Climate control and why you need it when renovating

If you are renovating your home then the weather and the moisture levels of the home is something that should be seriously considered, but often overlooked. Moisture levels are a major threat to the home, and to any renovation work that you are doing. These levels are largely dictated by the climate you live in, so before you start you renovation works have a think about the climate you are in and consider hiring heating and drying equipment to make sure you have solved any existing moisture problems. This will help you prevent moisture from damaging your work when re decorating your home.

Damp

If you live in a wet climate, with plenty of rain and you do not have good guttering, then damp will show up on your walls in the form of dark patches. If you are planning to renovate an area suffering from damp, then drying out the walls using heating and drying equipment is a good idea, as painting over the area will not solve the problem. Damp is also one of those problems that looks relatively minor from the outside, however it is important to find out how extensive the moisture damage is so you can solve the problem appropriately. For a moisture problem such as damp, the heating and drying equipment that is best suited for the job are a de humidifier and a heat lamp. The dehumidifier is a great option as it will draw out all moisture from the walls and leave you with a dry surface. A heat lamp whilst you are renovating will keep the air dry so that if there is a problem with gutters and windows you will be able to spot them relatively quickly if they reappear. This equipment is available from all good tool hire companies.

Mould

Mould growing on walls is another moisture problem that can really damage your renovation works. Mould can be an indicator of damp or it could also mean that you have a leak. For a problem such as this you will need a piece of heating and drying equipment such as a heat lamp or a dehumidifier.

Paint, Plaster or Varnish not drying

If you are undertaking renovation works, and the paint or plaster that you are applying to walls is not drying, then you have a humidity problem on your hands. If you are working in a hot climate, you may be surprised that moisture is an issue for you, however it is a very common problem. If you are renovating in cold wet weather then you need heating and drying equipment such as a dehumidifier or a heat lamp. Pick a ceramic heater over a convector heater, as ceramic heaters are drier. If you are working in a warmer climate, then an air conditioning unit is the piece of heating and drying equipment that you need. When you look through heating and drying equipment you will notice that you have the option of an air conditioner or an air cooler. Pick an air conditioner as this dehumidifies the air whilst keeping it cool, an air cooler will add more moisture to the air.

Whatever your renovation project is make sure that the climate that you are working in is optimal.

Rugby Star’s Tiling Challenge Goes Viral

Former international rugby player Lewis Moody M.B.E was called upon to test Elastoplast’s new Extra Tough plaster and it proved a huge success!

The ex-rugby captain and part-time DIY guru has become a viral hit after taking on a Vertical Tiling challenge.

The 33-year-old has turned into a huge sensation on YouTube after being videoed trying to tile a wall whilst being tied to a rope. The ‘Extreme DIY with Elastoplast Extra Tough’ clip involves the sportsman running back and forth with plaster and tiles in a nail-biting race against the stopwatch but the tongue in cheek video shows him falling all over the place as he is catapulted back by the spring.

Despite spilling plaster all over himself and being in a race against the horn, Moody shows just how super sticky, durable and waterproof the new plasters are no matter how extreme the DIY task is!

But why was the sportsman the perfect candidate? The English rugby union player from Berkshire recently announced his retirement from the game in March of this year. With so much spare time on his hands, he has starting to enjoy a spot of DIY as well as take part in extreme sports like wakeboarding. And as many people know, accidents can happen when participating in dangerous sports as well as trying to put up a shelf or fix a leaking tap around the home.

The video has already received over 100,000 views and if you fancy checking out the hilarious clip you can watch by clicking the video below or by clicking here. Next week Brits can watch how the Extreme Tough plaster copes against bandsaw skateboards!

Oh bathroom, to renovate or not, that is the question!

They say there is no place like home, but what about your bathroom? Your bathroom is one of the places you spend your time mostly, whether you're brushing your teeth, showering, etc. You want your humble abode to be attractive for guests and visitors, but why not your bathroom? Here are some reasons why you should renovate your bathroom:

More value to your home 

Often times when people are trying to sell their homes, they often do home renovations to improve the value of their home when selling. By doing a bathroom renovation, it not only adds more value to your home, but also makes your home that more attractive to the eye of the customer.

