not be so easy.

The Government has, so far, done precious little to support the self employed should they become unable to work through contracting the virus or because they can no longer get to jobs and work safely. Many are now unwilling to take on jobs where there is a high possibility of their coming into contact with it. Please understand the difficult situation they are in.

So if you're going to do some DIY, I highly recommend watching a few You Tube videos first, checking you have all the parts and all the tools needed to do the job.
If it involves plumbing, make sure you know where the stopcock is and that you can turn it off, as they often seize if they have been left fully opened.
If you're putting up pictures, shelves or drilling holes in walls check first that there is no cable behind. Cables usually travel vertically from switches and sockets but that is not always the case. Use a detector if in doubt.
If you are not sure you are able to do the job, now really isn't the time to 'have a go', even if you do have the time.
Please stay safe.

Bridgnorth Home Improvements

24/11/2021

14/08/2021

23/12/2020

12/12/2020

16/10/2020

11/07/2020

03/07/2020

19/06/2020

22/05/2020

09/05/2020

24/03/2020

21/03/2020

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