Buying a fixer-upper can be extremely tempting since it outlays the perfect opportunity to purchase a house at a much more discounted price than that of a brand-new home. . The opportunity presents itself after the purchase, since you can improve the property and sell at a higher profit once you’ve done the house up, another factor adding to its appeal. However, this easier said than done, and there are many factors worth considering before diving  headfirst into a fixer-upper project. Ultimately you want to ensure that you are getting your time and money’s worth when making this purchase. Outlined below you will find a few useful tips that will lead you in the right direction. Research the market One other factor to take into consideration when choosing whether to purchase a fixer-upper is the market in that specific area is to research the market. What is meant by this? Let’s say you are looking for an incredible deal for a fixer-upper in a particular area of Australia. You should do some research into the current and future buying potential/interest for that given area before jumping to make any payments. This is where a good real estate agent would really come in handy, and https://www.top10realestateagent.com.au/ recommends some of the best if you’re in Australia. A real estate agent will be able to tell you if the price value of houses in that area will decrease soon, which let you know whether it’s worth making this purchase. On the other hand, if looking to buy a fixer-upper home in an upmarket residential area, chances are you can probably raise your selling price based on the other luxury homes around you. You can use this information to make your price more affordable in comparison to some of the other brand-new properties for sale. Bargain! Cosmetic improvements Essentially your ideal fixer-upper house would be one that only requires cosmetic improvements, not any drastic foundational ones. These pertain to any interior and exterior damages that require an easy, affordable, fix such as broken windows, peeling paint, patchy walls, faulty door hinges, or missing floor tiles. Such problems can easily be improved with a flick of paint, or with floor replenishes for example. When looking out for cosmetic improvements that need to be done, it’s imperative to know that these don’t include the expensive core/foundational fixes such as replacing a new roof, water systems, electrical rewiring, etc. Taking on the work of replacing such damage is extremely costly, and thus probably isn’t worth the investment. It’s important to be aware of the different rooms in a house that are the most worthwhile to fix, for example, the kitchen. This is often one of the most used spaces in a home, so do check out for things such as easy to replace cupboards and handles, kitchen location, etc. Bathrooms are another particular room that add or decrease value, so make sure to give them a thorough inspection too. The location Ever heard the expression: location is everything? When purchasing a fixer-upper, the purpose of fixing up the home is to resell it at a better/higher value in the future. Location plays a pivotal factor in deciding where to purchase any home for that matter and there are various elements that you should consider when thinking about location, especially when it comes time to sell. Is the house close to schools and supermarkets? Is it conveniently placed within the CBD? Are there effective transport systems close by? Realistically, location not only affects the price value but also the likelihood of your fixer-upper house being bought. Calculate the cost Following on from the previous tip, even if it is simply cosmetic improvements that are necessary when purchasing a fixer-upper and no work is needed to the foundation of the house, the total cost of these improvements should still be calculated as accurately as possible. This allows you to gain a rough estimate of how much needs to be spent in total, and if the purchase is then worthwhile or not. Essentially a fixer-upper will always cost less to purchase than that of a home in perfect selling condition, but it’s still beneficial to gain an idea of just how much extra you will be spending. After purchasing the initial property, you now have to make the fixes and renovations to the house, and according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), on average buyers end up spending between $40,000 and $200,000 (Australian) on these changes.

