The government is seeking views on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which underpins fire safety in non-domestic premises. Employers and business owners are being asked for their views on fire safety in workplaces in England as part of a Home Office call for evidence launched today. The Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) says the height threshold at which automatic fire suppression systems are required in residential buildings in England should be lowered to 18 metres, down from the current 30-metre/10-storey limit. It is also urging the Government to require automatic fire suppression systems to be installed in
The UK’s original tenancy deposit alternative provider Reposit, announces its latest partnership with X1 Lettings, a prominent provider of student and residential lets across the North of England. X1 is a privately held, award-winning residential accommodation provider operating in the North of England with properties in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
Trends in home décor keep changing year after year, and you really have to be quick to catch them all. They shift depending on the season, which means decorating tips in spring are different from those in fall. So, if you are currently in the process of decorating your living
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not
Are you fed up with the way your house or apartment looks? Every day, you spend time in an environment that has been looking the same for as long as you can remember. This can easily get to you and you may begin to feel frustrated and in need of
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity,
The government is seeking views on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which underpins fire safety in non-domestic premises. Employers and business owners are being asked for their views on fire safety in workplaces in England as part of a Home Office call for evidence launched today. The Home Office is seeking feedback on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which underpins fire safety in business premises, such as offices, warehouses, shops and commercial venues, to ensure it is fit for purpose. The call for evidence follows publication last year of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review on Building Regulation and Fire Safety, which was commissioned by the government after the Grenfell Tower fire. The order places legal duties on those responsible for the safety of people using business premises. This is typically an employer or business owner, who must carry out fire risk assessments and ensure the safety of staff and others. Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said: The Grenfell Tower fire was an unimaginable tragedy and we are determined to do everything we can to stop it ever happening again. The government is making good progress on improving the safety of high-rise flats, but we must also look at the wider building safety landscape, including the places where we all work. To help keep people safe, we want to ensure the Fire Safety Order is fit for purpose. To do this, we need to understand how it is working on the ground and make informed decisions in the future. The order covers all non-domestic premises, as well as the parts of residential buildings used in common, such as corridors and stairwells. Under the order, those responsible for fire safety in regulated premises include employers, business owners, landlords, occupiers and anyone else in control of the premises, such as building and facilities managers. The order also applies to anyone with paying guests, including those who run bed and breakfasts, guesthouses or let self-catering properties, as well as hotels. All of these ‘responsible persons’ are being urged to respond to the call for evidence. Their responsibilities include: carrying out a fire risk assessment of the premises and reviewing it regularly telling staff or their representatives about the risks identified putting in place and maintaining appropriate fire safety measures planning for an emergency providing staff information, fire safety instruction and training The call for evidence will run for eight weeks until 31 July 2019, and an analysis of responses will be published and inform the government’s next steps later this year. It complements the government’s consultation, Building a Safer Future, which is also launched today. Led by the Ministry for Housing, communities and local government, the consultation outlines how the government proposes to take forward meaningful legislative reform in the building safety regulatory system. See more information on the call for evidence here and on the Building a Safer Future consultation here.
