Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

When temperatures drop and winter sets in, many pests begin searching for warm places to hide. Unfortunately, that often means moving into homes, garages and workplaces. December might feel too cold for insects and rodents to be active, but it’s one of the busiest times of the year for pest control callouts. Understanding which pests are most common at this time of year, and knowing how to deal with them, can help protect your home and stop infestations before they become serious. This guide explains the top December pests, why they appear, and the steps you can take to prevent them....

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Fire-risk tumble dryers safety warning

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is advising homeowners to check their tumble dryers after Indesit release a warning ‘that they may pose a fire risk.’

The three brands are Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda and include both condenser and vented dryers, which have been marketed over the last 11 years.

It has been identified that in "rare" cases a build-up of lint can come into contact with the dryer's heating element, which could pose a fire risk, resulting in users being warned not to leave their driers unattended and to clean fluff from the filter after each use....

Teignbridge backs National Empty Homes Week

The number of empty homes across Teignbridge is at an all-time low.

As of October 2015 the number of empty homes in Teignbridge is 365, a reduction of 370 since 2008.

The figures have been released ahead of National Empty Homes Week (30 Nov 2015 - 6 Dec 2015), a national drive to highlight the waste of empty property nationwide, and to celebrate the success of numerous examples and new initiatives to bring empty homes back into use.

Properties become empty for a variety of reasons, including owners moving into nursing homes or other properties going into probate. In...

Housebuilder marks National Tree Week in Exeter

Barratt Homes in Exeter has celebrated National Tree Week with the planting of an oak tree to mark 7,300 trees planted by the division in the last 12 months.

“We have planted or retained more than 7,300 trees or shrubs at our developments throughout the south west and wanted to mark our ongoing commitment to the environment,’’ said managing director Paul Moran. “National Tree Week is a great reminder to everyone about the value of trees and at Barratt we take great care of the local environment.”

In addition to its tree planting programme the housebuilder incorporate...

Over 35,000 Exeter homes at risk of fire this Christmas

As 90 percent of Brits admit to decorating their home and garden in the next few weeks, less than a quarter (23 percent) would consider the impact this might have on the electrics in their home.

The new study, commissioned by the UK’s leading regulatory body for electricians NICEIC and ELECSA surveyed 2,000 UK tenants and homeowners, and has revealed some disturbing facts about the safety of UK homes at Christmas. It found that 42 percent of Brits paid more attention to aesthetics than safety, with 1 in 5 admitting to feeling they needed to compete with their friends and neighbours...

Council critical of Pay to Stay housing scheme

A government scheme to make social housing tenants pay higher rents if they are earning more, has come under criticism from Exeter City Council.

The City Council has been critical of the Pay to Stay scheme which is due to be introduced from April 2017. The Council believes there should be greater freedom for local authorities to decide on the level of rents and not be dictated from by central government.

It is also critical of the scheme for ruling that any increased rents should be ploughed back to central government and not the City Council. The City Council has fed its...

New homes launch for David Wilson Homes in Exeter

Increasing demand for large family homes in Exeter has prompted David Wilson Homes to launch a new phase of homes at its Hillside Gardens development in the city.

David Wilson Homes has unveiled a brand new show home at the development with the four bedroom Holden design set to demonstrate the style and quality available at Hillside Gardens.

“Hillside Gardens has been a hugely successful development for us with buyers looking to stay within the city and with those looking to relocate to Exeter,’’ said David Wilson Homes sales director Sara Parker. “We’ve seen increasing...

It’s me or the thermostat!

Temperatures may be dropping but tempers could be set to rise, according to new research which reveals that nearly 36% of people in the South West argue with their partners or housemates over the central heating.

As the nights are getting colder, things could be turning frosty in more ways than one. New research commissioned by Toolstation, the trade and DIY supplier, reveals that over a third of the South West argue with their partners or housemates over the central heating – on or off? Hotter or colder?

The survey, conducted this month, showed that turning on the heating...

Getting your guest room ready for Christmas guests

Christmas is only weeks away, and soon your house will be bustling with guests. It's time to get that guest room ready so your friends and family can actually enjoy their stay. Don't leave preparing the guest room to the last minute. You will be in for more than a few unpleasant surprises. Start early by following these tips to add functionality and looks to your guest room:

Start by Cleaning

Removing the clutter is the first step to making any room in your home welcome to guests. If guest rooms remain unoccupied for months, as they often are, they eventually gather things...

How a luxury interior design can increase your home's sale price

When it comes to selling your home there are several things which drive the price; the number of bedrooms, land attached, local amenities and transport links to name a few. But these factors only give a price range and there is often scope for maximising the price of your home, or put more simply, adding value to your home. There are several ways this can be done.

Luxury Interior Design in Your Home

Luxury interior design involves giving your home the look it deserves . It adds style and substance as well as elegance and class which potential high-end homebuyers are looking...

Views sought on extended recycling trials

Households taking part in East Devon District Council’s recycling trials in new Feniton and Exmouth (The Colony) will soon be receiving a questionnaire to find out how the new service is working for them.

From mid-September, residents in these two areas have been using an improved service and have been able to collect cardboard and mixed plastics for the first time. These items, along with their usual extensive number of other recyclables including glass, metals, paper, plastic bottles, textiles and food waste, are collected from the kerbside every week.

As households in...

Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

Fire-risk tumble dryers safety warning

Teignbridge backs National Empty Homes Week

Housebuilder marks National Tree Week in Exeter

Over 35,000 Exeter homes at risk of fire this Christmas

Council critical of Pay to Stay housing scheme

New homes launch for David Wilson Homes in Exeter

It’s me or the thermostat!

Getting your guest room ready for Christmas guests

How a luxury interior design can increase your home's sale price

Views sought on extended recycling trials

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