Homes & Gardens

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space: The Timeless Elegance of Oak Garden Furniture

Creating a tranquil outdoor oasis starts with selecting the right furniture. Amidst the myriad of options, oak garden furniture stands out for its timeless appeal and unmatched durability. In this article, we delve into the characteristics, benefits, and care tips for oak garden furniture, guiding you towards making an informed choice for your outdoor haven.

Understanding Oak:

Oak, a hardwood renowned for its strength and longevity, has been a staple in furniture craftsmanship for centuries. Its natural resistance to decay and insects makes it an ideal choice for outdoor...

Liv Butler

Liv Butler

Posted:

Only 40% of homes in England meet recommend energy rating

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 03/08/2022 - 4:37pm

New Open Property Group research found that just 40% of homes in England meet the recommended Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above.

The EPC scale is ranked from A-G and is used to measure the efficiency of a property based on the level of its emissions, its potential heat or energy loss and its likely fuel costs.

Currently, 63% of properties in the City of London meet the EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. This is closely following by Salford, which has 58% of properties meeting the recommended energy rating and Peterborough, where 53% of its properties...

Get an Old Home Back into Prime Condition with Smart Improvements

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Mon, 03/07/2022 - 6:55am

Homeowners might love their houses, but they also know they are not perfect. It is especially so with homes that are getting older. Faded paint and old fixtures only add to the sense that time has left the place behind. Getting all of it back in prime condition will take some effort. Fortunately, there are some things you can do, like renovating oak beams to look modern or installing some modern fixtures. These upgrades can completely change the look of your home and make it look brand new. Here are some suggestions.

Renew the old beams and wood

While wood does not have...

Energy saving tips in the home

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Thu, 03/03/2022 - 2:42pm

Saving money in the home is essential. As costs seem to rise as the years go on, we are all trying to find ways to keep money in our pockets. The best way to save money in the home is through energy efficiency. Here are a few energy saving tips in the home.

Solar Panels

By installing solar panels on your home, you will be using less energy for heat, and that will have a positive effect on your bank account. Harnessing the power of solar energy will not only make your home more energy efficient, but home heating and cooling costs will drop. That’s a win/win.

Solar panels...

How to plan a loft conversion

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Thu, 03/03/2022 - 1:43pm
The Three Types Of Loft Conversion

The Internal Loft Conversion

The first type of loft conversion is the internal loft conversion. This type of loft conversion requires very little alteration to the current exterior of the home. Some additions you may need are skylights, stud walls, insulation, and plumbing alterations.

Skylights are windows placed in the roof and stud walls are plasterboard walls found in all new build properties.

Typically, insulation and strengthening the floor are issues you come across. These are often the most cost-effective types of loft...

If your home has been damaged by the storms 'beware of cold callers'

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 02/22/2022 - 10:45pm

Trading Standards is urging householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard for rogue traders who might try to cash in on the damage caused by recent storms.

At the end of last week and over the weekend Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset was hit by a series of storms which damaged homes and property.

Now the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is urging householders to always reject offers of goods and services from cold callers, which could include people claiming to be tree surgeons or roofers, and other tradespeople who call...

Mattress for Mental Health

Health benefits from a memory foam mattress from the head to the toe

Authored by robint
Posted: Tue, 02/22/2022 - 6:03am

Poor sleep is bad news for your health. However, few people realise the power of a memory foam mattress when it comes to alleviating common conditions and improving health.

For those who suffer from insomnia, back pain, and other issues that could affect their night-time health, a memory foam mattress is the best choice.

Let's now take a look at the health benefits - from head and toe.

Memory foam mattress for mental health

Good sleep is good for your mental and physical health.

Sleep disorders and mental wellbeing

Both quality of...

When you should consider selling your property

There is a right time to sell your property. The question is when. The timing of your move will be determined by how quickly you can sell your home. The process of selling your home should be painless. However, there are some important considerations you should keep in mind before you sell your property. For example, you need to carefully evaluate your equity, as it is crucial to get the best price possible. If you are upside down on your mortgage, you should consider selling your house before the equity is wiped out.

One of the most important decisions you'll have to make is...

6 simple ideas for sustainably decluttering your home

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Wed, 02/16/2022 - 2:46pm

We have all decluttered our spaces before, but eco-friendly decluttering takes a little more consideration. Use these six simple ideas for sustainably removing clutter in your home.

It happens to everyone- you’re fine with how your home looks and feels until, one day, you realize that your living space has way too much stuff that makes it crowded. When this happens, it’s time to get rid of all the extra things you have but never actually use or need.

Whether you see decluttering as part of downsizing your cleaning efforts or simply simplifying your life, getting rid of...

New estate agency bucking trend

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 02/15/2022 - 5:22pm

It is well documented that getting a new business off the ground is extremely risky. With statistics reporting 20% of businesses failing in their first year and around 60% going bust within the first three years, making sure a start-up survives during the first few years is critical.

Add in the impact of Covid-19 (3.9% of businesses have ‘no confidence’ that they will survive over the next few months), owning a start-up remains a challenge for entrepreneurs.

WIth the statistics seemingly working against most new businesses, launching a brand new company as the world was...

First-time buyers in Exeter has to borrow 5.3 times their salary

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 02/13/2022 - 10:43pm

First-time buyers need to borrow up to five times their salary to get on the property ladder in Exeter, new figures show.

The city ranks ninth in a list of 20 of the country’s least affordable locations compiled by online mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages.

Homes in Exeter typically command a price tag of more than £333,000, compared to the national average of £287,830.

With residents typically earning £26,710 a year, a couple who’d saved a 15 per cent deposit would have to borrow seven times their salary for a mid-market home.

The top 20 most expensive...

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