Turn Your Garden into a Cool Kids Playground

Not only will your kids love you for this, but you as parents will reap the rewards too. Making the most of your outdoor space so your kids can get plenty of exercise and fresh air has its obvious benefits, and there are many more reasons why it’s a great idea to make the garden a place the kids want to spend time. While going to the park can still be on the agenda, having your own outdoor play area gives you the flexibility to stay home and invite friends over when the trip out feels too much, you’re waiting in for a delivery or when there’s work to be done at home.

For those of you who have kitchens overlooking the garden, it can make tea-time a whole lot easier if you can give the kids a run out in the garden while you get on with prepping the evening grub. Obviously this applies to younger children, as older ones won’t require such a watchful eye. Having friends and their kids over also means adults can relax over a cuppa, watching the little ones make the most of the inventive playground you’ve worked hard to create. You can get nostalgic and relive your childhood joining in with fun and games outdoors too. It can be a great tool for getting your older ones off their screens for a while too.

Here are 12 great ideas for giving the kids the garden playground they’ll love.


1.    A chalk board; kids love to draw on walls right? Install a large chalkboard on your fence. Kids will have hours of fun chalking up some giant pics for the family to admire.

2.    A zip line will give the kids hours of fun and great kudos with their mates. If you are lucky enough to have a big garden, and especially if you have a large tree, setting up a zip wire safely will make your garden the go to place for all the kids in your street.

3.    There’s nothing cooler than a tyre swing. You’ll need an old tyre (great to recycle), some chain and/or rope, as well as something to hang the swing from (most likely a large tree). Be sure to test it’s safe before giving the kids a go.

4.    Teepeescome in all sizes and let’s face it are the coolest of tents. Red indian outfits can make a great addition to the dressing up box and making a totem pole (big or small) could be a great creative family project.

5.    Sandpits come in all shapes and sizes and can easily be bought or handmade. Be creative; it doesn’t have to take over your garden. Sand in a large tin flower tub can be just as fun. You can bury treasure in the sand for the little ones to find.

6.    The ultimate treehouse is a fantastic project for the DIY enthusiast and a big hit with the kids. You’ll obviously need a tree you can safely put the magical sky house in.

7.    If you don’t have any trees for a treehouse project, then a playhouse is just as good a space for kids to ramp up their imaginative play and to feel they have their own space to hang out in the garden. Playhouses range from tiny one room plastic options to luxurious wooden 2-storey creations with balconies. It’s just a question of budget and aesthetics.

8.    A hammock is always a winner and a great place for you to relax on a balmy summer evening with a glass of your favourite wine once the kids are in bed.

9.    Trampolines are all the rage these days, but a quirky way of adding it to your garden is to sink it into the ground. It may take a bit of back-breaking work to dig the hole, but it makes it less of an eyesore in the garden, and you could even make a wooden cover to go over it, making a funky raised sitting area.

10.    Little ones will love an outdoor kitchen for making mud pies. It’s a great way of recycling your old pots and pans and kitchen utensils too. It doesn’t need to be elaborate – a small table with an oil cloth cover, a washing up bowl and a chopping board make a great play kitchen.

11.    A water feature is great for the summer months. Having a pool might not be an option, but splash pads with fountains can be a compromise and feel safer for the little ones. Failing that a sprinkler (while perhaps not ethically great for conserving water) can be a cheaper option for giving the kids a fun treat on hotter days.

12.    A vegetable patch might not sound quite the thing for an adventure playground, but you’ll be amazed at how fascinated kids can be with growing and tending things in the garden. There’s the planting project, the feeding and watering and the harvesting, not to mention the cooking sessions. If you’ve invested in a playhouse, you could even add on a mini veg patch as the garden to that.
 

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including UK Log Cabins, who were consulted over this post.

 

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/turn-your-garden-into-cool-kids.html

The Understated Value of Electric Radiators

Designer radiators are taking over our households. And with good reason too: with nearly all other elements of a modern room receiving closely-considered design treatment, radiators can no longer afford to skimp on design. Today’s homeowners want a room to bear a congruent style, something that inspires and relaxes in equal measure. Though traditional radiators are reliable defaults to the problem of interior heating, it’s hard to deny that they can be difficult to set up, and may require temperamental pipe routing – not to mention a painstaking balancing process.