Wide selection of renovations 

If you ever wanted to change up your bathroom, there are multiple styles of bathtubs available. From the standard alcove bathtub to the luxurious platform bathtubs, there is a type of bathtub for everyone!

 "Wow" factor 

Ever walk into your bathroom and feel like "wow, this is boring"? Bathroom renovations specialists Ultimate Bath Systems can help transform your bathroom from boring to amazing. Featuring a wide selection of textures and colours to choose from, your dream bathroom renovation dreams can come true! Want to make your bathroom even more exciting? You can change your plain old countertop with some new marble or granite countertops to make your bathroom even more inviting!

Safety 

Do you have an elderly person living at your home? Do you want your bathtub to be safer? A simple renovation such as a walk-in bathtub can be the solution to these troubles. Featuring slip resistant patterns on all bathtubs, you can be rest assured that anyone at any age can shower with an ease of mind.

Impressing guests 

Whenever you want guests to come over to your home, you want to make them feel the most comfortable and cozy, but what about your bathroom? By doing a bathroom renovation, it not only makes your home that more impressive, but as well more opening to your guests. Imagine yourself hosting a dinner party and one of your guests needs to use the bathroom, suddenly they see a nicely renovated bathroom they are able to use. It makes their experience at your home that much better and they would be amazed at how well you take care of your home.

Overall, there are multiple reasons why one would want to renovate their bathroom. There are also many types of renovations one can do from bathtubs countertops. If you ever wanted to make your home to look even better, start by doing a bathroom renovation today!

Author Bio: Michael is a freelance blogger and contributor at Expert Notion. During his free time he likes to surf the internet, browsing forums and checking out blogs that intrigues his mind.

Home Renovation - Things to remember

Buying a profitable Property

Before buying your property a key thing to remember is to make sure you do your research. You need to check how long a property has been on the market for, bearing in mind if the property has been on the market a while, for example six months, then there is a possibility there isn’t a lot of money to be made if it’s a potential investment.

Things to look out for

One Thing to remember is to make sure you’re not buying a property that’s going to swallow your all your available money. Although you have to be prepared for the worst, especially if you are buying an old home, you also need to realise that problems will occur - like when stripping the wall paper part of the wall might be coming off with it, or when replacing the roof tiles you may lose half the roof in the process. But this is why it is vital that you take as many trips as you feel needed with various tradesmen if needed too. This will give you a good idea of how much money you will be spending and what you are letting yourself in for.

How much is there to be done?

Well this depends entirely on the property, and if this is your first home renovation property you don’t want to be taking on too much, as costs can escalate very rapidly. For your first couple of investment properties look at a dated property as theres a higher probably that it will need a lot of work and therefore be cheaper to buy.  It is unbelievable how much a lick of paint alongside a new kitchen and bathroom can modernise a house to sell for profit. Leave the big renovation jobs until you have some experience, confidence and normally better funding to finish the job properly.

Be sure to ask the experts, vision isn’t everything!

Get estimates from specialist tradesmen, such as roofers, electricians, as well as damp and timber specialists - they will probably charge nothing or very little for quotes, and then you have an idea of if the property is really worth it once you’ve paid out for all the work it needs.

Money/funding!

You need to be ready for the worst when taking on a wreck, because we all know that so many people end up saying ‘it was twice as expensive as I thought it would be’. Be sure to ensure you have enough funds to play with should it all go wrong. Set yourself a reasonable budget and build in some emergency funds for the future. 15% of the total cost is the usual and reliable guideline.

If you stick to all these factors, within reason you should be able to manage home renovation, and if it is your first property renovation, play it safe. As we all know it’s better to be safe than sorry!

This article was provided by Ryan Hirst who writes helpful guides and tips for Eurofit Direct on their blog

Three Easy Ways to Improve Your Home

Home improvement is a great investment of time and money. A home is a sanctuary; the safe place that separates you from the abrasive world outside. Making it as nice as you dream is part of the fun. An enjoyable project provides satisfaction, and improves the home.

