Got a technical query?

The best place to start is with the Haynes 1930s House Manual which covers all common defects, shows how they are caused, and explains the solutions – all with lots of glorious colour pictures, some with detailed step-by-step projects. Or just read about the fascinating history showing how they were built, where the builders skimped, and the unusual materials sometimes used.

Advice and DIY help on the web

Here are some useful sites to get find specialist guidance from DIY experts :-

General DIY

Channel 4
www.channel4.com/4homes/diyandbuilding/index.html

DIY FIX IT   www.diyfixit.co.uk

UK style   www.uktvstyle.co.uk

bricks

www.buildingcentre.co.uk/index.asp

www.britishbricksoc.free-online.co.uk

fireplaces & flues

www.c20fires.co.uk/fireplace_fitting.htm

National Fireplace Association
www.nfa.org.uk/guides.asp

floors

www.originalfeatures.co.uk/restorin.htm

heating

Here’s a handy ‘BTU calculator’ so you know what size rads you need:

www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/contentlookup.jsp?content=/bq_advice/planning_tools/btu_calculator.jsp

windows

www.diyfixit.co.uk/nflash/building/SashWindows/SashWindows.htm