Business : BDC Blog News
Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors

Read More »

Top 5 iconic buildings in the world

The current state of the world makes it extremely difficult to travel around and see some amazing architecture. Yet, it is imperative that architecture lovers should make it a priority to visit new places and see these amazing buildings once normality returns from the coronavirus pandemic. But while our lives

Read More »

Top 5 Football Stadium Constructions

Since football is the most popular sports in the world, there are several thousands of stadiums, which are capable of hosting football games in spectacular fashion, dotted around the world. Each of the stadiums comes with its own unique architecture, which has been shaped over decades of input from the

Read More »
Construction Industry's Recovery Far From Over

Construction Industry’s Recovery Far From Over

Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published

Read More »

Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the

Read More »

4 Garage Remodeling Mistakes You Must Avoid

A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage

Read More »

Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it

Read More »
Tips for Choosing a Trusted Builder

Tips for Choosing a Trusted Builder

Homeowners and landlords looking to find a quality builder to carry out improvement works to their property can follow these top tips for choosing a trusted professional from the experts at Taggart Homes. Whether you are planning an extension, looking to create an open-plan layout, or are simply seeking repair

Read More »

Why Homebuilders Should Focus on Smart Technology

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 2019 was a bumper year for housebuilding. Statistics show that almost a quarter of a million new homes were built between 2019 to 2020, the highest number since 1987. The thing is, some of those new properties weren’t particularly built

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6 Ways To Take Care of your Swimming Pool

We all love swimming in a clean swimming pool. Clean here means the water should be crystal clear and free of any bacteria that may be harmful to you. Keeping your swimming pool clean is never a walk in the park if you don’t have some tips for doing it.

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Five Eco-Friendly Home Ideas for 2021

Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors and adapting to new routines. This has influenced many of the property trends that are gaining popularity in 2021, including homeowners’ desire to introduce eco-friendly elements into their homes. “The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly living continues to accelerate, and this is reflected in our eco-friendly living habits, what we are looking for during our property searches, and in the way we are building new homes in the UK. At North Sands, we are proud to design and build homes that use sustainable materials that have an extended life and are low maintenance, offering high quality features that look to the future, such as smart technology and electrical charging points,” said James Hartley, director of property developer North Sands Developments. “Staying at home a lot more in the last year has made many of us reconsider our homes and the way we live, and even as we plan to move away from lockdown restrictions over the coming months, many of us are still considering improving homes for the long-term. “For those looking to live more eco-friendly lifestyles this year, there are lots of sustainable home and living elements you can consider to achieve this. From utilising smart technology to energy-efficient features, we have compiled a list of ideas to inspire sustainable living.” Here is the list of eco-friendly home trends: 1.Smart technology Smart technology encompasses a broad category of home and lifestyle products that are designed to save time and improve the efficiency and smooth-running of your home. From smart speakers to lightbulbs, there are many products available on the market – but if you’re looking for something to increase the eco-friendly credentials of your home, some of the best features you can invest in are smart heating and lighting. These gadgets operate using an app on your smart phone, and allow you to control the heating and lighting in your home while you’re out of the house or sat comfortably on the sofa. Having the power to control these elements of your home from your fingertips means that you can switch the heating and lighting on and off as needed so they aren’t running unnecessarily, saving energy and money on your bills over time. Smart LED lightbulbs are also low energy – meaning they require less electricity than traditional bulbs, but offer the same brightness and light quality. For an all-encompassing approach, all-in-one security systems are available to purchase which allow control of interior and exterior cameras, and include smart doorbells, plugs, thermostats, alarms and much more – which can be easily monitored and controlled to maintain performance and energy usage. Some of these systems may be available to purchase through your home insurance provider for a discount, depending on whether they meet certain requirements, as set out in your policy. 2.Windows and doors For an easy upgrade to your home that is going to last for years to come, improving the insulation in your property is one of the best investments out there. A staggering amount of heat is lost through single glazed windows – up to 84% in a room – so double glazing dramatically improves heat retention, meaning you will rely on the central heating less. A well-functioning front door, and new doors throughout the house will also go a long way in retaining heat in each room, preventing draughts. 3.Go electric According to Rated People, investing in an electric car is among the top three eco improvements homeowners want to make by 2025. Electric cars offer less maintenance and lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel counterparts, and with no emissions they are much better for the environment. With electrical charging points popping up all over the country – as part of many new home developments, at retail parks, motorway services and petrol stations, it’s clear that the future of car travel is electric. 4.Recycling An instant way to become more eco-friendly, pledging to recycle as much as possible is one way to make a real impact on the environment. More of the consumable products that we buy today come in recyclable packaging, making them easier to separate into designated recycling bins at home. Your local recycling centre will be able to take larger items, such as electrical appliances, to be reused again in the manufacturing processes.  You can start turning your bathroom into a plastic free space by choosing the products that are natural, conservative and eco-friendly. 5.Eco-friendly new builds As the government has pledged to transform the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, many cities are already implementing plans to build more eco-friendly homes to reach their targets. If moving to a new home is your plan for 2021, then choosing a new build property that boasts excellent eco-friendly credentials is becoming easier, as the construction industry shifts towards using sustainable materials and practices as standard. Choosing a home that has been designed and built with sustainability in mind will ensure that the materials used have a long life and require less maintenance than traditional houses, offering excellent insulation and good quality for decades to come.

