Hob on board to keep kids safe as you cook

Aug 10 2008 Donny Sheriden

Q I want to fit a flat electrical hob. Safety is an issue because I have two young children and I want something energy efficient. Any suggestions?

A An induction hob has a large coil of wire underneath with alternating currents flowing through it. It is energy efficient and safer because the hob only works when an iron pan is placed on it.

Q I want to lay hard wood flooring over my floorboards. The manufacturer's instructions suggest nailing it down. The flooring is 25mm thick and pre-finished.

A Hire an overlay flooring nailer - shops such as HSS Hire will stock them. This tool secret-nails the flooring to the wooden sub-floor so the nails are hidden. Remember to remove doors for planing because you are raising the height of your flooring by 25mm.

Q I have a weak joint at the corner of my decking which overhangs the sub-frame. I have tried glues and screws but when someone walks over the edge it bursts open. Please help.

A There is no sub-structure to hold the joint in place. Unscrew the decking from the joists and turn them over to expose the underside. Glue the joint then strengthen with a perforated metal plate.

Q The concrete slabs in my back garden become very slippy when wet. Painting them did not help.

A Use anti-slip floor paint. Glidden manufacture one and you will find it in their endurance range. It is mixed with aggregate and easily applied by brush or roller. The colours are limited to grey, red, green, black and yellow.

Q With property prices falling, is now a good time to build my own house?

A Yes - plots of land will be more available as builders have a surplus stock of land because fewer people are buying their new-builds. There are also more tradesmen available just now. As costs go down, remember your house may not be valued as highly but you will build for less.