With the unpredictable weather and ever-changing lockdown rules, ensuring your outdoor space is functional and welcoming when you need it most has never been more important. Homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor space, can look to the experts for guidance on easy to integrate features that will take their outside space – be it a garden, terrace or balcony – to the next level, and all in time for when we can invite friends and family around again. Research shows that being outside improves your mood and reduces stress*, so when things are out of our control, relaxing in your own outside space is unbeatable. “Since the start of the pandemic and for the majority of people, gardens and balconies have become the only accessible outdoor space, so ensuring it maximises its potential is key. Simple, contemporary modifications can enable homeowners to create a space they love and that they want to spend time in, and are always a good investment in terms of maintaining or increasing the value of their property. Plus, showing it off always feels good once we can entertain again. We’ve outlined our tips on how to make outside space work best – even in an unpredictable Britain,” commented David Hough from home improvement specialists, SMART Balustrades. Weather adaptability Whilst we can’t predict the weather, what we can say is Britain’s weather is diverse, from downpour one day to scorching heat the next. Installing glass balustrades to your patio or balcony area will create a windbreak, keeping you warmer against the spring and autumn breeze, whilst still allowing natural light to shine through. A removable canopy will ensure that you can be protected from the wetter weather, but also allow you to enjoy the sun when it’s out. A mix of green and landscaped space For garden owners, fitting a patio gives you a new area to enjoy your outside space which is much steadier for garden furniture and puts you less at risk of getting muddy. Having both a patio and garden area provides a stylish and modern upgrade, whilst still having nature to enjoy. For those with limited or no existing greenspace such as balcony and terrace owners, you can introduce greenery through potted plants on the floor or baskets attached to the balustrades, allowing those without the option of a garden to enjoy nature. Accessibility for all the family Ensuring that your outdoor space is safe and useable for all the family will allow it to be used it much more often. Installing handrails to steps and level changes, and enclosing your decking with secure balustrades are practical measures to reduce the chances of tripping and causing injury. Lighting around your garden will also improve its accessibility for the darker days and nights. The patio area can often be slippery when wet, and hard structures can hurt when banged into, so installing lighting to this area is recommend. Festoon and string lights are popular options for both balcony and garden owners, as they can be easily hung from surrounding structures. Suitable seating areas Sitting outdoors is the ultimate way to enjoy the fresh air, so if homeowners have the space, having a dedicated seating area brings a great focus point to a garden. When the rules permit, we will be able to mix households again, so having suitable seating to host guests will allow you enjoy the great outdoors more with friends. Where possible, choose non-fixed outdoor seating – so it can be moved at leisure to create different spaces, and packed away when not in use for those with smaller outdoor spaces such as balconies.

Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a number of ways you can add value to your property that will prove to be a worthwhile investment, lasting for years to come. As many of us are now spending more time indoors and working from home, it is important to consider upgrades to your home that can improve your quality of living and prospects of selling, so the home improvement experts at Stormclad have compiled their top suggestions for adding value to your home quickly. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, the start of 2021 is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements. For homeowners thinking about selling their property this year to relocate – while it is now too late to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday before 31st March, it’s still worth ensuring your home is the best it can be to maximise your living enjoyment, and should the time come to put your property on the market, you know it will be ready for the future,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. “As home improvement experts with over 20 years’ experience, we have listed five ways you can add value to your home – from installing a conservatory, to upgrading windows and doors – giving your home a facelift will not only add value, but also guarantee quality fixtures that will last well into the future.” Here is the list of five ways to add value to your home: A new front door A front door is one of the first things that guests – and potential buyers if you’re selling your home – will notice in a property, so making a good first impression is key. Whether you are looking to make a quick sale in the current market or just want to add value to properties for the future, a new front door will improve the focal point of any home and help with the success of a sale. From the materials used, to the colour, glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a new front door. The best way to begin is by ascertaining a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most suitable options available to you. Aside from kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills, as well as providing added security with the latest locking systems. Replace existing patio and back doors A new patio or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles – from contemporary builds to period pieces – often maximising natural light in any property. With an array of patio door styles available including French doors, bi-folding doors and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors in, further securing access points and depending on the door option, improving the view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something you may find yourself yearning for as you spend more time at home. Replace windows Replacing windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home, with the largest impact. Not only will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer months, but it will also provide added security and aesthetic appeal to your property. Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future and add sell-on value, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in, and continue to look smart over time. Refurbish your existing conservatory Conservatories that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with temperature control, 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 somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. This can provide you with a tranquil place to escape to for some much-needed down time during lockdown, and will also demonstrate how the space can be used to potential buyers, if you’re looking to place your home on the market. A brand-new conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home which can serve as a versatile space that could function as a dining room, living area, playroom or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than a traditional extension, as it will bring you closer to your garden or outdoor space, connecting you with nature, greenery and blue skies. It is a great option if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful setting, away from the rest of the house.