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Top 5 iconic buildings in the world

The current state of the world makes it extremely difficult to travel around and see some amazing architecture. Yet, it is imperative that architecture lovers should make it a priority to visit new places and see these amazing buildings once normality returns from the coronavirus pandemic. But while our lives do not go back to normal, Paddy Power Promo Code has proven to be an excellent way to have fun without leaving home. There are several events from different sports, and all the bonus features are aimed at ensuring the user’s happiness. After the end of the pandemic, Paddy Power will accompany you even in these 5 places you must visit: La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona This is easily one of the finest choices considering the scale and magnitude of construction. The foundations were laid out in 1882 and it has been under construction for more than 100 years now. It is not expected to be complete until 2026. Even though this was not meant to be a cathedral in the first place, the iconic towers and Art Nouveau style make it hard to look beyond this idea. It remains a tourist attraction in Barcelona. Forbidden City in Beijing This is an iconic destination located within the massive city of Beijing. In many ways, it is the equivalent of a city within a city. It was originally set to be constructed over 72 hectares back in the 15th century. However, it soon became a symbol of the Chinese government and it has stood in a majestic way for more than 500 years. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul This may not be a modern architecture after having built in 537 A.D. Yet, this is one of the defining buildings that has brought about a huge change to the architectural history of the world. It has been able to showcase the Byzantine architecture, as it became a symbol of the biggest cathedral in the world for almost 1000 years before it was ultimately overthrown by the Spanish cathedrals. Roman Coliseum in Rome This is one of the iconic structures that was constructed in 72 BC. It was designed as an Amphitheatre to be able to hold around 80,000 spectators. The design and idea behind the construction remains a spectacle even now. The structure was able to accommodate a massive chunk of the audience while being able to fill in and out very fast. It was an arena built for witnessing some amazing gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris This is a Gothic architecture and the construction of this iconic building started in 1163. It took almost 2 centuries to complete. Even though recent fires have been able to damage much of the building, a major chunk of the main structure remains intact even now. The coronavirus pandemic has brought an early end to the renovation progress, but it is expected to resume once it is over. Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku This is one of the must-visits for architecture lovers. Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid designed this structure which was opened in 2012. It is a neo-futuristic building with multiple folded surfaces. It is no wonder that the structure received the iconic design award from the Design Museum in 2014. As one of the few modern buildings which were able to grab the world’s attention, the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is a must-visit.

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Top 5 Football Stadium Constructions