Fresh Exterior Paint

Changing the color of the home creates dramatic change without breaking the bank. If the home cries for paint because the last paint job is flaking off little by little, this project is your priority. The things you need are:


•Paint scraper.
•Masking tape.
•Paint brushes and rollers.
•Drop Cloth.
•Paint thinner.
•Paint primer.
•Paint.


Scrape loose paint off the walls. Well-adhered paint will stay in place. Prime the areas that are bare; paint will only stick to paint or primer. Buying a good, 15 or 20-year paint is worth the investment. The quality outweighs the extra cost; you get better coverage, so you buy less paint. Use the drop cloth to protect the area directly below you. A medium quality brush for priming may be acceptable, but you should not use a cheap brush to spread high quality paint. A layered camel hair brush delivers the best result. Soak it in paint thinner before hand washing. Use a roller on the smoother surfaces.

Interior Paint

Mask interior surfaces for protection. Remove smaller furnishings and decorations from the project room. Center large items and cover with a drop cloth; they are out of the way, and protected. Interior paint swatches do not match semi-gloss paint. The shiny finish makes cleaning easier, but the glare ruins the mood that could have been. The solution is flat interior paint.

Patio Deck

If you know your way around a set of power tools, consider adding a backyard deck. The deck is an inexpensive way to add living space to your home. Decide what design fits best with your yard and home, and then go to the lumberyard. There are readymade deck plans available. Lumberyards sell deck “kits.” The package-price includes all the hardware, and lumber needed.

Important Things to Consider

There are many ways to improve your home. If you enjoy improvements, but not actually doing the work, consider hiring someone. Most contractors do free estimates. Only accept estimates in writing. A licensed contractor carries liability insurance; this protects you from damages due to negligence. A licensed contractor includes a city permit in his estimate.

Protecting your sanctuary from intruders gives you peace of mind. Consider a home alarm system as you review the home-improvement budget. Modern designs are convenient. Family members memorize a code; the system secures each entry in this manner. The cost of the alarm system is preferable to the cost of losing valuables or sleep.

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Making improvements keeps it nice, and adds to the pleasure of owning it. Are you going to take on a project? Decide what is right for you, make a plan, and dive in.

Keeping Curtain Poles In Top Condition

Curtain poles, whilst serving a practical purpose, are so much more than simply a piece of wood or metal used to hold up fabric. Whilst this is without doubt its primary purpose, a curtain pole can also be used as an effective element of interior design in a room too. If enough thought and consideration goes into their purchase, they can really help add a new dimension and some character to a room. Obviously, taking the time and effort to invest in quality hardware means that the effort should also be made to make sure they are maintained properly. Here are a few simple tips to making sure your curtain poles stay at the peak of their condition.

Child Play

We all know that the home is one big play area to children, and unfortunately they may choose from time to time to play with curtains. Also, whilst their intentions may be good when they go to open the curtains, unless they are aware of the proper technique required, they may pull them a little too hard or drag them, which will cause wear and tear on the poles and, in extremely circumstances, may cause them to bend and break.

Opening

The same applies for yourself, as it’s important to ensure you have the curtain opening technique down to a tee. Try and grab hold of the curtain as close to the top as you can, as holding it as close to the pole as possible will allow the smoothest movement possible. This will ensure that the pole isn’t pulled or dragged in the process.

Mounting

This is an obvious one, but make sure that the equipment and methods used to fit the curtain poles to the wall are of top quality. It should go without saying, but poorly mounted curtain poles are more likely to rip out of the wall and, therefore, get damaged. It’s 
best if you use a wall stud to help mount the screws, or at least an 
anchor to hold the screws in place.

Exposure to Sunlight

This shouldn’t be a problem if the curtains are hung above the window, however if they are mounted in front of the glass then the sunlight could cause damage to the pole. This is a more aesthetical issue than a physical one, but still worth bearing in mind. Like most materials, the sunlight will cause the wood to lose its colour and, in extreme circumstances, it’s strength to an extent.

Dust and Dirt

Just like any other surface in the home, curtain poles can gather dust and dirt frequently. If this isn’t kept on top of, then it can quickly turn into grime which is a whole new (and much harder to clean) problem. A once-over with a damp cloth on a regular basis should be enough to make sure that they stay clean and presentable.

