Smartroof is delighted to launch the Smartmove Challenge 2021 as a fun way to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff, suppliers and customers, win prizes and raise funds to support the mental health charity Mind. At a time when our health and wellbeing has never been more important, the
Over the years, online casinos have enjoyed a surge in popularity, thanks in part to live casino technology. This gives players the experience of being in one of the most luxurious casinos globally, without leaving their sofa. However, there is still a place for the land-based casino, and one thing
This article examines the concept of stadium construction, as well as the time and effort that go into building a world-class one. Stadiums are an important facility for most sports. From soccer to athletics, cricket and rugby, stadiums serve as a holistic venue for players and spectators. Stadiums not only
Homeowners considering their next improvement project should look to double glazing to add value and kerb appeal to properties, according to home improvement experts. With the latest home improvement research showing that the value of homes could be reduced by over £9,000* if properties don’t have double glazing – the
The sharing of patient information and collaborative processing of information is essential in health care. The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted that. There were so many events where collaboration was needed between hospitals and community care providers, as far as both infected patients and patients recovering. One way to facilitate collaboration
Whether you are renovating your home for yourself or for a future investment opportunity, it’s understandable that you may be excited. You get the chance to create your dream property and can really spend time making it perfect. However, many people tend to get in over their heads. Renovating is
The online casino industry has been growing steadily over the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2019, the market was worth US$58.9 billion worldwide; by 2020 this was US$66.7 billion, and is expected to grow by 50% to almost US$93 billion by 2023. This growth
Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from their bricks and mortar investment. The conclusion? A bigger home, more outdoor space and a move away from the city. While this has been a trend that has intensified over the last year, the latest
Are you considering investing in home renovations? Maybe complete kitchen update or bathroom renovations, perhaps even a new addition, like a master suite? These may be popular ideas. However, investing inexpensive home improvements does not necessarily generate the highest return on investment (ROI). In a big way, it pays to
Sustainability, digitisation and adopting exciting new technologies are key to building back from the coronavirus pandemic, according to presenters at this year’s Summit of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), hosted for the first time ever as a virtual event along with a digital prize-giving for the International Awards for
Smartroof is delighted to launch the Smartmove Challenge 2021 as a fun way to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff, suppliers and customers, win prizes and raise funds to support the mental health charity Mind. At a time when our health and wellbeing has never been more important, the six month Smartmove Challenge hopes to get people moving for a healthier mind and body, whilst at the time raising much needed funds for the charity Mind, which provides support and advice for anyone experiencing mental health problems. Set to start on 1st April and end on 30th September 2021, the Smartmove Challenge comprises three activities – walking, cycling and running – with participants submitting their completed miles. Smartroof has a set a collective participant target of 250,000 miles in six months after which the company will donate £2500 to Mind. Its parent company The Keystone Group has committed to match the donation. “We are hoping the launch of Smartmove Challenge will motivate people to make meaningful and lasting changes to their health. The challenge will also raise vital funds to help Mind, a charity at the frontline of people’s mental health,” commented on the challenge, Kevin Sherlock of Smartroof. A monthly prize giveaway of an Apple SE Watch is on offer and a Smartroof Challenge 2021 certificate will be awarded to participants who complete a challenge for six consecutive months. Participants who sign up to the Smartmove Challenge will receive a branded sports towel, snood, water bottle and drawstring bag to use while enjoying all the benefits of increased activity. Mind helps the one in four people in the UK that experience a mental health problem every year. The money raised will fund their vital work including the Mind Infoline, advice services and the campaigning Mind does.