Since football is the most popular sports in the world, there are several thousands of stadiums, which are capable of hosting football games in spectacular fashion, dotted around the world. Each of the stadiums comes with its own unique architecture, which has been shaped over decades of input from the fans, environment, and more. Although football is one of the greatest passions in the world and the biggest star in Betway betting, we cannot fail to talk about casino games. Betway Casino Bonus offers an incredible welcome pack for all new users who sign up, in addition to the great variability of games on the platform. With the information passed on, we can discover some of the most iconic football stadiums in the world: Wembley Stadium, England This is a ground which is regarded as the home of the English national football team and it is located in London, England. Since England is the birthplace of football, Wembley is also considered as the home of the game itself. Naturally, it has witnessed some amazing moments in its extended history. It was first constructed on the site in 1922 before being replaced with the new stadium in 2007. Apart from the FA Cup finals that take place every year, this ground has also witnessed several iconic moments like the 1966 World Cup finals. Foster + Partners along with Populous were responsible for designing this 90,000-seater stadium. Santiago Bernabeu, Spain The Santiago Bernabeu is the home for Spanish club Real Madrid. The stadium was initially built in 1944 under the design layout by architects Luis Alemany Soler and Manuel Muñoz Monasterio. Over the years, the stadium has witnessed numerous renovations and expansions. The most recent renovation was proposed in 2014 and it involved a design by architects GMP from Germany. As part of the new renovations and expansions, many new features were brought into the ground like a retractable roof while increasing the capacity to more than 80,000. Camp Nou, Spain The Camp Nou is the place where Barcelona CF play their home matches. This ground was built in the 1950s courtesy of architects Francesc Mitjans and Josep Soteras. It has the capability to hold almost 100,000 spectators thanks to the various renovations that have taken place in 1995, 2008, and 2018. As one of the largest grounds in world football, the Camp Nou is a breath-taking site even when there is not much football around. Old Trafford, England Old Trafford is one of the oldest constructed grounds on this list after having been built in 1909 by architect Archibald Leitch. The ground serves as the home for Manchester United, who are one of the top clubs in English football. The capacity of the ground is not one of the largest in the world but it is certainly huge amongst English stadiums at 75,000. Old Trafford is also dubbed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. Estádio Do Maracana, Brazil Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium opened in 1950 and it underwent major renovations for the World Cup 2014. The stadium was designed by seven architects from Brazil like Waldir Ramos, Michael Feldman, and Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos. The construction of the stadium was done by engineer Humberto Menescal. In the past, the Maracana stadium has enjoyed capacities of almost 200,000. The construction of the ground lasted for almost 2 years from its inception in 1948. Apart from the major renovation in 2014, two other works have also been carried out.

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Construction Industry's Recovery Far From Over

Construction Industry’s Recovery Far From Over

Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published by the Office of National Statistics shows that new work has increased by 1.7% in January. Private commercial and infrastructure lifted the sector which increased by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively. However, with shortages in building supplies continuing to cause disruption, it will be some time before the construction industry returns to pre-pandemic new work levels. “It’s been nearly three months since the end of the Brexit transition period, and construction professionals are still very concerned that recovery is far from over,” comments Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety. “Our members are still reporting difficulties in sourcing specialist materials and supplies. This is a worry as it’s both holding up projects in Northern Ireland it’s delaying the importing of materials from EU. They’re just stuck at ports. “In addition, there is concern over the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. Professionals across the industry are worried they will no longer be able to accept work in EU countries or attract personnel for projects in the UK. As an association representing 3,900 members across the UK, we urge the government to ensure the construction industry – a major driver in the UK’s economic recovery after Covid-19 – to relax immigration rules. In doing so, projects will not be delayed due to lack of properly qualified and skilled professionals plus the industry will be able to re-establish with EU colleagues a mutual recognition of professional qualifications.” Founded in 1995, the Association for Project Safety is a professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury and tackling ill-health associated with construction. It helps individuals and businesses achieve the highest professional standards in design and construction health and safety risk management. Members are across the UK and include those working in architecture, engineering, architectural technology, project management and surveying. The Association for Project Safety recently formed a partnership with Cardo Crew, which offers wireless communication technology to the construction industry, as part of efforts to support the construction industry during uncertain times. Shachar Harari, Chief Business Officer & Head of Cardo Crew, says: “The construction industry has had a hard time. Not only have workers had to adapt to social distancing and new ways of working, they have also been faced with shortages in both materials and skills. It’s been relentless, which is why we have partnered with the Association for Project Safety. We want to help its members in any way we can to ensure the construction industry is back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.”

