Author: Jonnie Irwin
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A stitch in time saves nine – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
Let’s not beat around the bush, it’s been a rubbish summer. We’ve not had the best of weather for mowing our lawns, never mind attempting much DIY. Not with standing the impending doom of the onset of winter, this last week or so has hinted at the prospect of an Indian summer and therefore an…
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Why it’s important to hire a Rated builder – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
Having a good builder makes all the difference. Often projects evolve and change – AKA ‘growers’ – and a good builder will be able to work with you to deliver a quality finish. My builder boxed in the waste pipe from the flat above, sound proofed it and double skimmed it. This means that in…
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Before you start a home improvement project – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
You should always speak to your neighbours before you start a renovation project, especially in a shared communal block. This won’t just prevent them getting upset further down the line, but there could also be a time when your tradesman needs emergency access to their properties. I was away filming when my builder was renovating my…
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How to build a stud wall – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
I’m renovating my London flat, luckily I know some good builders. Installing a stud wall isn’t a particularly difficult job for an experienced DIY-er, but I would always advise calling in the professionals. I gave my builder Moss a hand when he built a stud wall to reconfigure the layout of my flat, here’s how it’s done.
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Make the most of your space – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
The costs associated with moving house are continuing to increase: stamp duty and estate agent fees for a £300,000 house are around £15,000. For many people an extension or conversion could be a better financial and lifestyle choice – you might be able to increase your living space more cost-effectively by improving, instead of moving house. These are my top tips for…
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Stamp duty: why it’s better to make your home bigger! – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
So a month has passed since the Chancellor delivered his budget, and we shouldn’t be surprised that we are no longer discussing its long term implications for the housing market. In times of such austerity, few were shocked that it would include measures to add to the exchequers coffers. And by increasing the upper level…
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The answer to shameful ‘shoebox homes’ – improve, don’t move – interview with Jonnie Irwin
A study by RIBA revealed that UK property developers are building smaller houses than ever before, making UK houses some of the smallest in Europe. In addition recent research by RatedPeople.com has uncovered that over 70% of Brits would rather live in a pre-1990’s property, because they are perceived to be better built with bigger…
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January is the time to get started – guest post by Jonnie Irwin
With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, be them goals on health, renewed focus at work or targets for personal achievement. For many of us, at best, these amount to a temporary change in our behaviour, or worse, just idle chat during a hungover breakfast on New Year’s Day. But, for all of us…