Many homeowners love conducting home renovations and projects every once in a while as a way of improving their homes and these home improvement projects are more than just hanging a banksy canvas on the wall for interior design. We’re talking about renovations that can potentially increase your home’s value. Your house is not just a home, but it’s also a valuable and possible lifetime investment. If you work hard to take care of your home and preserve its quality and stability, your home value will also increase. An increased home value can be your valuable source of income as you age.  As you decide to improve your home, there are two factors you may have to consider first: improvements that can increase your house’s value to you or improvements that could increase your home’s value to others when you soon sell it. While deciding, keep in mind that the most valuable home improvements are those projects that increase your house’s worth more than the amount you’ve spent on it.  However, it may be hard to say how much your home could be valued over time, as sometimes it depends on uncontrollable factors like the economy, the number of homes available in the market, and more. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your home gets the top value it deserves when you soon sell it.   Here are the five home improvements you can do to increase your home value: Get Your Roof In Shape You may not see your roof every day as you move in and out of your house, but it’s actually one of the easiest parts to see by prospective buyers. Your roof doesn’t only serve as your home’s shield from natural elements, but also boost your home value.  A well-maintained and stable roof will look appealing to your buyers and can positively add value to your resale price too. To ensure your roof stays in shape, schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections with a roofing company like www.topglaze.com.au, especially before winter. A roof that’s regularly checked is guaranteed to have a longer lifespan. 2. Upgrade Your Kitchen One of the massive changes you can make to your homes is kitchen remodeling. Your kitchen is also one of your house’s areas that buyers check before purchasing. The good reason for this is that kitchens are the heart of your home, and that’s where homeowners prepare their food to fuel their bodies with energy. Hence, it’s essential for homeowners and homebuyers to have an updated and functional kitchen.  Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a big budget to remodel your kitchen. You can start by modernising your kitchen countertops and cabinets and updating your faucets, sinks, and flooring. You can either DIY this or call the help of a contractor. 3. Renovate Your Bathroom A renovated bathroom can guarantee you an excellent return of investment. There are a few ways to renovate your bathroom without involving the electrical and plumbing system. Some smart DIY changes you can do include: Upgrading your bathroom’s lighting Adding new tile floors Replacing your bathroom mirrors Changing your old toilet with an updated water-saving design Do valuable research first to make sure all your bathroom renovations can guarantee you a return of investment. 4. Window Replacement Your windows are the eyes of your home. They also help create your home’s first impression from the outside. When they’re rusty and unclean, people may think your house is not well-cleaned and maintained. Thus, replacing them is a great way to add value to your home.  Besides that, upgraded windows can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency, which means you wouldn’t have to spend much on HVAC. The cost for upgrading your windows will vary on your home’s size and the quality of windows you choose. Nonetheless, new windows can earnestly complement the overall look of your house. 5. Basic Home Updates The best way to keep your home at its top value is by conducting regular home updates. That includes keeping your home’s paint fresh, replacing wood that shows potential rot, fixing the roof as soon as it shows leaks, and getting rid of all the mold you see. Keeping up with these updates will help your home be in its best shape and away from any risk of deterioration. Everyone knows that one thing all buyers look for is a safe, solid, and well-cared home, and you can guarantee that to them by being consistent with your routine maintenance. Wrapping Up There are still endless options on how you can improve your home and boost its value. To make sure you’re doing the suitable projects, focus your home improvements on smaller projects that can enhance your home’s quality and make it more appealing to buyers. Be more mindful about energy efficiency and updates that can boost your home’s character and comfort. Don’t hesitate to consult custom home builders for a professional opinion on how to do so.