Over the years, online casinos have enjoyed a surge in popularity, thanks in part to live casino technology. This gives players the experience of being in one of the most luxurious casinos globally, without leaving their sofa. However, there is still a place for the land-based casino, and one thing that these can offer is stunning design and architecture. Here are five of the most elaborate casino designs in the whole world. 1. Casino de Monte Carlo, Mónaco Monaco is renowned for being glamorous and high-end, and this 19th-century venue is no exception. It is so stunning that many of the casinos in America have tried desperately to emulate it, but nothing has come close to the original true beauty of this casino. From the moment you arrive and glimpse the exterior, your breath is taken away by the stunning and decorative facade. Stepping through the doors, the luxury and splendour continues, with paintings and portraits that reinforce just how glamorous and expensive life is in Monaco. The hospitality is second to none, and players will find all of their favourite games on offer, from table games to slot machines. Be sure to check out the views of the Riviera that are visible from many of the windows. 2. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City In Atlantic City, you can expect an all-out experience, and this sprawling resort is no exception. It started life as a health resort, but it has been expanded over the years and is now home to one of MGM International‘s biggest casinos. It emulates Tuscan architecture, and one of the most notable features is the main tower which is gold glass and reflects light for miles. It cost a whopping $400 million to build and is known locally as the water club. It is a one-stop-shop for all of your needs and includes the casino, the spa, and many shopping outlets, including famous boutique names. The casino is massive, boasting over 180 table games and 3000 slot machines. The resort also has private jets available to go and fetch the rich and famous from all over the world and bring them back to spend time at the casino. 3. The Bellagio, Las Vegas Often referred to as the casino capital of the world, Las Vegas is home to some of the most glitzy casinos ever built. You may well recognise The Bellagio because it is often used in movies and TV shows. The design of the buildings is first-rate, and the casino offers many different table games as well as plenty of extracurricular activity in the form of shopping and dining. It boasts 14,000 ft.² of outside garden space, which is cared for by a massive team of professional landscape designers and horticulturalists. Although it is known primarily as a gambling venue, the gardens are so impressive that they attract experts from all over the world to come and learn and visit the facility. 4. Morpheus Casino, Macau Although Macau might not be the first place you think of for exclusive and stunning casinos, this is actually one of the best in the world. The architect is the 2016 Pritzker Architect prize winner, Zaha Hadid, and it cost over $1.1 billion in construction, making the venue in Atlantic City seem remarkably cheap. On the site, you will find 42 storeys that encompass the casino and hotel as well as the retail and dining outlets. They were aiming to create something totally insane, and they may just have succeeded. Thanks to this and other entertainment venues, Macau has become known as the Vegas of the East and attracts some of the most successful gamblers who want to try their luck. There is certainly plenty to choose from, with 500 gaming tables and thousands of slot machines. 5. Baden Baden Casino, Germany Located in the stunning backdrop of the Black Forest, Baden Baden Casino is as beautiful as the name suggests. Being just outside the city, the casino makes the perfect escape. It is very popular with the elite gambling set, who take full use of all of the facilities. These include a conference complex, world-class dining facilities and a spa. The building boasts some of the most impressive architecture in German history and is decked out with decor and art all locally sourced. If you are looking for beauty rather than out and out ostentatious design, this is the place to go. It is subtle but stunning and so incredibly well designed you will find yourself gazing at the walls and surroundings for hours. As you would expect, all of your most favourite table games are on offer, and you can while away many days away from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life by escaping to this forest retreat.
