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Tags: self build
If you are considering a move, the option to build your own home is an increasingly viable one.
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Grant Schapps, recently noted that “The average cost of a ready-made home is now more than £232,000, but a budget of £150,000 is usually adequate to build a three to four-bedroom house…”*
How can you turn your dreams of owning a home into reality?
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Tags: building
Winter Gardening
Just because it’s frosty outside doesn’t mean it’s time to abandon the garden!
What can you do now to ensure that your garden is in tiptop shape for Spring?
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Every day in the UK, the effects of poorly carried-out gas work are felt. According to a report commissioned by the Gas Safe Charity:
“Approximately 20 million homes in the UK are supplied with gas, so the potential for CO poisoning due to poorly maintained or otherwise malfunctioning appliances is considerable.”
From faulty radiators to improper boiler installation, illegal gas work is not just dangerous, it can be deadly.
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Tags: gas-safety
The holidays are here and many of us are working away at decorating our homes. For most, this includes strings of colourful lights, inside and out.
Unfortunately, this all too often leads to a rise in electrical fires and dangerous electrical shocks. Here are a few tips to ensure that your holiday season is free of electrical mishaps:
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Tags: electrical safety, holiday
Renovate or Build New?
If you’re planning a change of home environment, but are undecided as to whether you should renovate your current property, or start from scratch with a new build, here are some pros, cons and general points to keep in mind for both options:
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Tags: new build, renovation
If you’re planning a scaled-back holiday this year, but still want to host a festive get-together, here are a few tips:
• Send your invitations digitally (start with a list, but always plan for a few extra guests)
• Decorate with what you already have (coloured candles/lights, red & green items will go a long way in making a room look festive)
• Keep food limited to simple appetisers and snacks – you could even hold a potluck with guests contributing
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Tags: christmas
Winter Home Improvements
If you haven’t yet done so, it’s not too late to think about winterising your home. This can mean different things to different people. Maybe you want to make your home more energy efficient. Perhaps you just want to fend off the cold weather blues. In any case, there are plenty of wintertime improvements you can make to your space.
If you’re ready to get started, it’s wisest to begin with cold weather-proofing. These improvements are best undertaken before the cold weather sets in.
Have your boiler serviced:
It’s important to have a yearly check done to ensure that your boiler is operating properly and is up to code. You don’t want the hassle of dealing with a breakdown in the middle of January! If you have a gas boiler, remember that the check must be carried out by a Gas-Safe registered tradesman.
Insulate:
One of the most important things you can do to prevent heat loss from your home is to properly insulate it. The Energy Saving Trust provides a clear explanation of the various insulation options you might want to consider.
Deal with draughts:
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to retain heat in your home is to seal off draughts. Doors, floors, pipes – all of these places may be costing you money. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you might consider replacing your current windows with double or triple-glazed ones. Find out more about energy saving window options here.
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Tags: heating
Happy Halloween!
It’s Halloween! If you haven’t carved your pumpkin yet – it’s not too late. Get started now!
If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, check out The Guardian’s step-by-step guide (including the tools you’ll need) here.
If it’s your first attempt, go with a basic pattern, like the ones found here.
Feeling a bit more ambitions? Try one of these!
Looking for some highly-challenging inspiration? Check out these masterpiece pumpkins!
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Tags: Halloween
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