While some of you are finding that you are spending more and more time at home, you might be looking around your home and seeing things that need a little fixing up. “Do it yourself” projects are a great way to pass time, and also make you feel accomplished taking care of business yourself. If you are new to DIY projects, then check out this list of products that can be useful to help get a variety of tasks done around the house. There is no need to run out and buy a whole hardware store. With an AliExpress discount code you can save money on everything you need. As you spend more time at home, you are bound to come across a leaking faucet, squeaky door hinges, and other small things around the house that need a little extra attention. There are certain tools you must have in your toolbox to complete general tasks at home. A set of screwdrivers can be used for so many different projects around the house. As a beginner to DIY projects, you may be asking yourself why you need more than one. Screwdrivers can tighten screws on hardware, light switches, open your kids’ favorite toys to replace the batteries, and many more everyday chores. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge, just make sure you use the screwdriver size that fits best with the screw. A tape measure is another tool that you should always have on hand. Are you looking to add some wall art to your living room? Make sure you measure the distance between frames, and keep everything nicely centered so that you don’t end up with distracting, off-centered pieces. Are you looking to upgrade your TV and wanting to make sure it fits with your entertainment center? Don’t let the eye fool you. Always measure first before you buy to save you a trip to the electronics store. A tool that can be used hand and hand with a tape measure is a stud finder. If you are hanging decorations or redoing some electrical work, you are going to need to know what’s behind the walls before you start doing any drilling. With such advanced technology these days, stud finders are even equipped with lasers so you can make sure the items you are hanging are level. A utility knife speaks for itself: useful, beneficial, and practical. From sharpening pencils when you can’t find the pencil sharpener, to cutting down electrical wires, and even simple tasks like opening boxes, you shouldn’t be without one. This next tool may seem basic, but can be handy when you least expect it. Having a flashlight at hand or in your tool box is convenient when unpredictable weather conditions cause your electricity to go out. A flashlight can help you find your way to the fuse box, or the stash of candles you have collected for emergencies. You can even purchase headlamps to help you in small places and keep you hands free such as when you are fixing the pipes under the kitchen sink or checking wires under your car. A repair tool kit such as wax chips is an excellent tool to have in your toolbox. From wooden floors, antique or vintage furniture, and even ceramic countertops, you can fill in those scratches, chips, and signs of wear. Bring your furniture back to life with this professional repair kit. When you find yourself completing more and more tasks at home, it may be useful to invest in a simple tool belt so that you can carry all the tools you need to get the job done.

Improving property value is key for one in five Brits who decide to take on DIY home renovations according to recent research gathered by Estate Agents Douglas & Gordon. In fact, since last March, Britons have spent an average of £4,035.70 each on DIY projects. The trend has continued into 2021 as Brits remain in lockdown, but the good news is that research suggests those who get their DIY home renovations right can enjoy as much as a £50,000 increase in their property value. With 60% of Brits grabbing their drills, screwdrivers, hammers and saws, what home renovation ideas have the UK’s DIYers been spending their time on? To find out, Douglas & Gordon have investigated which DIY home projects Brits are searching for the most has the biggest added property value: 1. DIY Home Office: +80% Increase in Searches (Up to £20,000) Naturally, those working from home want a comfortable, practical office space to work from — whether that’s a corner unit or an entire office extension. And the investment is worth it. A home office extension could boost your property price by an average of 8.4% (around £20,000 for the average UK home). This number may only increase with more people working from home permanently. 2. DIY Plumbing: +33% Increase in Searches (Up to £7,000) From clogged drains to installing a whole new toilet, there are plenty of plumbing repairs and installations that can be done yourself, potentially saving hundreds in repairman costs. Simple tweaks like new taps and showerheads can add as much as £7,000 to your property’s value. 3. DIY Gardening: +21% Increase in Searches (Up to £2,000) Gardening has been more popular than ever during lockdown. Brits are even planning to use their gardens in the chillier winter months, with searches for outdoor heating up 300%. And while gardens are notorious for ongoing work and maintenance, the payoff can be worth it. A well-kept garden can add as much as £2,000 to your property’s value, with sheds, patio/paving and secure fencing being essential features to buyers. 