Picking The Perfect Canopy: Things To Consider

The fitting of a door canopy is a great way to stamp a bit of character and distinction on any home. Not only does it add visual value to a home, but it also serves a purpose too. There are few things worse than getting home on a rainy day and digging around your pockets looking for your keys whilst you get soaked through. A canopy creates a dry area for you to stand in as you await entry into the home.

There are many things that need to be taken into consideration before fitting a canopy on your home. Firstly, budget is of course an extremely important factor to bear in mind. Also, the wide variety of shapes and sizes that canopies can be bought in means that after much deliberation, you should be able to find the perfect canopy to suit any home.

Tudor Canopies

A particularly inviting style, Tudor homes are extremely commonplace in Britain and are very easily recognisable. This is in no small part thanks to their large use of wooden beams and distinctive white plaster. As you would expect, Tudor canopies follow this style almost to a tee and also feature wooden trimmings with lots of white plaster. This is usually displayed on the front of the canopy and can be coloured to match the existing exterior of the home. The canopy is finished off with a triangular roof with a particularly sharp point.

Windsor Canopies

A more minimal style, these fixtures are better suited to houses with a Victorian-style and many smaller detached houses. This wedge-shaped door canopy is particularly streamlined and extremely handy for those people not wanting to take too much focus off their door. The shingled roof extends over the door just enough to provide adequate cover, but not too much that it takes emphasis off the exterior design elements that you have put so much effort into.

Cottage Canopies

These are particularly convenient due to the beams that are built-in to allow for the easiest assembly possible. As the name suggests, these are a perfect fit for cottages as their natural appearance (due to a lack of fill under the roof) complements cottage doors nicely.

Countess Canopies

These are the perfect option for homes with a larger-than-average doorway as they simply have the capacity to cover larger areas than many other canopies. What’s more, with the extended space afforded by countess canopies, homeowners can be more creative and cover not only a door, but nearby windows too. Alternatively, this is a great opportunity to create a nice sheltered patio area outside the home.

Georgian Canopies

With a wide variety of styles and their rounder top, these canopies are a wonderful choice for a classic, Georgian-style country home. These provide the best of both worlds, as they maintain all the characteristics of classic British architecture, whilst providing all the functions of a modern canopy in that they offer protection from adverse weather conditions.

These quick tips should be a good reference point for anyone undecided on the type of canopy to fit on their home. Having said that, there are many more variations of canopies on the market, and there are many factors to consider before jumping into a decision.

Securing Your Outside Property to Avoid Home Insurance Claims

Most people don’t give too much thought to their outer property, i.e. their garden – front and back – any alleyway access and garden sheds, forgetting that in sheds for example there can be a lot of expensive possessions, such as power tools, golf clubs, pushbikes and even motorbikes. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of burglary, then the safety net of house insurance is some comfort; that doesn’t mean you’ll particularly relish the thought of having to claim on it however, considering your premiums and phone bill will rise as a result. With this in mind, it’s worth taking some simple precautions to deter thefts, some of which are recommended by the police:

• An alarm that is designed specifically for sheds, which usually operate via a key fob or keypad on the unit itself.

• Any tools or equipment that belong in the shed such as lawnmowers, trimmers, garden shears etc., should always be put back after they’ve been used, especially after dark. Ladders in particular should be locked away, due to their propensity for use by burglars to reach upstairs windows in residential areas.

• Bigger items in the shed, such as again lawnmowers, push bikes or heavy power tools, should be joined together with a chain and padlocked to make them more difficult to escape with.

• After the shed has seen any use, double check it is locked before locking the outer doors of the house itself.

Sheds are susceptible to break-ins for many reasons, such as screws which are uncovered, rusty or non-security, old wood that is easily removed sometimes in entire sections, and hasps that also don’t have covered screws.

Where possible, incorporating high hedgerows and solid walls around the property will make it difficult for thieves to take items away from the garden, and using gravel on driveways acts as a natural alarm.

Shed windows should be covered so that potential thieves can’t see what’s inside, and the actual shed building should be placed in view of the back windows in the house, as a hidden shed is a much more tempting target.

