Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to flooring and floor tiles. We hope that it and the answer, which we include below, are useful.

I have an old screeded floor that is a little soft due to its being waterlogged. I need to raise the floor by approx 20mm to take tiles and wood flooring and so I need a hard-wearing, strong leveling compound.  Have you any suggestions?

Here's our answer:

You could use our Latex Levelling Compound but it would be expensive for 20mm. I suggest you use a sand: cement 3:1 mix using SBR Bonding Agent Diluted 3 water to 1 SBR for gauging for 15-17mm then use Latex Levelling Compound for the last 3-5mm.

If you have a question, that you'd like us to answer, please email John Oxley: john@constructionchemicals.co.uk

Construction Chemaicals offer a free 'Ask John' service and he will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to tile adhesives. We hope that it and the answer which we include below are useful.

In our two storey building with 6 flats, the staircase and corridor are uncovered concrete. We want to cover it (or paint it), using latex or ceramic tiles? What product could you advise? (about 13m2 each floor, including the stairs).

Here's our response:

You have a choice here depending on your own personal preference. If you want ceramic tiles, this is quite possible using Superflex Tile Adhesive. If you are happy with the existing finish but just want to colour the floor with a hard wearing surface then you can use Water Based Epoxy Coating. If you want to carpet then you may need to level the floor to prevent uneven wear in which case you can use Latex Levelling Compound. This would be slightly more difficult as you would need to put a strip of wood on each step to retain the levelling compound until it dried (possibly 24 hours).

If you have a question, that you'd like us to answer, please email John Oxley: john@constructionchemicals.co.uk

Construction Chemaicals offer a free 'Ask John' service and he will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to adhesives. We hope that it and the answer which we include below are useful.

I'd like to bond laminate to birch plywood to manufacture shower panels. What adhesive would you recommend?

Here's our response:

The problem you will have here is making sure that steam from the shower does not come into contact with the plywood. For laminating you could use Sprayable Contact Adhesive but all exposed parts must be sealed. Is the birch plywood weaterproof? If not you may wish to consider marine ply or similar.

Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to cement tiles. We hope that it and the answer, which we include below, are useful.

I am about to use a mortar mix to bed ridges onto fibre cement tiles and would like to know which product you would recommend that would improve workability adhesion and waterproof , that I could add to my mix.

Here's our answer:

I would use SBR Bonding Agent to give good adhesion, water resistance, flexibility and workability. Dilute this 1 part SBR to 3 parts water and use this to gauge your sand cement mix.

If you have a question, that you'd like us to answer, please email John Oxley: john@constructionchemicals.co.uk

Construction Chemaicals offer a free 'Ask John' service and he will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to dampproofing. We hope that it and the answer which we include below are useful:

My utility area, 3 rooms behind the kitchen ( including a cloakroom) has damp problems. I have been told it's all rising damp. A dpc drilled and injected about 12 years ago failed and it will have to be done again. I had 2 quotes  of about £4700.00 each to inject all internal and external walls and tank all internal walls floor to ceiling. The cost element for injection alone is about £1000 in each of those quotes.

I have found on your web site the DIY dpc solutions with low pressure application. If I purchase your products, I could do the injection job for about £100, a big difference in price.   How does this compare to the 'professional' applied high pressure injection. Are the chemicals different? Do they go deeper and further through the bricks? Will your solution perform  just as well? I am concerned about costs but not to the point where I have to do the job again a year later.

Can you please advise?

Here's our response:

First, we would say that the products we offer arethe same as those used by professionals who we also supply. The use of Injection Cream is the next generation of products after pressure impregnation. If go to the damproofing section & look at the data sheets for the different products,you will see what is involved. Providing you follow the instructions you should be able to achieve the same results as those that you have been quoted for. If you require more information you can call us on 0116 2301955 & we'll talk you though your particular situation.

Guest Post from Fiona Parker of the Cash Protection Agency, offering credit control services to businesses around the UK.

Unless you're happy to whittle your cash away into the skip with your builders' waste on your next home improvement project, you really need to look into creating a comprehensive and realistic budget.

Here are our top tips for what to think about before you start:

Research Expected Costs

It is always a good idea to approach more than one professional before you make your mind up and hire one for the job. Not only does the tender process mean that you can compare timescales and work involved, it also means that you can flag up any quotes which just don't seem realistic. It is far better to know in advance whether you'll need to pay out for 'extras' and some contractors just won't include them to make them appear cheaper. If each element of the project is broken down into a schedule of costs, that's better too, as you'll be able to see where potential savings can be made.

Include a Contingency

Even with the most thorough planning, surprises can still crop up on all home improvement projects. Therefore, be sure to include an affordable contingency. But, be sure to use it on unforseen costs only – you'll be caught out at the end of a project if you need the cash, but have flittered it on little upgrades.

Think About Being Your Own PM

Project managing is a very important job when undertaking work on your home. It can also be very expensive to hire out an expert. If you have the knowledge and confidence, think about PMing the task yourself. But, if you don't have the skills, budgeting for this role will not be wasted money.

Look for Reward Cards

A final tip is to think about signing up for a loyaty card at those suppliers which you'll  be using regularly. The cashback that you'll receive on big purchases may help to pay for other materials down the line. Be cautious of store credit cards though, the interest that you'll pay on outstanding balances is likely to outweigh any savings you receive – so be sure too be organised and pay it off every month without fail.