This article examines the concept of stadium construction, as well as the time and effort that go into building a world-class one. Stadiums are an important facility for most sports. From soccer to athletics, cricket and rugby, stadiums serve as a holistic venue for players and spectators. Stadiums not only host matches but contribute to the success of several track and field events on the world stage such as the Olympics, World Cups and several other athletic meets. In countries where sporting events take center stage, particularly where soccer leagues are developed, you’ll find several stadiums even within one city, with almost every soccer team owning one. Here, we take a break from free betting tips and prediction news, as this article by Kate Richardson takes a deep dive into the world of stadium construction, history, the cost of building one among others. A Brief History Of Stadiums A stadium may be defined as a recreational center built to serve as a venue for outdoor sports. They may also be used for other events including concerts and rallies. The word stadium originated from the Greek Olympia, which was a huge sports festival. Consequently, one of the oldest stadiums in human history is the Greek Stadium at Olympia which hosted games as far back as 776 BC. Generally, stadiums are designed and built to suit peculiar sports events. Thus, a baseball stadium is built differently from a soccer stadium. However, all stadiums have a section for spectators to sit or stand while cheering on their teams or favorite competitors. The spectator sections are usually raised platforms that give the fans a vantage point when viewing the games. These stands are built to contain different audience sizes from 10,000 people upwards. Due to their size and the architectural and financial costs, stadiums are now being adapted to multiple uses. Rather than building a separate stadium for each sport, several sports including soccer, rugby and American football may share a stadium. This is also replicated in soccer leagues, where two or more teams may have the same home ground. How Much Does It Cost To Build A Modern Stadium? Building a stadium is never an easy task. Several factors including plan approvals, location, workmanship, cost of materials and the desired stadium capacity are instrumental in determining the cost of erecting a new stadium. The latter is perhaps the most telling factor, as the bigger the stadium, the more expensive it is to build. Modern technology has also raised the costs of stadium building with the introduction of retractable pitches, covered spectator stands, foldable seats and all sorts. Nowadays, stadium construction costs run into hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the capacity, style and technology involved. The cost of an average soccer stadium is about $20 million. However, that only guarantees a spectator capacity of less than 10,000. With larger stadiums, the budget is significantly higher and varies between runs into hundreds of millions of dollars, with some costing as much as $800 million.
Homeowners considering their next improvement project should look to double glazing to add value and kerb appeal to properties, according to home improvement experts. With the latest home improvement research showing that the value of homes could be reduced by over £9,000* if properties don’t have double glazing – the specialists at Stormclad have outlined top reasons why properties would benefit from this upgrade, whether you are looking to sell in the future or simply wish to improve it in the here and now. With a roadmap out of lockdown planned over the coming months, and spring just around the corner, now is the ideal time to consider investing in improving your home – and double glazing is a valuable feature for any property that will last for years to come. From energy efficiency, to increased security and aesthetic value, experts have highlighted the main reasons why it’s worth investing in double glazing for your property to ensure added value and a better quality of living. “While we have spent more time at home over the last twelve months, many homeowners have come to realise their properties could do with improvement, and we have seen an increase in the number of people wishing to upgrade their abodes,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. “As restrictions are gradually lifted, spring is the ideal time to action new and valuable home improvements, and double glazing comes with many benefits as it performs well in terms of energy efficiency and security, and looks good for decades. The latest data also shows that not having double glazing could knock a significant amount off of the value of your home*, so it’s certainly a worthwhile investment for the future.” Here are the reasons your home needs double glazing: 1.Aesthetic value One of the more obvious, immediate effects of new double glazing is the impact it will have on improving the look of your property. Sparkling new windows will look add a great deal of kerb appeal to your home, giving both the interior and exterior a fresh new look. 2.Energy efficiency Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home – an old single paned window will emit around 84% of a room’s heat into the cold air outside, so swapping old, inefficient single glazing for double glazing will undoubtedly have a massive impact on the heat retention in your home. Double glazing works by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass, which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease in heat loss across the window. With modern double-glazed windows, the space between the panes is often filled with denser argon gas which will slow down heat loss even more, so you will find yourself needing to switch the heating on less often, saving you money on energy bills and ensuring your home is more eco-friendly. 3.Security Typically, modern double-glazed windows are much harder to force open from the outside, so you can rest assured that criminal opportunists will not be able to break their way in to your home easily. There are also double-glazing options that come with toughened glass, which is stronger and shatterproof – giving you peace of mind. 4.Adding value to your home The latest Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report highlights that as much as £9,144 could be knocked off the value of your home if you don’t have double glazing*, so by installing double glazing, your home will increase in value compared to a single-glazed property, and you will save yourself money on energy bills moving forward too.
