Faringdon Handyman: Gallery
A bathroom update
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_20220729_115343_resized_20221212_014519893.jpg)
Tiling
I took up the old flooring and laid new tiles.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_20220729_115410_resized_20221212_014519287.jpg)
Detailing
I cleaned up around the sink area.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_20220729_115421_resized_20221212_014517993.jpg)
Shower enclosure
I installed a new shower enclosure, tray and shower and tiled the area with a contrast grout.
Project: A new bathroom in a 1740s cottage
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/before-at-Claires-scaled.jpg)
Before: dated and cramped
The existing bathroom was pleasant but dated, leaking and had a difficult layout.
I removed everything to start afresh.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/general-view-scaled.jpg)
After: A better layout
Plan and Paint designed the bathroom to create a better layout in the compact space and to fit in a larger sink and shower than previously.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pocket-door-and-cladding-scaled.jpg)
After: small details
I removed the existing door and replaced it with a pocket (sliding) door set (since frosted for privacy) and wood cladding to better use the space.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/shower-sink-pocket-door-scaled.jpg)
After: Generous shower
I replaced a cramped quadrant 800mm shower enclosure with a 1000mm one - a small increase to make a big difference when inside it.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tiling-and-simple-shower-scaled.jpg)
After: Tiling
The larger tiles make the room seem larger and offer easier grout cleaning than small tiles. The fittings are traditional style to suit the house.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/vanity-unit-scaled.jpg)
After: Large basin
I replaced a small basin with the largest which would fit and added a tiled splashback to match.
Distressed period tiles complete the look.
Project: A new bathroom in a Victorian home
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220318_112629-scaled.jpg)
Before: difficult scullery
The roof was falling down, there was an awkward chimney, the room was on two levels, had no hot water and the walls were damp.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220318_112645-scaled.jpg)
Before: cramped
With a separate toilet in the space, the room was cramped. There wasn't any hot water and the tumble dryer vented directly into the room.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220318_112737-scaled.jpg)
Before: the only radiator
The loo was used as a drying room as it housed the only radiator. Vinyl had been laid directly over quarry tiles on earth causing damp and flaking paint.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220720_154609-scaled.jpg)
After: an accessible bathroom
I raised, dampproofed and insulated the floor, walls and ceiling and added airbricks and a fan to control the damp. I built a new shower area.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220720_153714-scaled.jpg)
After: Shower with seat
I created a built in seat and added grab rails for our less mobile customer. To comply with the law, the fittings had to be where the existing drainage was.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220720_153429-scaled.jpg)
After: a larger room
We removed the loo's walls and added traditional style bathroom fittings, accessibility aids and a dampproofed flooring over new joists and airbricks.
Project: A new utility room
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220704_115504-scaled.jpg)
Before: boiler area
The new very large boiler had been installed where it was easiest for the fitters with no regard for looks.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220426_122632-scaled.jpg)
Before: a new look was needed
Faith at Plan and Paint designed the new layout of the utilty room and adjacent bathroom, sourced all the new items and decorated both rooms.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220318_112606-1-scaled.jpg)
A corridor to the scullery
The space had never been properly planned and was difficut to design because of the position of the boiler, doors and the open drain (!).
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220722_134300-scaled.jpg)
After: boiler area
With no budget for built-in furniture, I built a removeable log store (for access to the boiler) and covered or painted the other pipes.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220722_134227-scaled.jpg)
After: a new utility area
I created a proper drain from the old open drain, plumbed in a sink and washing machine and installed a worktop with shoe/boot rack.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220722_134854-1-scaled.jpg)
After: room for everything
The customer requested shelves rather than cupboards. Caldecourt Carpets supplied a dampproofed vinyl floor and Mike Heasman carried out the new electrics.