4. DIY Lighting: +19% Increase in Searches (Up to £7,200) LEDs, overhead lighting, up-lighters, table lamps and pendants are easy and simple ways to highlight features, soften the mood and create a warm, homely atmosphere. Plus, making rooms look light, bright and inviting is essential to appealing to buyers and getting the best value possible for your property. LED lighting can boost value by 1–3% (£7,200 for the average UK home). 5. DIY Extension: +13% Increase in Searches (Up to £20,000) Adding an extension to a property is a hefty task, but there’s no better time to do so. Single storey extensions add around 4–7% to a property’s value. Even better: double-storey extensions add as much as 11% — about £26,000 for the average UK home. 6. DIY Deck: +12% Increase in Searches (Up to £5,000) Decking has the potential to add as much as £5,000 to the value of your home. It’s essential to pay attention to these details, as buyers definitely will! 7. DIY Plastering: +7% Increase in Searches (Up to £2,500) When done well, good plastering makes a house more durable and reduces how much maintenance must be done, increasing the value of a home by around £1,000–£2,500. “2020 and 2021 has seen us spending more time at home than ever before. As a result, more people have tried their hand at DIY to improve their homes and make them more comfortable. We applaud anyone who takes the time to improve their living space; however it’s important to note that DIY isn’t as simple as it seems, and that if you’d like to add genuine value to your home, it’s worth consulting with an expert. If you are renovating to sell your home, we recommend finding out the value of your home before you undertake any serious renovations, so you can focus your time and energy on the areas that can add the most value,” commented on the research, Warren McCann, Area Director at Douglas & Gordon.

Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve your home to a ‘satisfactory’ condition and what it will achieve in terms of value increment.  Home improvements do not just revolve around property resale, and it can also enhance your family’s quality of life, comfort and enjoyment of your house (even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon). One fact you must not forget is that not every home improvement project will ultimately lead to a boost in your property resale value. This means you may not recover the investment cost of some home improvement projects.  So, here are some home improvements that can significantly boost the value of your house.  Outdoor living space/ deck A home’s outdoor space is a place to share beautiful moments with loved ones. From grilling barbeque to relaxing while watching kids play, it can significantly improve your home’s value.  It greatly improves the beauty of your home’s exterior as it comes in a wide assortment of styles and colours. For a more appealing effect, you can grow gardens or add decorative lights to improve your home’s ambience.  Consider using a decking material of superior quality, such as composite. It is resistant to extreme heat, moisture and wind. It is also eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Composite decking materials are designed for long-term enjoyment without the frustration of routine maintenance.  Kitchen  Kitchen remodelling and updates will definitely improve the value of your home. According to real estate analysts, kitchen remodelling can increase your home value by up to 60%. Start by making simple but highly essential updates because buyers yearn for kitchens with modern facilities.  Ensure you change the faucets if they need replacement. Also, energy-efficient, modern lights are better than retro or old ceiling bulbs. You can also add cabinets and hardware to transform the appearance of your kitchen. Consider adding fresh paint to your kitchen or tiling the wall to instil a contemporary style to your kitchen.  Bathroom  Bathroom improvement or update is an important project that is known to boost the resale value of properties. Here are some tips to help remodel your bathroom on a budget:  The most effective solution to improving your bathroom appearance is by cladding the wall. The bathroom is a moisture-ridden area, prone to mildew and mould, which can ruin a paint job. Today’s cladding panel materials are resistant to humidity, moisture and mould. They can significantly improve your bathroom’s aesthetics. Ensure you replace the lighting, faucet, showerhead, racks and drawers. They can add beauty to your bathroom.  You can deep clean your bathroom by removing grime, grout and dirt. This will freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. You can also use caulk and grout.  The cabinet door will also need to be repainted. You replace old accessories such as the tissue paper holder and toilet bars. This is a cheap and quick way of updating your bathroom.  Fence A fence adorns a home, especially when it has a decorative finish. It significantly adds value to every home, and buyers love it. It instils privacy and enhances the security of your property’s perimeter. From intrusive or prying neighbours to unwelcomed salespeople, a fence will restrict their access to your home. It also improves the safety of your kids and pets.  Fences also improve curb appeal and improve the aesthetics of the house. It is also important for landscaping and beautifies your garden. Fencing materials are also worth your consideration, as you wouldn’t want a fence that is high-maintenance and quick to rot, rust or splinter. This is why the composite fence is the most preferred fencing option for your property. The composite fence has excellent aesthetics, excellent rigidity and resilience to harsh climate conditions, superior strength and low-maintenance features.  Roof New roofing allows you to cut cooling costs while improving curb appeal and resale value. Often overlooked, new roofs can positively add to the beauty of a home. Most premium roofs are designed to lessen cooling costs because they can reflect solar heat significantly. The roof also happens to be the most easy-to-see feature to homebuyers. Poor roofing condition can cause serious drainage issues. 

