Author Archives: Natalie
Home security tips
Burglars look for homes that are uninhabited, especially those that have been vacant for a number of days, suggesting the occupants are on holiday. There are some key things you can do to keep your house secure when you’re not there; either when you’re at work, in the evenings or when you’re on holiday. If […]
How to save water
We use about 150 litres of water every day, it’s time to cut down on our water wastage. Bathroom Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, you can save 6 litres of water per minute by simply turning off the taps. Also ensure that your taps aren’t leaking, as dripping taps can waste […]
Securing windows and doors
Windows and doors are how most thieves gain entry to homes. It’s therefore important to make sure yours are safe as failure to secure them properly can invalidate your insurance policy. Secure doors 1-inch throw deadbolt locks should be installed on all exterior doors. A door with too much space around the door and the […]
Different types of locks
There are number of different varieties of locks for doors and windows. It’s important to choose a good quality lock and one that is recognised as suitable by your insurance company. It’s not good enough to simply install a high quality lock, however, the door has to be in good condition to make the lock […]
How to prevent frozen pipes
You don’t have to do much to prevent your pipes from freezing. A few simple tricks will do the job and ensure there are no burst pipes to deal with in the colder months. Exposed pipes, such as those located on an outside wall, are most prone to freezing. Pipes within cupboards can also be […]
Solar panels
Solar panels aren’t suitable for every home and there are some important aspects to consider if your thinking about installing them. Energy bills During the day the energy generated by solar panels can be used for free and provides a viable alternative to traditional fuel types. When the solar panels aren’t functioning during the night […]
The Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act of 1996 ensures that anyone undertaking an extensive home improvement project involving any shared walls or foundations, need to give their neighbours notice (in writing) before going forward with any plans. The strict definition of a party wall is a wall that ‘stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or […]
Annual roof maintenance jobs
Roofs are often neglected, but they should recieve annual check ups/ maintenance. Prevention is better than cure (a lot cheaper too) and this is certainly the case when it comes to roofing. A small leak, left unfixed, can do a lot of damage. To prevent a lofty bill arrising from neglecting your roof, you should […]
Questions to ask before you start a basement conversion
Undertaking a basement conversion or excavation is a huge project and something that will cost a considerable amount of money. Therefore, it’s really important that you get everything right and plan ahead. Start by asking these questions. What will you use the basement for? If it’s extra space you’re after, or a new bedroom, you’re […]
A guide to basement conversions
A basement conversion can be a fairly simple or a very complicated job, depending on what type of living space you have in mind. Basement conversions are good improvements when adding extra storage, a playroom or cinema room. Loft conversions, on the other hand, are usually used for adding an extra bedroom. The easiest basement […]