home improvements
Four Reasons Your Home Needs Double Glazing

Four Reasons Your Home Needs Double Glazing

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

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Things No One Tells You About Renovating Your Home

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

Read More »

The Top Home Improvement Projects for ROI-Seeking Homeowners

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

Read More »

13 Must-Have Tools for Home Improvement Projects

The decision to do a home improvement project on your own has many pros and cons. Among the most substantial benefits are money savings and total control over the changes happening to your home. On the other hand, you are burdened with many responsibilities. For example, you have to do

Read More »

5 Awesome DIY Greenhouse Ideas

Growing edibles and keeping your potted plants alive is often tricky in the moody British weather. A greenhouse can save the day – or season – but buying one might be expensive. Nevertheless, you don’t have to invest your hard-earned money. All it takes is a few materials and some

Read More »
Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have

Read More »

Make Your Home Ready For Sale

If you are also worried about getting your home ready for sale, you aren’t alone. With the right tips, you can successfully turn your house into one that attracts potential buyers. All sellers want to make a big profit by selling their homes quickly. However, that requires effort along with

Read More »

Home Refurbishment on a Budget

Home refurbishment projects can take many forms depending on what you’re striving to achieve. If you’re about to begin your home refurbishment project and you want to prepare properly, it’s important to consider the finances. Contrary to what you might believe, it is possible to get it done on a

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2021 Guide to Loft Conversions in London

Loft conversions are one of the greatest ways to add floor space and value to your home without spending the earth and more importantly, without sacrificing precious outdoor space. In London especially, where space is undoubtedly limited, they’re fast becoming one of the most popular methods of home improvement. If

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Why to use a handyman for home renovations

Are you looking to revamp your home and thinking about making it one big DIY project? Are you worried that you may not be able to get everything done to your liking and standard? The prospect of renovating your home can be new, fun, and exciting, especially if it’s something

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

home improvements

Four Reasons Your Home Needs Double Glazing

Four Reasons Your Home Needs Double Glazing

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.

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Things No One Tells You About Renovating Your Home

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

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The Top Home Improvement Projects for ROI-Seeking Homeowners

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.

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13 Must-Have Tools for Home Improvement Projects

