Latest news with #Checkatrade
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Why now is the perfect time for a home extension
Homeowners dreaming of an extension should act now, as the cost of building works has dropped by almost a third in a year. Trade directory Checkatrade found that the average cost of a building job had fallen by 28pc to £12,065 in the three months to March, compared to the same period in 2024. Experts said low demand for large renovation projects and wider availability of building materials had pushed costs down. Figures published by the Department for Business and Trade's latest building materials supply index found that deliveries of bricks had risen by 8.5pc compared to January last year, while concrete deliveries were up 4.2pc. The report found that building material prices were stabilising, having dipped below their peak in 2022 when supply chains faced heavy disruption. Building materials and labour soared in the wake of the pandemic, and Checkatrade said costs were further pushed up by the effects of Brexit. Jambu Palaniappan, of Checkatrade, said: 'We've seen demand for some of the bigger home improvement jobs dip over the past year, and as demand has slowed, prices have followed, making it more affordable for people to get work done. 'This drop in costs, combined with the usual seasonal uptick we see at the start of the year, has led to a big rise in certain types of home improvement projects recently, as consumers take advantage of better prices.' The website also found the number of interior design jobs commissioned had risen by 33pc since last year. Painting and decorating searches also increased 22pc. The website said general 'handyman' costs had also fallen significantly from £592 to £389 in the past 12 months, with tiling and electrical work similarly dropping by 25pc to £1,307. Jane Hewson, 64, a homeowner from Herefordshire, said she was planning an extension to the small barn next to her home with the hope of downsizing into it. She said: 'I don't want to move out of the area as I love it, but until recently it's been very difficult to get a decent builder.' Ms Hewson said she was provided quotes of around £95,000 plus VAT to extend the barn, but in more recent months has seen the price come down to the region of £75,000. She said: 'I was pleasantly surprised, but I don't think prices are going to come down again.' Although prices are falling, the Federation of Master Builders (MFB) has warned homeowners to exercise caution when approaching builders who do not have a licence. The trade body, together with the Homeowners Alliance lobby group, has called on the Government to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for housebuilders. Without one, the MFB said homeowners had 'no legal safeguards to ensure builders meet basic standards'. Brian Berry, of the trade body, said: 'We can't allow just anyone to call themselves a builder any more. The Government must step up and bring in a licensing scheme that puts quality, safety, and accountability first.' Paula Higgins, of the Homeowners Alliance, added: 'I would hate to think how many people have fallen victim to rogue traders or poor-quality work, how many millions of pounds of households' money have been lost, and victims left to clear up the mess over the past decade alone. 'When it comes to appointing a builder, homeowners shouldn't have to cross their fingers and hope that their builder is one of the good ones. The Government needs to protect homeowners through licensing.'
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q
Plus, ten DIY hacks that will transform your home for just £1 each WATER GLOW-UP I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE have left people with their jaws on the floor after giving their bathroom an epic glow-up with no prior experience. If you're looking to have your bathroom fitted professionally, this will cost you around an eye-watering £7,000 - or more, depending on the size, according to data by Checkatrade. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One thrifty couple wowed social media users with their epic bathroom makeover on a budget Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL 2 Thanks to doing everything themselves, they spent just £4,000 for the gorgeous glow-up Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL But as many cash-strapped households are looking for cheaper alternatives, one DIY-loving couple recently stunned everyone with their gorgeous bathroom makeover. What's more, not only did they achieved the stunning results themselves - but they also saved thousands in the process. Chloe Newlove took to Facebook to share snaps of the process from the very start to the very end - and while it did take them several months, the final result was worth it. According to the thrifty woman - one of the members of the DIY On A Budget Official page - the pair had ''no experience''. Before the jaw-dropping transformation, the bathroom was pretty plain, featuring a bathtub, dark grey wall tiles, as well as cream tile flooring. The slow reno process started with getting rid of the existing bathtub and sink, as well as removing the wall tiling, stripping the room completely. The DIY enthusiasts then installed the brand new bathtub, a stunning white sink, before tackling the light grey wall tiles - all of which they did themselves. The Johnson tiles Urban Concrete White Matt Stone effect tiles, Chloe revealed in the comments, were from B&Q and cost just £23 for a pack of six. The gorgeous Johnson Tiles Marlow Beige Matt Cement Tile Effect Porcelain Indoor Wall & Floor Tiles were also purchased from the beloved retailer. If you want to get your hands on this stunning flooring, you'll have to be quick - as they're currently on offer, down from £22.50 to just £13.50 for a five-pack. I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap' Another fabulous feature that instantly gave the room a more modern yet cosy feel was the round light-up mirror they found on Amazon. Sharing the jaw-dropping results online, Chloe revealed the total costs came to just £4,000 - saving the money-smart pair an astronomical sum. 