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Construction guides, UK regulations, and practical tips to help you work smarter on site.
These practical guides explain the measurements, assumptions and checks behind common estimating and site tasks. Each article gives a repeatable method, points out the mistakes that cause wasted materials or return visits, and links to a relevant calculator where one is available.
Use the worked guidance as a starting point, then confirm current product data, prices, regulations and site conditions before committing to an order or contract. Safety-critical and structural decisions still need the appropriate competent professional.
Calculate bricks or blocks per square metre, deduct openings, add wastage and estimate mortar for UK walling with a worked example.
Work out fence panels, posts, gravel boards, feather-edge boards and post concrete for a UK garden fence, with clear formulas and examples.
Calculate equal spindle spacing between newel posts, check the 100mm sphere rule and avoid the common mistake of forgetting the two end gaps.
Measure a lawn, calculate turf and topsoil quantities, allow for cuts and work out starter fertiliser for rectangular, circular or L-shaped areas.
Learn what UK builders should include in clear terms and conditions, from payment dates and variations to delays, disputes and client responsibilities.
How to size gas pipes for domestic installations. Covers pipe diameters, appliance demand, run lengths, and the key rules every Gas Safe engineer needs to know.
Work out how many tonnes of gravel, MOT Type 1, or aggregate you need. Covers depth recommendations, bulk densities, ordering tips, and common project sizes.
Work out exactly how many deck boards, joists, noggins, posts, and fixings you need. Covers timber choices, spacing, costs, and common deck sizes.
Calculate drainage falls, gradients and pipe sizes for UK domestic work, with practical guidance on Approved Document H and common site mistakes.
Work out exactly how much paint you need for any room. Covers wall and ceiling measurements, coverage rates, number of coats, and common tin sizes.
Work out how many downlights you need and where to position them. Covers spacing rules, room-by-room layouts, wattage, and common mistakes to avoid.
Choose a lintel for domestic openings with guidance on steel and concrete types, wall construction, bearing lengths and Building Regulations.
How to size radiators for each room using BTU calculations. Covers room types, insulation factors, window adjustments, and common sizing mistakes.
Guide to structural steel beam sizes and weights for domestic work, covering RSJs, universal beams, extension projects and essential site checks.
How to size timber joists and rafters using Approved Document A span tables. Covers C16 and C24 timber, floor joists, ceiling joists, and common roof rafters.
CIS deductions explained clearly, including rates, registration, verification, monthly returns and reclaiming overpayments as a UK subcontractor.
Work out exactly how much concrete you need for a shed base. Covers volume calculations, mix ratios, ready-mix vs hand mixing, and common shed sizes.
A practical breakdown of scaffolding costs in the UK. Covers hire vs buy, pricing per metre, common house sizes, scaffold types, and legal requirements.
Learn how to calculate exactly how many tiles you need. Covers measuring rooms, wastage allowances by layout, tile sizes, grout, and adhesive quantities.
Work out how many roof tiles you need for any roof. Covers pitch factors, tile coverage rates, felt, battens, ridge tiles, and wastage allowances.
Plan your patio from the ground up. Covers paving types, sub-base, drainage falls, laying patterns, and how to calculate quantities and costs.
Work out exactly how much plaster you need. Covers skim, bonding, hardwall, and render with coverage rates per bag and pre-calculated room quantities.