Homeowners or buyers wishing to settle down in a ‘forever home’ can look to these six simple considerations when creating a house to call a home. A ‘forever home’ is a property that suits requirements in the short and long term – so it needs to be a flexible space to fall in love with. Whether future plans are growing a family, downsizing and retiring, or making a return on investment, it’s important to consider how a living space can be shaped to meet specific needs and goals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown has prompted many to consider whether it’s time to move to a new house or start improvements on current properties. When it comes to making your home work for you, the property experts at Stormclad have shared their thoughts on achieving your ideal ‘forever home’. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “With everyone spending more time in their own homes, now is the ideal time to either carry out exciting upgrades on existing properties, or search for your next home, to improve your quality of living. “Here at Stormclad, we have more than 20 years’ experience in helping our customers transform their houses into dream homes. Whether it’s deciding what can be done to a current property now, or assessing whether a new property has the potential for extensions and improvements in the future, we wanted to share our tips on ways you can add value and quality features to your home, that will last the test of time.” Here are six things to consider for your ‘forever home’ 1. An extension to create space Adding an extension is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes you can make to your home – whether you’d like to extend the kitchen, add a utility or study room, or an extra bedroom – there is plenty of scope for you to enhance your home with the additional space an extension provides. An extension will almost always add value to a property, so it is well-worth the investment once you have done your research and secured planning permission. If you are looking to buy a new home, consider whether there is potential to extend the house at some point in the future. Local estate agents will be able to offer you advice, and you can also look to other properties in the neighbourhood to see whether they have benefited from an extension, so you know that you have the option, if you decide it’s something you want. 2. Maximising the space available For the interior of your home, consider where you can create spaces of value for yourself and your family. In these uncertain times, with many people staying at home and working remotely, it is important to create suitable, comfortable spaces for yourself and your household to ensure a good living quality for everyone. Quiet, tranquil spaces for relaxation and reading, a study for working, and a well-maintained garden are just a few suggestions when considering how to ensure your property is a ‘forever home’. 3. Outdoor space An often under-utilised area of the home is the garden – whether you’d like to transform it into a children’s play area, a space for your pets or an alfresco dining and relaxing spot, there are easy ways you can improve your outside space for the long run. If you want a dry outdoor space for your summer barbecues or winter fire pit, then consider adding a veranda to your property. Whatever the British weather has to throw at you, adding a veranda to the exterior of your home provides a stylish shelter from the sun and the rain. 4. Invest in upkeep and quality appliances One of the easiest ways to ensure your house is a ‘forever home’ is to commit to a regular maintenance regime to keep everything running smoothly and looking and feeling fresh. Adding a new layer of paint, deep cleaning carpets and investing in new blinds or stylish shutters are just some of the ways you can update and refresh your home quickly and easily, so that it remains a place you enjoy being. If you’re moving into a new home, these are simple steps you can take to stamp your own personality on a property straight away. It is also worth investing in quality fixtures in the home – appliances and electronics such as ovens, fridge freezers, tech, heating controls and dishwashers are worth spending a little extra money on as their quality means they will last much longer than cheaper alternatives.   5. Money-saving double glazing Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. Installing double glazed windows will retain the heat in your home by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease of 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 further. Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in and continue to look smart over time. 6. A spacious conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home. The versatile space is ideal for a whole host of uses, and can function as a dining room, playroom, living area or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than choosing a traditional extension, as it provides a space with a different feel to the rest of the home and helps to bring the outdoors in with plenty of natural light.

