THE National Federation of Builders is reminding homeowners to be careful when undertaking DIY work. It is urging enthusiasts to know their limits to prevent becoming another accident statistic.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, 3,900 people need hospital treatment every week after DIY repairs go wrong, with 70 killed and 250,000 injured annually in DIY-related accidents.

Tony Maynard, chief executive of the federation, said: “TV experts can make even the toughest jobs look simple. But people need to be cautious.”

He added: “By attempting to carry out a big job yourself, you not only run the risk of having to pay someone to repair your handiwork, you could end up being seriously injured.”

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COUNTRYWIDE Surveyors is reminding homeowners with flat roofs to check on their condition regularly. Most modern flat roofs are covered by waterproof roofing felts, bonded with hot bitumen or by asphalt.

Under normal circumstances, you can expect a flat roof to last for 10 to 15 years if it has been correctly laid in the first place and properly maintained.

According to Countrywide Surveyor, "they should be checked regularly. Water can build up into puddles and strong winds can damage the felt, leading to dampness and leaks, which can cause dry rot in the supporting timbers. Excessive heat may also damage the felt covering, as can anyone walking or sitting on it.”

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ALL replacement glazing now comes within the scope of the new Building Regulations.

Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors will have to comply with strict thermal performance standards.

There are two ways to prove compliance:

* A certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered under the FENSA scheme.

* A certificate from the local authority saying that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

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CHARLES Church has added a conservatory to every property at its Ashbourne Grange development in Maidstone.

Bridget Page, sales director of Charles Church South East, said: “There is an increasing trend in the second-hand housing market for residents to knock through existing walls, usually in the kitchen and extend outwards in glass.

“At Ashbourne Grange buyers have none of the hassle of planning permission or building mess to deal with and can move into their new home safe in the knowledge that they can enjoy a modern conservatory already in situ.”

Prices at Ashbourne Grange range from £204,500 to £243,500. For further information, contact the sales office on 01622 726424.