Each year in the UK, there are around 37,000 house fires, resulting in approximately 200 deaths. The majority of these fires occur at night, during the hours of 10pm to 6am, when most people are asleep. Startling statistics, so how do we protect ourselves from fire in our homes? Prevention is better than cure, and with the majority of household fires being caused by faulty electrical appliances, the safety of these items should be top of your list. When you […]
Electricity is the cause of over 20,000 fires in UK homes annually and, as a landlord, you are required to arrange regular inspections of electrical wiring and equipment, which deteriorate with age and use and become unsafe if not subject to periodic testing. If you neglect this obligation, you could receive a fine of up to £30,0000, with more severe consequences, such as banning orders, for repeat or serious offences. If you rent out a property, it is your obligation […]
When we think about improving the value of our home, we usually consider renovating, extending and refurbishing. But have you considered that smart technology may add value to your home? The convenience and efficiency of smart tech is a real boost for potential buyers; read on for more information. Energy efficiency is attractive to buyers; after all, who doesn’t want to save money on their bills? If you have storage heaters, upgrading to their smart counterparts is a good move. […]
Revamping a room can be an expensive project and, when it’s an area which is used regularly,, can involve a lot of planning and chaos. However, it is possible to slowly transform your living area, avoiding the disruption caused by a traditional overhaul, while sticking to a pre-planned budget. Read on for ways in which you can revamp your living room space, inexpensively and easily. Reinvent the room The same four walls can look so different with a fresh coat […]
We’ve all watched comedies in which a character has climbed on a roof to plug in an ostentatious display of external lights, only to plunge the neighbourhood into darkness as thousands of watts of energy knock him off his feet. The good news is that, with modern lighting systems, this is no longer a danger. The bad news is that Christmas movies will never be the same again. Most lightbulbs are now pretty eco-friendly, with traditional incandescent bulbs no longer […]
Tired of looking at the same, tired walls? The bathroom is often a neglected space during home improvements; if you’ve run out of budget but want a quick and cheap revamp, here are some ways to update your bathroom. Update accessories To create a co-ordinated look without spending a fortune, splash out on some matching bathroom accessories, such as toothbrush holders and soap dishes in coordinating styles. For extra luxury, add some towels and flannels in a complementary colour or […]
The phrase ‘kitchen revamp’ doesn’t tend to be synonymous with ‘budget friendly’, but you really don’t need to break the bank to get that new kitchen feeling. With a little effort and creativity, the heart of your home will be spruced up in no time. The most dramatic transformation is often in the form of new kitchen cupboards, but don’t rush out to buy brand new sets just yet; if the framework of your existing units is still in good […]
Your bedroom is a unique space; perhaps the only room you can truly put your stamp on without having to consider too many practicalities. With a small budget and a little thought, you can turn your bedroom into a place that not only reflects your style, but is also a beautiful and functional room. Read on for some design-on-a-budget tips! Firstly, a freebie — have a think about the layout of your bedroom and how it can be moved around […]
Clever lighting shouldn’t just be a consideration for inside your home — it can also be used to create a beautiful space outside. With winter almost over, we will all be spending a lot more time in our gardens and outside spaces, so now is a good time to think about your garden lighting options for spring and beyond. Garden lighting works hard, offering more than just a practical solution; it can be used to create zones, and to add […]
Energy bills are often the most dreaded of all, and if you don’t keep tabs on your consumption they can come with some very unpleasant surprises. Here is some advice and some recommendations on ways to save money and avoid the shock of an unexpectedly high bill. Turn it off Turning devices off when they aren’t in use is a simple way to save money. If you’re likely to forget, invest in smart plugs, which can be set to turn […]
