Author Archives: Natalie
Planning permission for bathrooms
If you are considering installing a new bathroom in your property you will need to establish whether or not you need to seek planning permission. General rule In general, installing a new bathroom does not need planning permission. If you are installing new units and fittings you do not need to seek approval, because this […]
Installing radio antennas & satellite dishes
If you are considering installing a radio antenna or satellite dish you will need to establish whether or not you need to seek planning permission. Depending on your circumstances, taking into account property ownership and locality, you will want to determine any planning permission, listed building consent, or landlord permission you need. As the beneficiary of […]
How to choose an extractor fan
Good ventilation is key to combat condensation in the bathroom. To get rid of excess moisture, an extractor fan is usually a good first step. Extractor fans can be either wall or ceiling mounted, and should be as high, and as near to the main source of steam, as possible. For the average bathroom, a […]
Damp problems
The two main causes of damp in a bathroom are leaks and condensation. Any leaks should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent the problem getting worse and more costly to fix in the long run. If you suspect you have damp in your bathroom but you’re not sure what’s causing it, look […]
The best flooring solutions for bathrooms
If you’re renovating your bathroom and you haven’t decided what flooring option to go for yet, have a look at our list below and decide what material’s best for you. Sheet vinyl flooring This option is reasonably hard-wearing and hygienic, as well as cheap. It’s available in a variety of colours and patterns; from wood […]
Kitchen worktops
There are number of different options when choosing a kitchen worktop each with their advantages/disadvantages and different price points. When choosing a surface you shouldn’t just consider price, also think about how your kitchen is used and who it; materials that are easily damaged are not well suited to a young family, for example. Solid […]
Kitchen refurbishments on a budget
A new kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. If your kitchen is need of a refurb, but your budget won’t stretch to a full renovation, there are a few ways that you can update your kitchen by saving a few pennies. The most expensive parts of a kitchen […]
Kitchen lighting design
Lighting is an important feature of any room, but too often it’s an afterthought and not properly considered at the planning stage. More so than any other room, electrical work in the kitchen needs to be planned upfront because the ‘first fit’ will need to be completed before plastering, decorating or fitting the units can […]
Kitchen design and The Magic Triangle
Kitchen designers tracked people’s movements around their kitchens and discovered modern kitchens contain a Magic Triangle. The triangle principle is based on the distance between the cooker, sink and fridge adding up to between 12 and 23 feet. It’s not just about how far you have to walk to the fridge, although when possible make […]
Bathroom lighting advice
Like most things, lighting is a matter of taste, but in the bathroom there are regulations which must be followed. The 17th edition of the IET wiring regulations, identifies designated zones around bath, shower and wash basin where lights must not be fitted. Lights must be either low voltage (12 volt), or in an enclosed […]