Given the nature of classic radiator installation, then, it would be difficult to find a more convenient radiator than an electric one. Firstly, electric radiators are 100% energy efficient, which means that all electrical energy used converts directly into heat for your room. Unlike a boiler controlled by central heating, this radiator configuration wastes no energy before it’s released from your radiator. They’re also easier to set up than traditional radiators. You can place them almost anywhere and turn them on; there are no pipes to set up, no balancing to concern yourself with, and none of the inevitable consequential stress.

Perhaps with these undeniable conveniences in mind we’ll see more of these types of radiators flood radiator retailers. With designer radiators taking up a growing region of the domestic heating market, we may see consumers seeking even further convenience with their purchases. A product that; foregoes the preparation and installation process, is attractive aesthetically, works as intended, and is operable straight out of the box; may be the next logical step to take. Another thing worth taking into account is the increased relevance of global warming in today’s world. With traditional radiators accounting for a significant amount of atmospheric carbon release, these electric alternatives are going to appear even more attractive to those shopping for radiators which also achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

Electric heaters are undeniably forward-looking: they run equally well by harnessing sustainable fuel sources, rather than their gas-powered counterparts, which are expensive to run and damaging to the environment. Fossil fuels are becoming scarcer – this is no longer a point of contention in the energy world. Renewable energy is beginning to dominate global energy sectors, with many governments taking little delay in passing the appropriate energy use reduction laws.

It would be premature to underestimate how valuable this consideration will become in nearing years. Planet-friendly brands are already reshaping consumer habits and culture; coffee cups are often completely recyclable, cars are running on cleaner or totally renewable fuels, clothes are used and re-used, and cycling to work is all too often touted as a better transport solution.

What’s more is that these changes are advertised wherever they’re found. Edibles will almost always market themselves based on their planet-conscious approach. It has become a cultural matter of pride to produce and consume sustainably, and it’s only a matter of time until this trend permeates the housing infrastructure market.

Depending on their impending effect on traditional radiator setups, it could be a welcome change.

Electric radiators are available in a wide range of world-class designs at Designer Radiators Direct. They’re best paired with a thermostat, as this extra element gives you even greater control over your comfort and wellbeing – choose the exact temperature you would like, sit back, and enjoy the warmth. Installing a thermostat remains a much more convenient process than installing a house gas network.

The post The Understated Value of Electric Radiators appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

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How Drain Relining Can Fix Your Drain

Home Sweet Home. We all love our homes. Whenever we’re tired or away for days, we miss the comforts of home. We have precious memories of our homes because most of us have spent our childhoods or other valuable times in our life there. Obviously, home improvement is one such task which everyone does sooner or later because nobody wants to live around unhealthy or uncomfortable surroundings.

With time, your home becomes older and so do the materials used in the home like the furniture, pipes, wires etc. With pipes and drainage systems, you will usually encounter leakage or breakage over time. In this article we will specifically discuss how drain relining can fix your drain.

Pipe and drain relining

Drains and pipes which are located externally are more prone to damage. They can get damaged for many reasons and these damages can leave the pipes unfit for use. Damage can depend on the location and environment you live in. For example, in humid areas like Brighton, there can be a higher chance of drain damage.

So what does pipe and drain relining mean?

Usually, when a pipe damages, we look to the simple solution of replacing it. But this is not always as straightforward as you may think because of difficulties such as digging trenches. The cost of replacing drains can also be high.

So another option is relining the pipes. 

Pipe relining is a process of repairing the pipes rather than replacing them. A sewer line or an entire pipe work can be repaired by constructing a new pipe within the existing one. This is done by no dig or trenchless techniques.

Advantages of pipe and drain relining

Here are some advantages of implementing relining:

• Save money, time and effort – Relining techniques do not require digging, so this can save a lot of time, effort and digging costs.

• Repair a range of damages – These techniques can be used to repair leaking joints, tree root intrusions, big cracks and minor and major pipe failures.

• Varied applications – Relining is suitable for domestic, industrial and commercial applications.

• Permanent solution – Relining is a permanent solution to all the drainage related problems and offers highly improved flow characteristics. The minimum length of 0.5m can be installed using relining.

• Government Approved– Relining is a government approved technique.

When should drain and pipe relining be used? How is it done?

Sites, scenarios and working are always different but in most cases, relining is a successful solution. The relining technique is initiated by passing a camera through the pipe. This helps to identify the spots where damage has occurred and which method must be used next. The process is known as the detailed drain camera inspection technique.