The decision to do a home improvement project on your own has many pros and cons. Among the most substantial benefits are money savings and total control over the changes happening to your home. On the other hand, you are burdened with many responsibilities. For example, you have to do all the work yourself and choose what materials and tools you will use. We are here to help you pick the right equipment for the job. You don’t even have to buy it – there are many companies that offer tools for hire at a reasonable price. No matter if you need to decorate your home or make some small repairs, these tools will help ensure that your home improvement project is a success. Paint Sprayer Painting a small or large space requires a lot of time and physical strength. That is why you need a paint sprayer. This equipment will save you a lot of time and effort and make your job much easier. You can use it to paint walls, ceilings, doors, and other surfaces that are hard to reach. Caulking Gun No matter if you are going to paint, repair leaks or just change the color of your bathroom tiles, you need a caulking gun. Caulking is a crucial part of any home improvement project because it allows you to seal small cracks and holes that may appear in the future. You should buy a high-quality gun that is both durable and easy to use. Hammer Drill Fixing a leaky faucet or painting the ceiling is much easier when you use a hammer drill. It will drill holes into the wall or floor, which is necessary to install new fixtures or set up a curtain rod. It is a necessary tool if you want to replace an old sink or shower stall with a new one. Saw You cannot finish home improvement projects without a saw. It will help you cut off broken parts from wooden furniture, install new cabinets in the kitchen and perform many other tasks. When buying saws, you should opt for a high-quality brand that will serve you for years to come. Hammer A hammer is one of those basic tools that you should always have around the house. Whether you need to drive nails into the wall or remove old tiles from the floor, this simple tool will help you do so within minutes. A standard hammer is good enough for most projects, but a hammer drill is better in this case because it allows you to drill holes into the floor or wall. Wire Cutters If you are looking to renovate your home, you will probably need to use wire cutters. They can help you disconnect old wiring or cable lines. It is also a useful tool if you need to mount a new ceiling lamp or hang a new chandelier. It is advisable to use a high-quality brand when buying wire cutters. This will guarantee that it can withstand heavy use and will not break easily. Nail Gun If you have to hang up anything in your home, a nail gun should be at your service. This tool will help you avoid making holes in the walls and ensure that your project is durable. If you are planning to hang up drywall, it will be very hard to do so without a nail gun. Multimeter A multimeter is a must-have tool if you are going to repair electrical issues in your home. It allows you to check if the wiring is working properly and determine if there are any problems with the electrical outlets or switches. It is also perfect for checking the amount of current that is being used by your appliances, which is a very important component of home improvement projects. Pliers Pliers are another useful tool that is essential for home improvement projects. From pulling out nails to twisting wires together, pliers can help you tackle any task. The best pliers are made of a heavy and durable material that ensures maximum durability. Plastic Putty Knife A putty knife is an essential tool if you want to do any kind of home improvement project. This inexpensive tool will be useful if you want to paint or install new cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. It can also be used to scrape old paint off the walls. Level Whether you are hanging a photo frame or painting the living room, a level is a must-have tool for every homeowner. It is used to make sure that everything is level and straight. This tool will help you avoid headaches and ensure that your home improvement project is a success. Utility Knife If you are looking to renovate your home, you will probably need to use a utility knife. It is a very helpful tool that can help you cut plastic or wood pieces that you want to use in your project. You can also use it to remove old flooring or wallpaper. Wrench You cannot complete home improvement projects without wrenches. They are a perfect choice if you want to install fixtures or make plumbing and electrical repairs. A good wrench should be made of a sturdy material that will not break easily. The Bottom Line As you can see, home improvement projects can be as easy or as complex as you want them to be. You don’t have to be an experienced DIY enthusiast to engage in some of them. After all, we all need to start somewhere, even if at first we can’t do too much. If you’re just starting your journey in the world of DIY home improvement projects, remember that the beginnings may be rough. You may not have the right supplies, and sometimes you may even need to borrow or rent certain pieces of equipment. Still, keep your eyes on the prize and keep on learning. With time, you’ll be a DIY pro!

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5 Awesome DIY Greenhouse Ideas

Growing edibles and keeping your potted plants alive is often tricky in the moody British weather. A greenhouse can save the day – or season – but buying one might be expensive. Nevertheless, you don’t have to invest your hard-earned money. All it takes is a few materials and some handyman skills to recycle stuff and make yourself a one-of-a-kind greenhouse. Here are 5 awesome DIY greenhouse ideas to get you inspired. 1. Welded Wire Greenhouse A hoop greenhouse is very easy to build from galvanised wire used for fencing and clear plastic rolls. You could use standard cattle panels, too – you can procure them from your local hardware store. The panels are ideal to build a simple wireframe that is both solid and flexible. The rounded roof is an excellent choice if you live in an area with strong winds. If you feel fancy, you could even fix a standard door frame to the wire structure before covering both the structure and the door with clear plastic. A perfect greenhouse for most vegetables, including all kinds of beans, various leafy greens, and tomatoes. 2. CD Case Greenhouse Do you have lots of old CDs you don’t listen to anymore? Don’t bin them. CDs can be used for many creative projects, and their empty cases are perfect for making an original and fully functional greenhouse. It won’t be big enough for you to walk and stand into, but it will be big enough for a few pots. All you need is around 40 CD cases and some glue. Using a simple greenhouse model, glue cases together to create the walls and roofs. The clear plastic cases will create a protected environment for your perennials to thrive throughout winter. 3. Plastic Bottle Greenhouse Acrylic greenhouses are on the wave, but plastic for a greenhouse doesn’t necessarily have to mean acrylic. Old plastic bottles are an excellent alternative, and a nice solution if you’re looking to save money and the planet whilst growing edibles. The bottles are very easy to tie together with clear plastic string or wire and you can use them for the walls and roof of a standard wooden frame. Making a greenhouse has never been easier. 4. Old Windows Greenhouse There is hardly anything as satisfying as making a greenhouse out of recycled objects. Including old windows. There are many ways to transform old windows into a greenhouse, but perhaps the easiest is to make a cube or rectangle out of them. Use a smaller window as a door – this greenhouse is perfect for smaller pots, or you could use more windows to cover a raised bed. 5. DIY Fold-Down Greenhouse A greenhouse may not be useless in the summer months, so why not make a fold-down one for your plants to thrive in all kinds of weather. Like the welded wire greenhouse, this project uses clear plastic but this time fixed on a foldable frame. Ideal for covering your raised beds and protecting your vegetables from wind and cold temperatures.

