Do Patio Doors Need Blinds?

Patio doors are brilliant investments, often providing a seamless passage from the back of the home to the garden area. After all, gardening is becoming more popular as a pastime, and patio doors make that therapeutic, quick relief even more appealing and accessible.

Patio doors are also great for letting light into a room, as well as providing wide open views from atop a balcony. Essentially, they’re a big window that can open as a door, and that will always be trendy and add a flare of originality to the home.

With all that said, it’s worth asking what might seem like a bizarre question; do patio doors need blinds?

Blocking the Outside

You could have the very best view in all the land, but every homeowner needs their privacy from time to time. Additionally, what’s a nice view on a sunny day can be spoilt entirely by rain, mist or fog, so it’s obviously not always desirable. The point is, depending on the day and time, people can change their minds about what they want from their patio doors.

This is where blinds are useful, exposing and blocking off the view at will. They’re also not as clunkier or heavy handed as thick, obtrusive curtains, and are more subtly inserted into that space where the outside and inside bleed into one another more fluidly. Consequently, roller blinds from Direct Blinds works best here, with no gaps for anyone to peep through while remaining thin and nimble.

Controlling Lighting

Once again, depending on the weather, different amounts of light will be unleashed upon the house. While some might yank regular curtains across the scene if it’s all too bright, this scenario isn’t entirely ideal. After all, such people would only have two stark choices through using standard curtains; no natural light at all or letting in all the natural light.

Obviously, with blinds there’s more room for customising just how much light comes in through the patio door. You can twist the louvres to accurately control just how much light comes in, enabling you to find that perfect spot. The fabric is also easily moved across the rail if you do decide to commit to just letting it all inside. No matter what you decide to do, the important thing is that you can decide thanks to the blinds!

Duette Blinds

Sleek, stylish, and extremely modern; the Duette blinds achieve everything the vertical blinds can but with a different kind of flare. Dubbed as honeycomb blinds, these slick additions are fitted horizontally but can also be scaled up and down the patio door in their entirety.

The stacks are light and extremely responsive too, meaning there’s no heavy yanking on chains and louvres to get them working. This is because they can be controlled and configured with a paired smartphone app, which is another flare of luxury that can be added to your patio area. In the end, Duette blinds would be an extremely stylish addition to the patio area.

The post Do Patio Doors Need Blinds? appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/do-patio-doors-need-blinds/

Ways to Make Your House More Valuable

If you’ve come to the decision to sell your home, then no doubt you want to make it as valuable as
possible. Obviously, the more you get from your house, the better, and there’s always little projects you can undertake to get your home into the best shape possible. It’s time to get creative!

However, houses have been selling extremely slowly recently, partly due to the rising costs and younger generations being priced out of the market. Still, this shouldn’t deter you from making your home as valuable as possible. In the end, the right buyer is out there, even if they’re somewhat harder to find today.

Therefore, here a few tips and tricks to help you make your house more valuable.

Consult the Experts

Some estate agencies are bonified experts in selling property. They know everything that potential buyers want and expect, and really shape the housing market with their vast quantities of knowledge. Absolutely nothing escapes their notice, which puts them in a prime position for some quality consultation.

If you’re looking to add value to your home, there’s no one better to advise you than agencies like
Andrews, who work tirelessly to minimise your moving stress. They have digital valuation tools to help you value your property, stay on track with any adjustments, and provide information and advice from conveyancing services to surveys. In the end, your valuation projects will hit the ground running if you start here.

Room Conversions

While many people are quite happy to add rooms like extensions and conservatories to the mix, this can be highly expensive. In the latter case, the winter months see conservatories very rarely used, making the investment questionable in the first instance. In the end, if you’re now selling your home and are considering adding a room for some added value, hold that train of thought.

Instead, convert an existing room. It’s a far cheaper process, a more creative project for the potential buyer to view, and leaves room for the new owners to choose whether they’d like to extend the property.

If you can turn a garage into a living room, or merge your kitchen and dining room together, this will give the property a more unique, and thus more appealing, identity.

Use What You Already Have

Many homeowners make the mistake of burying the natural order of things in their property. Still, the following point is an important one to remember; adding value to a home isn’t always about adding things on, but also about using what you have too.

Some homely adjustments can feel tacked on as an afterthought, a desperate bid to add a bit of ‘umph’ to the property while instead making it cluttered.

However, the best homes very often speak for themselves, at least at a foundational level. For example, if you’ve got a view of any kind at the front or back of the property, make sure it’s always on show as they can add thousands to property value. Also, plan all your rooms economically, relative to the space you have. Only then will things look organised, appealing, and more valuable, instead of congested and
overstuffed.

The post Ways to Make Your House More Valuable appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/ways-to-make-your-house-more-valuable/

The Benefits of Garage Door Servicing & Maintenance

As a cornerstone of security, convenience and beauty of your home, garage doors need a little TLC to keep them performing well and looking great. Regular maintenance and servicing are the key to restoring the quality of your garage door and avoiding any problems down the line.

 

Is garage door servicing worth it?

The sure answer is, yes! Looking after a valuable element of your property will always be advantageous for its longevity, quality and performance. The benefits of garage and maintenance include:

• Cost-Effective: Ensuring that simple and regular maintenance tasks are carried out on your door a few times a year is much cheaper than needing to replace an entire garage door, should faults be neglected. A bi-annual servicing by a professional is recommended, along with regular visual checks performed by you, the owner, on a regular basis.  

• Enhances the Safety of Your Family and Vehicle: Garage doors are heavy machines with lots of mechanical components keeping them operational. Should a door malfunction at the wrong moment, it has the potential to injure nearby people and animals, as well as your vehicle. Regular maintenance and checks can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions occurring.

• Protects the Security of Your Property: The main function of garage doors is to act as a strong, reliable barrier between the contents of your garage and potential thieves. That’s why you should try not to allow weak spots and potential entry points to go unnoticed, and make sure you catch problems early to avoid break-in risks.

• Avoids DIY and Amateur Mistakes: There is no harm in performing occasional visual checks of your garage door to try and spot issues, but correction of real issues should always be undertaken by a professional – even the most technically-adept DIY enthusiast may worsen the problem, or risk injury to themselves, in an attempt to fix the door.

