Homes & Gardens

Common Home Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Every homeowner needs to know basic maintenance that will help them keep their home in the best condition, but this is an area many struggle with. Keeping on top of maintenance can help prevent small issues from erupting into large, disruptive, and expensive issues, so it is vital that you know how to keep your property in good condition. There are a few common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to maintenance, which can lead to disruptive issues and expensive repairs/replacements. With this in mind, this post will take a look at a few of the most common mistakes and how they can...

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Pension changes will fuel buy-to-lets

Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes is predicting a rise in buy-to-let investors in Exeter now that pension changes give individuals far greater control than ever before over their retirement funds.

Barratt Homes managing director Paul Moran said they have already seen an increase in enquiries from potential buyers looking to invest in property and the five star housebuilder has now produced a step by step guide geared to helping first time investors through the process.

As part of the changes people are now allowed to access their defined contribution (DC) pensions as...

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82% of Brits admit their homes are filthy

New figures out this week have shown that 82% of Brits admit their homes are filthy, as they shun the once popular spring clean, for more frequent, basic surface cleans; and those over 55 are the worst culprits. A new study of 1,000 UK families, by online electricals retailer, ao.com, found that while this month is the most popular month for Brits wanting to do their spring clean, 1 in 10 Brits will not get round to completing it this month, or in fact all year, as they opt for more frequent surface cleans only. Those in the South West though will aim to a big clean every two months. Brits...

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Lack of properties pushes up prices

The number of properties coming onto the market continued to drop, pushing prices rapidly upwards in the South West, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

In most parts of the country, the supply versus demand imbalance led to a rise in house prices in March and in the South West 36% more chartered surveyors reported a rise in house prices in March (up from 31% in February) and 16% more chartered surveyors expect prices to increase over the next three months in the region compared with 6% in February (albeit the results for both are significantly lower than in...

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Preview weekend for release of new homes at Poundbury

Independent developer C G Fry & Son Ltd., based near Dorchester, is holding an open weekend to preview the next release of homes on the NEQ, Poundbury on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.

The award-winning builder is renowned for its extensive portfolio of quality build ranging from high-end individual houses to major developments including the prestigious Poundbury development in Dorchester for The Duchy of Cornwall.

The special open weekend event is being hosted by local estate agents, Symonds & Sampson at Queen Mother Square on Friday 17th 3pm-6pm, and at the...

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RICS helps homeowners improve, buy or sell a home

The lighter nights and bank holidays coming up could only mean only one thing for many of us; house hunting or home improvement time. It is with this in mind that RICS has created an online suite of consumer guides to help homeowners improve, buy or sell a home.

Each easy-to follow guide offers clear, specialist advice, suggestions and helpful recommendations, and is available to download for free, with topics including Home Extensions, Subsidence, Party Walls, Rights to Light, Buying a Home and Selling a Home.

Graham Ellis, RICS Associate Residential Director said: “The...

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New show home at Millbrook Village

Authored by Gill Vosper
Posted: Fri, 04/10/2015 - 2:47pm

Multi award-winning developer Renaissance Villages is pleased to announce the unveiling of a stunning new show home at Exeter’s only age-exclusive retirement village, Millbrook Village.

The launch event will take place on Friday 17th April between 11am and 3pm and visitors are invited to join the Millbrook Village team for light refreshments and to find out more about the unique lifestyle this prestigious new village provides.

With potential interest being so high, guests are encouraged to book their appointment to view by calling 01392 275335 or emailing sales@...

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Outstanding air test results for Exeter Passivhaus development

The first in a series of initial air tests at one of Exeter City Council's developments of Passivhaus homes has delivered outstanding results of 0.19 air changes per hour (depressurisation) and 0.2 air changes per hour (pressurisation) at five0Pa.

The development of six houses near Newport Road, Exeter, which will be known as ‘Reed Walk’ is being built by independent contractor, C G Fry & Son. Once completed, it is one of three sites currently being developed by ECC to deliver high-quality, affordable Passivhaus homes for Exeter's social tenants.

The design of the...

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SunGift Energy backs Buy with Confidence campaign

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 04/09/2015 - 6:14am

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards has launched a new 'Buy with Confidence' website that aims to protect buyers - and an award-winning solar business is backing its campaign all the way. Marsh-Barton-based SunGift Energy, which is the UK Solar Installer of the Year, frequently encounters renewable energy installers and other tradespeople that do poor quality work, and the company believes that more householders must made be aware of where they can go to find a reliable company. "We’re in favour of anything that helps protect buyers and rid the world of rogue traders," said Gabriel...

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Be extra careful if your home is thatched…

As the days start to get warmer, but the nights can still be cold, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service remind you to make sure your chimneys are safe and secure as possible, especially when lighting up fires that haven't been used for a while.

Be extra careful if your home is a thatched property as 80% of thatched properties in the UK are within Devon & Somerset.

Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager explains: “Fire in a thatched roof is difficult to detect and once started is difficult to control. Once a fire has taken hold within a roof it will...

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Learn basic DIY at Trill Farm

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 04/06/2015 - 11:24pm

Trill Farm, the 300 acre organic farm and education centre in Axminster has just added Basic Home DIY classes to its educational programme of sustainable living workshops.

Held on Friday 24th April and again on Friday 24th May 2015, this enjoyable hands on 1-day workshop will cover many of the common aspects of basic DIY, and is perfect for beginners who are not very confident about tackling small but important tasks in the home.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Hang curtains, blinds and simple shelves on any wall.
  • Drill into wood, brick or hollow
    • ...
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