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Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Top Tips to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have compiled a list of their top five tips for homeowners to consider when looking to improve and spruce up their homes this spring. As many of us are spending more time indoors, working from home, educating our children and looking after loved ones – it’s important to consider how a property complements or inhibits new living habits and routines, and ways in which you can upgrade your property to suit lifestyle changes. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “As spring is just around the corner, it’s a great time to give your home a mini makeover, refreshing it with upgrades that are not only going to improve your living space, but also add value to your property. “We’ve compiled this list of ideas to consider for improving your home ready for the new season, many of which are simple and easy to do and will provide you with lasting results. The comfort, space and quality of our homes have become even more important since lockdown, so whether you’re looking for a productive home working space or somewhere to relax away from the rest of the house, these tips can help you enjoy your home as the days grow longer and summer approaches. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, now is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements.” Here is the list of five top tips to spruce up your home for spring: 1. Home office space If you are working from home, it is worthwhile creating an environment that will inspire productivity. Whether you have dedicated an entire room as an office or have a nook to yourself in one of the main living areas of the house, it is important to make it uniquely yours so that you’re always in the right frame of mind for a day’s work. Consider adopting a minimalist style for your home office space, as clutter can often become distracting and leave you wishing you were somewhere else. Desk plants and flowers will offer a burst of greenery, livening up the space as well as improving the air quality around you. Adding some of your favourite artwork to the walls will inject some personality and colour into the space, brightening it up and making it your own. 2. Conservatory refurbishment Conservatories offer valuable extra space to homes that, if properly maintained, can be used all year round. If your conservatory is suffering from lack of upkeep, is struggling with temperature control or has a damp or leaking rook, it may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space.   Consider transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as a home office or somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. 3.  New doors Investing in new external or internal doors can completely transform the look and feel of a home – providing a modern and contemporary upgrade that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. New patio, bi-fold or sliding doors that lead out to a garden or courtyard will help to bring the outdoors in, connecting you with nature, and allowing natural light to flood into your home. A new front door will make a huge difference to the exterior of your property, making a modern statement and improving your home’s security, insulation and energy efficiency, that could save money on energy bills over time. 4. New windows Although often overlooked as one of the obvious home improvements – installing new windows in your home can make an instant impact on a number of fronts. From increasing the amount of natural light that comes into your home, to drastically improving insulation, outside noise levels and home security – new windows are a fantastic investment that will last for years to come, adding quality and value. 5.  Add a splash of colour For a quick and easy home improvement that really makes a splash, consider painting a statement wall in the living room or bedroom. Simply choose one wall to paint with a bold colour – such as a deep blue or warm mustard yellow – the braver you are with your colour choice, the bigger the impact! You can be extra creative with it too, by selecting an alcove or fireplace wall, so that the colour really stands out and becomes the main feature of the room.

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Make Your Home Ready For Sale