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Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the right house, at the right price, in the right area and those elements are such a balancing act that it can feel like an impossible task. For those who cannot find a home they want, building their own is an increasingly popular choice. Those that choose to build their own home want to ensure that they have as much control as possible over every aspect of the home-buying process by creating the home of their dreams from scratch. While this can be hugely exciting and a cost-effective way to get the home you really want, there is a lot more to building a dream home than many people realise. Designing your dream home The self-build movement has gathered momentum over the last few years, with many homebuyers getting frustrated with the traditional process of finding and buying a house. The ever-changing nature of the housing market means that people can be priced out of their local areas without ever getting a chance to buy their own home. A self-build property can be a cost-effective option that allows you to prioritise the things that are most important to you. You can choose an energy-efficient design that will maximise the natural resources of the area you’re building in and can save you money on your ongoing running costs. You will be able to design a house that suits your needs exactly, so you can build in the space-, labour- and time-saving features that make a household run smoothly. You can include anything you want from a wet room to a workshop or even an annexe or a stable.  Things you need to consider before starting a self-build project As with all large projects, preparation is key and there are several areas to consider when deciding whether a self-build house is the right choice for you: Location – it is easier to find suitable plots in some areas than others, and you will need to ensure that you have or can get planning permission to build. Specialist services are available to help you get an idea of what’s available, but this will represent a significant portion of your build budget so you need to research it thoroughly and choose wisely. Budget – there are plenty of ways to save money with a self-build so your budget can be more flexible than when buying through the traditional route. Detailed financial plans are important to ensure that you have the funds you need available. Specification – from the most basic build to more elaborate projects, you will need to decide on the scope of your build and have an idea of your priorities for your project. Balancing quality and cost is important to ensure you stay on budget, so choosing the right building materials is vital. Involvement – some people choose to take an active role in their build, living on-site and completing as much of the work themselves as they can. Others hire a team to take care of everything, but most fall somewhere in between. It is important to be realistic about how much you can or want to do yourself. Find the right team: Your house build is your top priority, and you want a team that will work with you to ensure that your project comes in on time and on budget. Delays can push costs up, so you need a team that works efficiently and to your plan. A home is so much more than just a roof over your head: it’s a place to share with your family and friends, a space to relax and have fun, and a sanctuary that allows you to shut out the world. A self-build project allows you to choose everything about your home and focus your time and budget on the things that are most important to you. If you research your project thoroughly, you can make the most of others’ experience and expertise to help you maximise your budget. A self-build project could be the secret to finding your dream home with the added satisfaction of a home designed to your specification and with everything on your wish list.

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4 Garage Remodeling Mistakes You Must Avoid

A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage into a workshop to hone your woodworking skills. Or you could use it as a place to carry out handiwork, such as repairing or redesigning household appliances and electrical equipment. Irrespective of how you use your garage, there will come a point when you’d want to remodel it. Perhaps you’d like to add more storage cabinets and upgrade your workbench. Or you might want to improve its aesthetics and better utilize the available space. As with any home improvement project, remodeling your garage isn’t a cakewalk. It requires thorough planning and tremendous hard work. Also, you’ll have to select high-quality and durable materials, including storage shelves, cabinets, and paint. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes you need to watch out for when remodeling your garage. Let’s take a look. 1. Treating It As A DIY Renovation Project Here’s the thing – remodeling a garage isn’t as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls. From installing new doors and windows to changing the electrical wiring – it involves various complex tasks. Also, depending on the extent of the project, you might have to re-construct certain sections of the garage. Unless you’ve got the combined skills of a handyman, electrician, carpenter, mason, and painter, it’s wiser to avoid the DIY route. Instead, you should recruit a professional garage remodeling company that has the necessary tools, resources, and manpower to complete the project. Make sure you recruit a reputed and trustworthy remodeling company. Check their website and ask for a few references before hiring them. Evaluate their online reviews and find out whether they’ve worked on similar projects. Also, ask them about the duration and type of warranty they provide on their services. 2. Starting Without a Plan You can’t just dive into a remodeling project without a plan. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up with mediocre results and a garage that’s far from what you’d expected to build. Worse still, you might even consider abandoning the project mid-way. That’s why it is always a good idea to devise a concrete plan before you start rebuilding the garage. If you’ve sought professional help, chances are your vendor will provide you with a timeline of the project. Make sure you coordinate with them to handle various tasks, such as making alternate storage arrangements for the equipment, tools, and other knick-knacks you’ve been keeping in the garage. Also, you need to figure out where you’re going to keep your car and other vehicles while the garage is being worked upon. The key is to ensure that not having access to your garage for a few weeks won’t disrupt routine life in your household. This is also a good time to check with your vendor and find out whether they’ve designed a floorplan for the garage. A robust floor plan will come in handy for optimizing storage space, as well as ensuring that the garage serves all purposes it’s intended for. 3. Ignoring the Floors If you’re remodeling your garage for the first time, it’s natural to focus all your attention on the walls, shelves, cabinets, and other superficial elements. However, in this process, you might be ignoring one of the most crucial aspects of your garage, i.e. the flooring. The quality of flooring in your garage plays a key role in determining its longevity and usability. That’s why you should make it a point to use high-quality garage floor paint. While you’ll find various types of garage floor paint options, epoxy floor paint is the ideal choice because of its strength and durability. It’s resistant to stains and doesn’t chip as easily. In addition to the type of floor paint, it’s also crucial to select a reliable and trusted supplier. If you’re looking for top-notch garage floor paint, you can check out the options available at Promain Paints (https://www.promain.co.uk/floor-paints-and-coatings/garage-floor-paint.html). 4. Not Optimizing Storage Space One of the main reasons you’re remodeling your garage is to create more storage space. However, if you restrict yourself to simple cabinets, you’re likely not going to utilize the entire available space. Instead, you should look for ways to install shelves in obscure corners that can’t be used for any other purpose. Also, you should explore options to utilize overhead storage. What strategy would you use to remodel your garage? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.

