Why it’s important to take out home contents insurance
by James on Sep.08, 2010, under Home Insurance
When you take on a mortgage you will be required by the lender to take out home buildings insurance to protect their interests as well as your own. Freak accidents such as fire, or natural events such as extreme weather can damage or completely demolish your home, or make it so unstable that it will have to be completely rebuilt. Adequate buildings insurance removes the financial burden that such events can cause.
Most people also take out home contents insurance, which protects their belongings against loss and damage. Indemnity insurance is the cheapest option here, replacing such items with ones of equivalent age, but most people opt for the slightly more expensive ‘new for old’ cover, which replaces possessions with brand new items.
Unlimited cover with contents insurance means that when items are lost or damaged through no fault of your own their replacement is automatic, and the cost of that replacement does not come under consideration. The crucial factor is the circumstances of their loss or damage, and this will decide whether you can make the claim at all.
Contents insurance covers (apart from non-fixed items in the house) the garden furniture in most cases, as the garden on many policies counts as a room of the house. It also covers freezer and refrigerator contents.
On top of the basic coverage you can add optional extras, which will extend the coverage to incidents like burst pipes and to cover legal expenses. These of course, will increase the premium.
A separate travel insurance policy will be needed to cover your personal belongings when you are away on holiday, as they will not be covered by the house contents insurance.
Removing Damaged Old Floorboards
by James on Sep.06, 2010, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, How To Guides
Anyone who wants to sand their floorboards to get that elegant natural wood look will need them to be in good condition. If they’re damaged, the aesthetic appeal will be undermined. Happily, provided damage caused by woodworm or damp is properly treated before going any further, you won’t be faced with the prospect of a full property development makeover. Forget about architects and building expertise – a DIY novice can replace damaged wood in much less time than the average painting and decorating job, and it’s a lot easier than plastering.
Pry up the damaged section close to the nail using a wide bolster chisel, and proceed along the length of the board unit it comes free (with tongue and groove boards, you’ll have to trim the tongue off using a saw before you can begin pry and lifting). If a nail just won’t budge, you can knock it through the board into the joist with a nail-punch.
Knock the nails out as you go – they can be dangerous. Sometimes, you’ll find little segments of board which have been lifted previously to install plumbing or wiring. Just screw in some batten along the joists where these boards were – it’ll help the new board lie properly. Boards which look badly worn on one side may look as good as new underneath – just flip them over and re-use them. Once you’ve got all the damaged wood lifted, nail or screw down the new boards, and make sure no nail and screw heads are protruding. Time to begin sanding!
Types of Underfloor Heating Systems to Consider
by James on Sep.05, 2010, under Heating, Home Improvements, Underfloor Heating
There are several different types of underfloor heating systems that you can install in order to be have a more energy-efficient method for staying comfortable and warm when dealing with the UK winters. The primary underfloor heating systems available on the market today include:
- Electric underfloor heating systems
- Forced air underfloor heating systems
- Hot water or wet underfloor heating systems
Here are some things to consider when trying to decide which of these systems you want to install.
Electric Underfloor Heating Systems – Electrically conductive cables or wires are placed under the flooring or tile and as the current passes through them, heat is given off, thus warming up the air surrounding the floor and the room. Electric under tile heating systems work in similar fashion.
Forced Air Underfloor Heating Systems – This is probably the oldest method of heating a house or room on record, having been dated back to the time of the ancient Romans. A series of ducts are installed under the flooring or tile and connected to a boiler or furnace which is typically powered by gas or oil. The air is heated up and then forced up through the ducts and vents in order to heat the room.
Hot Water or Wet Underfloor Heating Systems – Metal pipes which are connected to a boiler are placed under the flooring or tile. The boiler heats the water which is then passed through the pipes and enables the heat to radiate out and heat the room up.
What is Needed to Build a Shower Enclosure?
by James on Sep.03, 2010, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Home Improvements, Interior Design
As more individuals opt to replace their traditional shower and bath unit with a shower enclosure, the demand for do-it-yourself replacements is growing. Unless you purchase a new modern home with a shower cubicle already installed, you might be one of the many looking to make the switch yourself.
Before commencing a large home improvement task like this, you should be aware of the materials and labour required to complete the job. If any part of the shower enclosure installation seems too daunting, consult a professional for guidance and assistance. More detailed instructions are available from specialty home improvement stores or do-it-yourself plumbing sites.