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home. 'Love it, who needs a professional' Since being uploaded on the popular page, the glow-up has taken the internet by storm, winning Chloe more than 130 likes in less than 24 hours - and heaps of praise. Dozens of fellow DIY lovers flooded to comments totally amazed by the stunning makeover. One person said: ''Soo gorgeous!!! You should pat yourself in the back for that!'' Someone else chimed in: ''That looks absolutely amazing.'' ''Love it, who needs a professional,'' a third added. ''Bathroom looks stunning,'' another was singing praises.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scotland's plumbers at 'breaking point' with seven in ten firms struggling to recruit
Scotland's plumbing profession has reached 'breaking point' with seven in ten firms struggling to recruit skilled workers leading to the cost of emergency call-outs soaring. The Plumbing and Heating Federation issued the warning amid fears a 'critical' shortage of workers - despite rising demand for plumbers - is causing prices to surge and could lead to a rise in rogue traders. As of April 2025, the average call-out fee for an emergency plumber was £110, according to home improvement index Checkatrade and the average hourly rate for a plumber was £50. A study in 2022 by the firm also found the cost of an average plumbing job had soared by 19 per cent - or around £70 - to stand at about £434. The Federation has now demanded swift government intervention to address a workforce crisis which has seen recruitment of apprentices flatline, citing years of ministerial 'inaction'. Chief executive Fiona Hodgson said: 'The plumbing and heating profession is at breaking point. 'We are now seeing the cumulative impact of government inaction, with funding support frozen for more than eight years. 'Our members continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, but resilience alone cannot replace the need for a skilled and sustainable workforce. 'Our employers have continued to sound the alarm: they cannot find the people they need, and too few have the resources to train the next generation.' The Federation also warned the sector's struggles 'threaten the nation's economic resilience' amid the drive to build more houses and retrofit homes and buildings to meet climate targets. Hodgson added: 'Without urgent government action, our capacity to deliver on housing, infrastructure and net zero targets will begin to manifest in the next two to three years.' The latest State of Trade report from the industry group, also known as the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF), found 69 per cent of firms reported low availability of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, fewer than a quarter plan to recruit an apprentice over the next six months. The report, based on three consecutive quarters of survey data, also found just 21 per cent of businesses say they're likely to increase staffing at all, with many citing cost pressures, with 47 per cent gloomy about the country's overall economic outlook. It comes despite rising demand for plumbing services since the Covid pandemic as homeowners began clearing their maintenance backlogs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. SNIPEF warned last year the rising cost of materials and fuel, a shortage of skilled workers and the National Insurance squeeze on employers were all piling pressure on the sector. Logic4Training, the UK's leading training provider for tradesmen, has predicted these factors will continue to cause 'elevated service charges'. Hodgson warned the 'deeper systemic issue' was the 'chronic underfunding of further education and apprenticeships ' which she insisted demands urgent attention at Holyrood. She said: 'Policymakers continue to talk about the value of apprenticeships and the green transition, yet the very trades needed to deliver them are being starved of support. 'If we are serious about installing low-carbon heating systems and driving social and economic mobility, we need thousands more trained professionals. 'That starts with investing in apprenticeships now, not two or three years down the line.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are engaging industries and employers across the country, and will continue to do so as we reform the skills system and introduce a new skills planning approach, which will enable targeted action to address national and regional skills requirements. 'Recognising the need to address current skills needs while reforming the system, we are providing £185million this year to support apprenticeships. But we are also looking at how we secure maximum benefit from this investment, including how public funding is utilised. ' Brexit is a major driver of skills gaps and is holding Scotland back, in addition to current UK immigration policy, which is why we continue to propose a tailored approach to migration for Scotland to ensure that we can benefit from the skills of people who want to live and work here.'