 

Warning signs that your garage door may need servicing

Is your garage door making a bizarre sound? Perhaps it is a little stiffer, looser or slower than normal? While these signs could see minor, they should never be ignored as they may be signs of garage door deterioration or damage, which could eventually transform into an unsafe situation. Surefire signs that you may need the assistance of a garage door specialist include:

• Unusual noises
• Door closes too quickly or too slowly
• Door will not close completely
• Door will not stay open
• The outside has cracks or gaps in door

Contact a reliable local company like our friends at Doormatic Garage Doors who can inform you of what’s involved in a garage door service, and how they can help diagnose, maintain and repair your garage door.

The post The Benefits of Garage Door Servicing & Maintenance appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/the-benefits-of-garage-door-servicing-maintenance/

Don’t Waste Time With the Wrong Waste Pipes

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

The subject of bath, basin, shower or appliance waste pipes may not be a hot one but if you are planning on a kitchen or bathroom renovation or on moving an appliance such as a washing machine, it’s important to know your options when it comes to what waste pipe system you should or shouldn’t Read on...

Don’t Waste Time With the Wrong Waste Pipes

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/10/waste-pipe-types/

Weird and Wonderful Ways of Using Concrete

Despite millions of tonnes of it being used in construction projects around the world, it would be fair to say that concrete is not necessarily the most interesting subject. The word does not typically conjure beautiful imagery, but in the right hands, concrete can be turned into some fascinating creations. In this piece, we’re going to look at some of the most unique and impressive ways concrete has been used.

National Museum of Brazil

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a modernist architect, this building was created to resemble a planet. Only half of it is visible above ground, but the water surrounding the structure reflects the dome, creating the illusion of a spherical building.

Photo: Senado Federal on WikimediaCommons

Chandigarh, India

A structure it may be, but this is far from an innovative building or sculpture – this is an entire ‘utopian city’. Designed in 1947 in post-independence India as a collaborative effort between Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, one of the standout features is the Palais de l’Assemblée; it utilises straight, linear concrete forms for the most part, but with curved features at the entrance. As it is built upon a reflective pool, the striking effect is doubled.

Photo: Eduardo Guiot on Wikimediacommons

CyberHub Social – Guguram, India

Concrete has been used very innovatively at this cafe, with concrete sewer pipes used as outdoor seating areas. The enormous (and clean) pipes have been fitted with bench seating and suspended tables, and decorated with colourful graffiti, making for a truly unique and interesting space for having a drink with friends.

The Pierre – Washington, USA

A modern house designed and built by Olson Kundig in 2010, this project is interesting not just because of how good it looks, with the glass frontage and large concrete slabs framing the home, but that it is built into a rock deposit on a hillside. The owner of the home wanted to preserve as much of the deposit as possible, but certain areas of the rock had to be cut away for the home to be built. However, all rock that was cut away was crushed, turned into concrete, and used in the construction of the house itself.

Photo: Olson Kundig Architects

The images above are just four of the most unique and stunning concrete structures in the world, but there are plenty more, borne of the brilliance of architects, designers and construction companies. Concrete isn’t just limited to foundations, flooring and footings – it can be used in wonderful ways, as seen here.

Total Concrete are leading providers of concrete services for customers throughout the Surrey region. We proudly serve the domestic and commercial sectors with the highest quality service and concrete – get in touch with us today and we will be more than happy to help you with anything you need.

The post Weird and Wonderful Ways of Using Concrete appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/weird-and-wonderful-ways-of-using-concrete/

Converting the Home into an Office

In November 2016, there was a boom in residential property being converted into commercial property, spurring on a rise in housing stocks and sparking a new trend. Consequently, up and coming businesses can now be found sandwiched between homes on any typical street. The change is easier said than done, but perfectly possible to do!

Consequently, we share a few tips on how to expertly convert the home space into the workplace!

Create Space

The first thing you’ll notice as you step into the newly converted office is a limited amount of space. There are no floors that can accommodate dozens of desks, nor elevators on standby to remind you of the breadth of the building. Consequently, you need to get creative with how you use the space and qualify the property as a bonified commercial building. There should be no remnants left around that giveaway each room’s prior identity, except for maybe toilets and kitchens.

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and even airing cupboards all need to be repurposed. Strip any inappropriate wallpaper, uproot any unprofessional floorboards and knock certain walls out to create one big room instead of being stuck with two little rooms. Additionally, you could convert the airing cupboard to a storage closet, and instead invest in a smaller wall hung boiler from JLA, a conveniently compact piece of heating equipment that is designed for commercial use. Don’t settle for the bare minimum; the more your building resembles an authentic work space, the more inclined you’ll be to work.

Efficient Lighting

Obviously, you can’t work if you can’t see. Still, the concerns with lighting go beyond this basic premise. Too much bright, concentrated light can cause strain on your eyes, particularly if you’re just relying on a bright monitor in the middle of an otherwise dark room. All light sources need to be evenly distributed not just for visibility, but for your health too. Also, a professional look can come from lighting too.

Make sure you’re opening curtains and letting in the natural light during the day and try and arrange the room so the sun shines through the window and on to you and your colleagues. This will help your skin and health if you’re spending most of the working day indoors. Additionally, consider swapping more domestic-looking light shades on the ceiling for something a bit more professional; LED ceiling lights, spotlights, etc.

Premium Wi-Fi

Whether this is your only business building, the first of many, or the latest in a long line of conversions, you need good Wi-Fi. Occasionally, you may be required to undertake important Skype meetings with clients or colleagues working remotely. You might also need to reply to business emails, undertake research if you’re a content creator, use communication software such as Slack or simply listen to your favourite playlist on Spotify as you work.

Consequently, strong and reliable Wi-Fi is needed here. Some broadband offers are better than others, offering better signal and overall a more reliable service. You don’t want to be rushing around in a panic trying to fix things when your connectivity randomly wanes in the middle of an important correspondence, so try to invest in the best internet you can. After all, reliable Wi-Fi makes you a reliable worker!

The post Converting the Home into an Office appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/converting-the-home-into-an-office/

Tips for Remodelling Your Kitchen

 

Are you thinking of remodelling the kitchen? Often considered the hub of the home, the
kitchen is where a lot of memories are made, and good times are shared. So, it makes sense
it’s the number one room homeowners are keen to upgrade.

When done right, kitchen renovations can not only help to make the space more attractive,
but they can increase the value of the home too. However, there’s a lot that can wrong,
especially if you’re thinking of doing a large remodelling job. So, to help ensure you do it
right, here you’ll discover some great tips for remodelling your kitchen.

Avoid moving the structure of the kitchen

As tempting as it may be, it’s better to leave the actual structure of the kitchen as it is. This
means, leaving cabinets, the sink and the cooker, exactly where they are. However, that
doesn’t mean you can’t change them at all.