The sharing of patient information and collaborative processing of information is essential in health care. The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted that. There were so many events where collaboration was needed between hospitals and community care providers, as far as both infected patients and patients recovering. One way to facilitate collaboration in healthcare is through real-time e-notifications that can be shared across settings and providers. With e-notifications in health care, some of the issues that arose throughout the pandemic as far as patients going back into vulnerable nursing homes while they were still infected with COVID-19 might have been mitigated. The following are some of the benefits of e-notifications as a way to boost collaboration and communication in healthcare. Many of these benefits touch not just specifically on e-notifications but also technologically-driven communication in general. Improving Care and Outcomes The biggest benefit overall of collaboration and e-notifications in health care are improved patient outcomes and care. When a patient is seen by multiple providers, especially across both hospital and community care settings, a breakdown in communication can be extremely detrimental. Every person who sees a patient is going to have a unique perspective within their area of expertise. Collaboration and communication tools help create a holistic view of the patient. Real-time communication paves the way for providers to act as if they’re together in the same room as they care for the patient, even when they rarely are. Within the framework of COVID-19 and potentially other infectious diseases as well, e-notifications and real-time collaborative tools let providers get in touch with other providers quickly and obtain medical histories rapidly, which is needed for decision-making. Otherwise, phone calls, emails, or faxes, which were the way data was previously exchanged, can create delays in treatment or even unnecessary interventions. The faster information can be transferred, the better. Provider Safety Communication and e-notifications don’t just help patients—they help providers stay safe. For example, if you’re a community-based provider and you’re dealing with a patient who’s returning to you with an infectious disease, you’ll need real-time updated information so that you can continue care in a way that’s safe for them but also you and the people you work with. You’ll be able to put in place the necessary safety measures and prepare your staff accordingly. Faster Treatment Along with better overall treatment, increased real-time communication can mean treatment begins faster. A lot of the care patients receive ends up taking place in what’s a lengthy process. Physicians have to wait for one another and wait for results. That then leads to worsening in certain conditions and frustration for patients. The Joint Commission always highlights staff communication and speeding up getting test results in the right hands as a National Patient Safety Goal. As communication is increasingly bridged, it helps treatment begin faster. Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs E-notifications and collaborative tools can help prevent errors and deliver better outcomes. That’s good for the patient, but it also reduces health care costs and improves overall efficiency. You’re cutting out some of the operational redundancies that can bog down a health care facility. Research has shown that when collaboration is improved, it helps hospitals decrease the average length of stays and increase bed return. It can also increase before-noon discharges. Prioritizing the Sickest Patients When there are real-time notifications available, the sickest patients, particularly in a situation like COVID-19, can be prioritized. For example, information can be shared about discharge, which can ensure then, as quickly as possible, when they’re ready, recovering patients are moved out of critical care levels so that new patients can come in. With discharge notifications, there can then be a triggering of the follow-up services, which could potentially include telehealth after a patient leaves the hospital. Improved Staff Satisfaction When staff have an easy, streamlined and real-time way to communicate, which has in the past meant significant barriers, they’re likely to be happier overall in their job and feel more satisfied, which improves care and reduces turnover. There starts to become a sense of teamwork that can develop with the right tools for collaboration. Overall, when you prioritize real-time communication and e-notifications, it’s going to improve outcomes, employee experience, and it’s also going to have financial benefits and lead to more efficiency. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have likely led many health care organizations to reassess the old way of doing things and move toward a more collaborative model facilitated by technology.
