At last, you've moved into your new home. But the taps leak, the floorboards creak, the sockets are prehistoric and that hideous chintz wallpaper just HAS to go! You need help and there's no time to muck about -- look no further than Collins Gem DIY Tips. Bursting with how-to information on all your basic DIY needs, but small enough to fit in your pocket or hold in one hand, this is the perfect quick-reference guide for learning on the job. The first part looks at household services -- water, gas, electricity -- and shows you where to find the mains switches, what to do in an emergency and how to solve some basic problems that might crop up, such as spluttering taps, blocked pipes and a blown fuse. The book then moves on to the general fabric of the home -- the windows and doors, floors and stairs -- and demonstrates how to carry out common repairs: from rattling windows and sticking doors to damaged floorboards and squeaky stairs. As well as fixing your home, you'll also want to beautify it and DIY Tips provides you with the fundamental know-how needed to do a great job. The emphasis is on the right systems to use for particular surfaces: how to prepare the surface, what primers are needed, which paints or wood finishes are suitable and how many coats. Plus tips on the best techniques for a professional finish, whether you're painting, wallpapering, varnishing or tiling. And that's not all. DIY Tips also takes a comprehensive look at home security and home efficiency. Extensive advice and step-by-step projects demonstrate how to make your home more secure and how to reduce your bills by improving energy efficiency. Projects include: fitting door and window security, draught-proofing and laying insulation.; Basic Tools, Plumbing Tools, Electrics Tools, Decorating Tools* Identifying Services* Plumbing and Electrical Repairs* Windows and Doors / Floors and Stairs* Decorating -- inc. painting, wallpapering, varnishing, tiling* Home Security / Energy Efficiency