Critical situations in terms of drain relining may occur when the diameter of the pipe is small. The tolerance of a thick pipe is obviously greater than that of a thinner pipe.

Tree roots are a major threat to pipelines as they can break the pipeline. Tree roots are very strong and slowly push their way out from a pipe.

 Once inspected with a drain camera, weak spots are identified. It’s not always that the complete pipe is damaged. In most cases, only a few spots are damaged.

After calculating the diameter of the original pipe, the next step is to repair the pipe using relining. The thickness of the new pipe is decided by the experts and that’s it, your drain problem is solved.

Conclusion

Drainage and pipe problems are not a new thing. They have been there since the existence of pipes and drainage. Solving these problems using newer techniques is the best solution in most cases as it cuts down expenses, effort, time and is eco-friendly.

If you have drain problems, you can get more information from experts such as those at Detection Drain Services.

The post How Drain Relining Can Fix Your Drain appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/how-drain-relining-can-fix-your-drain/

Quick Tips for Laying Laminate Flooring

While most people prefer to trust the professionals to lay their laminate flooring, it is often possible to install your own laminate if you have decent DIY skills and are reasonably confident. It goes without saying that this will be easier in a regular shaped room with an even floor, straight walls and minimal awkward spaces or features.

If you are determined to have a go yourself, here are a few simple tips that should help you to avoid common problems.

Prepare thoroughly

You will need to check the integrity of the sub-floor and ensure it is level. Minor depressions may not be a problem when laying new flooring, but any large dents in your floor must be dealt with if you want to avoid damaging your laminate. Check the type of underlay recommended for use with your laminate and make sure it is suitable for use on your specific type of sub-floor. Using the wrong underlay can cause irreparable damage to your new laminate.

Allow your flooring time to acclimatise

Many people, when laying laminate for the first time, underestimate the importance of letting their new flooring acclimatise to the conditions in their home. This is a hugely important step. You will need to bring the packs of laminate into the room in which your flooring will be laid and leave them to adjust to the temperature and conditions. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how long you should leave your floor before laying it, which will generally be around 24 hours. Skipping this step could lead to your new floor buckling, cracking or splitting, depending on the conditions in your home and where the planks were previously stored.

Always follow the instructions

It might seem obvious, but read, re-read and re-read again the manufacturer’s instructions before you start work on your floor. Even if you have previously laid laminates, there is no harm in refreshing your memory and you may find the fitting process is a little different if you are using a different brand or line. It is easy to become impatient and rush through the more tedious parts of the job, but a lack of attention to detail is one of the main causes of bad DIY jobs. If you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time on every step of the installation, you will also find that you are more likely to be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee in the event of something going wrong or your floor being damaged.

If you wish to know more about laminate flooring in Liverpool or are looking for a new carpet for your home, please visit Carpet Design and Flooring for more information.

The post Quick Tips for Laying Laminate Flooring appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/quick-tips-for-laying-laminate-flooring/

Want to Sel your Home? Here are 4 Ways to Increase its Market Value

So you’re planning on selling your family home, and you want to know if there are any changes you can make that will help to boost the market value of your property. Property values can often depend largely on the area; whether it is near a bus or train line, whether the neighbourhood is reputable, whether or not an ‘upmarket’ supermarket is close by. However there are a number of renovations you can make to the property itself which is guaranteed to increase its market value. 

Here are four of them. 

1.       Extension and Conversion

The Guardian states that adding a loft conversion or extending your home can increase the value of your property by up to 20%. Loft conversions and property extensions are a handy way to transform unused space into functional space in order to add value to your home. Loft conversions are generally considered less disruptive when compared to a property extension, but both have their merits. 

Remember planning permission! Local authorities can and will order you to tear down any extensions or conversions at your own expense. Some lofts cannot be converted due to lack of space, the internal height of the existing loft etc. so make sure to check with a professional before you start drawing up any plans. 

2.       Taking Care of your Amenities

When looking at a property, two rooms that potential buyers are likely going to pay a attention to, are the kitchen, and the bathroom(s). Problems in a bathroom can spell disaster for any potential buyer; as you have damp and mould to worry about in the long term, while a dirty or smelly kitchen can really put buyers off. People want to step into a fresh house full of possibilities, not a house where the kitchen smells of year old potatoes and garlic. 