For example, instead of moving cabinets, you could simply refurbish them. Adding gas struts
from a company such as SGS, will help you to give your cupboards and cabinets a remodel
without breaking the bank.

Know your budget

Before you start remodelling, it’s a good idea to know your budget. Without having a good
idea of how much you can afford to spend, you’re going to likely end up going over it.

The kitchen can be one of the most expensive rooms to remodel, so working out your budget
and then using that to compare prices from different suppliers will help ensure you don’t
spend more than you need to. You can also check out auction sites and local charity shops to
pick up new kitchen items for a cheap, affordable cost.

Focus on the lighting

If you really want to make a difference to the room, you’re going to want to focus on the
lighting. The right type of lighting can make a kitchen look spectacular, so if your current
lighting isn’t doing its job, it’s time to upgrade. Consider installing dimmer lighting, adding a
chandelier, or simply layering the light in the room.

These are some of the most important things to consider when remodelling a kitchen. You
don’t have to spend a fortune to make big changes. Adding the right lighting and refurbishing
existing cabinets will make a significant change at an affordable cost.

The post Tips for Remodelling Your Kitchen appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/tips-for-remodelling-your-kitchen/

Essentials for Renovating Your Home for the First Time

Renovating a home for the first time can be a daunting yet rewarding task. Buying a property
which could do with some renovations can help get you onto the property ladder, enabling
you to buy at a low, affordable cost. However, unless you’re careful the cheap renovation
project you thought you’d gotten into, could soon break the bank!

If you’re looking at renovating your first property, below you’ll discover some essential tips
you’ll want to follow.

Budgeting for the renovation

Budgeting is one of the key things people underestimate when they start a renovation project.
Home renovations always go over the expected budget, so it helps to make savings wherever
you can.

To cut your renovation budget down, pick up things you need from car boot sales or charity
shops and learn how to do certain tasks yourself. DIY could save you a small fortune. You’ll
just need to make sure you have the right tools from a store such as Milwaukee, if you want
to carry out a good quality job.

Research and planning

Ideally, before you start the renovations, you’ll have researched and planned well in advance.
That way, by the time you actually come around to renovating, you’ll be an expert in it.
You’ll want to research the legalities, house prices in the area, resale values, local taxes and
contractor prices.

The more you research, the more prepared and knowledgeable you’ll be. This will go a long
way at helping you to make sure the renovations are done correctly and at the right price.

Do it right, or don’t do it at all

It’s easy to think that any renovations will make the property more valuable. Experts claim
that the right renovations can add anything from 5% to 30% value onto a property. However,
if the renovations aren’t done correctly, it can actually have the opposite effect.

So, as tempting as it may be to try and cut corners and get away with the cheapest renovation
possible, you need to make sure you do it properly. Otherwise you’re unlikely to make any
profit and there’s a good chance you might lose money if the job isn’t done right.

These are some of the most important aspects to consider when renovating your first home. It
will be stressful, but providing you do plenty of research beforehand, you should be able to
avoid any major issues.

The post Essentials for Renovating Your Home for the First Time appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/essentials-for-renovating-your-home-for-the-first-time/

Top 5 Garage Conversion Ideas

When it comes to home improvements, loft conversions and house extensions are two of the most popular options. Even basement conversions are a la mode, especially in cities such as London where space is scarce and building up or down is, realistically, the only option.

But what about garage conversions?

Let’s be honest, who uses a garage for its intended purpose? Most people use their garages for storage and leave their cars outside.

With this in mind, why not convert your garage into another room and increase your living space?

Planning restrictions are usually a lot less stringent where garage conversions are concerned, and the work required is typically much less disruptive than other types of extension or conversion.

Not only that, but the core benefit of opting for a garage conversion is that the structure already exists: only internal renovation work is required! We share 5 of the best garage conversion ideas for your home.

Living Room

Converting your garage into a second living room is a great option for those with large
families.

Let’s face: it family households can be hectic. It therefore makes sense to create a second living space offering an escape from the din of the television.

For those with older children, a separate space for them to hang-out in can provide respite for weary parents in need of some well-deserved quiet time.

Top tip –
Opt for light colours to promote a relaxing, stress-free environment. Also, the addition of a bay window will help maximise light intake.

Alternatively, if your main incentive for converting your garage is to create a space for your children, consider buying a sofa bed – ideal for sleep overs, doubling up as a guest room if you have friends staying over.

Dining Room

For those of you that value family time or enjoy entertaining friends, a dining room is the ultimate environment for board games or intimate, meal-time conversation.

If the space is big enough, consider adding a sofa or two, allowing you to take the table-side conversation to a more comfortable seating area.

When the fun and games are over, a dining room doubles up as an ideal space for your children to do their homework, or for adults to finish work brought home from the office.

Top tip –
If your garage is small and backs onto your kitchen, consider removing the adjoining wall to creating a more inviting, open space.

knocking out the wall between the two areas to create a larger kitchen-diner is also a popular option.

Home Office

Home office, work-shop, art studio or music room, the same principle applies – somewhere quiet to get down to work or pursue your passion projects.

If you’re a freelancer, the great thing about converting a garage into a home office is that you can easily tap into your home’s internet connection with a Wi-Fi extender.

If you intend to use your garage as a work-shop, you can save costs and improve ventilation by keeping the garage door intact. This is particularly useful during the summer months when the temperature soars.

Top tip –

If you work from home and have a detached garage, the space can be converted into bona-fide work premises, ideal for meetings with clients away from the privacy of your home –just add a sign!

If your garage is detached and at the rear of your premises, consider adding bi-folding or patio style doors to make the most of the sunshine during the summer months.

Kids Playroom

What better way to spark imagination and creativity in your children than building their very own playroom!

It’s a place where they can leave their toys and games out all day and have fun with friends. And let’s face it, with all their toys and games are confined to one area, there’ll be less cleaning up and stepping on toys!

Top tip –
Enhance the fun feel of the room by laying down artificial grass flooring instead of carpet. You could even paint the walls with wipe-clean paint to bring out your children’s artistic side. If you’re feeling bold, you could even add a safe and easy-to-access mezzanine for story or nap time.

Guest House

Nothing says ‘mi casa es su casa’ better than a home with a guest room for friends and family (even if it is in the garage).

Dependant on the size of your garage (and your budget) you could even install an en-suite bathroom, as there is nothing worse than a locked bathroom right when you need it the most…

Provide an extra layer of comfort for your guests by completing the room with a fold-away sofa bed and television – great for relaxing after a long day out.