Project: Freshening up a kitchen
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/M-Goodwin-4.jpg)
Worktop, sink, tap
The sink and tap were small and the worktop was blackened by water, so I replaced them all. Faith at Plan and Paint designed the new look.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20211211_135009-scaled.jpg)
Sanding and tiling
Hot pans had burned the oak surface so I sanded back and re-oiled everything. The tiles behind the hob weren't full height, so I added more.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_20220318_112500-scaled.jpg)
Floor and paint
Faith chose new vinyl from Caldecourt Carpets and painted the walls and woodwork a soft yellow in what had been a cold, dull, white room.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Grey-fence.jpg)
A smart fence
We painted the fence and the trellis on three sides of the garden and it looked very striking when it was finished, showing up the plants well.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bin-store-open-1.jpg)
A bespoke bin store
A shiplap and chipboard double bin store with easy release felted lids and lid lifts.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20201004_205040-scaled.jpg)
Multifunction area
To work as storage, dining seating and occasionally a bed, we designed an upholstery foam storage seat with gas lift hinges at table height.
Project: A new bathroom
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210430_090810_resized_20210508_032619978.jpg)
Bathroom #1
We undertook a complete rip-out, re-design and bespoke re-build, involving pretty much every possible element of being Handy.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210430_103137_resized_20210508_032716910.jpg)
Bathroom #2
We relevelled the joists and relaid the floor prior to installing the cupboard and countertops.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210430_091234_resized_20210508_032718147.jpg)
Bathroom #3
We worked with Mike Heasman on installing lighting, Mark Banfield for plastering and Caldecourt Carpets for the vinyl flooring.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210508_164350_resized_20210508_044430109.jpg)
Bathroom #4
I replaced all the plumbing (the previous sewerage was going uphill!) and installed the river boulder stone sink, toilet, radiator and shower.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210430_091109_resized_20210508_032815490.jpg)
Bathroom #5
We hand-sanded (three times....) all the wood (oak, elm and pine) then hard wax oiled it for a long lasting waterproof finish which showed the grain.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210430_091316_resized_20210508_032718722.jpg)
Bathroom #6
After levelling the shower tray and battening out, backerboarding and tiling the new shower area, I fitted the shower and shower glass.
Project: A Cat Pergola
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cat-Pergola-1-e1620483296611.jpg)
A Cat Pergola #1
This was an interesting design and build. The owner wanted a bespoke pergola for the cats, with seating underneath, which would enhance the garden.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cat-Pergola-2.jpg)
A Cat Pergola #2
We decided on a starburst effect with trellis on the top, two seats for the owners and a house for the cats, who like to climb.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cat-Pergola-3.jpg)
A Cat Pergola #3
Stairs for the casts to access the house and perch, complete with seating underneath and trellis for plants to shade the area.
Project: A New Kitchen
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG-20201205-WA0002.jpg)
Kitchen #1
Due to coronavirus, I was able to work with the owner on his kitchen to halve his installation costs.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG-20201205-WA0007.jpg)
Kitchen #2
Having taken out the old kitchen, we assembled and installed the kitchen cupboards and cut and installed a slimline worktop. A local gas fitter installed the oven and hob.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG-20201205-WA0005.jpg)
Kitchen #3
I plumbed in the sink, taps and washing machine, painted and tiled the walls and laid a new vinyl floor.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201211_165404_resized_20201211_064113288.jpg)
A new 'perch' for tall chairs
I installed a worktop, cutting quarter of the back off all along, using it to create an upstand and rounding the edges for safety.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201210_131003_resized_20201211_064519190.jpg)
Before: a weathered teak table
The owner wanted her teak garden table restored to its original beauty.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201210_160124_resized_20201211_064211752.jpg)
After: new-looking teak table
The table was scraped, sanded and given a few coats of danish oil.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201119_154428_resized_20201120_062532362.jpg)
A first: A Catio
Who knew cats had patios? This enables the cat to have fresh air while not allowing it to roam. Purchased flat pack, it just needed installing.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Toms-room-2-scaled.jpg)
A space themed wall
Using a combination of a glow in the dark moon sticker, space stickers and a painted wall/red planet I created this wall for a boy's room.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201120_115532_resized_20201120_062616943.jpg)
Another first: a wall cat flap
After making big holes through the cavity wall I was able to install this large cat flap.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201111_122325_resized_20201120_062648709.jpg)
A new shower screen
Replaced and fitted a new shower screen to existing bathroom.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201013_172032-scaled.jpg)
New tiled floor
Removed old floor and installed new floor tiles.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_4644-1-scaled.jpg)
Installed cut vinyl graphics
Cut vinyl is a bespoke wall sticker. It needs careful positioning and once up is very effective and modern looking. We chose a gloss look.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20200306_130105-scaled.jpg)
Removing and painting a door
For various reasons, the door was entirely removed, boarded up, stripped, sanded, painted and reinstalled.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20201009_150007-scaled.jpg)
A new utility room area
I installed cupboards, sink and worktops to a garage to create a utility room area and plumbed in the taps and white goods.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_20200710_154657-scaled.jpg)
Another new gate
Having removed the old gate, I made and installed this one to replace it.
