SETTING UP YOUR WORKSHOP - PART I

There's nothing like a DIYer with no where to DIY. Everyone knows you need a shed to do work, somewhere to hide away and concentrate on all those projects that New Zealanders love to tinker with.

Welcome to DIY 101, let the class begin!

In this, and subsequent issues of HOW To magazine we are going to take you through everything you need to know about how to deck out your workshop. From the most basic tools to the latest whizz bang gadgets, we'll step you through them all. Everyone has to start from scratch at sometime, so whether you have a shed, garage or lean-to HOW To will guide you through how to stock and set up your DIY paradise.

HOMES FOR THE FUTURE

While the future ideal of fully automated homes might not be a reality yet, home automation has come along way. Home automation covers everything from motion sensor lights, to fully integrated electronics systems. In fact, any system that coordinates appliances and electrical features in your household.

While installation of home automation systems is possible in existing houses, they are more popular in new builds due to planning and access.

The May issue of HOW to magazine takes you through some of the home automation systems available and helps you choose what system is right for you.

CIRCULAR SAWS FOR EVERYONE

Circular saws are one of the most useful, and versatile, tools in your home workshop. They should be one of the first tools you buy when setting up your DIY workshop. And while if may take a bit of practise for most beginners before they are comfortable using one, it quickly becomes a standby tool to handle a lot of cutting tasks quickly.

So what are some of the things to look out for when buying your saw? What are some of the things you need to consider? From angle of cut to type of blade, the May issue of HOW to takes you through everything you need to know about this essential tool

STORAGE - EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

I'm sure we've all lamented at some stage about how little storage our house has and how we would love to have some more. Older houses in particular are rarely designed with practical (if any) storage spaces in mind.

Building storage into a new build is a luxury, and so careful attention should be made to this during the design phase. But never fear those of you living in older houses. It is possible to make your home functional, with room for clothes, linen, toys and everything else you need to tuck away.

The May issue of HOW To takes you room by room through the house with great tips and tricks on how to conquer that storage problem!

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONCRETE

Concrete is the foundation of our modern world. It is the easiest, most effective and practical way to construct a wide variety of DIY projects. And, as all of the ingredients can be sourced in New Zealand, it is 100% New Zealand made.

But for those how have never used concrete before it can be a bit daunting to get started. How is it mixed? How long till it dries? How does it work? Where can I store it?

The May issue of HOW To answers all of your concreting questions.

WOW FOR YOUR WALLS

Wallpaper is back in our hearts and on our walls. It is a relatively easy way to spruce up a room, and comes in a multitude of colours, patterns and styles. There is literally one kind for everyone.

Hanging wallpaper can take a bit of time and patience, but with the right tools and attitude the results can be outstanding.

The May issue of HOW To takes you through a step by step process on how to prepare your walls for hanging, and what to do when you have chosen the rolls that are right for you.

DIY SHED CHIC

Now you have your shed, the next thing to do is kit it out. You need all the fixtures and fittings to turn it into a chic and organised space, and the May issue of HOW To shows you exactly how this is done.

From lighting to doors, shelving to racks, this issue has it all. So don't just make do with a man-shed. Make yours a man shed to remember.

MAY CHECKLIST

Although it may feel like winter is well and truly here, it is actually still a month away. Your garden should be planted with your winter vegetables and your fruit trees will become dormant. The leaves on the trees have changed colour and are falling.

The May issue of HOW To looks at what needs tending in the garden this month to prepare it for the cold ahead.

From what to plant in the vege garden, to lawn care, there is still plenty to be done around the garden this month.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRUNING

Sometimes it really is true, the way to get ahead is to cut it right back. Pruning can be a little daunting in this respect. But follow a few simple rules and good pruning will really benefit the health of your plants.

A poor cut, however, will not. So when to prune, how much to prune and where to cut are three major questions when taking to your plants this autumn.

And the May issue of HOW To answers all of these questions and more.