Top tip –

More and more people are opening up their homes to travellers through websites such as Airbnb, Tripping.com and HomeAway.

Aside from accommodating friends and family, sign up to one of these sites and make some cash on the side!

Minimize disruption and maintain your privacy with a purpose-built side-door, allowing guests to come and go as they please.

Things to consider

Prior to making any sort of alteration to your home, it’s always a good idea to check if you require planning permission.

This type of conversion generally falls under permitted development and therefore planning permission is not required, provided you only alter the interior of your garage and not the structure itself.

That said, changes made to detached garages may require planning permission, as they are treated as separate buildings.

Also, building an extra storey on top of an existing garage will likely require planning permission, so be sure to check with the local planning authority before committing to costly extension work.

This article was produced by HLN Engineering Ltd. HLN Engineering Ltd offer bespoke house extension and building extension designs, servicing London, Cardiff and the rest of the UK.

The post Top 5 Garage Conversion Ideas appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/top-5-garage-conversion-ideas/

Smarten Up Your Home With the Latest in Smart Home Tech

At H2 Property Services, we’re always looking to the future of home services, including the newest trends in smart home automation. With the touch of a button, the opening of an app, or the sound of your voice, your home can work for you like never before. So, let’s take a look at what’s hot in the world of smart homes.

Smart appliances

There are many devices flooding the market that will get you into the home automation game. From smart appliances such as kettles and coffeemakers, to video doorbells, to smart buttons that connect all these devices.

If you want a simple way to begin home automation and get a taste before investing in larger smart home technologies, start with a smart power switch.

The power switch looks like a normal plug adaptor and works in the same way. Except, whatever appliance the plug is powering can now be voice activated. So, while you get ready for the day ahead, you can ask the kettle to turn on in the kitchen and the kettle will be boiled in time for coffee by the time you make it downstairs – a perfect start to the day!

Smart thermostats are hotting up

Innovations in home central heating means that smart thermostats are becoming more affordable than ever before as the technology matures.

What you can expect from central heating automation is full remote-control from anywhere in the world via WiFi; artificial intelligence that learns your daily routine and adjusts the temperature to suit; and real-time energy consumption stats that puts you in control of your bills.

Save money, the environment and enjoy a smart, perfectly temperate home with modern heating technologies. You’ll never know how you did without one.

Smart bathing

It was once the stuff of fiction to have a fully automated home, but what if we told you that it’s possible to fill your bath using your smartphone? That’s exactly what companies like Unique Automation are offering. Using an app, you could be filling your bath while on the way home so that it’s ready the moment you walk in.

Not only can you fill it, but you can control its temperature, depth of water, fragrance, and even what it will be showing on the optional, 24 inch, waterproof, retractable television, built into the head of the bath.

H2 Property Services is a friendly, local plumbing, electrical and gas specialist serving all the major London boroughs. Our team is comprised of local engineers who know their patch well and are a common sight in Battersea & Clapham, Chiswick & Acton, Richmond & Twickenham, Notting Hill & Paddington, among others. If you find yourself without hot water, an overflowing toilet or gas problems, do not hesitate to call. We offer a comprehensive service including emergency call outs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

The post Smarten Up Your Home With the Latest in Smart Home Tech appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/smarten-up-your-home-with-the-latest-in-smart-home-tech/

It’s Show Time for the DIY Doctor Team This Autumn

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

It’s been a busy year so far here at the DIY Doctor headquarters in rural Somerset, with plenty of exciting things going on. As we are now rapidly moving out of summer and into autumn, we thought it would be a good time to tell you all about the upcoming trade shows we are appearing Read on...

It’s Show Time for the DIY Doctor Team This Autumn

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/09/autumn-2018-shows/

The Best Flooring for Conservatories

Now that the weather is warming up, you will probably be spending a lot more time in your conservatory. If the flooring is looking a little dated and you are thinking about updating it, you might be wondering what the best options are. Here are some brief pros and cons of some of the most popular types of conservatory flooring.

Carpet

Carpet is great for adding warmth and a cosy atmosphere to your conservatory, with neutral tones in particular looking great in this room; however, carpets can be tricky to keep clean. If you tend to have people – and pets – entering the conservatory directly from the garden, carpet might not be for you. The upkeep might prove too much, and you might soon experience stains or wear and tear that ruin the look of your new carpet. For conservatories without an external door, carpet can be an attractive option.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is popular in conservatories, as it adds an attractive finish and the wood effect looks great against the green of the outdoors. Check your chosen laminate is suitable for installation in a conservatory before you buy it. Laminate is easy to keep clean and many brands can withstand heavy foot traffic from people passing through from outside. Laminate is far warmer to walk on than tiles but be sure to add a heavy-duty doormat to the entrance to your conservatory to collect any sharp pieces of gravel or debris that could scratch your floor.

Tiles

Tiles are another popular choice but can be far more expensive than other options. They will also be very cold in the winter, which is something to bear in mind if you like to use your conservatory all year round. They are perfect if you want a classic or Mediterranean look in your room, however, and are certainly a timeless and elegant option.

Vinyl Flooring

Modern vinyls are attractive and hardwearing, making them a great choice for conservatories. You can even opt for highly convincing wood- or tile-effect vinyl at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Vinyl is warm and comfortable underfoot; however, you should check with the retailer that your chosen vinyl won’t fade in the sunlight, particularly if your conservatory tends to be very sunny. Another big advantage of vinyl is that you can mop it as frequently as you need to, meaning it is a great choice in a busy family home or if you have pets that tend to traipse dirt in from outdoors.

The post The Best Flooring for Conservatories appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/the-best-flooring-for-conservatories/

5 Low-Cost Ways To Improve The Kerb Appeal Of Your Home

Selling your home might seem like a doddle if you’ve taken care of the inside, decorating, renovating and keeping up with the latest styles, but what about the outside of your home? Does it have that magical kerb which gets people excited before they even get inside to view it? Does it draw the attention of people passing by who may also spot the ‘for sale’ sign?

Making some basic improvements to the outside of your property could be the difference between getting the price you want for your home and having to accept a lower offer. In this post, we’re going to suggest some simple, low-cost ways to improve the kerb appeal of your home.

1.Paint your front door

One of the first things people are drawn to is your front door. It’s the main entrance to your home and it deserves a little TLC. By painting your door you make your home stand out, showing that you’ve taken care of your door will give people a positive first impression, without them worrying what else you haven’t taken care of if it is scuffed, flaking or damaged.