According to Bathstore, your basic new bathroom suite costs, on average, about £4,500. MyLocalPrices values a typical new fitted kitchen at anywhere between £5,000 and £8,000. These prices give you a good idea as to what you should be aiming for, when looking at getting a new bathroom and kitchen fitted. The new amenities don’t need to be bespoke, designs that are presentable and in-keeping with the style of the house work just fine.

3.       Revamping a Tired Exterior and a Dreary Interior

It is important to remember that a potential buyer will be looking at all aspects of your property, including its exterior. If the brickwork looks dirty, the paint is flaking off the doors and the windows haven't been washed for years, it is unlikely that you’ll make a sale any time soon. Hire a professional property maintenance company to see to the dirty brickwork and the painting, and get a window cleaner to give your windows a good scrub. If the front door looks a little worse for wear, consider investing in a new door as opposed to fixing it up. 

Unless numerous buy-to-let investors are going to be taking an interest in your propertypotential buyers will not want to purchase the property with all its existing furniture. It is better to completely clear the property out. When repainting go for neutral shades such as Calico from Dulux, or a Light French Gray (sic) from Behr.

4.       Two Small Trumps One Large

In today’s world, 3 Bedroom properties are generally worth more than 2 bedroom properties, even if the 2 bedrooms are large and spacious. It’s all about functionality over form; a large bedroom is all very well for a retired professional, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill for a growing family with plans for the future. Likewise in a family home, two bathrooms are certainly preferable to one, particularly when you consider the amount of time some people like to spend in the bathroom. 

The rooms do not need to be particularly large, but the Gov.uk website does list the Nationally Described Space Standard for one bedspace as “a single bedroom that needs to have a floor area of at least 7.5m²”. For bathrooms, BHG recommends that at least 21inches of space must be planned in front of a lavatory, toilet, bidet and a tub, with 24inches of space needed in front of a shower. 

The Nationwide Building Society has calculated that an extra bathroom can add up to 4.9% or £9,600 on to the value of your home, whereas having an extra bedroom can bump it up by 11% or £22,100.  If you have the space, why not add upwards of £30,000 to the value of your home by turning one bedroom into two and adding a bathroom? It will certainly be worth the effort. 

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including HuntersEstate Agents, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/want-to-sel-your-home-here-are-4-ways.html

Who and what is RICS?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS) is an institution with offices all over the world. The organisation accredits professional surveyors within the property, land, and construction sectors.Founded in London on the 15^th June 1868 after a meeting of surveyors at the Westminster Palace Hotel, it was originally known as the ‘Surveyors’ Institution’. John Clutton, the man responsible for establishing property consultants Cluttons, wasthe very first president.

The headquarters of RICS are in London, on the corner of Great George Street and Parliament Square.Their name was changed to ‘The Chartered Surveyors’ Institution’in 1930, and in 1946, the title ‘Royal’ was granted by George VI. Finally, in 1947, the professional body became the ‘Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’, or RICS. 

So, what exactly does RICS do? Well, apart from maintaining the highest professional and educational standards and promoting the aims of the profession, they also help to oversee regulation and provide unbiased guidance and advice.

Worldwide, RICS accredits over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The RICS accredited course is the first step on the road to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. It provides the initial academic requirements for students training to be surveyors.Because of its uncompromising code of ethics, clients and consumers are protected from unprofessional and low-standard practices.

The significant market presence of RICS means they’re ideally placed to influence policy and entrench standards nationwide. By working closely with government, they’re able to deliver the highest international standards and support and develop the real estate, land and construction arena for the interest and welfare of all.

The statistics are impressive: In 2015, the number of RICS qualified professionals in 140 countries around the world totalled 120,000, while student membership came in at 81,000. The United Kingdom has the majority of accredited professionals but there are also very large numbers in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong … and the numbers in China, India and the Americas are growing at a phenomenal rate.

The RICS works closely with other professional bodies such as The World Bank, The United Nations and The European Union. And in 2013, the RICS became a founder member of the alliance to develop International Property Measurement Standards, which launched its very first standard (for measuring office space) in November 2014. A year later, the RICS became a founder member of the alliance to develop International Ethics Standards. These member bodies are focused on the development and implementation ofnew, professional standards.