The Local Government Association (LGA) says the height threshold at which automatic fire suppression systems are required in residential buildings in England should be lowered to 18 metres, down from the current 30-metre/10-storey limit. It is also urging the Government to require automatic fire suppression systems to be installed in all new premises where vulnerable people sleep, including care homes and residential schools. The LGA says existing proposals for a 30-metre threshold is too high given the practicalities of firefighting. Cllr Ian Stephens, chair of the LGA’s fire services management committee, told the LGA’s annual fire conference in Brighton: “Residents have a right to be safe and to feel safe in their homes and automatic fire suppression systems, which can include sprinklers, offer a strong reassurance that is urgently needed following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. www.local.gov.uk/topics/fire-and-rescue
The UK’s original tenancy deposit alternative provider Reposit, announces its latest partnership with X1 Lettings, a prominent provider of student and residential lets across the North of England. X1 is a privately held, award-winning residential accommodation provider operating in the North of England with properties in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. Family-founded in 2012, it has grown from one 92-unit building in Liverpool to a 19 building, 4000+ tenant-strong operation. X1 focuses on providing The Northern Powerhouse’s students and young professionals with reasonably priced luxury housing continuing to prove a success. Reposit is currently offered to all new X1 Lettings tenants. At the firm’s latest development, Media City Tower Two in Manchester, Reposit has been chosen by 43 percent of its 237 tenants since being given the choice alongside traditional deposits a month ago. X1 has filled approximately 80 per cent its available units at the site in Salford, Manchester. Jude Greer, CEO and Co-Founder, Reposit: “We are really pleased that our latest partnership with X1 Lettings allows us to further grow our reach in the North of England. Reposit has always been designed to improve the affordability of moving home for tenants across the UK. It is important for us to empower young people in major cities in the North of England to be able to choose from a more diverse pool of properties. We are excited to see what the takeup is and how tenants and landlords enjoy our service.” Lorna McCracken, Branch Manager, X1 Lettings said: “Working with Reposit has been a really smooth process, from the initial discussion stage right through to integrating as part of our booking process. Many tenants have decided to opt to use Reposit rather than a traditional deposit since we offered this at the end of May. The team are really enjoying using Reposit, it is very easy to explain how it works to our tenants and is quick and easy to process.” Jaimie Crowther, Marketing Manager, X1 Lettings said: “The residential lettings market is changing and at X1 we are always looking at new offerings for our tenants. Reposit is a solution that we felt would grow our offering to tenants whilst keeping all parties protected. What stood out to us was the clean and safe approach that Reposit offers and the team were really open and knowledgeable about the lettings industry. Having explored the other alternatives, we are 100 percent confident in having made the right choice, not least thanks to the attention to detail in its offering and the fact that they are FCA regulated and provide FSCS cover.” X1’s Head of Operations, Mellissa Green added: “X1 started with relatively humble beginnings in a small office on Duke Street in Liverpool. Previously consisting of only three staff members and one student accommodation block, X1 has transformed into an award winning property management agency with thousands of tenants and landlords spanning across three cities. One of the reasons our expansion has been so successful is due to the family ethos that remains at the core of the company. Our tenants and landlords remain loyal to us, and this is down to us abstaining from a more corporate approach as we endeavour to stay authentic and relatable, no matter how big we get.” Following a successful launch of Reposit to new tenants, X1 plans to introduce the InsurTech offering to existing tenants in the coming months. X1 also plans to use Reposit through its integration with UK Tenant Data’s pre-tenancy software. Fully regulated by the FCA and covered by FSCS, Reposit gives tenants the possibility to switch safely from traditional five-week deposits to a non-refundable insurance product worth one week’s rent, one that provides eight-weeks of cover to tenants and landlords, covering them for all things covered by traditional deposits. Eight weeks of complete cover is the joint highest available from deposit alternative suppliers in the market. Reposit landlords are individually named on an insurance policy with Lloyds of London top – five underwriter Canopius. As the founding deposit alternative option in the UK, Reposit has been on the market for four years and has steadily expanded its services across the UK.