You can choose a new colour at this point, but stick to a fairly neutral colour unless you are certain that it works with your property style and garden. If you like the colour you already have, simply repaint it to keep it fresh.

2.Weed your garden

Maybe the weeds in your front garden don’t bother you, but it’s another one of those tasks which, when taken care of, allows potential buyers and people passing by see that you’re the kind of person who has taken care of their home. The more often you keep on top of the weeding, the fewer lengthy sessions you’ll have to spend doing it.

While you’re at this task, it’s worth sweeping you pathway, clearing any weeds you’ve pulled up as well as any litter or foliage which has fallen there. This makes a clear path for visitors and does wonders for the overall impression your front garden gives off.

3. Get a house number

If you’ve already got a nice, well presented house number on your door or wall, then you’re ahead of the game. But if your number is hanging awkwardly after years of weathering or it’s simply written on in paint or chalk, then it might be worth spending a few pounds on a new one.

Get something which is in keeping with the style of your property and your home will not only stand out that little bit more, but it will be easier for viewers to locate or enquire about if they’ve spotted it by chance.

4. Update your welcome mat

It’s understandable that over time the welcome mat at your door will become a little disheveled and rough around the edges, so throw the old one out and sharpen up your doorstep with a new welcome mat. A trim, bright looking mat will help tie all your other work together, giving potential buyers a clean impression of your home before stepping in – it also signals that your carpets inside are less likely to be tracked with mud.

5. Pressure wash your paving

If your drive or pathway is made up of slabs, bricks or tiles, they’ll no doubt have gotten a little murkier over the years due to pollution and general weathering. Whether they’ve gone green, grey or black, get the pressure washer out – or borrow one from a neighbour – and give them a good blast. You’ll soon notice the difference and so will your potential buyers.

Once you’re property has sold and you’re ready to move, look no further than Clockwork Removals. Helping people move throughout the UK, their experienced team can also carry out international moves, taking care of all the little details to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

The post 5 Low-Cost Ways To Improve The Kerb Appeal Of Your Home appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/5-low-cost-ways-to-improve-the-kerb-appeal-of-your-home/

Benefits Of Choosing Ready Mix Concrete For Your Next DIY Project

Ready mix concrete is arguably the most versatile and popular form of concrete available. Mixed in a batching plant then transported to the worksite in a mixer, it comes ready to pour as soon as it reaches your premises. But what’s so impressive about ready mix concrete, and what benefits does it hold over others?

Precision mixed

Because the concrete is mixed at the concrete batching plant, your concrete will be precisely mixed no matter the volume or ratio. Mixes are handled through computer batching systems to ensure that your mix is measured as accurately as possible – following your required specifications to the letter.

Greater control

The enclosed, controlled mixing environment of a batching plant means your ready mix concrete will be quality controlled to the strictest possible standards. That means far fewer chances for defects or unwanted materials, and a greater quality of concrete once the mix is complete.

Ready to use

Alternatives such as volumetric and on-site mixed concrete certainly have their place, but ready mix is preferred for jobs in need of fast turnaround – and for worksites that might not have much space.

Mixing the concrete once it gets to your site means dedicating more time and space to construction machinery, and if you’re on a tight schedule, the convenience of ready mix concrete is invaluable; the mix will be ready to pour as soon as it reaches you, so there’s no worry about determining ratios and volume in the middle of the job. Ready mix lets you plan ahead and avoid delays, what could be more useful?

More economical

In terms of labour and manufacturing costs, ready mix concrete is by far the most economical concrete relative to its quality. Choosing ready mix means no need to store materials on site, no extra labour required to transport or mix concrete after it’s been delivered, and there’s no wastage either – so you’re only ever paying for the concrete you use.

Better for the environment

Due to the manufacturing process, ready mix concrete is the most energy-efficient concrete available – so if you’re concerned about being environmentally friendly, then this will be a benefit to you. Producing ready mix concrete inside a batching plant is far less energy and resource intensive.

Wastage is also minimised thanks to the precise mixing methods employed. This, and the lack of dust pollution that comes with bagged concrete, makes ready mix more efficient for workers, customers and manufacturers.

Versatile mixing capabilities

Because ready mix is so fast and efficient, you might think you’d have to compromise on the strength, type or quality of your mix. Well, think again! When you’re ordering ready mix concrete, you can specify what mix you need and for what application.

If you have an idea of ratio, or how strong you need your concrete, just relay it to your supplier and they’ll cook up a batch that meets your requirements. If you need some guidance, just discuss your project with the supplier and they’ll be able to help you find the perfect mix for your needs.

You can also request additives for the mix if you need extra characteristics put into your concrete. Added strength, porosity, workability – there are a range of additives you can select for your ready mix concrete, meaning whatever the application or quantity, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Ready mix and The Concrete Network

If you need fast, cost-effective delivery of quality ready mix concrete, get in touch with The Concrete Network today. As the UK’s largest network of independent concrete suppliers, we can source local ready mix concrete and arrange for prompt delivery to your premises at a time to suit you. Whatever mix, whatever quantity, wherever you are in the UK, The Concrete Network is always happy to help.

The post Benefits Of Choosing Ready Mix Concrete For Your Next DIY Project appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/benefits-of-choosing-ready-mix-concrete-for-your-next-diy-project/

Is Your Toilet Cistern leaking? Don’t Waste Water

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

A leaking toilet cistern or toilet can waste as much as an astonishing 400 -600 litres of water a day. You could be wasting precious water, causing damage to your home, costing yourself money, wasting valuable eco resources and all without even noticing! It is likely that if your toilet cistern is leaking onto the Read on...

Is Your Toilet Cistern leaking? Don’t Waste Water

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/07/toilet-cistern-leaking/

Conservatory Sails Vs Conservatory Blinds – Which Are Best? [Infographic]

Here, InShade compares two of the most popular shading options for conservatories, running through everything from heat control to the ongoing maintenance commitments of the product, giving you all the information you need when it comes to making your decision.

InShade are national suppliers of bespoke conservatory sails, providing homes across the country with a stylish solution to heat gain and glare within their conservatory. For more information on the product or to request a free design consultation, contact one of the team today from the website. 

The post Conservatory Sails Vs Conservatory Blinds – Which Are Best? [Infographic] appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/conservatory-sails-vs-conservatory-blinds-which-are-best-infographic/

What Nutrients Should you use for a Healthy Lawn?

