The Mayor of London has a number of responsibilities which are critical to builders and developers. What does the election of Boris Johnson mean for builders and construction workers in the Capital?

Bricks are everywhere but few people know their qualities, how they are made or where they originate from. They have been around for millennia, and so have the bricklayers who lay them.

If you've got a period home it makes sense to reinstate period features. So where can you find the real McCoy and what's available?

The 20th Annual Sunday Times Rich List is out. Despite mutterings of property downturns and house prices falling, property tycoons and landowners make up the biggest group. And that's good news for builders.

The task for the 2012 London Olympics is so massive that the Construction Skills Network currently believes that the project will need to attract a further 182,000 builders to be ready on time.

Like most daunting tasks, clearing out drains is more straightforward than you think. Don a pair of thick rubber gloves and you won't even have direct contact with anything unpalatable.

Home entertainment is getting more sophisticated and exciting but the bits you don't need to see are increasingly easy to hide - surely that's the best of both worlds. Just get the right hardware and a good electrician to help you and you can enjoy all the benefits of modern entertainment technology.

Each region has it's own, distinctive traditional building methods developed by local builders over the years. So what are the main influences on these types of indigenous building work?

Exterior paintwork will give your house a new lease of life. And until the neighbours join the bandwagon you'll be the proud owner of the smartest house on the street.

We all know there's a shortage of builders and tradesmen in the UK. Well now the Government and the industry have got together to tackle the problem in a progressive way that should reap rewards for everyone involved.

Garden shows in the UK come in all styles and sizes, so you'll be able to pick one that appeals to you. Whether you want to go to a big show and pick up some tips and bargains, or go to a small private viewing there'll be something for you.

Many commercially produced cleaners contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and may be harmful when inhaled. Using natural, homemade cleaning products could be the answer.

"Don't move; improve" is the new mantra of the property sector. Mortgages are more difficult to come by, house prices may be teetering on the edge of collapse and with high stamp duty thrown in to the bargain, it really does make sense to make the most of what you've already got.

Lighting up your garden will make it a really exciting feature of your home - with the help of an electrician and a little design inspiration, you can really add some sparkle to your outdoors.

Paper directories are an expensive, old fashioned and uninspiring approach to getting work. An increasing number of business owners are choosing online listings as a means not only to advertise but also grow their business.

Windows are a vital part of defining the character and feel of a building. If you're considering changes to your windows then take time to assess what you'd like your window fitter to achieve.

Much is written about interiors - doing up kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms to increase the value of your home. But what can a good builder do to improve the appearance of the outside?

Fluorescent lights no longer provide just a dull flicker. Yes they are the environmental alternative to incandescent light bulbs, but they can also be funky and are a favourite of modern designers.

Want to hear some great news? Its more environmentally friendly to use a dishwasher than wash dishes by hand! So throw out those marigolds, get the plumber in, install a dishwasher and get ready for more "me time".

The bathroom is flooded, you have no hot water, the lights won't work or the roof is leaking. For many people that is just the beginning of their woes. Suddenly you have an emergency on your hands, but what next?

Choosing windows is no straight forward task. There are so many styles, types of frames and glass to choose from, so here's a quick guide so you know what window fitters can offer.

It's always exciting to get a craftsman in to do something special to your house. The choice is endless but one area where craftsmen can do work to stunning effect is glass.

Isn't a new kitchen every home owner's dream? Designing a kitchen from scratch is a great opportunity, but it can be a daunting one. Where do you start?

The sun's energy can be converted using solar panels that can be placed on buildings or on posts, facing the sun.

If kitchens and living rooms are the social hub of a home, then surely bathrooms are the ultimate refuge. Bathrooms are where we spend time alone, pamper and nurture ourselves and enjoy some privacy.