Modernising your garage to add value to your home

If you are looking for ways to increase the value of your home, and a loft conversion is out of your price range, or just too big a job, why not take a look closer to the ground floor and modernise your garage to create a new living space. It can be equally as effective and there are a lot of options.

If you have a detached garage you will need planning permission to convert it into any kind of living space, but in general, if you are not altering the building structure of a garage attached to your house, you won’t need special permission. Always check with your local council first, just to be on the safe side, before starting any large home improvement projects.

You can be innovative about how you use the space – it doesn’t have to become an extra bedroom or a granny annexe! Why not move all of the loud and noisy appliances out of your kitchen and turn your garage into a kitchen extension or utility room. All you need to do is fit a few cupboards and worktops for ease of use, and move your washing machine, tumble dryer and chest freezer out into this extra space.

It may even make room in the kitchen to add some luxury items like a dishwasher or a nice breakfast bar, improving the quality of both spaces – and the impression it would make when selling on.

Why not look at splitting the garage into two new rooms, if it’s long enough, by using stud walls. You can create a useful home office and storage area, for example, to give some extra useful areas. If updating the use of the space, don’t forget to update the door as well! As most garages don’t have windows, a pair of French doors could bring in light and make it look more like a living space.

Other options you can look at to modernise your garage, could be practical – create an additional downstairs bathroom or bedroom. Or why not take a different route and add a luxury room to your house by converting the garage into a bespoke gym, home cinema, or maybe a games room?

If you live in a family-focused area and are trying to sell the house on, then consider converting the garage into a fun family play room for the children to keep all their toys – it will mean less mess and clutter in the house and will appeal to parents and children alike!

Once you have your ideas, do your homework and research what it will mean – do you need power, insulation, heating to be installed? Do you need planning permission for any of the ideas and plans you have – it’s always better to be on the safe side. There can be no doubt that modernising your garage and creating extra useable space will add value to your home in the long run, if done properly. 

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/modernising-your-garage.html

Staying current with the carpet and flooring trends of 2017 – Spruce up your floor

The present carpet trends are not like anything else that’s trending in flooring at the present moment. When it comes to decorating the hard surfaces, it’s all about adding the stone looks and mimicking wood. Soft flooring is a different story altogether. With regards to flooring subject, carpet is one of the most controversial topics. No, not in the sense of argument but in general, people either seem to love it or hate it and those who purely hate the idea of carpeting will always try to convince you about the fact that carpets are outdated. But this isn’t TRUE!

While there are homeowners who watch out for cozy carpets, carpet is still the #1 flooring sellers among choosy homeowners. The concerns of this article will tell you about the carpet and flooring trends that you may follow to remain trendy and stylish.

Trend #1: Carpets

Carpets are gradually getting more eco-friendly and there are some manufacturers who are creating combinations of fiber which take softness to an entirely new level. There are factories all over UK which make ‘green’ carpets. The ace carpet manufacturers are of the opinion that the evolution of softer textures serves the cutting-edge trend of their business and they’re surprised enough to see the return of luxury carpet. The broad genre called cut-and-loop is in trend nowadays and most of them are multi-tonal and heathered and the trend is towards patterned carpets with cleaner finish. You can get local carpet fitters to fit in your favorite carpet inside your room. 

Trend #2: Bamboo

Bamboo has been in trend for a long time now but something that we can see off late is an explosion of styles and colors. Technically, bamboo is a fast-growing grass and bamboo is harder than most hardwoods after they’re dried. Strand-woven bamboo is a highly engineered product which is twice as hard as conventional bamboo flooring. As with any kind of wooden flooring, it is always best to keep bamboo away from rooms that are moisture-prone like baths and kitchens. 

Trend #3: Reclaimed wood

Another rising trend in flooring is offering classic looks by leveraging new technology and the best example for that is reclaimed hardwood. The new form of hardwood flooring offers the charm of reclaimed timber but the best part is that there are no high costs associated with it. Wood that is factory-finished will be able to withstand all moisture fluctuations and can perform better than any wood flooring which is done onsite.

Trend #4: Large format tile

In the world of tiles, we always see an explosion of shapes, sizes, patterns and materials and mainly popular these days are the large-format tiles. These tiles come in 12” X 24” sizes and sometime even 36” X 36”. Apart from giving a great look to the floor, larger sized tiles mean more tile surface and less lines to clean. In order to get a professional look, hire a pro installer.