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Grass is an incredibly hardy group of plants that will thrive in a wide variety of habitats, which is why it is so popular for lawns. If you are growing a lawn from seed preparing the ground properly and adding nutrients to the soil before you sow will help the grass seed to grow more Read on...

What Nutrients Should you use for a Healthy Lawn?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/06/nutrients-for-lawns/

What you Need to Know to Grow a Lawn in the Shade

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

There is a reason most lawns are open spaces. Most grasses prefer full sun and need between 4-6 hours of direct sun each day to thrive. If you think about wild grassy areas they are most successful in open spaces, woodland clearings and moorland where trees are not obscuring the light. A lawn in shade Read on...

What you Need to Know to Grow a Lawn in the Shade

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/06/lawn-in-the-shade/

Grass Free Lawns – What are They and how can I Grow one?

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

If you have decided to create a lawn from scratch and want a lawn with a difference why not consider a grass free lawn? We thought we would look at what is involved in grass free lawns, how do you go about choosing the right plants for a grass free lawn and then maintaining it? Read on...

Grass Free Lawns – What are They and how can I Grow one?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/06/grass-free-lawns/

Expansion Of The Concrete Network

Expansion of The Concrete Network

As the UK’s largest independent concrete supply network, The Concrete Network (TCN) has been working hard to bolster its strong start – and build towards an even stronger future.

Developing the network

After moving to our new offices on 21st April 2018  and expanding to 20 members of staff – TCN really hit its stride as it gained over 130+ independent Network Partners. It is the close relationship we hold with our partners which allows us to deliver such an efficient, reliable and unrivalled national service. Whether it’s for commercial construction purposes or a home-based DIYer carrying out some weekend building, we know our customers look to us for a prompt and stress-free supply of concrete every time.

Supporting local charities

Since our establishment, The Concrete Network has always kept an eye to the future. Besides building our wide online knowledge and resource base for customers, we have also looked for ways to integrate and help towards important local causes. We are proud to have partnered with Herts Young Homeless (hyh), a local independent charity that, since 1998, has supported vulnerable people throughout Hertfordshire.

Herts Young Homeless provides close and ongoing support to 16-24-year-olds struggling with family issues, facing homelessness and caring for adults with mental health issues – as well as striving towards preventing homelessness through education and mediation. The Concrete Network believes in this goal, and through our partnership with hyh, we are supporting their efforts with great pride and commitment.

Aiming for expansion

As The Concrete Network continues delivering a straightforward, optimised and extensive service to all its customers, it’s safe to say that the future is looking bright. We’re always building for the future here, and we aim to expand both the business itself and the services we offer our clients. Not only do we aim to grow our network of trusted partners across the country, but we also are looking to grow our concrete pump hire services to ensure even the most awkward pour sites can be accommodated. At TCN, we aim to make it as easy as possible to address all your concrete requirements.

As we recruit more staff and build more job opportunities across The Concrete Network, we can offer our customers a superlative service wherever they’re based, however much concrete they require, and regardless of how complex their project.

If you’d like to learn more about The Concrete Network and any of its services or operations, then don’t hesitate to contact us via email, or call us on 0800 030 9623. Our team is always happy to help.

The post Expansion Of The Concrete Network appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/expansion-of-the-concrete-network/

Small is Beautiful: How to Make the Most of a Small Garden

Everyone needs a place to escape. For some people, this is their garden. But if your outdoor space is small and confined, it may feel unappealing.

The good news is, you don’t need acres to have a stunning garden. Beautiful and tranquil escapes can be created in the smallest of spaces, whether you have a balcony, courtyard, or little garden – it just takes a little imagination…

Choose Small Furniture

In a small garden, it’s important not to swamp or overwhelm the available space. So, when selecting furniture, choose something that’s functional, practical and size appropriate. A small bistro set would be perfect, or build your own DIY seating area to fit the space. Alternatively, choose fold-up furniture such as deck chairs and tables that can be easily collapsed and stored in the shed or garage, creating more space when necessary.

Create an Illusion

You may use mirrors indoors to make interiors feel brighter and bigger, but have you thought about using them outside? They can create the same illusion, making them ideal for small gardens. Use in a narrow garden to make it feel larger, or behind seating to double the area. Just be aware that when it’s really sunny any light bouncing off these could cause potential fires, so it’s best to make sure that you can easily cover up or take these down to avoid this happening at the height of summer.  

Think About Scent

To make your garden a relaxing place, you need to invoke an additional sense: smell. To do this, choose heavenly scented flowers, such as lavender, sweet pea, honeysuckle, jasmine and mint, to promote relaxation and make your garden smell as good as it looks. When you’ve only got a small garden, space for planting and growing such flowers will be limited. Prioritise some of the smelliest flowers first to create a nice aroma, adding other plants if there’s still room.

Work Vertically

You want your garden to feel beautiful but covering the area with plant pots will make it feel cramped. Instead, make use of the vertical space. Use trellis and climber plants, put up handing baskets, create a wall garden, and hang decorations, such as bunting and fairy lights, to add style. This can also minimise plants being affected by pests and disease, unlike those on the ground. You could also draw wildlife to your small garden by hanging up bird feeders or bird boxes on the wall or fence.  

Go Stripy

This is another illusion trick that can make a small garden feel bigger. Using stripes can help to draw the eye, so paint in stripes on the fence, wall, or floor, to boost space. Make sure to choose similar colours that will contrast without being too bold, such as cream and beige, or silver and grey. If you’ve got children then they’ll love to get involved with this and, with a little direction and supervision, it can be great fun.

Section the Space

You may be tempted to design your garden as one area, but sectioning can actually provide more depth. Give your garden purpose by using raised plant beds, having a mini herb garden, styling a seating area, or having a small grassed section. It’s often best to draw up a sectioned plan first, so you can efficiently work out what will go in each space and that there’s enough room for everything. Remember to include any vertical space in this plan too.

Designing a small garden is easier than you think, it just requires a little more planning and creativity. Hopefully these tips have inspired you to beautify your small garden, so you can create a space that is relaxing and practical.

The post Small is Beautiful: How to Make the Most of a Small Garden appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/small-is-beautiful-how-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-garden/

What to Look for When You’re Scouting for a Self-build Plot

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Finding a self build plot is hard. And it is getting harder as more people are realising that it doesn’t have to be just a dream to build your own home. Not to mention the enormous satisfaction of being part of the creative process for your home, there are significant financial benefits to building your Read on...