To complete a shower cubicle installation, you will need to gather these supplies: a PVC shower pan liner, lumber, screws, a backboard, cement and a trowel, drain assembly, tile thinset, tiles for the walls and floor, concrete, grout, sponges, and caulking adhesive.
The basic steps for installing a shower enclosure are very straightforward. Before you begin, measure and plan for the components of the shower. Plan exactly where each piece will be, from the valve to the shower tray to the drainage system. With a clear layout in mind, walking through the steps from waterproofing to draining to tiling the shower cubicle will be much easier. Be extra cautious with your measurements and always measure twice before doing anything.
With the right tools and a basic understanding of carpentry or do-it-yourself experience, installing a shower cubicle is an easy task.
DIY Tips – How to Remove Wallpaper
by James on Sep.01, 2010, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, How To Guides
It is amazing what a little money, time, and loving effort-spent can do to a home. It can turn a bog-standard room into an architect’s dream. And, more importantly, it can add to the value of your home. One of the best ways to update and refresh a home is to get rid of old wallpaper. Because wallpaper can be difficult to remove, you may be tempted to paint over it; but if it’s a designer finish you’re after, the wallpaper must go.
Using a Scraper
A scraper is a must, but when using one, remember to hold it at the appropriate angle – otherwise you end up with damaged plaster and more DIY for your list of things to do.
Loosening agents
One of the best ways to loosen wallpaper’s grip is with a mixture of warm water, washing-up liquid and just a little bit of wallpaper paste (for thickening). Apply the mixture to the wall starting at the top. Let it soak in for about 20 minutes and then test. If the paper doesn’t remove easily, repeat the process until it does.
Steam strippers
Steam strippers help make wallpaper removal easier by dissolving the wallpaper paste. A spiked roller or other tool is useful in this process to help penetrate the layers and allow the steam to reach the paste. The downside to steam strippers is that they use a lot of electricity. They also generate a lot of heat; making it not only uncomfortable working, but it’s easy to get burned.
Kitchen fitting on a budget
by James on Aug.31, 2010, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, How To Guides
Planning the fitting of a kitchen before starting is extremely important because it helps to avoid later lack of funds, mistakes in measurements and aesthetic clashes (in colour, shapes or furniture, for example). Even when done on a fully DIY basis, it is important to get the estimated cost of fitting a kitchen correct right from the start, so that work can continue without interruption.
The costliest aspects of fitting a kitchen are likely to be the appliances and any decoration or furniture. Typical kitchen appliances are ovens, taps and sinks, fridges and freezers, and perhaps dishwashers and washing machines. Although the cost of such appliances continues to fall over the long-term, having a fully functional kitchen depends on having the budget fully accounted for from the start.
Another typical cost is any professional help that may be needed to install plumbing or any electrical work. Get a quotation from different plumbers and electricians before they start work, and their estimate for the length of time needed to finish the job. Although some plumbers and electricians can supply the material they are to work with, such as sinks, taps and electrical sockets, it may be more cost-effective to purchase these separately in a DIY store or online.
Asking an architect’s help in designing a kitchen can be highly useful, though potentially expensive.
A common mistake is to leave out the cost of the tools needed, such as hammers, screws and nails, a workbench, paint and brushes.
How to Remove Old Wallpaper
by James on Aug.27, 2010, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, How To Guides
It’s amazing how closely you can approximate to a major property development overhaul simply by painting and decorating. Forget architects and major building programmes if you’re on a tight budget – getting rid of that dreadful wallpaper and lifting the colour scheme with some fresh paint can work wonders in themselves. Be prepared, though – the paper may be concealing damaged wall surfaces, so there may be some plastering work to consider.
Clear as much floor area as you can and spread dust sheets to catch the debris. Using a steamer is the most efficient way of removing old wallpaper, but you must take care not to steam too great an area (it’ll just cool down and won’t scrape off if you do). And keep away from electric switches and sockets.