Whether you are renovating your home for yourself or for a future investment opportunity, it’s understandable that you may be excited. You get the chance to create your dream property and can really spend time making it perfect. However, many people tend to get in over their heads. Renovating is a tremendous job, and there are things that you need to be prepared for. Below, we are going to talk about some things that no one tells you about renovating so that you can start this new journey in the best mindset possible. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading! It will take time Many individuals go straight into ripping apart their homes without thoroughly considering how long the process will take. While it does depend on what you are doing, certain aspects can take weeks or even months to be finished. Make sure that you evaluate the time frame and match it to what’s going on in your life. If you have any big plans, you may wish to move things forward or back. It gets messy Your home is going to look like a bomb zone during the time of reconstruction. No matter how much you try and clean, you won’t be able to get it back to normal until everything is finished. That being said, you need to keep things tidy to minimize hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. Do you plan on renting out your home after the renovations? Check out these end of tenancy cleaning London prices for more information. They will be a great contact to recommend to your tenants! There will be mishaps and accidents You can have a perfect plan laid out for each renovation you will make, but there are still going to be mishaps and accidents that happen along the way. Some changes may need to altered, the paint you wanted to order may not be in stock, and your new supplies may have come damaged. Instead of stressing about everything, make sure you plan for the unexpected and always have a backup solution. It’s better to interview multiple contractors You may want to get moving as soon as possible, but trust us when we say you want to spend some time interviewing different contractors. The last thing you want is to employ someone that overcharges you or has a bad reputation. Search around until you find the company that is right for you. It may take a few extra weeks, but it will be worth it. You want someone that is experienced, professional, and will listen to what you have to say. Sticking to a budget can be hard Sticking to a budget is an essential part of renovating; however, it isn’t as easy as it may look. There will be things you fall in love with that you can’t afford, and mishaps that we mentioned above may require you to cut costs in other areas. Remember to stay strong and work around things as best as you can. It may be challenging, but you don’t want to end up putting yourself in an extreme amount of debt. There are many hidden costs You may think that you have all the areas of your expenses covered, but there are still going to be hidden costs that you’ll want to prepare for. Here are a few you want to take into consideration: – Council fees and insurance – Rubbish disposal – Storage fees – Extra electricity and water (increased bill) – Garden reboot (it may become damaged during construction work) You can check out the real cost of renovating a home by clicking the link. You can’t do it all yourself DIYing can be a great way to reduce costs during the building process and can be very satisfying. However, it is important to know that it is impossible to do it all yourself. Some things such as plumbing and electrics should only be handled by professionals. Clearing junk should be done by a reliable company who offers rubbish collection in Chiswick. Doing them yourself will not only cause further damage but may also injure you in the process. You can click here to see a list of things you should and shouldn’t DIY. You will need somewhere else to live (for part of it) You may try and get away with living and renovating on the same property, but there will be one time or another when you need to move out. We aren’t just talking about if your bedroom is being under construction either. Paint fumes, dust, debris, and other material can be harmful to breathe in, and you will want to wait till things have settled down. You need to be aware of specific hazards Houses can have many hidden problems, and some of them can be highly hazardous. Before you go destroying anything, you need to get your home checked and make sure you have the appropriate safety gear. Certain pests, mold, and building materials such as asbestos are toxic, so be prepared and bring in professionals to clear the area. If you don’t have the right equipment, leave everything untouched! There will be times when you may want to give up Lastly, it’s important to remember that there are going to be times when it is very stressful, and you may want to give up. It’s hard to imagine the completed picture when there is dirt and building supplies everyone. However, you want to make sure that you power through and try your best to stay motivated. Once everything has come together, it will all be worth it. Final Thoughts And that’s it! These were the things no one tells you about renovating your home. While it may seem a bit scarier now, it shouldn’t turn you off starting this journey. We just want to help prepare you for the things that are yet to come so that you can build your dream home. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tools ready and see what you can
