Homes & Gardens

As the Met Office predicts cold, arctic air will soon hit the UK, WaterSafe is advising households on how to prevent, and deal with, burst or frozen water pipes.

Research by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, shows 15 per cent of UK residents have had a burst pipe in winter, when freezing temperatures can cause pipes to split.

Additionally, the Association of British Insurers reports the average cost of a weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a costly £9,300.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, says prevention is key: “The...

The garden shed has soared in popularity over recent years, with homeowners wanting to make the most out of their space and find innovative storage solutions that don’t look unsightly or require hours of maintenance. While sheds come in a range of shapes, sizes and materials, the metal garden shed stands out as a versatile and practical option. Read on to find out why opting for a metal garden shed might be the perfect way to transform your outdoor space.

1. Outstanding durability

One of the primary features of metal sheds is their unparalleled durability....

An Exeter development has seen its first residents begin to move in – including a local couple who have bought their first home together.

Emily and Nathan are one of the first to move into Redrow South West’s St Michael’s Meadow on Chudleigh Road.

Emily grew up in the suburb of Alphington and loved the village feel and proximity to the countryside. When searching for their first home, a rural location with great transport links to Exeter was top of their criteria.

St Michael’s Meadow was the perfect location, allowing them to live in the area they love while...

With daily cooking and big appliances like fridges and freezers, it may come as no surprise that the kitchen is a room in your home where a lot of energy is used.

But even though it’s likely the busiest room in your home, and some appliances need to be always on, there are still ways to cut down on the energy used there. And, of course, save money while you’re at it.

1. Optimise your fridge-freezer

Appliances that work to cool or heat an environment usually use the most energy in a household. This includes your fridge-freezer (or fridge and freezer, if...