DIY, gas central heating and the best plumbers in Paignton

DIY, gas central heating and the best plumbers in Paignton

Great to be enjoying the so called "Indian summer" in Paignton these last few days. Hopefully it will stay a little bit longer for a scorching weekend all over the English Riviera... But rest assured, in a couple of weeks we'll all be donning scarves, gloves and big winter coats for the next six months, plus staying indoors to keep warm out of the cold weather.

So what's the best way to get our homes ready for the inevitable cold snap?

First thoughts for warmth are without doubt central heating. Perhaps it's finally time to get that dodgy boiler looked at? (Instead of having to pay expensive call out costs over the Christmas period when money's to tight to mention!)

If you don't already know a trusty local plumber to check your heating system, then a good first port of call is the Gas Safe Register where you can find all the accredited tradesmen in this area.

Just type in your Paignton postcode at www.gassaferegister.co.uk and you will find an extensive list of plumbers and heating services near you. You can narrow your search by selecting handy options like 'Work Type - Gas Central Heating' and there are also links to engineer profiles showing their specialist skills (and certified photographs so you can be confident who comes a knocking on your front door!)

Most of these gas safe accredited companies and tradesmen appear in our business directory and two plumbers in particular come highly recommended.

A very happy customer (steve4656) says of Paignton Plumbers: "David recently fitted a loft tank. He was courteous, punctual, worked quietly and efficiently, helped to take away the old tank, and produced a much neater installation than existed previously. A professional in all respects and at a very reasonable charge; much better than the figure HomeServe insurance had quoted."

Similarly, Havmain got an A* rating from ken_cabwitty: "Came round to sort out our hot water yesterday. Paul knew his stuff and got the job done pretty quick. Wife can now have hot showers again so my life is changed ;). Good price and fast service would recommend."

Another two businesses worth paying a visit to are Clifton Heating & Kitchens on Hyde Road and Bradleys Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Ltd on Penwill Way.

Clifton Heating & Kitchens specialise in central heating, general plumbing and fire surrounds, as well as selling general plumbing materials to individuals or trade. If you visit their impressive showroom make sure you speak to Ian Grosvenor who runs this side of the business.

Bradleys Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Ltd are equipped to undertake all aspects of plumbing and heating and are approved contractors for British Gas, Age Concern, 365 Retail, Warmfront and John Fowler Holidays.

Right, now we've got the warmth side of things covered, this time of year is also renowned for people getting down to some home improvements, and a nice bit of DIY... Hint, hint! (I apologise if I sound like a clichéd nagging housewife!)

But where to go now Focus has closed down?

Paignton has two excellent local hardware stores that are well worth checking out (especially if you want to avoid another frustrating day getting stuck in traffic on the way to the retail parks in Torquay).

Granny_Green thinks Savages on Hyde Road is a very handy hardware store: "This is a great treasure chest of a store. I guess you'd say it's a hardware store but they sell a lot more than the average ironmongers. The staff are very friendly and helpful with any queries."

Sydneymoore gives a big thumbs up to the well established Exeter Handyman on Torquay Road: "Been coming to the Exeter Handyman on Torquay Road for years now and it never disappoints. It's a real treasure trove of DIY kit from wheelbarrows and ladders, to timber and boards, all kinds of tools, gardening equipment... You name it the Exeter Handyman has it! I always find what I need here and is a cut above some of the bigger homeware and hardware stores (in my humble opinion!)"

If anyone can recommend any other Paignton plumbers or DIY experts, then please post on the site here, but for now I'm going to get back to that Indian summer...

Flickr.com image by Geoffrey Galloway.