Project: cladding the walls, creating a floor and adding shelves in a barn.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2127-scaled.jpg)
Battening out the walls
The barn's stone walls were slightly damp and cold. To counteract this and to provide a smooth surface I battened them out prior to attaching cladding.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2128-scaled.jpg)
Ceiling cladding
I installed insulation and plasterboard to the entire ceiling to leave it ready for plastering.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2200-scaled.jpg)
Finished walls, ceiling and floor
Having clad the walls in sanded pine and attached finishing strips I boarded out the uneven floor ready for the client's choice of flooring.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2126-scaled.jpg)
The barn at first
The barn had been used as an office and music room but was, while charming, cold and damp and uneven on floor and walls.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2143-scaled.jpg)
A made-to-measure counter
I scribed this to fit the walls and edged it to make it neat.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2196-scaled.jpg)
Finished fitted shelves
I created fitted shelves and left them ready for the client to paint. The ceiling has been plastered and now offers more insulation.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200522_150701_resized_20200705_113743564.jpg)
Another gate
I constructed this in the same way as the first, with closeboard uprights and v strengthening.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200211_174342-e1594722136535.jpg)
Bathroom
I installed a shower and tiled the bath area around in white metro tiles with white grout.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200203_100244-e1594722175377.jpg)
Tiling around a sink and window
Simple tiling around the sink, behind a radiator and up and into the window recess.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2220-scaled.jpg)
Installing a loft hatch
I installed a larger loft hatch and easy-drop ladder and boarded the loft out.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2224-scaled.jpg)
Loft shelving
More space can be made in the loft using inexpensive chipboard to create shelves, as shown here. I added a back board to stop things falling off.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2223-scaled.jpg)
Boarding out a loft
Space can be created (in lofts which are suitable) by boarding over the fibreglass. It was 35 degrees and I was in a boiler suit and gloves.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200610_153806_resized_20200705_113740880-1.jpg)
A garden fence
Installed in a new build where the existing fence was not of good quality.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200521_182156_resized_20200705_113744452-1.jpg)
A bespoke gate
The client needed a slightly wider gate so I built this from exterior treated timber, hung it and fitted gate furniture.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200323_175049_resized_20200705_113852153.jpg)
A kitchen unit
I installed and plumbed in this new kitchen unit, sink and worktop.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200619_140846_resized_20200705_113738028.jpg)
Wooden picket fencing
I built and installed a small fence and gate to keep a small dog in.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200617_213429_resized_20200705_113739650-1.jpg)
A metal fence
I installed a low metal fence on an existing concrete ramp.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200610_153825_resized_20200705_113739863-1.jpg)
A wooden garden fence
The original fence had come down in a storm and I quickly installed this for privacy. Digging out existing concrete footings is hard work!