Many people spend a lot of time, effort, and fortune to decorate their bathrooms. Gone are the days when bathrooms were relegated to the back of the house and comprised nothing more than the most essential fixtures.  Hotel and resort bathrooms are always great sources of inspiration. Some ooze with minimal sophistication, while others go crazy with colours and themes while still accomplishing the jaw dropping effect. Tiles and fixtures combine wonderfully to achieve a bathroom ambiance like no other. Regardless of what you’re going after, here are some bathroom tile ideas to elevate your bathing space and turn it into a work of art. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #1: Stone Cladding Considered as a decorative covering, wall cladding comprises the application of one material over the other. If natural stones are used, it is referred to as stone cladding, and it follows the same principle of putting a thin layer of stone or, in this case, tiles that simulate stone on another layer. Tiles from Limestone UK can provide you with designs that can make your rustic or vintage style bathroom a reality. Complement it with some rustic bathroom lighting from Furniture Fuse to complete the vibe. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #2: Mosaic Tiles Mosaic tiles are also called glass tiles and are known for their intense colours that makes your design scheme vibrant. You can create your own eye-catching designs using the same colour palette or contrasting hues. Mosaic tiles can complement your bathtub, walls, and other bathroom fixtures. It can also become the centerpiece of your entire restroom. Mosaic tiles pique the visual interest of the observers. If you want to go extreme, cover your whole wall with tiles and even the small space between your basin and lavatory. Should you want to use mosaic tiles on your floor, use the anti-skip kind to avoid accidents. Head on to Mosaic Village for some tile designs and inspiration. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #3: Faux Wooden Tiles Wooden floorings provide an overall luxurious feeling; bathroom included, but hardwood is costly and is not a practical material for a bathroom. You can still achieve wood-like flooring by using some wooden tiles. ToppsTiles has a huge variety of tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. It is quite similar to the usual hardwood floors but won’t cause too much dent in the budget. Note that wooden tiles are elongated in shape, similar to wood planks for that realistic look and feel. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #4: Over The Shower Tiles Convert your bathroom into your very own spa and literally extend it over the edge. Extend your tile pattern up to your bathroom ceiling. The overhead design has two purposes – an artistic masterpiece for you while at the same time providing a layer from humidity. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #5: Patchwork Tiles A patchwork of shapes, textures, patterns, and vibrant colours on just a single wall of your restroom can give extra character and personality to your comfort space. With patchwork tiles, there is no restriction on which tiles you can use. Combine mosaic tiles and limestone tiles with marble and granite for a sheer finish. These Mediterranean-influenced designs can create an interesting story. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #6: Wall Mural in the Shower Have a theatrical and unique experience while having your shower by creating a mural in your shower using tiles. It can just be a simple floral mural, or you can take things further and go for an all-aqua theme. Kids will nag you for bath time when you incorporate some cartoon character inspired tiles like the ones in Zazzle. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #7: Contrasting Tiles Make the most of the colour wheel and use contrasting colours to make a pattern. Try the classic with black and white tiles or work on a deep grey colour scheme – coordinated colours, when done right and with the correct colour choices, make an interesting design. You can base your colour scheme on the current palette of your furniture. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #8: Floral Fantasy Turn your boring bathroom into a floral restroom by using floral tile accents. Pair them with subtle pastel or dark-coloured tiles so their design can really pop. Go for floral tiles that have texture on it. You can further create a floral centerpiece either on your floor or on one side of your wall. Florals are for both genders anyway, so it is a top choice for bathroom design ideas. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #9: 3D Shower Tiles Texture accompanied by movement results in playful 3D bathroom tiles. Let your imagination take over and incorporate tiles of all sizes, styles, and shapes. Make your illusion a reality and get those 3D tiles from 3D Tiles UK and make every bathroom experience an interesting one. Stolen Bathroom Tile Idea #10: Pastel and Candy Tiles Suitable for the young female who spends half her time inside the bathroom, these tiles ooze freshness and youthfulness. Convert your traditional white tiled bathroom into a pastel, bubble gum sweetness haven. Pastel and girly looking tiles with little hearts and butterfly accents is just a pretty place to be.

It’s starting to look like we will all be spending a little more time at home again over the next few months and with the colder weather approaching, it could be a costly time for home owners. With more people working from home once again and curfews being introduced, it’s an opportune time to invest in insulating your home – not just to keep it cosy – but also efficient in terms of heat retention and cost savings. John Evans of home improvement specialists Stormclad, said: “Over the last six months we have all spent more time at home than usual, and our homes now more than ever play a vital role in keeping us safe and secure as well as being the backdrop to home working, home learning and everything in between. “To ensure the home remains a pleasant place to be for all the family, temperature plays an key role and as it begins to get colder outside, it could be the perfect time to make home improvements to increase the homes thermal efficiency. “There are a number of simple modifications you can make to your home to reduce heat which can be installed in a matter of hours, days or weeks.” Draught-proofing There are countless gaps in our homes that we usually never even think about. However, these are letting out the warmth from, and letting the cold inside. Often you can fill all the gaps and holes yourself with some simple DIY. Internal doors are a good place to start when trying to cover drafts. You can buy removable draft excluders such as the classic sausage dog, or have a draught excluding door seal fitted underneath the door. Ensure you keep these shut as often as possible to retain the heat in each room, and to stop draughts coming through. Replace windows with modern double glazing Windows are one of the most prone areas to heatloss in the home. An old single paned window will emit around 84% of a room’s heat into the cold air outside so it is definitely worth the investment. Installing double glazed windows will retain the heat in your home by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease of 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 further. Older windows can look outdated and deteriorate quickly, so replacing them a with durable frame such as aluminium will transform the look of your home outside and in. External door replacements Older doors are prone to holes and gaps which allows draughts to enter the home. Doors can often become warped and unsettled in their existing frame, which means its time for an upgrade. Solid wood doors are a popular choice as timber is a natural insulator, absorbing and retaining heat, as well as composite doors, which are a thick door made of a combination of timber and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – a robust thermo-plastic door skin. Top top: Ensure your door is fitted with a quality letterbox flap or brush, to reduce the amount of heat loss from the letterbox.  Conservatory refurbishments Do you avoid this room in the winter because it’s too cold? Could this be your new home office? Making changes to your old conservatory can vastly reduce the amount of heat lost and make the space welcoming and usable all year round. Older conservatories are often made with plastic polycarbonate roofs which have very little thermal insulation. Replacing the roof with high performance glass, a solid roof or a combination of the two, is one of the most effective improvements you can make to increase a conservatory’s thermal efficiency, which not just affects the conservatory but the whole home’s thermal efficiency.