Add a touch of Class to your Bathroom with a Digital Shower

Add a touch of Class to your Bathroom with a Digital Shower

Online shower superstars Gainsborough (made by Aqualisa, the luxury shower brand – but more affordable!) have just added two digital showers to their specialist showers website Gainsboroughshowers.co.uk. The showers are not only beautifully crafted as you would expect but your kids will love them too with their red flashing lights – and when they stop flashing, it means the shower is ready to go! These digital showers are really easy to operate with a simple push button control, clever digital technology and the precise temperature control means they’re safe too.

The Shower Nerve Centre – how does a Digital Shower work?

Unlike a conventional shower with a ‘mechanical’ valve, Digital Showers are controlled by a compact processor.  Smaller than a shoebox, this clever processor is the nerve centre of the shower and is installed away from the bathroom.  Typical places might be an airing cupboard, under the bath or in the loft. Positioned in a convenient location to hot and cold water supplies, the processor box thermostatically blends water to your pre-set temperature.  But best of all, because the processor is outside of your bathroom, it is likely that installation will be significantly easier and quicker with little disruption to your bathroom decoration. ;)   

Taking a Digital Shower

There are no bulky or awkward controls to get to grips with. Just a simple, push button start/stop.  Temperature is selected with an equally straightforward sliding ring.  And the most exciting part is that, thanks to the clever LED display, you’ll know exactly when to step into your shower. All you have to do is keep an eye on the LED display; when it’s flashing the water is still warming up.  When the display turns to steady, you’ll know it’s time to shower.  Nothing could be simpler or safer.  No tentative testing of your shower’s temperature with your hand or foot, no chilly surprises and no fluctuating between hot and cold, either. 

Is a Digital Shower suitable for my home?

The Gainsborough mixer Showers web pages give loads of useful information on Digital Showers so you can get a feel for what they offer, but generally speaking they are suitable for gravity-fed, combi and mains-fed plumbing systems.  For gravity-fed systems, it is recommended a pumped Digital Shower is chosen – this variant features a processor with an integral pump and has a ‘boost’ button on its control – essential for making the most of gravity-fed plumbing systems. 

What are my other choices?

If a digital mixer shower isn’t suitable for your home, you might want to look into electric showers which are possibly the most economical and also eco-friendly shower available in the UK as they heat only the water that is needed for your shower. They always come in different colours, different styles and different power ratings so you have plenty of choice, based on your specific requirements!

Happy Showering!!! :)

Deciding on Door Handles

Whilst some people will concentrate on furniture and accessories to decorate a home, others will pay particular attention to the smaller details. Subtle changes around the home can have a significant impact on the overall design. For instance, matching and co-ordinated fittings, such as light switches, plug sockets and door handles, will all contribute to the overall look and feel of a room within the home.

These fittings are commonly thought of as dull, boring and practical features that have no place in interior design. However, there is such a huge variety of styles, materials and colours out there that any look can be obtained.

As they are used frequently by anyone passing through the home, it is important to consider how often they will need cleaning when deciding on a material. For instance, chrome door handles are great for homes and apartments that are opting for a modern looking interior however they can become damaged and scratched through excessive cleaning and wiping. Leather handles, on the other hand, offer an enduring quality whilst the odd wear and tear will actually benefit its appearance and add to its character.

Door handles that will appear on the outside of a house needs to be made from a material that will survive weathering and frequent use. Stainless steel is the best option in this circumstance. Whilst others may look more appealing, they will fail to stand the test of time and the need to replace them after only a short amount of time will, more than likely, be an issue.

To give a home a more classic feel, porcelain door handles can be implemented into every room. Porcelain will look classy and will offer a timeless element to the design of the interior. Matching these to other fittings that are implemented into the home is vital for the quality of its appearance. As mentioned before, plug socket coverings and light switches can all be bought in a variety of materials and designs that, if carefully selected, will complement the handles and add to the personality of a room.

Although the majority of home owners and decorators will ignore the need for quality and matching fittings, the finishing touch is what can really transform a room into the spectacle it should be.