The Really Useful Column

Perfect timing

Brilliant builder: Having just spent eight months renovating a flat, I can vouch for the builder and his team that I eventually discovered. They turned up on time, even when it was snowing, worked to a very high standard and kept to schedule and budget - need I say more? Praise where praise is due: they are Daniel Gill and Phoenix Construction (020 8417 1178) and are ideal for those larger-scale renovation projects.

Out of hours: IT Limited has just launched a much-needed 24-hour emergency IT development and maintenance service, suitable both for small companies and individuals working from home.

Its team comprises qualified IT engineers and designers who, after an initial on-site meeting, will make half-day visits once a week or monthly, depending on what you need. It also has an outofhours back-up service. Visit www.oohit.com to find out more.

Trade secret

Antique fair: I recently discovered a regular antiques fair in the centre of London that sells at trade prices but is open to the general public. Dealing mainly in decorative objets d'art, Fleurdelys Antiques Fairs operate from the Kensington Thistle Palace Hotel once a month on a Sunday. I paid a visit myself and saw items being sold at less than half what you would expect in a shop. The fairs start at 10am, but for the best bargains you will need to be in the queue by 9am. Call Laurence Paul (020 7636 2327) for dates.

Window dressing

Stained glass: Tomkinson's Stained Glass is a specialist with an impressive website, www.vitraux.co.uk. This small company buys, sells, restores, tracks down and values stainedglass windows, including Victorian, Edwardian, French and religious panes and panels. Best of all, perhaps, are its Art Deco panels - which may tempt you to use more glass in your interior schemes.

Call 01582 527866 for more details; door panels start at £200.

Not any old iron

Flat out: If you dread ironing, and your clothes always seem to look crumpled no matter how hard you try, take a look at the

all-singing all-dancing LauraStar integrated ironing system.

A Swiss -made product, it operates using a combined blower and vacuum system that is said to produce professional results with very little work or fuss. The-topofthe range model costs a lot - £499, - but it may be a sensible investment. Call 01959 547061, or visit www.laurastar.com.