Loose floorboards cannot only be a potential trip hazard in your home, but they can also be quite noisy, squeaking and rubbing together as you step on them.

Repairing loose floorboards is actually a relatively easy home improvement job, and all you will need is a few simple tools.

Rubbing Boards
If the boards are well fixed down but squeak when pressure is put on them all you need to do is pull back the carpet and dust some chalk or talcum powder between the two boards.  This will prevent the friction when they rub against each other and get rid of any irritating noises.

Loose Floorboards
Many floorboards are nailed down, but these nails can become loose.  You can tighten loose boards by using basic 50mm screws, which will fix the boards down very securely, and begin by lifting up the boards to check if there are any pipes, cables or obstructions underneath.  If it is all clear then pre-drill the holes to stop the wood from splitting, and use four screws, one at each corner of the board to screw it securely in place.

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Here is a short DIY guide on how to fix your broken window pane by yourself and save some money in this period of recession

Step One

Spread a sheet on the ground either side of the window and carefully remove the remaining glass from the frame using protective gloves and glasses.

Step Two

Cut away the old putty and also remove old retaining sprigs, taking care not to damage the frame in the process. Clean down the frame and then paint with a coat of primer (wood or metal) to prepare the surface for the new pane.

Step Three

Measure the height and width of the window opening, deducting at least 4mm from each measurement to allow the glass to sit easily in the frame. Get the glass cut for you at a professional glass merchants or DIY store, to ensure the best fit. You can also buy all of the sprigs and putty you will need here to fit the window in as well.

Step Four

Feed the putty into the frame rebate and place the glass in, bottom edge first. Lightly press the pane into the putty and then fix back into the frame with the sprigs. Finish off by feeding putty around the perimeter of the frame, and then remove any excess.

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Rising damp occurs when water is drawn up through the exterior brickwork of a building and is absorbed through to the interior walls, causing unsightly damp patches to appear up to a metre high. Rising damp can occur for a number of reasons such as:

· Cracked, leaking downpipes – downpipes running along the exterior walls of your home can be vulnerable to leaking, and this will cause water to run down the exterior brickwork, causing rising damp.

· Blocked, broken gutters – blocked or broken gutters can also cause water to run down the exterior walls of your home encouraging damp interior conditions.

· Dense, thick foliage – a dense concentration of plants and trees growing too close to you home can trap moisture and cause dampness to linger, and climbing plants can also damage brickwork and encourage interior dampness.

Once you have identified a rising damp problem you need to get this sorted out as soon as possible, as continual exposure to dampness can damage the plaster work and surface décor.

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There are many pretty accessories available for home furnishing, and these can help to create areas of interest and fun in your home, and brighten up dark corners and bland walls.  Here are just a few of the fantastic home accessories currently available from home stores, DIY shops and online suppliers:
·    Cupcake Candles – these sweet little candles look good enough to eat and are perfect for decorating the table for afternoon tea.  They are available from several suppliers including Really Linda Barker (£11.25 for 6 small) and Laura Ashley (£12.00 for 3 medium).
·    Lotus Lampshade – these stunning lampshades are truly pieces of sculptural beauty, and make a wonderful statement in any room.  They are available from The White Company for around £270.

·    Table Runners – table runners are an excellent way of dressing the dining table when it is not in use, and you can get a whole range of different colours and designs to suit any décor.  These are available from any good home or linen store.