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
The 9 garden bin mistakes that could land you with a £5k fine when sprucing up outdoors this summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS are being warned to avoid nine garden bin mistakes that could land them a hefty fine. With warmer weather luring homeowners back outside, gardeners are being urged to think twice before filling up their green or brown bins during a garden spruce-up. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Homeowners have been warned to check twice before chucking garden waste into their green bins Tossing the wrong rubbish into your green or brown garden bin could cost you up to £5,000 or even a criminal record. While rules vary by council, there are several items that are commonly banned and slipping up could see you slapped with a fine or warning. You can check your local council's website or use the bin checker to see exactly what's allowed in your area. Here are nine things you should never dump in your garden bin this summer. Japanese knotweed Topping the list of costly errors is Japanese knotweed, a fast-growing invasive plant you're banned from dumping in your garden bin. The aggressive species is classed as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and if it's disposed of incorrectly, you could face serious penalties. Failing to follow the rules could see you hit with a £5,000 fine or up to two years in prison under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 if the plant spreads into the wild. Jennifer Holmes, from Japanese Knotweed Ltd, warned: 'It can be easy to think that binning noxious plant material won't be noticed, but in reality, you could get caught by the council. "Furthermore, not having knotweed disposed of under UK legislative rules means you're harming the environment by creating more infestations – instead of getting rid of them.' She added: 'If you think you have knotweed on your property, do not dig it up yourself. You'll just be encouraging the plant to spread. It is an illegal act to dispose of it yourself.' Removing Japanese Knotweed How much does it cost? Getting rid of knotweed properly isn't cheap – and definitely not a DIY job for most. According to Checkatrade, removal costs typically range between £1,500 and £2,000, but prices can soar depending on the extent of the infestation. For larger patches, full excavation and disposal can hit £20,000, especially if the property is being sold or developed. Most professionals offer long-term treatment plans, including 10-year warranties or insurance-backed guarantees – sometimes needed for mortgages. Can I remove it myself? To do it legally and safely, you'll need to wear protective gear, follow guidance for herbicide use, and use a licensed waste centre for disposal. You must not put any knotweed in household bins. Even soil that's been in contact with knotweed is classed as controlled waste. And it can take up to five years to fully kill it off – so it's not a quick fix. Soil or compost While your plants may be welcome in the brown bin, their roots better be clean. Most councils ban soil or compost because it can contaminate the composting process and weigh down collection trucks. B&M shoppers are giving their gardens a summer glow up with £12 bargain Shake off as much earth as possible from roots before binning plants. Food waste (cooked or raw) Even peelings and fruit scraps can be a no-go. Garden bins are usually for green waste only and food scraps belong in your kitchen caddy or grey bin, depending on your council's setup. Mixing the two can attract pests and create hygiene issues. Plant pots Plastic, ceramic or biodegradable — it doesn't matter. Pots, trays and growbags can't go in garden bins. They need to go in general waste or recycling, depending on the material and council policy. They're considered non-organic contamination. Plastic bags Even 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' bags are usually banned from garden bins, as they often don't break down properly in industrial composting. Always tip garden waste in loose or use council-approved compostable liners if allowed. Timber or treated wood Old fence panels, decking and garden furniture can't go in your brown bin. Wood is not the same as green waste especially if it's treated with preservatives or paint, which can release harmful chemicals when composted. Rubble, hardcore or stones Heavy garden leftovers like bricks, concrete and stones are classed as construction waste, not green waste. Most councils won't collect these in standard garden bins, and putting them in can damage collection machinery. Pet waste Dog and cat waste (even if bagged) is banned from garden bins. It's a biohazard, can't be safely composted, and must be disposed of in general waste. Some councils accept