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Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it will go far in winning over clients and stakeholders. But this doesn’t mean that you should just hand out any kind of branded merchandise as corporate giveaways – instead, you should have a plan for giving out the best corporate gifts that your company has selected. Giving out corporate gifts has many advantages for your business – the first and foremost is awareness for your brand. But you’ll want your company to look professional in the eyes of your current and prospective customers. How can branded merchandise help your company grow? It will help you win over your business partners and strengthen your ties with them, thereby significantly boosting your reputation in the industry. Branded corporate giveaways help cost-effectively promote your organization. Every business can turn to branded merchandise to increase its visibility in the market. Valuable gift items like branded umbrellas create a significant impact on your clients, boosting trust and loyalty in your business. Branded corporate giveaways are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive and can easily be customized and so that you can distribute items that align with your branding and mission. If you’re looking for the proper merchandise to give as gifts to your clients, here are some reasons why branded umbrellas should be on top of your list: 1. Functional An ideal corporate gift has not only form but also function. There’s no use in giving out fancy branded bags if the items have no practical use. Valuable products and merchandise tend to be appreciated by recipients. An example of a functional branded promotional item is an umbrella.  An umbrella is the perfect corporate gift idea for any occasion. It’s a practical and flexible item to give, which your recipients will appreciate. It’s branded merchandise that you can easily keep in stock, making it one of the most direct items to distribute amongst your clients and even your employees. 2. Unisex When it comes to giving promotional items for corporate events and meetings, an umbrella is one of the most popular options. You’ll find that an umbrella has a practical purpose and can be used by both men and women. Umbrellas are one-size-fits-all, gender-neutral corporate gifts that combine form and function. 3. Durability All you need is the right supplier of high-quality umbrellas, and you’ll be able to choose from a range of designs. Some are simplistic, while others incorporate features such as rain covers and straps for added support and versatility. If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, you simply need to get in touch with a professional giveaways company like Steel City Marketing to obtain the best products. 4. Stylish Who said umbrellas have to be boring? There are many designs and colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find one that’s durable and stylish. You’ll also discover that umbrellas can look very sleek when they have been customized in many different ways. Your customers and business partners will enjoy receiving a corporate gift that’s functional and elegant. 5. Versatile Branded umbrellas can be used for numerous purposes, such as corporate promotional gifts and general company appreciation events. These promotional items are available in different materials that can withstand rugged use. You can choose simple umbrellas with your company name and contact information or one with a bolder design with your logo strategically placed for other people to see. Your corporate gift recipients immediately become your brand ambassadors when they use the branded umbrellas. 6. Marketing Tool As you go about doing your business, you may be wondering what marketing tool can help enhance your business’s growth and profitability. Branding merchandise has been proven to work that’s why it’s popular in most companies. This is done by imprinting your name or logo on the umbrellas so that the end-user knows what product or service you’re offering. It helps you stand apart from your competition as it builds awareness about your product and services. Takeaway One of the most important things to remember when purchasing corporate gifts is that you should make sure that the items you choose will help your business succeed. At the same time, it may seem like a simple idea; deciding the wrong things could mean that your efforts fall flat. Make sure you’re selecting quality gifts that will help you promote your business and establish your brand instead of just using them as a way to impress your clients. A quality umbrella is a perfect example of a great and long-lasting business gift!

