In the beginning locks would have been simple mechanisms from basic deadbolt to crude lock and key, also known as a skeleton key. The job would have been a manually hard job. There was no mass production by machinery so each would have to be made by hand, which took time and labour. It was the job of making and also defeating locks. As people learnt how to sabotage them the locksmith would have to invent more intricate systems. This meant that the worker changed from that of a simple artisan to an engineer. It was in the 17^th and 18^th century that the development of the lock systems progressed with devices was being invented on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. In England the Chubb brothers were developing the multi lever lock while in the United States Linus Yale Jr. was working on the pin tumbler lock, expanding on the work started by his father. Both would progress to designing locks used in banks. Chubb would develop the time lock while Yale would design the combination lock. With the industrial revolution came machinery which could produce large numbers in one batch.

As time progressed it was necessary to devise more complicated mechanisms and systems were developed, often for specific reasons. For example master keys were made to operate a set of locks. Alongside this came objects other than buildings which required securing. The invention of the automobile led to the need for an ignition key and the means to protect it from theft. As technology advanced, so did the work of the locksmith. No longer just involved with working with metals the locksmith is now involved with electromechanical systems. The key card lock system is now widely used in businesses and hotels. Using a plastic card the size of credit card information is stored which allows the door to be opened. There are various types of key card from one with holes punched into it to barcode and magnetic strips. The advantage over keys is that should a key card be lost, information can be changed on the computer and block access by the previous key card. It would have been necessary to change the lock before. Some systems are also able to see who has had access to areas. This can be useful should there be security issues though some may see this as being ‘Big Brother’.

The work and skill of the locksmith is wide ranging with lots of opportunities. Some may focus more on the electromechanical while others prefer to work with the metal hardware. Some will work within the commercial side of the industry with others working more face to face with the public. There is the opportunity to be self-employed as opposed to working for a company. One could work on the development of systems or with the repairing and installation of hardware. Although the work of the locksmith has changed since the early days the principles are still the same.

Ever rising house prices unfortunately seem to be inevitable in today’s economic climate however though domestic cleaning products are becoming more expensive, it doesn’t always have to break the bank when it comes to cleaning your house. There are many ways you can save money on domestic cleaning products and still keep the house looking like new.

Like all and any product on the market there seems to always be something new, and apparently better, to get instead of what you normally buy and domestic cleaning products are no different. The new ones are all shiny and attractive, far more than the boring sponge and spray you normally get. However, cutting costs in the cleaning budget is easy if you don’t fall into manufacturer’s advertising traps and instead just keep things simple in the cleaning cupboard. Many cleaning products can pull double duties, so instead of buying multiple cleaning products that will burn a hole in the pocket, look out for multi-purpose products.

Saving money on cleaning products is just one way you can truly make the most out of the household budget; another is the cloths and mops used as cleaning products. Disposable cloths and mops are costly and add to the household’s carbon footprint, fortunately there are many cost effective and eco friendly reusable alternatives that won’t cost a bomb and will make your house a lot greener.

Another way to be greener with domestic cleaning is to ditch the chemical cleaning products completely and instead make your own. You need not look any further than the kitchen for some of nature’s best domestic cleaning products. Lemon juice can be used as natural bleach, baking soda is perfectly put to use a mild abrasive and white vinegar works wonders with lime scaled bathroom shower doors, glass and other surfaces. Obviously for really stuck on oven grease and messes similar, sometimes the stronger chemical based domestic cleaning products are what the cleaning doctors ordered. However for the smaller jobs, rummaging through the kitchen cupboards for a spare lemon, some vinegar and baking soda that will leave your home spotless can save a lot of money.

Housing prices may cost the ends of the earth but keeping them clean really doesn’t have to.

But very often these repairs can be performed by the average person, without any specialist tools. Routine plumbing jobs include:

Leaks in the home: Know where your stopcock is located. Then turn the key anti-clockwise. This knowledge alone could save you an exorbitant call-out fee. Many plumbers will simply turn off your stopcock, before presenting you with their bill. It makes sense to know how to do this yourself, in order to save time and money.

Blocked sinks: This is a simple job if you have plastic pipework, as it unscrews easily in your hands. Place a bucket underneath the trap before commencing, and then the offending item should easily become dislodged.

Dripping taps: In most cases a worn washer will need replacing. They cost pennies, and are readily available from hardware stores.
The only tool required is a screwdriver, which most of us own. Unscrew the top of the tap, remove the worn washer and replace with a new one before reassembling. This should only take minutes.

