Homes & Gardens

Rural vs urban homes - which is easier to sell?

A huge decision for anyone looking at moving is whether to move to a rural or urban area. While both rural and urban homes have their advantages and disadvantages, you might be wondering about how easy it will be to sell your rural or urban home when you decide to move on.

Your chances of selling a property are dependent on a large variety of factors. Some of these factors are within your control, but some will inevitably be outside of your grasp. Before selling up it is important that you are aware of any factors that might work against you so you can mitigate the risks and...

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7 costs of renting you may have forgotten

Whether the reasons are fiscal or personal, millions and millions of people are choosing rentals over buying property these days. While homeownership is generally straightforward about what your responsibilities and expenses are, renting can have more hidden costs associated that you might not think of on your own when you're looking for your new place. Before you sign a lease, it's important to budget for all the expenses you'll encounter as a renter and make sure that you can afford your house or apartment, including all of the additional costs beyond the monthly rent. In case you need...

Solar Panel group-buying scheme will save you money and help save the planet

Devon's householders have the chance to help the county become net-zero by joining Devon Climate Emergency's (DCE) solar panel group-buying scheme.

DCE is made up of Devon's principle public and private sector organisations, and they have joined forces to draw up a Carbon Plan, the county's roadmap to carbon neutrality.

The DCE's latest project is Solar Together and, with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, they are offering homeowners the chance to buy high quality solar PV more cheaply than if they were buying alone.

Led by Devon County Council, the scheme is...

What You Need to Know About Moving House during COVID

This time last year was a very different world. The impact of COVID-19 has changed so much in such a little time that it's hard to know just how long-lasting the social changes we've developed will be. Of course, life continues to move forward, albeit at a slower, more self-enclosed pace. That makes moving home during COVID a particular challenge. The traditional way of moving home, which is already one of the most stressful tasks to undertake, needs to be looked at again. So, if you're moving to a new house during the current pandemic, here are some ideas and suggestions that you might...

5 ways to keep your home cosy this winter

Fall is settling in and before long, the cold days of winter will rear their heads. While you've probably thought about stocking up on a few extra jackets for women and men to brace yourself against the outside chill, have you considered the best way to keep your home cozy and warm this upcoming winter season? You have denim jackets, vests, blazers, and every other type of outerwear to keep you cozy, now why not take care of keeping your home cozy and warm as well. Read on below for a few tips to help you make your home safe and warm this upcoming winter season.

Draft-proof your home...

Renovation Projects That Can Make Your Home More Relaxing

Your homes should be your haven; a place to hide away from all the stresses and messes and hustle and bustle of the world. Creating the perfect home in which to unwind takes a little bit of planning, but can also be a lot of fun. It is all about finding what makes you feel relaxed and also identifying solutions for anything in your home that distracts or irritates you. There are so many different improvements that you can make to a property which can really improve the quality of your home life.

This is a simple guide to renovation projects that can make your home more relaxing...

How Home Insurance Differs in Various Parts of the World

Home Insurance is a catch-all term used to refer to house and building coverage and contents insurance. You will have an option to purchase both separately or get a comprehensive package that covers both. Many countries require home insurance and non-compliance would cost owners a hefty price. Mortgage companies also require borrowers to insure their houses for the full or fair value of the property.

Home Insurance From Different Countries

Here is how home insurance looks from different countries around the world:

Australia

The rates of insurance...

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Buying a house is a sizeable investment, and when it's time to sell your house you want to get the highest return on investment. Selling your home takes time, effort, and patience between opening your home to potential buyers, keeping it clean, making repairs, and waiting for the right buyer offer. Selling your home is an emotional transaction and sometimes emotions lead to first-time seller mistakes. Take a look at five of the mistakes you should avoid making when selling your home.

1. Underestimating the costs of selling.

Many homeowners underestimate the costs of selling -...

Budget-Friendly Ideas That Will Make a Garden Look Nice

Are you planning to come up or beautify your home garden? You don't need to worry about the costs since there are different ways of coming up with good, financially-friendly ways of making your home garden look beautiful. From soft scraping to the hard scraping, these ideas are unlimited and can turn your simple garden into a marvelous site.

Below are some of the best views you can use to make your yard look amazing without hurting your finances.

1. Using Mulch as an Alternative

Do you want to conserve water? Then try mulching your home garden. Despite making you save...

What wan I do with a finished basement?

A finished basement is an asset to any home. If you’ve already contacted Penguin Basements about treating and finishing the space, now is the time to decide how you will use it. There are plenty of functions that the basement can fulfill once it’s finished. Here are four ideas to consider. One of them may be ideal for you.

Create a Home Office

There’s a lot to be said for having a home office. It’s a place where you can get some peace and quiet while you work on any documents related to the family budget as well as the ideal spot to store all of your important papers. If...

4 Decisions You Must Make Before Installing New Residential Doors or Windows

Your first major decision about the home’s doors and windows has already been made: you’ve determined that the current ones have to go. Now it’s time to think about what sort of windows and doors will replace them. As you get inspiration by visiting the official website of Canadian Choice Windows & Doors, consider these four factors. The right choices will ensure you’re happy with the changes for many years to come.

Stick with the Old Style or Go With Something New?

The truth is that you were never that happy with the windows or most of the doors anyway. They...