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Tips for Choosing a Trusted Builder

Tips for Choosing a Trusted Builder

Homeowners and landlords looking to find a quality builder to carry out improvement works to their property can follow these top tips for choosing a trusted professional from the experts at Taggart Homes. Whether you are planning an extension, looking to create an open-plan layout, or are simply seeking repair and maintenance work, finding a reliable professional can feel like a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with the process and work involved. With the country subject to lockdown restrictions over the past few months, which has seen many of us adjust to spending more time staying in and working from home, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of homeowners wishing to renovate and improve their properties. As a roadmap out of lockdown is now underway, it’s the ideal time to plan your next home improvement project to make the most of what is expected to be a more positive year for many following the difficult circumstances of last year. Here is the list of top tips for finding a trusted builder: Establish the type of builder or company you require Depending on the type of work you require at your property, it may be necessary to recruit a specialist company to complete the job. If the work is more general, then a builder who has experience in all basic aspects of home improvement works – from renovating kitchens, to fitting wooden flooring, will possess the skills needed to finish the job to a high standard. Once you have decided upon the type of builder you require, do your own research online to find local professionals in your area. Many online directory websites will allow you to do this easily, where builders can advertise and showcase their work, experience and services. Make sure you contact other clients of your chosen builder to ensure that your builder has decent reputation and is easy to communicate with. Be specific about what you require One of the most important parts of planning your home improvement project is deciding early on exactly what it is you require and if necessary, take advice from a reputable architect on your requirements. If the chosen builder is reputable and knowledgeable then they may be able to advise you depending on the job and if you require planning or building control approvals before starting, be specific about what you expect your builder to do and not do – for example, would you like them to source the building materials and products needed, or are you willing to find those yourself? Would you like them to dispose of the waste produced on a job, or to save costs will you do that yourself? Answering questions like these will help you to specify exactly what you are looking for in terms of works, so a builder can provide you with a quote based on your requirements and expectations. Put your job out to tender Once you are clear about the type of work you would like, you can advertise your job on various websites, where trade professionals can get in touch with you if they are able and willing to carry out the job. In any instance, make sure that you obtain independent references on your builder and if necessary, go and ask the referee. Don’t hesitate to shop around either – finding three or four quotes from different specialists will give you an idea about the cost of a project, how much you can expect to pay and the level of workmanship you can expect. Each quote should specify exactly what work it includes, so you can compare what you are getting for your money and make the best decision. The cheapest job can sometimes end up expensive, especially if the requirement is not well documented beforehand or if the builder uses inadequate material or labour – only employ a builder who puts their work, their customer and credibility first. Credentials and experience After shopping around for quotes and determining exactly what work needs doing, you should have one or two builders for consideration. The next step is do some research into each builder to look at their credentials – how much experience do they have? What types of projects have they completed in the past? Do they have any references you can look to? And is there a portfolio of work that you can view? Choosing a builder who has a wide range of experience and many years in the industry is reassuring, as you can be confident that they have the skills, organisation and knowledge needed for most jobs. You may need to wait and plan well ahead before getting the right builder as good builders are always busy. Check they’re insured Remember to ask the builder if they are insured. They should have public liability and personal insurance to protect themselves, their customers and the public if a property is damaged during work, or if an accident or injury occurs. They ideally should have product insurance in the event of any of the building products failing, this has happened previously. They should also be registered with the NHBC as this is a further layer of protection for the customer in the event of a problem within 10 years of the project being completed. Agree costs and work involved upfront To ensure your home improvement project goes smoothly, and you receive the desired outcome you were hoping for, it is important to agree on the cost of the work upfront, as well as how long it is expected to take, and what type of work is involved from start to finish. A verbal or written contract can be put in place to specify exactly what is required and expected, so you know the work will be carried out exactly to plan. The customer should employ a quantity surveyor to quantify the work and give the customer an idea of the cost before going out to tender, the QS should then certify the work

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Why Homebuilders Should Focus on Smart Technology