Therefore, if you’re confused about the kind of flooring to add to your house, choose any one from the above mentioned trends to stay fashionable and trendy.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/carpet-flooring-trends.html

5 Cases when calling an electrician is mandatory for your home

Electrician

Not every homeowner has all the relevant knowledge about the wires, panels, electrical outlets and other aspects. In such cases, it is better to call an electrician and get the work done. A lot of people try their hands on electrical works just to save their precious money. A minor issue can turn out to be a complicated when you try working out yourself without much knowledge and skill. Therefore, experts recommend having the contact details of the professional electric serviceman in case of emergencies. Electrical wiring and faulty electrical accessories can also increase the power consumption bill and if you do not handle these parts with excat knowledge, then you can get affected by a short circuit. It can also set your house on fire. In these cases, it is suggested to solve the minimal electrical issues by hiring some certified electricians only.

When you should call a professional electrician?

Let us check out five major electricity problems when you will need a professional to repair it in a right way. Have a look at them as follows.

Electrician

Flickering of lights: When you notice the lights of your home flickering all of a sudden and you are unable to fix it by yourself then it might be because of internal damage or wrong wiring. The solution is calling an expert who can actually figure out the root cause of the problem and repair it. You may thinkthat due to power fluctuation, you are facing these problems but if you notice the power fluctuation problems then it is more dangerous. Constant power fluctuation can damage your main fuse and it can permanently damage your electrical meter.

Burnt fuses: Has any of the fuses of your home got burnt or blown out? There is no question of repairing the same fuse; rather you will have to replace the entire fuse. Instead of wasting time and thinking how to repair, call an electrician immediately and get the matter sorted out without risking the entire electrical system of your property. It is suggested that do not try to use any adhesive and tape on the burned fuse because it can lead to some dangerous effects, and it can even set fire to your house. So always replace the damaged fuse by contacting with some professional electricians.

Building a new house: If you have constructed a new home, then surely you will need a complete and effective electrical system. It is mandatory to call a professional to create a perfect and functional system for the home. The certified and professional electrical contractors can easily install and design the electrical wiring and other accessories in your new building.

Security system for the house: Nobody likes to invite burglars and criminals in your house. Hence, nowadays everyone is installing security systems to protect the people and the property. Only experts can install the right kind of security systems to help you stay safe and relaxed.

Water related issues: It is known to everyone that water and current are the worst enemies, which can result in extremely serious situations. Whenever you notice any leaks or such issues, you need to call the electrician immediately to reduce the risk of any danger.

The person whom you are going to hire should have a license that reflects that he is a proficient man for the job. He will assure you right solution and as per the government standards of the country. In addition to this, the licensed person will also charge the fees based on the industry rates and you can be rest assured after hiring him for the task.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/calling-electrician.html

2 Stunning Hardwoods That Make the Best Bathroom Vanities

The New Year has finally arrived and I’m sure you want every nook of your house to look new-like and fresh. And you also want to change the decor of your house according to the latest trends, right? So, what are you waiting for? Revamp your home and make it look absolutely gorgeous. Home renovation won’t just enhance the aesthetics, but will also increase its value. Therefore, go for a renovation and when renovating your home, don’t ignore the bathroom. You must be thinking, why I am saying this. Well, it’s because more than half of the homeowners ignore their bathroom when they are renovating the entire home and the reason is hilarious. What most of them claim is that “nobody is going to check the bathroom when they visit my home!” But what if the guests want to go to the loo and they find out that during renovation you have focused on living and bedroom and completely ignore the bathroom? That’s really embarrassing. So, do revamp your bathroom, as it is definitely one of the most important rooms of the house and the most used one too.

Now, if you are thinking that renovating a bathroom area will cost you way too much, then that’s your biggest misconception. To renovate your bathroom, you neither have to hire an interior designer nor buy expensive decorative items. And you don’t even have to change every single part of the bathroom. All you need to do is replace the sink area with a stylish bathroom vanity.

A bathroom vanity won’t just make the sink area look more royal, but will also help you keep the bathroom clutter free. Wondering, how is that possible? Well, these vanities come with cabinets where you can easily store your bathroom essentials. So, wait no more and visit a reputed store that is famous for selling attractive and affordable Wholesale Bathroom Vanities.

Thinking, which type of bathroom vanity to purchase? Well, there are varieties of bathroom vanities available in the market. But as an interior designer, I would suggest you purchase wooden vanities as they will make your bathroom look stunning. Here is the list of wooden vanities which are best for bathrooms and their characteristics.

