The decision is expected to reduce the number of planning permission applications by around 4,000 per year. The rules will be implemented from February 2012 and the government believes it will be better for everyone, allowing more people to make improvements to their homes without the hassle or expense of planning permission, and consequently creating more jobs within the building industry.

Projects such as extensions and garages are some of the renovations that will no longer need official approval.

Grab a bargain today with our Kahrs oak flooring deal

Well, our incredible 60% off Kahrs Oak Flooring deal has been a great success and tons of you out there have grabbed the bargains with both hands. Kahrs still have an excess of the flooring in question so we are continuing to order it in whilst stocks last - though we are selling faster than we can order at the moment! The great news is, Kahrs are so pleased with the way we have promoted the excess stock, they are very keen to do deals with us in future which means even more bargains for Ken's Yard customers! The nature of the flooring manufacturing business means there is never a deal too far away so we'll keep you posted. But for now, head over to Ken's Yard Oak Flooring Deal and make the most of the remaining stock on this great deal.

We have a team of very experienced individuals in the construction trade and understand the time and money that is wasted trawling around builders merchants and timber yards to try and acquire the materials you need for your project. Searching for construction supplies online is fast becoming the only way to find the best prices in the shortest time and place your order with minimum fuss and maximum convenience.

Ken's Yard was set up a few years ago to offer this service - fast, convenient and very competitively priced, we are the leading online construction supplies specialist and even have a price match guarantee to ensure you get the best prices every time.

Our range of construction supplies include everything from building materials and insulation to safety gear and window flashings!

So, whatever your requirements, have a browse through the Ken's Yard site and if you cannot find the construction supplies you need, give us a call.

Considering dimensions

The first aspect that you really need to consider when planning your decking project is just how big you want the surface area to be.  In most instances homeowners will be looking to complement the lawn and flower beds that are already present in the garden, rather than covering the whole area with decking.  In such circumstances you need to select a decking area that is large enough to be useable, but that won't look overbearing in comparison to the rest of the garden.

We recommend that your decking shouldn't really cover more than about 25% of your garden.  In some instances where gardens are particularly small then you may have to go above this figure to make the decking of practical use, but try not to dominate the whole garden.

Choosing your location

Our second consideration, which you may need to take into account when working out dimensions, is exactly where you are going to position your decking.  If you have some French doors leading from the rear of your property, then it can be a great idea to place the decking so that you can walk straight out onto it.  However, it may be that you already have a patio area situated there, thus wish to place the decking elsewhere in the garden.  If this is the case then try to situate the decking as far away from the patio as possible, using lawn areas and flower beds in between the two features.  This approach is sensible as having decking and patio areas too close together can have a negative effect on the aesthetics of the garden; giving it a cluttered appearance.

When installing decking you should also consider whether there is the opportunity to make use of an area of the garden that isn't otherwise of much use.  For example if your garden is sloped in a certain area; you could install some raised decking, as shown in the above image, which will maximise the usable area in your garden.

Getting the tone right

The final factor you should consider before you make your purchase is the tone that you are aiming for.  This will be dictated by the age and style of your property.  Where the property has a traditional feel then you will probably be more inclined to go for a rustic country feel with rounded edges, making a colonial design a great choice.

If you have a more modern home then there are also suitable options available to you.  Such properties are better suited to flat surfaces with sharper edges, which help provide a more contemporary vibe.

As you can see in the photograph above, modern decking projects can also incorporate a glass panel system.  Whatever style you decide to go for, don't splash the cash until you are 100% happy with your choice.  Decking is a considered purchased and if well maintained can last for decades.  It would be a shame to rush things and end up with decking construction that you aren't really happy with. Check out our range of good quality decking treatments.

See more of Meg's adventures at Ken's Yard - your one stop shop for building materials online, coming soon...

How will the Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) work?

The RHI will work similar to other schemes like the feed in tariffs scheme developed for solar energy.   In the beginning of the scheme cash payments will be given to owners of non-domestic buildings who install systems to product their own renewable heat sources.  This will extend to the domestic sphere in the schemes second phase in October 2012.

People who indicate the production of renewable heat will be paid up to 8.5p/kWhr for hot water and heat that they generate and consume themselves.  This should mean that people generating their own heat will earn a return of 12% per year, tax free.

This initiative will hopefully play a good part towards reducing the UK's heavy reliance on fossil fuels for heating and could dramatically change the way the public and commercial sector look at taking ownership of their own heating sources.

VELUX has also added some new secured by design windows to the 2011 range.  The secured by design label means that your home will have enhanced security against people trying to gain entry to your home through the roof.  The police recommend that all homeowners should consider using secured by design roof windows if they are replacing old windows or building a new property.  The VELUX secured by design GGLQ window will be available at Ken's Yard from the beginning of February.  As will the new standard size window, the C06 (55x118cm) which offers 75% more glazing the popular C02 size.