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 2019 was a bumper year for housebuilding. Statistics show that almost a quarter of a million new homes were built between 2019 to 2020, the highest number since 1987. The thing is, some of those new properties weren’t particularly built with a focus on smart technology – and that’s a trend that seems to be continuing. Here’s why that’s going to be a problem in the not-so-distant future and why homebuilders should apply more focus on that: Consumers Want More Automation There was once a time where smart technology incorporated into new properties got considered a luxury. However, as with many things that evolve over time, smart technology has become commonplace in today’s modern world. Today’s homebuyers want to purchase properties that offer a plethora of home automation technology. They want their homes to make their daily lives easier and more efficient. For example, they might want living room control panels with tactile switches that are also controllable and customisable via a smartphone app. They might also want garage doors that open automatically whenever they arrive home from a long day at work. IoT Technology Is Becoming More Commonplace The use of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in people’s homes have become more widespread in recent years as consumers move towards home automation. For instance, smart doorbells like the Ring Doorbell offer a rich blend of extra security and convenience. There are also products like the Nest Thermostat that make it simpler to manage home heating controls. Everything in such products is manageable by a simple smartphone app and is a far cry from the “old school” wall thermostats installed by heating engineers. Tomorrow’s homebuilders must take on board that IoT technology is here to stay and will only become more commonplace across the UK. With that in mind, it makes sense to incorporate such technology in new builds. New Builds Need  EV Charging Points There’s no getting away from the fact that car manufacturers can only sell new hybrid petrol and diesel cars from 2030. In 2035, the government will even ban those, so consumers can only purchase electric vehicles (EVs) from that year. Future new builds should incorporate EV charging points for homebuyers to use, especially smart chargers that remotely indicate to those homebuyers when a charging cycle is complete. EV charging points outside new builds is a significant selling point to potential homebuyers, especially those investing in EV technology for their transport needs. Consumers Want to Save Money Lastly, people have always wanted to save money; that’s not a new fact. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that homebuyers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and they want to save money while being greener. Perhaps the best example is installing solar energy solutions, such as photovoltaic cells on roofs to create ‘free’ electricity from the sun. Tomorrow’s new builds should incorporate such solar energy solutions if homebuilders want to market their properties to the widest audiences.

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6 Ways To Take Care of your Swimming Pool

We all love swimming in a clean swimming pool. Clean here means the water should be crystal clear and free of any bacteria that may be harmful to you. Keeping your swimming pool clean is never a walk in the park if you don’t have some tips for doing it. If you need chemical free pool & hot tub cleaning services, you can reach out to Waters Choice for the best water pool care services. In his article, we will share some proven ways to take care of your swimming pool like a pro. 1. Check water level If your swimming pool water runs low, you should use a garden horse to add more water. In case there is a massive storm and your swimming pool overflow, you can use a pump to drain some water. Ensure you keep the water level at the recommended level and check if you need a permit to fill in a pool. 2. Soak unwanted oils    If there are unwanted oils in your swimming pool, you can use a tennis ball to soak them all. Grease gets into your pool from sunscreen, hair products, and suntan lotion. Just throw a tennis ball inside your pool and allow it to soak for some time to remove the oil. 3. Power-wash the pool As days go, your pool deck will become dirty. To keep all the germs and bacteria away, you should always clean the deck and keep it dry when you can. 4. Regular check-up Your swimming pool will still need regular maintenance even when you clean it regularly. You can call a swimming pool expert to check your pool at least once a year and ensure everything runs smoothly. To increase the overall performance of your swimming pool, you should schedule regular maintenance. 5. Clean the skimmers every day Sometimes, larger debris from the swimming pool gets trapped in the systems, and you need to ensure they remain open and clear. Empty some water from the pool in case of rainfall. Also, you can backwash the filters to remove any debris and built-up grit that may damage them.  Use the swimming pool pump to remove the debris in the filters. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the swimming pool pump. 6. Maintain pool chemistry If you want your swimming pool to serve you for long and ensure it is clean round the clock, you must maintain the right chemical range. When taking care of your swimming pool, you have to look into factors like the pH level and total alkalinity.  Check the chlorine level, metal sequestrant, and algaecide of the pool regularly. Always ensure you test your swimming pool every day to test ensure optimum chemistry. Final Thoughts  There are many ways to keep your swimming pool clean and free of bacteria and germs. You have to maintain proper pool chemistry by using the right chemicals in your pool. You can reach out to a professional to help maintain and repair your swimming pool in case of any issue.

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