Becoming a RICS Member

1.      If you’re studying for or have completed a RICS accredited degree, (undergraduate or post graduate), you will need to complete two years of Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) training (if you have less than 5 years’ experience), or one year’s APC training (if you have experience of 5 or more years). But if you have at least 10 years’ work experience,then no APC training is required. 

2.      If you already have a Bachelor’s degree or are a member of a RICS approved professional body and have at least 5 years’ experience, you can apply to become a member straight away

Because Chartered Surveyors have the highest levels of professional skills that are recognised all over the world, they earn more too. A salary survey conducted in 2014 clearly showed that Chartered Surveyors earned at least 20% more than their non-chartered colleagues.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

RICS members never stand still for a moment and are required to continually improve their skills and competence. They do this by completing a minimum of 20 hours per year on CPD training.This programme, which encourages a spirit of continuous learning, ensures that members build on their skills and competencies on an ongoing basis.

How Do Students Benefit?

Students are offered free membership to RICS and can take advantage of career advice, the  extensive library of books and reference materials, exciting job opportunities, and can tap into the vast network RICS is able to provide.

Registered Charity

RICS has set up a registered charity called The RICS Education Trust. It offers grants of up to £10,000 for those members involved in research projects.Applications for grants areavailable to full-time practitioners and academics. The charity does not, however, provide financial support for undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including Peter Barry Surveyors, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/who-and-what-is-rics.html

5 Signs that You are Buying a High Quality Cast Iron Radiator

Cast iron radiators have seen a wonderful revival of late as more people are seeking to bring a touch of elegance into their home that also captures an authentic vintage look.

When considering purchasing a cast iron radiator, it is important to be able to sort a high quality contender from an inferior pretender. The following guide will help make the task of discernment a much simpler and straightforward one to achieve.

·         Weight

Perhaps the most telling sign that a cast iron radiator is of high quality is whether it is actually constructed of genuine iron, rather some other type of composite metal. Cast iron radiators are so effective because they have significant mass that when fully heated, continues to emit warmth long after they have been switched off.

A general rule of thumb is that a heavier radiator is likely to be constructed of very dense metal that will outperform those heaters made of a lesser substance. For cast iron radiators, heavier is definitely better. Always check with the manufacturer to confirm exactly what the radiator is made from and choose iron every time.

·         Thickness of Steel

As previously stated, mass conducts heat in a more efficient manner, so it is important that the metal used in the radiator is quite thick so it will retain its heat. Thinner materials lose stored heat much more rapidly than thicker materials. A very simple test is to tap or knock on the metal of the radiator and see if it feels strong and sturdy. It should feel more like tapping a brick wall rather than a tin can!

·         Length of Warrantee

Unsurprisingly, the length of warrantee offered by the cast iron radiator’s manufacturer is an excellent indication as to how well the heater is made. It also demonstrates the confidence that the product has generated as returns often reflect a combination of design flaws, previous returns and expected failure rates.

No manufacturer feels comfortable making products that may harm their good reputation or be subject to a recall, so a long extended warrantee speaks volumes about the quality of the heater in question. Expect a reliable cast iron radiator to be covered for at least 10 years or more from the date of installation.

·         Overall Finish

An excellent cast iron radiator will be matched by an equally high quality finish. It should look durable, thick and well covered as opposed to thin and spotty. As these heaters generate fairly intense heat it is important that any paintwork be up to the task of repeated heating and cooling for many years.

Many radiators are also available with the option of intricate patinas and scroll work on their surfaces. These not only make a wonderful statement in any room, but also indicate the level of skill and attention to detail crafted into the radiator by the manufacturer.

·         Meets Required Standards

Lastly, high quality radiators will tick all the right boxes as far as quality assurance and compliance with the rigid safety standards imposed by current legislation. Such standards vary around the world, so it is important to check that any cast iron radiator sold in the UK meets local standards and have never faced a safety recall.

Comparing high quality cast iron radiators need not be a complicated process, especially when armed with the right information that highlights those aspects that distinguish the very best from the barely acceptable. This preparatory research will help ensure your choice in radiators continues to serve you properly, well into the future.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/5-signs-that-you-are-buying-high.html

Why You Should Invest In a Summer House

 

Summer Home

Summer may have come and just about gone, but summer houses haven’t gone out of fashion. If you’ve ever explored the history of summer houses, you’ll know that a beautifully designed garden room can add value to your property. And you may not even need planning permission.