If you are also worried about getting your home ready for sale, you aren’t alone. With the right tips, you can successfully turn your house into one that attracts potential buyers. All sellers want to make a big profit by selling their homes quickly. However, that requires effort along with good luck. You need to carefully plan and discuss with your agent how you can professionally prepare the house that will convince buyers to pay you a large amount of money.  Here are some tips that will instantly make your house shine 1. Buy light bulbs and keep all of them on: Go ahead and buy as many light bulbs as you can. When a potential buyer visits your house, turn on all the lights and lamps. No one would find a dull property attractive. The house should seem bright and lit up.  2. Get your house deep cleaned by professionals: First impressions are often the last ones. Don’t let the dirty floors, dusty surfaces, or foul smell hurt the potential buyer and make them change their mind. Before you list your house and start the selling process, give your place a deep clean. You should contact a professional cleaning service provider so that they can make sure your home is in pristine condition. They will clean the toilets, wipe all the surfaces clean, mop the floors, clean all the rugs and scrub the bathrooms.  3. Declutter the house: To make your house appealing to buyers, you must declutter and organize your space. That will go a long way in making your house attractive. When your house would be free of clutter, buyers will only focus on the home instead of the junk and the overflowing cabinets/closets. Keep all your belongings in place and make sure there is minimal furniture in the house. Less is always more.  4. Contact a handyman: Having a handyman on speed dial is an essential thing in selling any house. It’s your responsibility to make sure that all damaged items get fixed. That includes leaky faucets, locker running toilets, hardware, broken appliances, chipped tiles, stained carpets, cracked windows, cracks in the walls, scuffed paintwork, and squeaky floors. Once you have fixed all the damaged things in your house, start the selling process. If you don’t do this, potential buyers will assume that your home is not well-maintained. The biggest turn-off for most buyers is wear and tear. They will get an alert that this house requires work. They will not buy the house, or they’ll ask you to reduce the amount of money you are asking for the property.  You can take advice from your agent about which areas in the house you need to overhaul before inviting potential buyers. You need to make sure that you are not overcapitalizing, but the house is still looking appealing.  5. Paint the walls: Before you list your house, it’s time to coat the walls with fresh paint. If you already have bright colored pigments on your walls like orange and green, coat with neutral colors. Try to stick to light Gray’s, whites, and light beige wall colors. These shades will help to make your house look brighter, bigger, and welcoming. If you repaint your home, the fresh coat will cover all the imperfections of the walls. Potential buyers will be more interested in buying a house that has clean walls.  6. Style your house: To give an instant facelift to your property, style it. That can provide a fresh look to your house and make it more appealing to potential buyers. You can either hire a stylist or order some new accessories and furniture and do it yourself.  7. Take professional photos: When you list your house on social media, opt for professional photography. The first impression of your property will be on the internet, so you must take out time to get some high-quality and aesthetic photos of your house.  8. Organize your closet space: All buyers need storage space for their belongings. Remove half of your things from the closets and transfer them to a storage unit. After that, organize the remaining items neatly. That way, highlight the storage space in your house. 

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Home Refurbishment on a Budget