Start in one of the bottom corners and hold the steam pad over the wall for at least 30 seconds. Strip the paper away as you move the steam pad to an adjacent section – try to work across and up the wall. You’ll make a lot less work for yourself if you throw the peeled paper into a plastic bin liner as you work – if you leave it to fall on the dust sheet and skirting, the paste just resets and sticks the paper to it! Clean the scraper as you go, every so often, removing clumps of paste and keep going until you’ve got bare walls. You’ll need to wash the walls down with warm soapy water to remove excess paste and any remaining bits of paper. After filling cracks with filler and sanding, it’s time to get painting!
Underfloor heating systems versus traditional heating
by James on Aug.26, 2010, under DIY Tips, Heating, Underfloor Heating
Traditional heating systems
Here in the UK, traditional heating means convection heating. This is the actual movement of heat from one location to another through the air. With traditional heating, radiators are required, and the warmed air is circulated through a room, working from the top downward (warm air rises).
Other key elements of traditional convection heating systems include the following: The heat concentrates at the location of the source, in this case, the radiators. Convection currents create dust, which is then dispersed into the air, landing on furnishings and being breathed into our lungs. A room needs to maintain an average temperature of 22°C in order to remain comfortable. Heating for every room is controlled by a single thermostat, rather than by individual thermostats within every room. Radiators are ugly, take up precious wall space, and require continual maintenance. A gas-fired boiler, along with pumps and valves is required.
Underfloor heating systems
Underfloor heating, while coming with its own minimal set of issues, is often a better choice than traditional heating systems for several reasons: Reduced energy costs – with an annual savings averaging between 15 and 20%. Water, or wet, underfloor heating systems are maintenance-free, and will usually last for the lifetime of the home. Electric underfloor heating systems are relatively cheap to install. Radiated heat is more efficient than convection. The dust problem is eliminated. Warmth starts and the floor and moves upward, rather than vice versa. There is no need for radiators.
Give Your Bedroom a Little Heavy Metal
by James on Aug.23, 2010, under Bedrooms, Beds
Metal beds have been around for centuries and remain a classic, versatile choice for a range of bedroom design styles.
Traditional Victorian antique metal beds, hand-wrought by skilled artisans, are popular showpieces for collectors. Because of their detailed handcrafting, no two heirloom metal beds are exactly the same. Though finding a genuine historic wrought iron bed can be thrilling, keep in mind that mattresses back in the 18th century were much different than they are now. You may have trouble fitting your bed with a modern mattress and might even have to commission a custom-made mattress or box spring to fit the unique dimensions of your antique bed. This can be very expensive. There is also the risk of damage that has occurred over time, which can interfere with the way your bed sits on the floor or holds a mattress. Always inspect and measure an heirloom metal bed carefully before you buy so you know what you’re getting into.
If you’re unwilling or unable to purchase an expensive antique metal bed, there are plenty of other options with equal style and durability. Modern metalwork ranges from traditional heirloom reproductions to contemporary abstract designs. You’ll find metal beds and headboards with delicate Art Nouveau themes, ornate decoration, and sleek geometric designs. Thanks to advances in technology and new metalwork techniques, metal beds are more affordable than ever before. Ask your retailer about the steel gauge used on these modern beds, as higher grade steel means a better quality bed.
Bathroom Taps – adding the finishing touches to your bathroom
by James on Aug.20, 2010, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Interior Design
Many people view bathroom taps as a purely functional item, so they may well be surprised to learn just how varied the range of taps actually is in today’s world. Bathroom taps now come in a myriad of colourful and inventive designs and styles. Some taps are designed to allow the water to be released in an attractive waterfall like manner, whilst other styles include art deco, vintage and even Victorian. There are even taps which have tiny fairy lights around their edges!
The kind of tap style a consumer would choose to go for would of course generally depend on the existing style of the bathroom in which the taps will be in use. A Victorian style tap would fit in well with a deliberately old fashioned looking bathroom, for example, but somewhat out of place in a more modern bathroom or one with an art deco style. Of course, some bathrooms could be deliberately varied in appearance and style, depending on the artistic preferences of the consumer in question. The kind of tap which give the waterfall effect as detailed earlier are often associated with bathroom designs that aim to give an Asian or Zen style theme, or even simply a “back to nature” effect – bathrooms with décor such as bamboo or wooden chairs and cabinets, and a stone bathtub and/or sink, would compliment that ‘waterfall’ affect very nicely.
If you are designing a bathroom and were resigned to a traditional ‘boring’ look for your bathroom taps, take another look at the choices available. You will be very pleasantly surprised.