Blocked toilets: In many cases these blockages are caused by a build-up of paper. All you need to remove the obstruction is a plunger and a pair of rubber gloves.
A number of products are also available to help with this job, from caustic soda to drain cleaners.

But do remember that some jobs are best left to experts, and never attempt any of the following:

• Repairs to central heating systems and boilers.
• Extensive repairs to pipework.
• Problems with sewers.

This type of work should only be taken on by industry-regulated professionals with appropriate tools and training.

If the stack is leaning, this will be obvious from ground level. You may also be able to detect other problems, such as large cracks in the stack, just by looking up. However, small fissures, deteriorating flaunching, or loose chimney pots would only be visible at close range on the roof. Contact a roofing contractor to carry out this kind of detailed inspection, as it is dangerous to work on the roof if you are not professionally trained and do not have specialist equipment. For safety reasons, UK legislation requires that most chimney repairs should be carried out using scaffolding. You could save money by having chimney and other roofing repairs done at the same time.

There are several reasons why chimney stacks start to lean. Often, unsuitable modern mortar has been used to repair damage to the pointing. Porous 19th century bricks require re-pointing with lime mortar. A hard cement-rich mortar could make the bricks loosen more quickly, causing instability. The weather is another damaging factor. The prevailing wind can dry out the mortar on one side of the stack, making it shrink. On the other side of the stack, the moisture in the mortar will make it expand, and the tension that results causes the stack to lean. Working chimneys risk being damaged internally by hot gases rising through the flue, while unused chimneys may be endangered structurally if the chimney breast has been taken out. If you notice any leaning, you should always seek professional advice as to whether the chimney needs to be removed or reconstructed.

Damp causes all kinds of problems. Moisture can enter through small cracks in the mortar, so the brickwork may need to be re-pointed. In working flues, damp can be caused by condensation. Allowing wood to dry out before burning can reduce condensation, or just install a flue liner. Cap a redundant flue to stop rainwater coming in, but keep air moving through the flue to let any moisture evaporate. Water can also enter the stack via faults in the flashing – the metal seal between the roof and the bottom of the stack. The flashing needs to be a good height, so if water is coming through, you may need to add more. Loose flashing should be re-fastened to the roof and any damaged strips replaced with new flashing.

Flaunching – the protective layer of mortar around the top of the stack that keeps the pots secure – is susceptible to frost damage. Cracked and crumbling flaunching should be replaced by a roofing contractor. Secure unstable pots, as these pose a danger to the public.

Many roofing companies are experienced in dealing with chimney repairs, so don’t leave it too late before seeking professional help and advice.

There are a few things that should be borne in mind about the D.I.Y option. Renting a carpet cleaner to do more than a small area of cleaning can be risky. These units have probably been used many times and are not in pristine condition. It is also surprisingly hard work, and often gets only mediocre results. Much the same applies to the use of a bowl of soapy water and a brush, especially over an area of more than a couple of feet.

So what about the professionals? Here it is important to establish a few facts before signing up for the work.

What service do you need? Most professional carpet cleaning companies offer a range of options, from simple carpet shampooing or foam cleaning, to dry cleaning and steam cleaning. Discuss the best option with the company. It may not be necessary to go for the extreme end of the spectrum, but issues like allergies to chemicals in the family or the bio-degradability of the cleaning materials may be important to you. Some companies will offer a service using environmentally friendly cleaning methods.

Make sure that the scope of the work, which rooms or areas are to be worked on, is agreed and noted by the contractor.

The quality of the service is critical. So, if you can find a company through the recommendation of friends this is always the best choice. If not, ask for references and follow them up to ensure that the majority of clients are happy customers. At this point, it is also worth checking that the company will be doing the work using their own, trained and insured staff. Franchised operators are often excellent but outsourcing to other, less qualified contractors is not unusual and often means a lower standard. Remember that you are allowing strangers into your property, so there are security and safety issues to be considered.

Most reputable carpet and furniture cleaning companies will offer a written guarantee, as well as holding insurance against any damage. Check that this is true of your contractor, as even highly competent suppliers get things wrong from time to time.

If you have not already done so, check to see if the problem is covered by your home insurance policy. If not, then it is time to haggle. What price is the carpet cleaner proposing, and what are you prepared to pay? Once you have established the service that you require you are able to price check online. This gives you a good bargaining position.

Ultimately, it is essential that the service matches your needs, the carpet-cleaning contractor instils confidence, and all can be completed in a timescale that suits you. Bear these ideas in mind and all should be well.