Trends in home décor keep changing year after year, and you really have to be quick to catch them all. They shift depending on the season, which means decorating tips in spring are different from those in fall. So, if you are currently in the process of decorating your living space and wish to accentuate the home décor with some cool renovation ideas that are popular for this season, here’s what you should take into consideration, and how much some of these things might cost you. New kitchen countertop The kitchen is one of the most popular areas in every home, so it has to be perfect. After all, this is where the family gathers for meals and where you could even welcome your guests. The first thing everyone notices is the countertop, so replace it with a newer, trendier one. There are a lot of options you could explore when it comes to prices, materials, colors and styles, but be prepared to pay up to $200 for a square foot of a quality countertop. Determine your budget to see how much you can spend, then plan your purchase accordingly. New kitchen cabinets After updating the countertop, it’s time to pay attention to the cabinets as well. Again, there are a lot of possibilities when it comes to materials, colors, shapes and types of cabinets, and all of these things affect the price, too. The amount most homeowners spend on cabinets ranges between $2.000 and $5.000, but you can always add a few more things into the mix if you want to make your kitchen extra special. Corner cabinets, curved cabinets and floor-to-ceiling cabinets cost a bit more, so make the design first and specify the budget before moving forward with the plans. New flooring This is the thing that most people avoid when it comes to renovating and decorating their home because it’s such a large project. Living in a home with poor flooring is terrible, and anyone who’s ever been in that situation will tell you the same. So, what can you do? Some of the most popular options include hardwood floors, laminate flooring and tiles, and the price depends on the material, the size and whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional. Overall, you could spend up to $5.000 on an average-sized home. Whichever idea you opt for, you can take it to a completely new level with a warm and colorful rug that complements other colors in your home and makes it more welcoming. New bathroom features This is another room that gives you comfort and joy, but it’s also a space that’s usually rather small and often forgotten when it comes to huge home renovation projects. However, if you give your bathroom a little love, you’ll be making a good investment because you’ll feel cozy in it every day of the week. The cost of a complete bathroom makeover can pile up to $10.000, but if you keep it smart and simple and focus on just a few things instead of going all in, you could save a ton of cash. Some of the things you might want to introduce are new cabinets, and you could also replace your bath with a shower, lay new tiles and install new fixtures – this way, your bathroom will look amazing after just a couple of days, and you won’t have to spend every dime you have. New décor Once you’ve updated and renovated all these things, it’s time to make your home pretty and introduce some décor into the picture. Doing it room by room is always the best way to go as this method allows you to control the costs and always stay on top of your budget. The prices for new décor in every room of the house can go up to $50.000 for the most high-end projects, but you could also pick more moderate ideas and spend much less money that way. Don’t forget that home décor is all about the style and appearance, not about money, so spend as much as you have to until you’re completely satisfied with the way your home looks and feels. If you’re thinking about remodeling your home and adding new décor to it, be prepared to spend as much as $100.000 if you wish to make a complete transformation. This is quite a lot of cash, especially if you’re doing several things at the same time, but just imagine how amazing it would be to live in a completely renovated place that’s recently been brought up to your own personal standards.
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not willing to make some larger sacrifices and convert all the way. That being said, we can notice a significant increase in people embracing eco-friendly designs in their homes and living environments. This probably stems from the fact that we, humans – as a race – have moved so much away from the nature we originally came from, that we are now looking for ways to come back to it and embrace it once more as much as possible. Since we already know that the kitchen is the heart of every home and we are now increasingly striving towards embracing nature, it only makes sense that we want to make our kitchen designs eco-friendlier as well. Here are some ideas worth considering. Start from the ground up Just like you wouldn’t start building a home from the roof down, you shouldn’t start any redecoration project with anything other than your floors. When it comes to sustainable flooring solutions, reclaimed wood is one of the better ways to go. However, finding enough reclaimed wood can prove to be really difficult. That’s why you should definitely consider going with concrete floors, especially in areas such as the kitchen. These are very durable and easy to maintain, and they can be so versatile you definitely won’t have any difficulties picking the right fit for your desired final look. Decide on the color scheme Next, once your flooring solution is set in place, you should focus on the other base of your design – the walls. Depending on the vibe and design you’re going for, you probably already have a color scheme in mind. However, in order to stay on the eco-friendly track here, it’s important to note that you