Historically, concerns about insulation were primarily focused on thermal performance, noise control, and keeping energy bills to a minimum but now fire safety has become a major concern, along with the negative impact that insulation materials may have on the environment… Tragic events over the last few years have no doubt heightened awareness of homeowners to the importance of safety of materials used in the building trade. Savvy homeowners also wish to know just how their choice of insulation will perform over time and what kind of sustainability credentials it has. So, what is Stone Wool ..read more

Historically, concerns about insulation were primarily focused on thermal performance, noise control, and keeping energy bills to a minimum but now fire safety has become a major concern, along with the negative impact that insulation materials may have on the environment… Tragic events over the last few years have no doubt heightened awareness of homeowners to the importance of safety of materials used in the building trade. Savvy homeowners also wish to know just how their choice of insulation will perform over time and what kind of sustainability credentials it has. So, what is Stone Wool ..read more

Unsurprisingly, lockdown has dramatically hastened the ongoing trend for outdoor living. ‘Staying in’ is now the new ‘going out’, and the importance of a personal outside space in our lives is likely to continue… UK builders merchants have indicated a huge surge in landscaping product sales, driven by the popularity of DIY garden projects during lockdown. A low maintenance outdoor living space is fast becoming the next ‘must have’ accessory for homeowners as well as for future buyers, especially so if the property is covered by a ‘no extension’ covenant. Forget about ‘a blank canvas’. Gone are ..read more

The kitchen, now more than ever, has become the centre-point of the home. It’s important, therefore, that a ‘living kitchen’ is not only practical, but also beautiful… Sinks can sometimes be placed well down on a kitchen specification list, as the major features of a kitchen design take priority. But the right choice of sink and tap combination can be a stunning focal point in any kitchen. There is a vast range of modern or traditional designs in a variety of materials, colours, sizes and shapes, so it’s worth spending some time on choosing what works for you. Whether you are upgrading, or ins ..read more

Do you have a septic tank? Are you aware of the new septic tank legislation? Any violation of these regulations can cause you to suffer an unwanted fine of up to £100,000! If you are building, reside in, or own property off the mains drainage network, it is important that you make yourself aware of the new septic tank legislation which came into force at the beginning of the year. (Please note that there are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales). Currently, any property that is not on the mains sewer will have its sewage waste dealt wit ..read more

Porcelain tiles are the new kids on the block. This year has seen a dramatic rise in their use by domestic and contract customers. But are they any better than ceramic? Those in the know tell us that porcelain tiles are ‘sustainable luxury’ – low maintenance, hard-wearing and uniquely beautiful. There is a huge variety of finished effects to choose from, including stone, marble, wood, concrete, and metallic. But how do they compare to ceramic tiles? Porcelain Pros The durability and non-absorbency of porcelain tiles make them perfect for high traffic areas as they are resistant to scratches a ..read more

It’s more than likely that a property owner will experience surface mould at least once during a lifetime. In this blog we look at methods to remove and prevent it. The problem with mould Mould growth has always been a serious issue, since the fungus is not only difficult to eradicate but it can reappear at the drop of a hat if the conditions are conducive to its growth. Ideally, mould thrives on damp surfaces that are in a humid environment. It is more prevalent in winter months, when households are less likely to have open windows, more likely to dry washing indoors, and there is a lack of ..read more

For the perfect finish, it’s a must to spend as much time on your choice of grout as you do on your choice of tiles Grout is generally a mixture of cement, sand and water. It is much finer than cement alone and is ideal for filling voids and sealing joints. Like most building materials, grout not only needs to look good, but it needs to be robust, abrasion resistant, durable and most importantly, suitable for the specific needs of the job in hand. Before making any decisions, consider the following factors: Tile type: Porcelain, natural stone, composite etc. Surface to be tiled: Dry or wet ar ..read more

A brief look at the benefits of using oil instead of varnish to protect your woodwork Protecting wooden surfaces from wind, weather and everyday wear has always been a challenge. Polyurethane coatings A popular choice today is varnishing since a varnished surface is cheap, easy to apply and is resistant to stains and water. However, even the best varnishes will start to wear, and areas will need to be sanded down and additional coats applied, especially on well-used areas such as wooden floors. This can present the problem of having to satisfactorily match the existing colour tone. It may pro ..read more

Want to make the most of your buy-to-let?  Simple suggestions to maximise your investment without breaking the bank Kitchen The hub of any home. To increase the wow factor, spend what you can afford, or, if the existing units are in reasonable condition, you could just replace fronts and handles. A lick of paint works wonders. Bathroom Whilst the bathroom is important, the number of bedrooms is higher on a tenant’s list of priorities, no matter how small that extra bedroom may be. If you are doing a major overhaul of the property, consider reducing the bathroom space in order to make way for a ..read more