it in special biodegradable bags but always check. Liquids or chemicals Never pour paint, fertiliser, weedkiller or any kind of liquid into your garden bin. These can contaminate the entire load and are dangerous for workers and the environment. Most need to go to special waste disposal centres. It's important to note that rules will vary between local authorities. A general rule to go by is if in doubt, don't chuck it out. Instead, head to your local council's website or use the bin checker to see exactly what's allowed in your area. What can you put in your garden bin? The rules vary by council, but in most cases, you can chuck in: Grass cuttings Leaves Twigs and small branches Cut flowers Windfall fruit Hedge trimmings Weeds (excluding invasive species) House plants (without soil)
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Top 12 home improvement jobs from that have FALLEN in price revealed from plumbing to tiling
TRADE UP TIME Top 12 home improvement jobs from that have FALLEN in price revealed from plumbing to tiling THE cost of carrying out home improvements has fallen by as much as 34% in the last 12 months. Exclusive data from Checkatrade has revealed the 12 DIY jobs that have seen the biggest price falls - and the combined savings total almost £11,000. Advertisement Falling building costs have made carrying out home improvements more affordable for homeowners, with the average cost of a job down 28%. The reductions follow several years of price rises caused by factors including increased material prices across the board. Builders and tradespeople were also impacted by supply chain disruptions, which created scarcity and drove up prices further. Add to this inflation, energy costs and labour shortages and consumers had got used to receiving eye-watering quotes since 2020. Advertisement However, data shows that prices have begun to fall and unsurprisingly the reduction in costs has seen a significant increase in those undertaking work on their homes in 2025. The biggest fall in prices has been seen in handyman services with the average cost of a job carried out in the first three months of 2025 34% cheaper than it was in 2024. The second largest reduction was seen in building work with the average price of a job falling by 28%, from £16,818 to £12,065. Other home improvements to have seen big price reductions include tiling (25%), electrical works (25%), scaffolding (22%) and windows doors and conservatories (22%). Advertisement These were followed by bricklaying, which saw a 21% price decrease from an average of £3,165 in 2024 to £2,489 in 2025. Other jobs to have fallen include central heating work (18%), plumbing (17%) and groundworks (16%). Landlord Responsibilities Jambu Palaniappan, CEO at Checkatrade, said: 'After ongoing rising costs fuelled by Brexit and Covid, it's a welcome relief for consumers to see prices finally easing. "We've seen demand for some of the bigger home improvement jobs dip over the past year, and as demand has slowed, prices have followed – making it more affordable for people to get work done. Advertisement "This drop in costs, combined with the usual seasonal uptick we see at the start of the year, has led to a big rise in certain types of home improvement projects recently, as consumers take advantage of better prices." Checkatrade has warned that the sudden reduction in price could leave consumers at risk of cowboys charging above market rates. So, the tradesperson platform has launched a Job Estimate Calculator to help people make informed decisions before appointing a contractor. The free-to-use tool draws on data from 1.5million jobs completed by the site's 50,000 vetted trade businesses to generate accurate quotes for projects. Advertisement Many people have shared stories of cowboy builders with The Sun including a dad left almost bankrupt after sinking £120,000 on a nightmare loft conversion. A mum also told The Sun she had her life ruined after "cowboy builders" took nearly £200,000 for a home renovation. How to find a reliable trader Checkatrade and GoCompare have shared tips for spotting a cowboy. The warning signs: Someone who asks for a cash payment upfront A trader who refuses to draw up an official contract for work Doesn't offer written estimates including a timeline for completing the job Doesn't offer references from previous clients Say they work 'off the books' Anyone who knocks on your door and says they've noticed you need work doing Traders without an official premises or landline phone number Those who aren't a member of a reputable trade group, such as the Federation of Master Builders or the National Federation of Builders Their workforce keeps changing They repeatedly find further work that needs completing Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories Advertisement
