When it comes to investing in a property, there are many different options available. Buying a property to then rent out is a popular way to build a property investment. It is usually best to choose a set rate or tracker mortgage. Many buy-to-let landlords prefer the steadiness of a set rate mortgage, so outgoings are steady and predictable for an extended period. Buy-to-let mortgages became more competitive recently as lenders lower interest rates to keep the market moving. Unlike homeowner mortgages that look into salary and expenditure, buy-to-let mortgages estimate affordability based on potential income from rent. You’ll have to show that you can collect rent amounting to a minimum of 125% of your annual mortgage interest payments. Using an independent broker to seek out the buy-to-let mortgage that’s... Read More »

We are often asked about the qualities of oak in a home setting, but the truth is, oak is one of very few materials that can look great in a diverse mix of environments. But what makes it so special? Here are 7 reasons why we love oak. 1. Oak may be a hardwood, and this will sound like an obvious point; however, it is ridiculously hard for a natural material. It’s been used for hundreds of years now within the building trade and has established extreme credibility for durability. For example, it’s well known that 200-year-old reclaimed oak can still be purchased and appears beautiful. 2. Oak improves with age sort of a like a good wine. We’re sure you’ve heard this saying before, but the character you get... Read More »

Pillow blocks, also known as plummer blocks, are a kind of bearing housing. They have a re-lubrication facility and can be used with either oil or grease lubrication. The housing material for a pillow block is typically made of cast iron or cast steel. A standard plummer block may include: A split plummer block design allows for easy mounting and dismounting of pre-assembled shafts. Sealing options such as V-ring seals, labyrinth seals or heavy-duty taconite seals. Case end covers are often available. Multi relubrication points are provided to ensure re-lubrication of the bearing depending on orientation Housing are supplied with spacer rings in order to provide axial location. Those can be ommitted for “free end” axial front. The upper and lower housings can be assembled together at higher accuracy thanks... Read More »

If you’re looking for a reliable roofing solution, you won’t find a better option than GRP flat roofs. These roofs offer a number of advantages over other types of roof. If you take a closer look at the benefits it offers, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. It’s Weather Resistant One of the biggest threats to your roof is poor weather. While there’s no way to completely weatherproof your roof, a GRP flat roof can help to keep your roof and home in excellent shape even during a storm. This is a roofing material that’s highly resistant to weathering, especially when the right kind of topcoat is applied. This roofing material is both seamless and waterproof, which means it’s ideal for stormy weather. You shouldn’t... Read More »

A terrace is a great addition to your home as it provides you with an outdoor space with easy access to the house. Most terraces do not come with a roof or cover, but this is something you should consider adding. If you are unsure about this, there are many reasons why a cover is a good idea and worth the additional investment. Sun Protection You are most likely to use your terrace in the summer months when the weather is good and you want to enjoy it before winter. The only problem is the sun can become overwhelming as you sit there. While it is possible to purchase a large umbrella, a terrace cover will work better. Terrance covers come in a range of designs and many will have... Read More »

In this article, we answer one of the many questions that we get asked by many. What exactly is a louvred system. A louvred roof system is any horizontal slat that can be adjusted in angle to admit both light and air. Louvres originated as crude wooden constructions in centuries gone by and were very commonly used in plantation shutters in tropical countries to provide the needed ventilation that could yet keep out the rain. Modern-day louvres are made of many materials ranging from aluminium, plastic, cloth, and glass, besides the wood they were traditionally made from. They are very commonly found in window blinds and shutters. Louvres can be adjustable or fixed. Louvred roofs used over places that are exposed to the atmosphere will be fixed, as these roofs... Read More »

It feels delightful to enjoy a cup of hot coffee in front of your fireplace during winter. The cracking sound of fire burning slowly and its warmth spreading in the room makes for a heavenly evening. But what type of wood burner should you use? What kind of wood burner logs should you burn? There are so many questions that you need to answer before fully committing to purchasing your first wood burner. We’ve taken some to answer one of the most frequently asked questions we get. What type of wood should I burn and does different wood burn actually burn differently? 1.Ash Ash is one of the most versatile woods for burning. Most people prefer ash because they don’t need to combine it with any other burner. It produces... Read More »

Everything nowadays seems to be ‘smart’ – interlinked, internet enabled technology that serves to make your life easier. Garage doors are no exception and there are many options for smart garage doors that will integrated with your other smart home systems and will give you more freedom and more control. Smart garage doors are the convenient, modern way to improve your garage and improve your home, allowing you more control over the way you manage your time and your day to day life. It offers a fascinating array of benefits for the modern homeowner. If you are going to have a smart garage door installed, you need to know about the benefits it can bring and how it can help to improve your life. Of course, it won’t be the... Read More »

Okay so flat roofs aren’t the most exciting investments for homeowners, but they are extremely important, especially when protecting the entire building envelope. Knowing the pros and cons of each system, like the value of flat roof repair, the building material needed, potential ponding water and roof leaks will give you a better understand on the investment at large. Flat roofs construction consists of a high coat and under layer, and that’s especially the case when you look at flat roofing Leamington Spa. Flat roofs are among the most durable roofs of all the categories for commercial buildings and houses. They’re most regularly used on outbuildings and huge structures. If you propose to own a flat roof on a residence or building, or do already, it’s essential to grasp the... Read More »

Installing a garage door require a lot of attention and roller doors are a well-known option. They offer several benefits that have resulted in a rise in their popularity. Due to their superior strength as well as the compact operating mechanism, these doors can meet the requirements of a wide range of garage door openings. Here are some of the advantages in more detail: Space As a result of their comfort design, roller garage doors are well suited for individuals in possession of a small driveway or intending to save some space. The compatibility of the garage door systems allows the usage of the garage ceiling as well for lighting or providing additional storage. Due to their vertical opening technique, vehicles can be parked right up against the garage doors... Read More »

As the word suggests, smokeless fuel is a type of solid fuel that does not emit any smoke when burned. Smokeless fuel is very much seen as an alternative fuel in parts of UK, in zones that are covered by the Clean Air Act. In these areas, people don’t use any solid fuel that emits smoke since it’s against the Act. There are many types of manmade fuels in the UK market to choose from. There is also a natural form of smokeless fuel such as Anthracite coal, which is very black and shiny. But let’s get to the core of this topic, why should you burn smokeless fuel in your log burner? Environmentally-Friendly Compared to many other forms of fuel, smokeless fuel emits less carbon dioxide. It helps to... Read More »

Let’s face it. Your house would be deficient without a garage door. These secure the vehicle as well as the family. Many families like to have a garage with a strong, secure and reliable door because it allows them to use it in different ways. They help store more things in the garage outside the vehicle too, so there are plenty of reasons for investing in a good one, but there are also many different types available, and we’re going to run through four of the most popular options here in the UK. There are four main types of garage doors: Wheeled garage doors The mobile garage door is a perfect alternative for mortgage borrowers who have short tickets or space issues. The rising door essentially bends over a drum... Read More »