should pay special attention to the type of paint you choose to go with as well. Zero-VOC and lead-free paints are the ones you should choose for this project as they are safe both for the environment and the people living in your household – yourself included. Add shelter for your dishes Kitchen cabinets are something many associate with being pricey and usually not very eco-conscious to make. However, this way of thinking is very, very wrong, especially when talking about built-in or fitted kitchen cabinets. With these, you can go with an iron or stainless-steel base construction and the only other materials you’ll have to use will be the ones used for kitchen cabinet fronts and countertops. However, do know that you will have to specify clearly that you want to go with this type of kitchen cabinets, as they are still a relatively new concept and not many people are familiar with the idea. Chose work surfaces with care And now comes the fun part – countertops, sinks and other work surfaces. When sinks are concerned, you should definitely go with the ones made of natural stone, as they are super easy to make and look absolutely stunning. Recycled glass is becoming an increasingly popular option for countertops. The reason behind this is the fact that not only are they super sturdy but they also offer a range of color combos and finishes that can fit right in with any kitchen design. Finally, chopping boards are also something you should be very careful when buying. Plastic cutting boards that are most commonly used in households are not very good for either the users or the environment, as they can contain some harsh chemicals, among other things. That’s why you should always try to go with wooden chopping boards that are not only safe to use but look absolutely stunning. That’s why you should look for a charcuterie board for sale and use it both as a nifty kitchen tool and a décor piece when it’s not being used. You can even buy multiple of these and hang them on your kitchen wall so that they can serve the aesthetic purpose as well. Make it light and bright Finally, the lighting in your kitchen must be top-notch. Since the kitchen is the place most commonly filled with sharp objects, hot surfaces and boiling-hot food it’s only normal that you do all in your power to make this area as bright as possible. To stay as eco-friendly and as energy efficient as possible, invest in equipping your lighting fixtures with LED light bulbs. Not only are these very eco-friendly but they are also excellent at mimicking natural light. So, if you are looking to create a sustainable design in your kitchen and make it as eco-friendly as possible, start by implementing some of these changes.
Are you fed up with the way your house or apartment looks? Every day, you spend time in an environment that has been looking the same for as long as you can remember. This can easily get to you and you may begin to feel frustrated and in need of some change. If these are your feelings exactly, it’s high time you redecorated your place. However, since not all of us have a lot of money just lying around for a quick remodel, we need to find another way to make it work. One idea is to focus on your living room as this is the place you spend most of your conscious time in and also the place where you relax and have fun. Despite the fact that even a single room redesign can be quite pricy, here’s how you can do it and save some bucks. Paint Whenever you’re bored with the look of your interior, the first and easiest thing to do is repaint something. It’s the real Australian way and it’s very effective and quite affordable, especially if you decide to do it yourself. You don’t need to repaint the whole room. It can just be one wall or you can create some kind of artwork to be the focal point of your living room. Wallpapers are also a cool option to consider. You’re free to go nuts here and it’s all for a small amount of money. If you want to make a drastic change of colors, that’s fine too, just make sure to prepare the walls for a radical color change by scraping them and putting the right foundation on. Make room and declutter Another source of dissatisfaction may be a living room that is too crowded with unnecessary stuff. Start cleaning up and be ruthless. If you don’t know where to put certain items, it may be because you just need to throw them away. On the other hand, if you’re too emotionally attached, store them in a box and shove them in a cupboard or a storage room. Also, if you have an armchair that takes up too much space and is never used, get rid of it. You can put it in another room or just give it away. Another great space-saving idea is to mount your TV. If you do that, you can absolutely lose the TV shelf and clear more space. Just make sure to do it right. Most Australians hire professional TV installation in Adelaide to do the job for them as it can get quite dangerous if the TV isn’t mounted properly. Revamp the furniture Getting new furniture can cost an arm and a leg. While there are cheaper options such as the flea market or searching for discounts, there are even more affordable options you can choose. For instance, if your couch is in good condition, there’s no reason to replace it. Instead, you can just reupholster it to go with your new walls and the new look you have in mind for your room. You can also use sandpaper and paint to create a new look for your tables and shelves. Pillows can play an important role here as well, as they’re not expensive but can make a significant change in the aesthetics of the room. All in all, a lot can be done with good will and a bit of imagination. So, next time you’re feeling sad because your home looks boring, get some ideas and start the adventure. You’ll be so proud of yourself having redecorated the living room yourself that you’ll enjoy its appearance for many days to come.