What to Look for When You’re Scouting for a Self-build Plot

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/05/looking-for-selfbuild-plots/

7 Ways to Cut Remodeling Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Remodeling a home is seen as a large investment which should not involve compromising when it comes to quality. If your budget is not what you would like it to be, there are still ways you can go about it and do a quality remodeling.

Go by the list

Have you noticed that you spend significantly less money if you carry a shopping list? It also prevents you from forgetting things. If you want to bring structure into your home remodel, create a list of all the little projects involved in it. You can further elaborate by setting a budget per remodel and per each item on the list. You can record your expenses and tick off things as you go through them one by one. You can also use it to schedule projects as it is wise to do them in a certain order to avoid doing the same job twice.

DIY

Let’s start from the obvious shelf, shall we? Doing things, yourself, as opposed to hiring contractors to do them is often the quickest way to save money while remodeling. There are plenty of tasks you can perform without major consequences even if you are a beginner. These involve painting, laying floors, tiling, to building furniture, reupholstering, and doing the actual construction work, depending on your skill level. To help you out, being DIY has never been easier, since there are so many available tutorials on pretty much any project, targeting all the major issues and offering different approaches.

A DIY Architect

Not every project requires the work of an architect. There are even some smaller projects that don’t even require building permits. If you are looking to replace certain features, feature for feature, or laying a new roof of similar materials, it is pretty much safe to draw the plans on your own. However, if the work does require building permits for example demolishing a load-bearing wall be sure to acquire the proper permit beforehand.

Know your DIY limits

It is nice to have a hands-on approach; however, it can turn out to cost you more in the long run unless you are confident you can get the work done without causing any structural, or otherwise permanent damage to your home. If you are doing large structural remodels, redoing the attic, or building a large extension, you will need the help of an architect, not only to draw a plan which will grant you a permit but to tell you what you can or cannot do.

According to Sphere Constructions company, the same goes for any DIY stuff involving plumbing or electricity, as well as prep work you think you can do for contractors. Plumbing and electricity require permits. Prep work, including demolish, is essential for doing the actual job well, and often contractors won’t give you warranty as they did not do the prep work themselves.

Reuse and work with what you have

Old tiling or dated wooden floor does not always require ripping out and replacement. You can simply refinish certain surfaces such as kitchen cabinets, windows, floors, and decks. Perhaps the existing materials can impose certain limitations, but you can compromise and find equally beautiful solutions while preserving money. Perhaps your old floor can no longer get that honey-like light wood color, but it can look brand new with a coat of a dark color. Furthermore, if you can preserve some of the building materials, doors and windows during the demolishing faze, you could reuse them later on in the project, or for a future one.

Know where to shop

If you are dedicated to getting a lower price, you need to know where to look for the things you need. Even though you may think that large supply stores can afford to have better prices, smaller retailers will often offer more attractive discounts and payment plans to attract the customers. Also, make a note that stores have end-of-season sale and that you can get excellent deals if you only plan ahead of time and allow yourself a couple of weeks or even months to fish for discounts. Garage sales, auctions, and generally places with used goods can often guarantee you unique finds at affordable prices.

Do things gradually

Remember, you don’t have to finish everything at once, as long as you have a liveable home. Don’t get your credit card out, as often, it sounds like a good payment plan and you can get the credit card points of the purchase, but you will incur interest rates which make this affair less than cost-efficient. If you enjoy that with a credit card you do not have to pay everything at once, you can simply put money aside and wait till you have enough cash to continue your project.

Remodeling with money is much easier then on a budget, but as you can see it’s not all that bad. On one side when you are on a strict budget the project is much more hands on, you are more engaged more in control. And some people love that, they need to manage everything but on the other hand you waste much more time then when you just pay a construction company to do the whole job.

Hopefully this article showed you the correct path.

The post 7 Ways to Cut Remodeling Costs Without Sacrificing Quality appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/7-ways-to-cut-remodeling-costs-without-sacrificing-quality/

Top Trends for a Bedroom Makeover

Upon entering your bedroom, relaxation should sweep over you. Given, this does depend on how tired you are. However, your bedroom’s interior design plays a big part in how inviting it is to you. It needs to appeal to your senses and reflect your own personal style, whilst being warm and comforting. With current trends constantly shifting, it can be difficult to keep track. That’s why we’ve delved into modern décor to bring you this guide. Here’s some interior design trends you can try in your bedroom today.

Mirrored Furniture

Creating a spacious environment in your bedroom makes it feel bigger, and the illusion that mirrored furniture creates is exactly that – one of space. Because it reflects the rest of the room, your bedroom feels instantly larger. Not only that, but it will help to distribute natural light. This added boost of light will make the room feel much airier than it did before. A mirrored chest of drawers works really well, although a small bedside table can work just as well. It’s all about finding what works best for your bedroom’s size, as you wouldn’t want it to overpower other aspects of your décor. If you’re lucky enough to have a built-in wardrobe, attaching floor-to-ceiling mirrors to the doors is a way of achieving a much-loved style without purchasing new furniture.

Textured Wallpaper

Say goodbye to boring wall designs. In your bedroom, plain and uninspiring doesn’t cut it. Textured wallpaper is perfect for adding character to your walls. The variety of designs emerging both in stores and online is massive, leaving enough choice for you to either match your existing design, or go for something completely new. Detailed designs embossed in thick wallpaper – or a more standard striped or dot pattern – create the texture. From there, the colour choice is down to you. Because of the three-dimensional nature of the wallpaper, colours stand out more and your walls become a bigger feature of your bedroom’s décor. Use the wallpaper on every wall, or just on one to create one large feature wall.

Colourful Headboards

His is a simple, yet incredibly effective, way of adding colour to your bedroom’s design. The bed is often the main feature in a bedroom, and adding a splash of colour via the headboard is lovely and subtle. If you’re feeling a little risky and would like to experiment with a certain colour, a headboard is a much smaller commitment to painting your walls that colour. Why not try it out on a small scale first? You could grow to like it, or decide it isn’t quite for you! You can buy from a store, or you could try re-upholstering your old headboard as a DIY project. If you pair the colour with a matching bedsheet and pillows, the colours tie in together to really make your bed stand out.

Grey Laminate Flooring

As one of the most popular flooring colours in recent times, grey flooring has taken a firm hold on modern interior design.  When it comes to designing your bedroom, laminate flooring should be a definite consideration. For starters, it boasts great durability due to its construction using multiple layers. Because the design is digitally printed onto a top layer, there is no end to the design options on the market. If you were looking for grey flooring made from real wood, your options would be fairly limited. With laminate, however, you can choose from a huge range of styles, each varying in exact colour, texture – each with their own individual character. Grey is a beautiful colour that remains neutral, meaning you can make a statement with other elements of your interior, without making the design as a whole confusing or too busy.