Coming up in 2011 Superdad the best new government subsidised loft insulation scheme, comes to Ken's Yard.   Still shivering in the Big Freeze of winter 2010 homeowners are going to have a further incentive to give extra insulation to their  homes to reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions.   Under this scheme each home owner will be entitled to 100m2 of reduced price loft insulation.

Insulation manufactures Superglass have teamed up with the governments Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) to help homeowners improve their homes insulation at a hugely subsidised price.  Home owners will be able to sign up for a voucher that allows them buy insulation at just £5 per roll.

Signing up for the Superdad Insulation scheme couldn't be easier, just log onto www.superdadonline.co.uk and register your home.  Then bring your voucher code to Ken's Yard to claim your super cheap loft insulation.

In order to combat this, the best solution is to fully insulate loft spaces in order to fill that massive void and help minimise any heat from escaping.

The reason for this is because loft insulation helps to trap rising hot air and keep the warm air in the home.

The total recommended thickness level of insulation in our lofts is a massive 270mm - you may find that your own home probably has roughly 100mm of loft insulation at the moment so you will more than likely require a top-up.

However, it will be well worth it in the long run as the average household saving on annual heating bills can be more than £150 - multiply this by a few years and you'll realise just how much you can save.

Protection Equipment

Mask	Goggles	Knee Pads	Gloves

Fitting Equipment

Insulation	Knife or Scissors	Tape Measure

Loft Insulation Laying Process

Step 1: Preparation

The very first thing you should do is clear your loft of anything that is stored in there and clean up any dust and debris lying around.

Once this is complete you should measure the gap between the joists to find out what width of insulation you require.

Once you know this, measure the length of the joists and count how many gaps you have between the joists.

Use these figures to calculate how many square metres or packs of insulation you will require to fully insulate your loft.

Once you know this it's time to purchase your insulation and make sure the packs will fit through the loft hatch - it's no use if you can't get it into the loft to install it!

Step 2: Laying the Insulation

Begin at the furthest end of the loft at the eaves and unroll the insulation between the joists towards the centre and gently press down. The reason for this is because it is easier to cut the insulation at the centre of the loft instead of trying to cut the correct length under the eaves.

Repeat this process from the opposite side of the loft - from the eave into the centre until you meet the first piece. Cut the second piece where it meets the first and press the two parts together.

Keep doing this for all the spaces between the joists and you will be finished in no time.

Remember to leave a 25mm gap at both ends to make sure the insulation doesn't block the ventilation from the eaves.

This is to try and prevent condensation from building up and causing a damp problem. If you can see daylight near the eaves then ventilation is probably not an issue.

Step 3: Insulate the Loft Hatch

Fit an off-cut piece of insulation to the loft hatch itself by simply cutting a piece off and attaching it to the hatch using PVA glue.

DIY Christmas Gifts have always been a popular selection. Whilst anyone can perform DIY tasks these days (it is politically correct to ensure that women can do DIY too), it has traditionally been the realm of gifts for men from women.

Given that men are the real gadget guys it is no surprise that at Christmas 2010 DIY Products are still proving popular. These include drills, small power tools, sanders, ladders, measuring tapes and gadgets of all sizes and descriptions which men can take into their garden shed and spend their time planning the next DIY project before during or after the Christmas Holidays.

Although the recession is technically over many people still have tight budgets so the smaller scale (relatively speaking) gifts are very popular. Gifts of up to £20 are great presents for the kids to give to 'DIY Dad' while mum knows that if she buys that good quality Worx power tool she knows she stands a better chance of getting her kitchen refurbished soon in 2011

If you need some inspiration for christmas DIY gifts or stocking fillers Kens Yard have wide range of DIY Gifts for Christmas and DIY stocking fillers to suit all budgets including the following:

DIY Christmas Gifts under £10

Stanley knife, Pincers, Wind up torches including maglites, Disposable Mask, Tool bags, Measuring Tape, Screwdriver bits, Pliers, Cutting/Setting Square
See more DIY Christmas Gifts under £10

DIY Christmas Gifts between £10 - £20

Screwdriver Set, Multi tool, Hammer, Grinder , Jab Saw, Handsaw, Swiss Card
See more DIY Christmas Gifts from £10 - £20

DIY Christmas Gifts between £20 - £50

Impact Drill, Swiss Army Knife, Toolbag, Magic Saw, Pressure Washer
See more DIY Christmas Gifts from £20 - £50

DIY Christmas Gifts under over £50

Portable Multi Heater, Maglite rechargeable flashlight system, Workbench jawhorse and saddle bag
See more DIY Christmas Gifts from £50

Classics and  Favourites Power Tools for Christmas

De Walt Cordless Kits, Combi Drills and Radio, Powered Screw drivers, Circular Saws, Log Splitters
See more Power Tools Christmas Gifts