Getting started with improving your home can be an intimidating process to start, but the joy it can bring is hard to resist. Whether you’re interior decorating, or renovating the exterior of your home, making some changes can have a remarkable impact on how you experience your home, how other people view it, and how real estate agents will value it for sale or refinancing. When it comes to going through with a redecoration, there is a massive number of things that you can do that are all great options, but some options are better than others. One of the areas that is sure to get you the most bang for your buck is with improving the external face of your house, so here are five ways that you can... Read More »

Old houses tend to cost a lot less to buy than new houses which is understandable but then comes the age-old question; is my old home worth renovating? If you are renovating yourself, you can save money in the long run and end up with a great investment. An old house can be quite unique in the sense of light fittings and woodwork but there are ways in which you can keep these details in the home whilst also bringing it up to date. On the other hand, the cost of renovating an old home could be quite high. Replacing the roof, electrics or plumbing comes up top of the list when renovations occur. It can also take time depending on how many unexpected surprises might pop up. This makes... Read More »

A conservatory roof replacement will undoubtedly make your house more desirable to buyers, especially if your existing roof is not energy efficient, structurally sound, or easy on the eye. A survey of recent homebuyers has been compiled by a UK insurance company, and it showed that a conservatory roof replacement increases the resale value of homes. Most first-time buyers would look favourably on a house with a conservatory as opposed to a regular house (with no extension or conservatory). Those who have already had experience in selling homes know that having an extra room will increase the value of your property as well as its overall appearance. Replacing your old, worn-out conservatory roof with newer, better quality materials is one exciting project you can work on today to achieve those... Read More »

This is a question we’ve been asked at least once or twice a year, so here are our thoughts on whether copper is still a crucial material in the world of plumbing. Firstly let’s address the initial questions. Yes, it is still widely used in today’s market. If you’re from a plumbing family or know someone who specialises in plumbing, chances are you have had heard about the benefits of using PEX tubing over copper for home water supply lines. However, if you haven’t heard or given much thought to this subject, you may be surprised to find out that piping for both gas and water continues to be made of copper in many homes across the UK and Europe. Not only does it function perfectly well, but its physical... Read More »

In the refurbishment and building industry, cladding can provide a cost-effective way to transform a property’s external appearance. It provides insulation against sound and weather, allowing beauty to be maintained without compromising function. As such, it is often viewed by homeowners as an integral part of their property. Cladding has also been used extensively in major regeneration projects to help kick-start development and encourage new investment into areas that could potentially turn into blighted urban landscapes due to poor maintenance and high levels of dereliction. When carefully selected and designed appropriately for its surrounding area, cladding can play an important role in encouraging growth and regeneration within towns and cities across Great Britain. Mechanical strength The main reason for the prevalence of cladding is due to its ease, speed and... Read More »

If your home has a patio, chances are that you spend quite a lot of time there. Whether you’re sitting and visiting with friends or simply enjoying the sun, it’s nice to have some protection from the elements so you can fully enjoy yourself. And since covering your patio with an actual roof is probably out of the question (and perhaps not even feasible), what’s left? This article is dedicated to fabric awnings for patios – one solution that lets you use your outdoor area all year round. We’ll also discover some pros and cons of this type of product. Fabric awnings have long been popular in the UK. They are awnings that can be erected easily and quickly. They protect the patio area with quick set-up, whilst they are... Read More »

With so many different types of residential surveys out there, it can be confusing and daunting to know what they all mean and when you might need one. Surveys are typically optional, but important if you have a concern about possible issues with your home and to save yourself any unwanted surprises. If you happen to have minor concerns, the lowest level of survey you can get is called a Condition Report. Condition Reports are a level one survey, that typically start from £300. This report does not go into incredible detail but are designed to complement the mortgage valuation. These reports give you a ‘traffic light’ indication to the state of various parts of the property and a summary of any defects or possible risks affecting the property. This... Read More »

If you are considering buying or selling a home for the first time, you may be wondering what an RICS Homebuyer Survey includes. A Homebuyer Survey is a briefer version of a RICS Building Survey but is more detailed than the mortgage valuation and RICS Condition Report. This survey is classed as a level 2 and the cost typically depends on the size and valuation of the property being inspected. The Homebuyer Survey is a visual and non-intrusive inspection, by a RICS chartered surveyor, of the condition of the home and details any defects, in the Condition Report. This type of inspection would be suitable for modern or conventional home that are in reasonably good condition. If the home is non-standard or more dilapidated, a more thorough Building Survey will... Read More »

Conservatories prove to be an excellent way to get the most out of sunshine in your yard, but glass roofs tend to present several problems that most people do not anticipate. Perhaps the most obvious one is difficulty in accessing the roof when it comes to cleaning the glass. However, the biggest downside is the increased heating bill. With the need to save energy, perhaps it is time to consider a tiled conservatory roof. If you are still on the fence, here are some benefits that will hopefully make you consider the upgrade. The Benefits of Having a Tiled Conservatory Roof The first advantage is pretty obvious. Your tiled conservatory roof in Milton Keynes will provide better insulation and allow for better-controlled temperature throughout. This will result in savings on... Read More »