The post Top Trends for a Bedroom Makeover appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/top-trends-for-a-bedroom-makeover/

Ensure your Garden is Immaculate by Servicing your Garden Machinery

As the summer months approach and you want to start tackling your garden, you will be reliant on your garden tools and machinery to help you do the job. It is important to care for these items, as well-maintained tools can last many years. You want your garden to look its best for the summer – servicing and maintaining gardening tools and machinery will help you to achieve this.

Lawnmowers

Mowers are likely to be one of the most expensive items of garden machinery you own, so it is important to perform regular maintenance on your lawnmower. If fuel-powered, always run the fuel down before storing it over the winter months. For any type of mower, you should brush and hose down the blades, rollers and grass box. Height adjusters on the mower should be greased from time to time so that they do not seize up. If the blades are blunt, look at having them sharpened or replaced by a local supplier. For fuel-powered mowers, you should always ensure that there is no grass or dust in the filters, as this could potentially damage the engine. It is also worth regularly checking the clutch and throttle cables for any wear and tear. Before you start regularly using your mower in spring, top up the oil to prevent the engine burning out.

Power Tool Care

Power tools can make jobs in the garden so much easier, but they too can be expensive to replace. Simple maintenance or servicing means they should last longer and work more effectively. As with any electrical garden tool, make sure you check the plugs and cables for any signs of damage. Replace anything faulty so that your tool is safe to use. It is recommended that you spray any metal surfaces of power tools or garden machinery with a thin layer of all-purpose oil so that rust cannot accumulate. Contact your local supplier if you want a power tool servicing or if you need to sharpen or replace any of the blades.

Sharp and Effective

Even with regular maintenance and care, some blades on garden tools and machinery will become blunt over time. In some cases, you can sharpen them yourself using a fine metal file. If you are not sure how to go about this or think the blades may need replacing, it would be best to contact a local supplier to get their advice. If you find rust on any of your garden equipment, remove it with a wire brush and apply some oil. Don’t forget manual tools such as spades, forks and garden shears, which are also prone to rust.

Caring for you garden tools and machinery will improve their longevity and effectiveness. An immaculate garden requires hard work, knowledge, time and the right equipment. Servicing and maintaining your tools will bring out the best in them.

The post Ensure your Garden is Immaculate by Servicing your Garden Machinery appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/ensure-your-garden-is-immaculate-by-servicing-your-garden-machinery/

Is There Alternative to Looking After a Real Lawn – The Top 5 Benefits of Artificial Grass?

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

On the face of it using artificial grass is just not the right thing to do at all – a bit of a cop out! Before you dismiss in out of hand, have a look at our section on maintain a perfect lawn and you’ll see that there is a lot of work! We agree Read on...

Is There Alternative to Looking After a Real Lawn – The Top 5 Benefits of Artificial Grass?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/05/artificial-lawns/

Is There Alternative to Looking After a Real Lawn – The Top 5 Benefits of Artificial Grass?

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

On the face of it using artificial grass is just not the right thing to do at all – a bit of a cop out! Before you dismiss in out of hand, have a look at our section on maintain a perfect lawn and you’ll see that there is a lot of work! We agree Read on...

Is There Alternative to Looking After a Real Lawn – The Top 5 Benefits of Artificial Grass?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/05/artificial-lawns/

Benefits of Installing a Hot Tub or Spa in your Garden

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

There are a number of benefits of installing a hot tub or spa in your garden, and they are well documented. They assist with debilitating ailments from arthritis to stress or even diabetes to insomnia. While we are DIY Doctor, we are not real doctors so can only really tell you about how to install Read on...

Benefits of Installing a Hot Tub or Spa in your Garden

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/04/benefits-of-hot-tub/

How Should I Clean my Carpets and What Should I be Using?

The DIY Doctor's Blog The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

The carpets in most homes take an absolute hammering on a daily basis. From heavy and regular footfall to kids in mucky wellies and pets with mucky paws they take it all. For those that have ever had new carpets in your home, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking on them. Their soft Read on...

How Should I Clean my Carpets and What Should I be Using?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2018/03/cleaning-carpets/

What are the different types of garage door you can buy?

With so many options swamping the market, choosing a garage door may seem like a painful process. However, with some simple know-how of the key types available, you can swiftly make a decision that offers the security, functionality and kerb appeal you’re searching for. We provide a basic summary in this article – for more detail on the different types of garage door then check out this comprehensive garage door buyers guide.

What are the different types of garage door?

Garage doors are an important investment, serving to protect your car and most valuable belongings, whilst also adding to the external beauty of your home. And with the addition of automation, any style of garage door can become the epitome of convenience and practicality.

The different types of garage doors available include roller, sectional, up & over, and side-hinged. Not only that, but there are a huge variety of materials, colours and finishes available to create a truly tailored look to complement your exterior and impress visitors.

Roller Garage Doors

Durable, secure, and easily customisable, it’s easy to see why this style has been unfailingly popular over the years. As a classic style, roller garage doors lift vertically and curl round at the top, and will have either be fitted with or without an overhead box to accommodate the ‘roll’. Often viewed as the most compact doors on the market, their design is unbeatable at saving space which makes it an ideal solution for homes with shorter, narrower driveways.

Sectional Garage Doors

Usually constructed of 4 – 8 horizontal panels, this design folds away into the garage ceiling space section by section. Sectional garage doors are well-engineered options that known for being secure and having sterling insulative ability. A broad spectrum of sectional style options are available to homeowners to ensure your door perfectly suits the exterior.

Up & Over Garage Doors

Simple, inexpensive, and popular throughout the world, up & over designs consist of one single panel that swings vertically on hinges and stows away against the garage ceiling. Bear in mind the door opens outwards, so it’s important you leave enough room on your driveway to accommodate this motion. This long-standing, reliable design is easily personalised

with a range of automation, material, glazing and colour options.

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Distinctive and unique, the side-hinged garage door is recognised by its opening motion which mimics that of double-doors. This offers a more homey look for customers who want to bring a touch of traditional quaintness to their property. Side-hinged garage doors are also perfect for garages that experience high levels of foot traffic, giving pedestrians easy, quiet access at all hours of the day and night.

The post What are the different types of garage door you can buy? appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/what-are-the-different-types-of-garage-door-you-can-buy/