Home refurbishment projects can take many forms depending on what you’re striving to achieve. If you’re about to begin your home refurbishment project and you want to prepare properly, it’s important to consider the finances. Contrary to what you might believe, it is possible to get it done on a budget in most cases. We’re going to take a closer look today at what you can do to refurbish your home on a budget, saving money wherever possible along the way. It’s not going to be easy and, of course, the challenges of each project are unique. But you’ll want to make the most of the advice we’re about to discuss. Identify Your Renovation Goals First of all, you should take steps to define precisely what it is you’re trying to achieve with all of this. What do you want to do with the home? Are you focused on preserving and restoring period features? Or do you want to modernise the property and make it more functional in the present day? Different projects will have different goals and aims, and it’s up to you to be clear about those intentions before you begin. That way, you’ll waste less money later finding what it is that you want to achieve while on the job. Get Multiple Quotes and Set Budgets Getting multiple quotes from contractors and people you want to work with to carry out specific tasks as part of your refurbishment work. Getting multiple quotes from as many different sources as possible will make it much easier for you to find value and save money as you hire people. As you do this, you should also set budgets and make sure that you don’t let your spending get too far out of your control if you want to complete this work on a budget. Make Do and Mend Where Possible There are some situations in which you might be able to save money by renovating an item or an aspect of the home. Rather than replacing everything, which is usually far more costly, it often makes much more sense to fix what you can and make do with items that can be repaired. After all, that’s in keeping with the spirit of refurbishment. You’re upgrading the home rather than ripping everything out and starting over from scratch. Keep that in mind when you’re planning your approach. Image Source – CC0 License Employ the Right Professionals Employing the right professionals to help you with your refurbishment project will be very important. Of course, it would be cheaper to go it alone and complete all the work alone, but that’s usually not very realistic. If you want to get the work done efficiently and well, working with solid professionals is often necessary. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done on a budget. It’s about prioritizing the type of hires you make and only hiring people to complete tasks you can’t complete alone. Be Your Own Project Manager One way in which you should be able to save money on this whole project is to play the role of the project manager yourself. After all, this is your property and you know what you want for it in terms of the refurbishment aims, as we’ve already discussed above. Rather than hiring a project manager and spending even more money on that, you should consider overseeing things yourself. It gives you more control and helps you save some money; that’s always a bonus. DIY When You Can When there are tasks that you can complete alone and get done using your own skills and abilities, that should certainly be your aim and priority. You’ll save yourself a lot of money by taking a do it yourself approach. Roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty when it comes to refurbishing the property. This will  give you a greater sense of satisfaction upon completing the project too. You’re capable of more than you realize. Image Source – CC0 License Live on Site if You Can A lot of people end up wasting a lot of money on their refurbishment projects by moving out of the home while the work is being done. The cost of renting another home or staying at a hotel can be pretty large. And that’s an expense that doesn’t need to be there in many instances. Nevertheless, there are some occasions when the work required makes living in the home at the same time impossible. But the time away from the home should be kept to a minimum if possible. Find Online Voucher Discount Codes There are so many ways in which you can save money on the things you need to buy in order to complete your refurbishment work. Places like NetVoucherCodes.co.uk offer discount codes, and you should be making the most of these. Even small discounts on relatively low cost items are worthwhile. When you save small amounts of money along the way, those savings will begin to compound and add up over time. When buying things in bulk, don’t be afraid to negotiate discounts and save money that way. Choose the Building Materials Carefully Finally, you should think about any building materials you use. If you need to install new walls or other features, the building materials will make up a significant chunk of the cost. By choosing more affordable building materials you’ll be able to ensure the costs of these kinds of renovations don’t spiral out of your control. That’s something that can happen very easily if you’re not careful, but it’s something that you’ll want to avoid. So choose your building materials very carefully. Taking on a big home refurbishment project is always tough. And the challenges you face will morph and change along the way. But by the time the project comes to a completion, you’ll feel very rewarded by the whole experience and maybe even turn a sizable profit if the objective is to sell it on.

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2021 Guide to Loft Conversions in London

Loft conversions are one of the greatest ways to add floor space and value to your home without spending the earth and more importantly, without sacrificing precious outdoor space. In London especially, where space is undoubtedly limited, they’re fast becoming one of the most popular methods of home improvement. If you’re thinking of adding a loft conversion to your home, then keep reading. Loft Conversions – What You Need To Know Below we’ve compiled a basic guide to loft conversions in 2021. Here we list the different types of loft conversions available as well as providing more information on planning permission and other aspects. Let’s get started… Getting Started There are several types of loft conversions available. Some are simple, others are more complex. To decide on the best type of loft conversion for your home, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the structure of your roof as well as the type of floor and insulation you currently have. To do this, we recommend contacting either an architect or a company that will handle the entire process. Clapham Construction Service in London will begin with a free consultation that will encompass them checking out your loft and telling you what type of loft conversion will and won’t work. Costs Costs will always depend on the work you’re having done, from the style of the loft conversion itself to the amount of construction work involved. Generally speaking, you’re looking at anywhere from £12,000 for a simple Velux or Rooflight Loft Conversion, all the way through to £50,000 and more for a more in-depth loft conversion such as a Dormer or Mansard. During your initial consultation with a building company, you should be able to get a rough idea of cost. Planning Permissions While some loft conversions require planning permissions, others do not. It’s worth noting however that loft conversions that don’t require planning permission will be required to stick to a certain number of restrictions in terms of look, size and shape. Regardless of whether your loft requires planning permission however, it’s worth noting that all will require building regulations approval. Yet again, this is something a qualified expert can advise you on. With regards to gaining planning permission, this will need to be gained through your local authorities planning portal, which can be done via yourself through the ‘Planning Portal’ or if you’d prefer it taken care of, through the company you choose to work with. Clapham Construction Service will take everything off of your hands. From the drawings to planning permission, building regulations and the construction itself, so you can sit back and relax. Types Of Loft Conversions There are a number of different style loft conversions available, from roof light or Velux style loft conversions that simply require roof lights being installed with the existing space in the loft being utilised as it is to Dormer loft conversions that can add more space to your current loft either at the front, rear or side of your house. There are also loft conversions available in a Hip-To-Gable style that allows you to extend over one side of your sloping roof. These are particularly popular as they can provide a much more spacious loft conversion than other options. Contact The Experts If you’d like help and guidance from the experts, we recommend contacting Clapham Construction Service, London’s leading specialists in loft conversions. With their team behind you, you can rest assured you’ll be in safe hands every step of the way, resulting in a high quality loft conversion that not only looks great but serves you well, providing that much needed additional space in your home. Contact Clapham Construction Service today on 0203 950 7957.