·         A Brief Look at Garden Rooms Through the Years

Have you ever been to Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park? If so, you may have noticed their summer houses which have been around for over 300 years. Even today, visitors are still able to stroll to Kensington Gardens and relax in Queen Caroline’s Temple which was built in a classic style in the 1700s. In fact, it was the must-have addition to the highly fashionable royal garden. If you are interested in increasing the value and beauty of your property, take a look at summer houses for sale reviewed by Whatshed.

·         What Are the Benefits of a Summer House?

These days, homeowners will do what they can to increase the space in their homes without having to spend a fortune. Instead of the upheaval of moving, more and more homeowners are opting for a summer house. It can be used as a home gym, games room, garden office, or a haven of relaxation.

Sometimes, it can be hard to relax at home. Weekends become more about getting chores done and running around. By creating a special place to really unwind and let the week’s stress melt away, you can really recharge your batteries.

·         But What About Winter?

Despite their name, summer houses are great in the winter, too. You can turn one into a cosy hideaway. Opt for a summer house made with tongue and groove cut so that the timber locks together, banishing gaps and resulting in an air tight and warm space.

Worried about the rain? Don’t be. Many people worry that damp and moisture will damage their summer house, so they are reluctant to invest in one. But, you can have the floor bearers’ pressure treated which ensures 10 years of protection against infestation and rot. So there’s no need to worry. You can also have the building treated to protect it against the elements and add value to it.

·         Design and Innovation

Sometimes, planning restrictions can make for unimaginative designs. However, summer houses can be designed in an attractive way and can offer a multitude of uses, depending on your needs, the weather, and your garden.

·         Increase the Value of Your Property

Adding a summer house to a property is bound to offer a favourable return on investment. In fact, it has been said that garden rooms can add as much as 5 – 20 percent to your home’s value, making them a highly attractive proposition for sellers and buyers alike, with buyers especially being enticed by the draw of a stunning and practical garden feature. This is especially true in cities where space is limited and every inch counts.

Don’t worry about summer being on its way out, you can build a summer house to use at any time of the year!

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/why-you-should-invest-in-summer-house.html

How Bristol Residents Are Expanding Their Properties Through Loft Conversions

Currently in the area of Bristol, UK, many of the more ambitious and affluent investors are seeking to maximise their existing properties.

This is because there are a multitude of benefits in relation to this, including the following (but not limited to):

• Increasing the value of ones’ home. Converting a loft space into a usable room is an excellent way to increase the value and subsequent sales’ price of a home.
• It provides a base for which to receive rental income from tenants inhabiting the loft space, meaning that you can give yourself an additional channel and income from your investments.
• It enables you to have more space in your existing property for whichever purpose you may find appropriate, it could be a new bedroom with an en suite, it could be a home office, or a home cinema, a loft conversion suits many different purposes.

However having a loft conversion requires consideration, as there are many different elements that have to be taken into account before proceeding with this home improvement process.

1/ You need to find suitable building professionals to carry out the work

This is especially important due to the fact that builders can vary widely in their abilities and skill sets. A good course of action would be to review the portfolio of any building companies before you move forward with converting a loft, because you want to be sure that you are working with a company that has the appropriate skills and certifications, and all of their work must observe and adhere to building regulations.

2/ Planning permissions

Certain types of loft conversion in Bristol will inevitably require planning permission. Certain types of dormer conversions or mansard loft conversions may require local planning permission. It is a good step to consult with your local authority in relation to this: to find out exactly which type of loft conversion and associated dimensions land within the bounds of “permitted development” or whether or not you require additional permissions to proceed with the build.

3/ Plans with the architect

It is good practice to engage the services of an architect early on the in planning phase of a loft conversion. This is because an architect will be able to advise on what is appropriate for your particular property, and advise on what would suit both aesthetically and structurally.

In summary it is important you make sure to do your due diligence if you are looking to expand your home through a loft conversion. It can be a worthy exercise that increases the usable space in your house, however it is not without it’s potential issues. You should exercise caution, choosing a company that fully understands and can accommodate your requirements is preferable, as is making sure that you have a clear idea and image for how you want your loft to look and feel upon completion of the project.

If you wish to know more about loft conversions in Bristol & are looking for a potential builder, feel free to visit Bristol Conversions for more information.

The post How Bristol Residents Are Expanding Their Properties Through Loft Conversions appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/how-bristol-residents-are-expanding-their-properties-through-loft-conversions/