The online casino industry has been growing steadily over the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2019, the market was worth US$58.9 billion worldwide; by 2020 this was US$66.7 billion, and is expected to grow by 50% to almost US$93 billion by 2023. This growth has been driven by a number of factors, including the advent of the smart phone, changing player habits, the rise of the casual and hyper casual gamer, and, perhaps most importantly, advances in technology. The advances in technology have allowed for operators to design ever more engaging and complex games to attract and retain players, as well as making devices more affordable for players, and on the go connectivity more prevalent. Gone are the days that players had to go to a physical location to play; anyone (of age!) can now access all sorts of different types of games at the touch of a button, from the comfort of their own homes. But what is needed to build a successful online casino? Random Number Generators This is the foundation of any casino game. Without a reputable RNG, there is no way to reassure players that the games are fair, and no matter how good a game is, a rigged game will never be successful. Any reputable online casino will ensure they have a RNG; Virgin Games for example uses an industry certified Random Number Generator that is regulated and audited by the UK Gambling Commission in all its games. Variety of type of Software The more successful casinos use a variety of different types of software, some developed in-house, the majority from third parties (which is why there may be similar games in different casinos) to provide a range of types of games to suit different playing styles, as well as for compatibility across different devices. 1- Downloadable Software This is usually only compatible with PCs (although with mobile devices becoming more powerful some newer models may be able to run this type of software), and allows players to download once, and from there just log in and go! 2- Instant Play Software This type of software is very common in online casinos, as it allows players to open and play, without having to download anything, making it a popular option for mobile gamers, despite still being browser-based. 3- Mobile Apps This is by far the most compatible option for mobile gamers. Rather than accessing the casino through a browser, players simply download an app to their phone and click and play. It also means that the content is optimised for mobile devices, meaning that text can be read easily and games fit the screen! Variety of Software Developers There are a large number of different third party software developers who sell their products to many casinos online. Whilst it may feel that this will reduce the variety for players, they work closely with their clients to build bespoke games with individual themes and house rules. It does also mean that players can be assured that when they are playing a game that there is consistency across the market and they aren’t going to be ripped off! 1- Net Entertainment This is one of the most well established and reputable casino game developers in the world, having won a large number of awards over the years. They primarily focus on slots, though have branched out into other casino games, including live dealer games. Virgin Games has tapped into their expertise in the world of slots, with 36 slot games offered that have been created by NetEnt, including top ones such as Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, and Twin Spin. 2- Microgaming Around since 1994, Microgaming is one of, if not the, oldest casino game developer. Dominating the market with over 600 different games in their portfolio, Microgaming provides some of Virgin games most popular offerings, including slots and blackjack. They are also leaders in the usage of new technology and are currently working on an Oculus Rift compatible roulette gaming, taking steps into the use of Virtual Reality in the world of online casinos. 3- Evolution Gaming Evolution gaming is an innovative developer which provides the majority of all Virgin Games Blackjack and Roulette games, including 10p Roulette, Instant Roulette Live, and Phoenix Roulette. As well as working with operators to develop bespoke games, they also have their own original games, setting the apart from the competition. Additionally, they are experts in Live Dealer games and specialise in creating Game Show Category Games, such as Monopoly, also available on Virgin Games and hugely popular with the more casual gambler. Stable Platform The final key to a successful online casino is to have a stable platform to host all the games. Virgin Games ensures this by using Unity. Unity provides support to ensure the consistent and constant delivery of the service to players, as well as offering high quality graphics and integration capability, and interactive tools to make changes easy and in real-time, allowing operators to react to needs in real time. There are a number of different elements to take into consideration when building an online casino, from the target demographic, the types of games, and, hugely important, the foundations, of software, security, and fairness to the player. Without these, no matter how attractive the games and offers, no online casino could succeed in the market.
Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from their bricks and mortar investment. The conclusion? A bigger home, more outdoor space and a move away from the city. While this has been a trend that has intensified over the last year, the latest research from Warwick Estates has revealed that demand for apartment living remains strong in a number of the UK’s major cities. Warwick Estates analysed homebuyer demand based on the number of apartments and flats in each city that were already sold subject to contract (SSTC) or under offer, attributing a demand score based on this level of stock as a percentage of all flats listed for sale. So if 100 flats are listed and 50 are already SSTC or under offer, buyer demand in that particular city would sit at 50%. UK demand for flat living When looking at overall demand across the UK’s top 20 major cities, an average of 40% of all flats listed for sale have already been snapped up by buyers. However, in some major cities, the demand for flat living is far higher. Glasgow ranks as the flattest place in the UK property market at present, with buyer demand at 71%. Nearby Edinburgh is also a flat homebuyer hotspot, with 60% of all flat and apartments listed for sale already SSTC or under offer. Outside of Scotland, Bristol ranks top for flat demand in England at 55%, while Plymouth (53%), Bournemouth (47%), Portsmouth (45%), Leeds (42%), Southampton (42%), Nottingham (42%) and Sheffield (41%) also rank high. Most in-demand flat property features When looking at what features of a flat are most sought after amongst buyers, the availability of garden space within a development is the hottest requirement in the current market. 44% of all flats with garden space listed for sale on the market are already sold or under offer. Parking and garage space ranked as the second most sought after feature of an apartment property (42%), with a balcony and terrace (36%) placing ahead of a porter or concierge (27%). COO of Warwick Estates, Emma Power, commented: “There’s no doubting that the monotony of lockdown has caused many to look to greener, larger, pastures, that allow them the space to escape the confines of their four walls even under lockdown restrictions. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that flats and apartments have become redundant in today’s market and in many cities, this is quite the opposite. For some, it’s simply a lifestyle choice, others will be looking to downsize and for many more, the generally more affordable price of apartments allows them to get a foot on the ladder with a place to call their own. With a lockdown escape plan now in place, we expect demand for flat living to strengthen as our major cities once again become the hub for our professional and social lives. Of course, with the pandemic and memories of lockdown still very fresh in our minds, homebuyers of all property types will continue to prioritise size and outdoor space when searching for their perfect home. ” Table shows overall buyer demand for flats listed in each city, as well as individual demand for flats based on each property feature City Overall demand Garden Parking or Garage Balcony or Terrace Porter or Concierge Glasgow 71% 74% 69% 64% 71% Edinburgh 60% 61% 60% 51% 45% Bristol 55% 56% 54% 45% 44% Plymouth 53% 58% 56% 45% 43% Bournemouth 47% 45% 48% 45% 28% Portsmouth 45% 47% 45% 46% 34% Leeds 42% 51% 49% 36% 32% Southampton 42% 47% 43% 39% 20% Nottingham 42% 48% 43% 39% 28% Sheffield 41% 52% 51% 41% 33% Cardiff 39% 46% 41% 30% 21% Belfast 36% 42% 39% 40% 0% Bradford 34% 38% 38% 39% 26% Newcastle 31% 37% 29% 19% 7% Leicester 28% 26% 33% 25% 27% London 27% 31% 29% 23% 14% Birmingham 25% 31% 31% 27% 15% Liverpool 25% 32% 32% 26% 21% Swansea 24% 25% 26% 20% 13% Manchester 22% 23% 26% 22% 13% Average of all 20 UK Cities 40% 44% 42% 36% 27% Data sourced from Zoopla (18/03/2021). Demand based on the number of properties sold subject to contract or under offer as a percentage of all properties listed.