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200701_124436_resized_20200705_113458368.jpg)
Acrylic coronavirus screen
A screen for Faringdon Town Council around the main reception desk. This one is permanently attached to the desk.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200527_091032_resized_20200705_113501180.jpg)
Acrylic coronavirus screen
A screen for the Mustard Seed in Faringdon; this involved bending the acrylic around the corners.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200611_094134_resized_20200705_113459099-e1594723060372.jpg)
Acrylic coronavirus screen
Having made my own acrylic bending equipment I was able to create a curved screen to match the desk.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200317_130944_resized_20200705_113953875.jpg)
Cleaning a flat roof
Removing all rubbish, moss, leaves etc, scrubbing the roof and replacing the gravel
![Tiling by Faringdon Handyman](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2116-scaled.jpg)
A tiled bathroom floor
Medium sized porcelain faux slate tiles with a black grout to match
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20200313_131718_resized_20200705_114021843.jpg)
A new door
Hanging a new door to make sure it closes properly and has just the right clearance from the ground, and attaching door furniture
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sink-1.jpg)
Cloakroom
Installation of a glass sink, glass tap and waste in a downstairs cloakroom on bespoke slate.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hallway-flood-rotated-e1592061273306.jpg)
Flood under the floor
All the floor, the underfloor heating, the underfloor heating protector and the floorboards had to come up so I could fix a leak in the copper pipework.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mint-herb-box.jpg)
Planter
A metre-wide garden planter to match the decking. Lined with compost bags to avoid rot.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/house-bathroom-rotated.jpg)
Shower before
This is the backing board going on for a tiled shower with a tiled shower seat with patterned tiles.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20210508_165904_resized_20210508_045958189.jpg)
Shower after
This is the finished tiled shower with seat, all pattern matched....
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/utility-room-cupboard-scaled-e1592060738294.jpg)
Built-in utility room cupboard
The owner needed to store coats and ironing board, and wanted shelves with a folding door. The cupboard was sized for maximum space between windows.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PICT0052.jpg)
Coffee machine fix
The coffee machine was broken when purchased; a bit of work with the electrics and it was soon in good working order.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/jul01-terrible-garden.jpg)
Garden clearance before
The client's garden hadn't been touched for 10 years (students!) this is the before; the next image is the after..
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sep-01-garden-cleared.jpg)
Garden clearance after
I left, but crown lifted, the Myrobalan plum tree, and removed all the overgrowth ready for the clients to take their next steps.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pond-May-2-scaled-e1592059464257-768x761.jpg)
Small pond
A small pond dug near existing decking and lined with sand, fleece and butyl. The pond has three shelves for plants and a flat area to allow wildlife to enter and exit.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/house-new-bathroom-scaled.jpg)
Wash stand
The client wanted to use an old orange French pine washstand, but the top wasn't suitable for the weight of the bowl. The top was replaced with a sturdier pine and painted and the stand was lime waxed.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Toms-room-2-scaled.jpg)
Painted wall
The client had a set of space stickers and a moon, so I created a space theme, painting the wall dark blue and 'Mars' in the bottom right.
Project: designing and installing my own kitchen
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kitchen-first-tiles-off.jpg)
Destroying the tiles
To get things going, we made this mess and had a great time removing horrible brown tiles.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/exploratory-holes-scaled.jpg)
Investigations
Investigating what was in the ceiling prior to installing the extractor fan vent through it
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ceiling-down-scaled.jpg)
A few days in
We took off the whole ceiling and took out everything except the oven and sink.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fixing-stuff.jpg)
Lighting
I put in new light fittings throughout
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/oven-on-ready-to-dine-scaled.jpg)
Plasterwork
D. Dancey Builders plastered the room, moved a door and put up a lintel. I don't advise putting the oven on a workbench but it had to do.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/painting-utility-1-scaled.jpg)
Painting
We cleaned, sanded, primed, undercoated and top coated the existing cupboard doors and Faith did the tiling here.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/kitchen-from-dining-room-scaled.jpg)
Long view of kitchen
We removed the useless breakfast bar and replaced it with a table which we can move when necessary.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/larder-lights-scaled.jpg)
Open shelving larder
To ensure equal lighting on every shelf I used fairy lights which give a pretty look too.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/kitchen-from-lounge-scaled.jpg)
A cool drink after a long day
With a tiny budget, we repainted and reused cabinets and doors, used slate laminate worktops and hand built as much as we could.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hob-area-scaled.jpg)
Finished hob area
Designed, built, tiled, installed and painted ourselves.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sink-2-scaled.jpg)
New ceramic sink
I had to move and re-plumb the water for the new sink and tap before putting in the sink.
![](http://faringdonhandyman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20140920_162124589_iOS-scaled.jpg)
A cool drink after a long day
Sitting in the detritus of the old kitchen