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Why to use a handyman for home renovations

Are you looking to revamp your home and thinking about making it one big DIY project? Are you worried that you may not be able to get everything done to your liking and standard? The prospect of renovating your home can be new, fun, and exciting, especially if it’s something you have never done before or if your house is starting to look a little bit outdated and needing to be spruced up a bit. While some of the projects in a home renovation are easy enough to do yourself, others projects may be far beyond your skills. It is important that you don’t just take it upon yourself to do these, but rather inquire the help of a skilled and well-practiced handyman. If you’re looking for a great handyman in Wimbledon, BBOJ is known to have some of the best. If you are still unsure about whether it’s the right decision or not, here are a few reasons why you should be using a handyman for your next home renovation. Can save you money Sure, some projects may be simple enough to do by yourself, like hanging up picture or maybe even replacing cupboard doors. You might think that some of the bigger tasks are going to be quite easy too, like tiling, painting, or ceiling work. Quite the opposite, however, as they can tend to be quite difficult and tedious tasks to complete. Making a mistake when it comes to home renovations is nothing new, and this is exactly why handymen are around. They are skilled in their profession and will, most of the time, actually save you more money than doing it by yourself. Most handymen can get products at a business rate which you would not be able to get, and not to mention, if you make a mistake or mess something up, you will probably end up spending more money than you would on a handyman, just trying to fix your mistake. Tools and experience When renovating your house, there will be several different kinds of projects to work on. This means that you will also need all the tools available to you in order to finish all of these projects. But are you familiar with all of these tools? Most handymen will already have access to these them along with the knowledge on how to use them efficiently and correctly. On top of this, handymen typically have a lot of experience from other previous jobs and will be able to guide you in the right direction as to whether your idea is a good one or a bad one. They can even give you tips on what you should be doing on seemingly daunting tasks, to gauge whether a project is even possible. Can assist with many things A handyman can typically do at least 5 to 6 different kinds of jobs around the house and are not normally restricted to one kind of thigns like plumbing, electrical work, or even flooring. This means they that have a lot of experience from previous jobs in various different fields and have both technical knowledge along with practical skill. They are the jack of all trades! Normal home renovations mostly include, repairing ceiling and roofs, changing the flooring such as tiles or carpeting, safety in and around the house, all the electrical work, drain repairs, plumbing installation and fixing, and even just remodelling to name a few. Most handymen will be able to do at least a few of these each. Additionally, when large amounts of debris or waste are involved in these projects, services like montgomery dumpster rental can assist with efficient waste management, making the cleanup process easier for homeowners. Most handymen will be able to do at least a few of these tasks each. Licensed Being a handyman may seem like a simple and easy job but what most people see is that majority of handymen need to have some kind of certification and licence to be allowed to work on other people’s houses and property. This is typically with people working on the electrical work in your house and is purely for your safety as well as their own. On top of that, certain project also require licenses, like if you are adding an extension to your house or building higher. Normally you would have to get this license yourself but a good handyman would be able to sort it out for you for a price. Don’t be a hero and try to do everything yourself, it might just be worth it in the end to get someone to help you.

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