Here is another question asked by a member of the public relating to dampproofing. We hope that it and the answer which we include below are useful.

My utility area, 3 rooms behind the kitchen ( including a cloakroom) have damp problems. I have been told it's all rising damp. A dpc drilled and injected about 12 years ago failed and it will have to be done again.

I had 2 quotes  of about £4700.00 each to inject all internal and external walls and tank all internal walls floor to ceiling. The cost element for injection alone is about £1000 in each of those quotes.

I have found on your web site the DIY dpc solutions with low pressure application. If I purchase your products, I could do the injection job for about £100, a big difference in price.

How does this compare to the 'professional' applied high pressure injection. Are the chemicals different? Do they go deeper and further through the bricks? Will your solution perform  just as well? I am concerned about costs but not to the point where I have to do the job again a year later.

Can you please advise?

Our answer:

First I would say that the products we offer arethe same as those used by professionals who we also supply. The use of Injection Cream is the next generation of products after pressure impregnation. If you look at our dampprofing page and read thorugh the product information you will see what is involved. Providing you follow the instructions you should be able to achieve the same results as those that you have been quoted for. If you require more information you can call our team on 0116 2301955 who will be happy to talk through tecnical issues and let you know what you will need in order to undertake a professional, thorough job.

If you have a question, that you'd like us to answer, please email John Oxley: john@constructionchemicals.co.uk

Construction Chemaicals offer a free 'Ask John' service and he will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Here is a question asked by a customer that we thought would be useful to everyone:

Could you tell me how best to spray my loft area as I seem to have a minor woodworm problem. The loft is about 8 m squared (64m of floor space and 2.1m in height) all joists about 450mm apart and a couple of purlins and adequate supports and ties.

I have a couple of questions:

1.       Would one of your 25 litre drums be enough?

2.       I have a garden insecticide  pump up spray back pack, would this be sufficient to do the job?

If you're in a similar situation, the answer is:

We would use Micro 8I which comes as a 500ml pack that you dilute to 25 litres with water. You can then use a back pack sprayer with a coarse nozzle. Make sure you wash it out with water before re-using.

Here is a question asked by a customer that we thought would be useful to everyone:

I am looking to treat my roof (concrete tiles) After I have removed all the moss thats up there! Is Super Seal Water Repellent the best stuff for the job? If so, what is the best method of application? Access is pretty easy and I also have a Backpack sprayer (perhaps not the best option as the product it solvent based).

If you're in a similar situation, the answer is:

You can use Super Seal Water Repellent for this application but make sure that you block off the gutters when applying to prevent the excess running into the surface water drainage. You can apply the product with a sprayer with a coarse nozzle. Clean after use with white spirit.

Guest Post from Karl Donaghey of Bathroom Solutions, suppliers of designer bathrooms including baths, showers and loo seats.

It might not be the first item on most homeowner's lists, but improving a bathroom can really improve everyone's life. After all, people spend plenty of time in their bathrooms, though it's not something that might be thought about. Whether unwinding in the bathtub after a stressful day at work or taking a morning shower every day before leaving the house, the bathroom is just as much a part of daily life as the kitchen or bedroom.

Sometimes, having an older or outdated bathroom can grating on one's nerves, but homeowners might not even realize it. The best ideas for better bathrooms sometimes come from contractors, though DIYers will find that there are plenty of little steps that can be accomplished by anyone handy enough to repaint walls or do a little bit of work on tile. It is crucial to remember that taking on the task of actually working with plumbing is something that would be better left to the professionals. There are plenty of benefits that come with remodeling a bathroom, but flooding the entire house because it might not be possible to fix pipes is definitely not one of them.

When remodeling a bathroom, one of the best things that can possibly happen is suddenly noticing there's a whole lot more space to take advantage of. This might mean a larger bathtub is feasible, that there might be room to put in a small area to sit down and do make-up, or simply upgrading lighting could make a world of difference. Likewise, sometimes the layout of a bathroom is perfect, and it's just those small details that need work. Searching online for some great tile can save a lot of money and instantly change the entire look of a bathroom. Remember that the tiny details, like new faucets and fresh towels, will also do a huge number on improving the looks of a bathroom.

For those who are taking on a bathroom remodel and need to talk to a contractor, it's often best to first ask friends if they have any recommendations. Rather than delving through the yellow pages or scouring the web for reliable good reviews, friends often have better insight, since they have the same experience. And knowing that someone will be able to tear up a bathroom and put it back together quickly is a huge asset in making the choice to undergo a remodel. Sometimes the only reason that people hold back is concern that the project will go on forever, rendering the use of a bathroom impossible. This way, it's possible to know that it's not the case. And choosing a contractor wisely also means saving considerable cash.

Whether looking to up the value of your home, hoping for a more relaxing spot to unwind, or simply looking for a more cohesive design scheme to your home, a bathroom remodel is always a great idea. Even something as simple as changing the curtains and tiles can do a lot, so getting together and making big changes will result in a happier bathing experience for all household members.

Our online store provides many of the materials needed for remodeling rooms or basement conversions.