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity, therefore it’s much better to have your own office where you’ll be able to work in peace. A home office can increase your productivity and help you work harder, so here are some tips for designing it to suit your needs. Get rid of distractions Decluttering can be extremely beneficial if you want to stay on track. A home office is supposed to be a place for work, not for lounging, so make sure to remove all the clutter and junk and make it functional. Having too many decor pieces can be distracting, instead, add one or two elements in a tray like this one and keep the rest minimalist. Use the shelves for files, folders, and books, and if you have a lot of documents, get some paper trays where you can put all the paperwork. Make your desk as clean as possible, so you’ll be able to focus on work. By doing so, you’ll have a more relaxing and comfortable work ambiance at home. Get a comfortable chair Having a comfortable chair is essential if you want to avoid back pain and stiffness. There are many types of chairs, so before you purchase, try at least two or three until you find the one that’s comfortable. You can choose a specifically colored chair that matches your office vibe, but when it comes to office chairs, you should always prioritize your own comfort. When picking a chair, make sure that the backrest is adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. Plus, if you have a carpet, make sure that your chair has wheels made for carpet, so it will be easy for you to move around, especially whenever you need to reach something from the chair. It is a good idea to invest in an ergonomic office chair so you may prevent suffering from various postural and other musculoskeletal health problems. Take a look at the following tips when choosing an ergonomic office chair for your work-from-home setting: Choose Adjustable Armrests: With adjustable armrests, your arms can rest comfortably and your shoulders are more relaxed. Your lower arms and elbows rest will lightly, too. To ensure proper posture, your forearm shouldn’t be lying on the armrest while you’re typing. Seat Height: Select an ergonomic office chair with adjustable seat height, which is one with a pneumatic adjustment lever. The seat height should range from 16 to 21 inches to leave your feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk. Choose One With A Swivel: Pick an ergonomic chair that could easily rotate so you can easily reach different areas on your desk without causing strains. Backrest: When it comes to the chair’s backrest, it should be around 12 to 19 inches wide. The backrest should be height and angle adjustable if it’s separated from the seat. Seat Depth And Width: Comfortably sit with 17 to 20 inches wide as the standard width. The depth (measurement from front to back) needs to be enough to sit with your back against the ergonomic office chair’s back (leaving 2 to 4 inches between your knees and the chair seat). Lumbar Support: Look for an ergonomic chair with good lower back support. Because the lumbar spine curves inward, the natural curve can be flattened when sitting for a long period due to slouching. Avoid straining your spine by choosing an ergonomic chair with a lumbar adjustment to get the proper fit and support your lower back. Seat Material: Choose an ergonomic office chair material with enough padding for your comfort, most especially if you will be working for long hours. Shelves will give you more space Aside from looking good, shelves can help you reorganize your office and make it look tidier. If you feel like you need some extra space, you should consider investing in durable and quality shelving. Having a place to put away all your books and heavy folders can greatly improve your home office and make it look more business-like, which is important if you have clients coming over. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can play with different designs and materials so your shelf will look more interesting. Decorate wisely Maybe some people prefer cramped working spaces, but for maximum productivity, you should aim for less is more principle. Adding some paintings you love will enrich your space and make it look more homely and stylish. Getting some potted plants can have benefits, so be sure to choose those that fit with your office and are also easy to maintain. Besides, a nice round rug will add make your home office look more like a pleasant living room, so feel free to buy one that is easy on the eye and soft. Keep it well-lit Whether you work during the day or night, your home office needs to be properly lit so you’ll avoid straining your eyes. If you prefer daytime, ensure that you have enough natural light coming in. To make it happen, get quality windows and position your home office in a way that you’ll be close to the light source. Add curtains or blinds that are light and easy to adjust. And during the night, make sure you have enough lamps so you’ll be able to work without feeling disturbed by the lack of light. Get a meeting area If you have clients, it’s important to have space where you can sit and talk to them without being distracted. Ideally, a meeting area is a room separate from your office, but in case you can’t afford it, you can use a corner in your office where you’ll place a small table and two