Are you considering investing in home renovations? Maybe complete kitchen update or bathroom renovations, perhaps even a new addition, like a master suite? These may be popular ideas. However, investing inexpensive home improvements does not necessarily generate the highest return on investment (ROI). In a big way, it pays to better understand current trends and current investment performance before making such an investment. Markets across the country consider how much contractors charge for these upgrades compared to the valuation given by real estate agents to determine the fair market value of a home relative to homes for sale. Here are a few popular and valuable home improvements. Garage Door: Suppose you are thinking of selling a home. In that case, this is something to consider because, according to the report, the cost to replace a garage door averages $ 3,427 and has a resale value of $ 3,262, which is a cost recovery of approximately 95%. Scope of work should include removal and removal of existing garage doors and tracks. Installation of a new 4-section garage door with a lifetime guarantee on the new high-strength galvanized steel tracks (reuse of the opening motor). The new door must have minimum R-12 rated insulation, pinch-resistant inter-panel heat seals, and two coats of factory-applied paint. Windows on the top panel should be ½ inch insulated glass with hardware included (urethane ball bearing wheels and galvanized steel hinges). Take the time to look at other homes for sale to see if there is a competitive advantage. Minor Kitchen Upgrade: For your dated but fully functional 200 square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of kitchen countertops and cabinets, you can save money before selling a home by ditching existing cabinet boxes, but replace wood cabinet doors and fronts with new hardware. Replace laminate countertops, install a new sink and faucet, repaint the entire trim, and remove and replace the flooring. Upgrade your range, stove and oven, and refrigerator with current energy-efficient models. The national average for the work scope described in this document is approximately $ 20,000, with an average cost recovery of 81%. Liner Replacement: Before selling a home, remove and replace the existing vinyl siding (1,250 square feet) with a new siding that includes the factory trim at every opening and every corner. Keep in mind that it is better to replace or repair than add or remodel, so continue to siding before adding a master bedroom or master bath. On average, the siding replacement costs $ 14,200, and the recovered amount is $ 11,700, which gives you an 80% cost recovery. Additional Coverage: The average cost of adding a 16-by-20-foot deck is $ 10,000, and you can expect to recover approximately $ 8,100 of the cost, which is approximately 81%. The scope of this work involves three steps to qualify and includes a built-in bench and planter. Be sure to use pressure-treated deck boards, pressure-treated beams supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. The railing system must also use pressure-treated lumber, posts, railings, and balusters. If you plan to sell a home in the spring or summer, this can give you the edge you are looking for. Closing Up Here we come to the end of this article. We have discussed some popular and valuable home improvement ideas in this article. Keep these in mind while improving your home designs.
Sustainability, digitisation and adopting exciting new technologies are key to building back from the coronavirus pandemic, according to presenters at this year’s Summit of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), hosted for the first time ever as a virtual event along with a digital prize-giving for the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) on 18 March 2021. The theme of the IPAF Summit will consider the question of sustainability in powered access, the challenges of operating safely and effectively in the post-Covid-19 era, and the opportunities of digital and technological innovation for safer work at height. Suzannah Nichol, CEO of Build UK, said during her Summit-opening presentation: “How do we grow and build sustainable businesses? Pay suppliers on time, treat staff well, and invest in new technology. That’s what IPAF and Build UK have in common. We benchmark our members, and most now pay their suppliers within 30 days – while we’re not there yet, we have made great strides on this issue. “We also want to make our industry more efficient, reduce waste and increase productivity. Why have one form when you can have ten, seems to be our industry’s mantra at times, and so we are building a new prequalification framework, the Common Assessment Standard. We think this will save the industry up to £1 billion a year, not to mention reduce paperwork and free up key staff for other more productive tasks. “Last but by no means least we focus on people: Recruiting, training and retaining talent. Without the right people, we can’t operate. It is up to all of us to take our enthusiasm, passion and skills into schools to encourage young people into our industry. How we train people is really important and IPAF is definitely a leading light in that department. We need to provide more apprenticeship places and encourage young people into them. Finally, working flexibly has seen a major shift in the past year. “Everyone who has participated in this event has the power to do things differently, every one of us has a part to play in making our industry better, and we all need to ask ourselves what part will that be?” In answer to questions about the post-pandemic future, she added: “Construction work is holding up and the figures from February 2021 show we are back to pre-pandemic levels already, albeit a lot of that is catching up on the existing pipeline; we are keeping an eye on the pipeline for the future, and we need to do all we can to make sure that the UK is a great place to do business in future.” The presentations and discussions were interspersed by announcements of the category winners of the 2020-21 IAPAs, as well as video presentations from sponsors and a closing virtual delegate networking session. There was also a video about how IPAF member firms have supported clients, communities or charities in the pandemic. The event was hosted by Mark Durden Smith, a TV presenter in the UK. Thanks to the support of event sponsors, registration for the event was free and more than 1,000 participants from no fewer than 67 countries worldwide.