Take a look

2 Best Hard Wood For Bathroom Vanities

• Maple Wood

This is one of those woods which are mostly used in making the bathroom as well as kitchen cabinets. I’m sure you must have come across people saying that maple kitchen cabinets are the best. But trust me; bathroom vanity cabinets made of this wood are good as well. So, you can opt for maple bathroom vanities. Some of the pros of this wood are:

1. It has consistent and fine grain all over it that makes for a uniform, handsome appearance.
2. This wood has warm consistent shading, which takes stains brilliantly.   
3. It is absolutely durable. And in fact, it is said to be sturdier than any other wood.

• Walnut Wood

After maple, if there is another wood that is loved by interior designers and furniture makers or carpenters then that is none other than walnut wood. And believe me, if you purchase walnut bathroom vanities, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of its specialties:

1. This is quite a strong wood. But still, try o prevent it from blows and bashes.
2. Walnut wood has smooth, fine and general straight wood grain, which makes it look classy. In fact, it mellows with age. Trust me; you’ll love to see the color transformation from dark to light.

These were the two best kinds of wood that will make great bathroom vanities. So, wait no more, rush to a reputed store and purchase wholesale bathroom vanities.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/wholesale-bathroom-vanities.html

What Type of Concrete is Right for Your Garden Project

Garden renovations are a common practice for homeowners all over the world, whether it’s turning a jungle of a garden into a neat, clean living space or it’s just bringing your outdoor area up to date. Everyone has an idea of what they want their renovated garden to look like – what plants are going to take which spots, where the pond might go, how big the patio is going to be – but knowing the materials required for certain aspects of the project is a different matter.

In this piece, we are going to detail why you might concrete for different aspects of your garden project and why they are necessary. (Different types of concrete have different pricing, so please ensure you understand the costs of each concrete before you begin):

External pathways:

For external pathways, we recommend C30 concrete. This concrete is designed for lighter applications, like paving in gardens. The PAV 1 mixes of C30 concrete contain an air entrainment additive, used to create standard air bubbles that help to protect the concrete from freeze-thaw cycles. 

Swimming pools:

As swimming pools are obviously heavy, the concrete that they need to be built upon needs to be strong. C40 concrete is ideal for this purpose. It’s used commonly for support beams and structural support, including footage and foundations. C40 concrete is also used for septic tanks.

Fence posts:

In order to ensure your fence posts are secured in the ground, they need to have solid foundations. C20 concrete is the ideal choice for this, as it is designed for lightweight domestic applications.

Patios:

For seating and socialising in your garden, you can’t go wrong with a patio. But the patio needs a solid base to ensure people are sitting comfortably. C20 concrete is the material for you.

Find out more at EasyMix Concrete UK Ltd in London

 

The post What Type of Concrete is Right for Your Garden Project appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/what-type-of-concrete-is-right-for-your-garden-project/

Points To Consider When Buying A Mini Digger For Yourself

When it comes to comparing the different mini excavators, there are some main factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include the operating height, dump height and digging depth. These 3 aspects will always have an effect on the size and type of machinery that you will obtain as they impact directly on the productivity levels when it comes to job sites.

Before deciding on one model, make sure you are pairing your requirements with the capabilities of a machine in order to ensure they are matching up. Choosing an excavator that is undersized will not provide enough functionality or power in order to accomplish your job requirements in an effective manner. And even when the bigger excavators may seem like a better choice they can risk causing unnecessary damages on a job site as well as using significant amounts of fuel.

Factors To Keep In Min When Comparing Diggers

Below are the main factors that manufacturers make use of to compare diggers to their competing models. Some of the machines can fall outside of the ranges, they still represent an average of the availability currently.

Bore

These are mainly utilized for installing cables or conduits and underground-utility construction. The directional bores are able to drill in a horizontal manner underground with average diameters of between 3.7 to 4.5 inches in relation to diameter for the mini excavators.

Net Power

This is a representation of the “total output” these machines are capable of. The lower end machines are designed for lighter duties such and handling of materials and landscaping and the higher end machines are designed for mining applications, heavy-duty construction, trenching and stump removals. You can expect these machines to feature horsepower of between 10hp and 50hp.

Swing System

This design will allow the operators the ability to hydraulically-shift their boom in specific ranges of degrees to the right or the left. These are utilized for trenching and digging in a parallel way to the tracks of the machine. The typical swing speeds range between 9.2 and 11 RPMs.

Engine Fuel

In regards to the horsepower required even with the light-duty tasks, each mini digger uses diesel fuel and will feature tank sizes that vary from as little as 3.6 gallons onto 33 gallons dependent on the output and size of these machines.

Maximum Governed

With the intention to maintain torque loads placed on the engine which occur with varying demands, a typical maximum when it comes to governed RPM is about 2200 RPM.

Maximum Digging Depth

This should be one of the main considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a mini excavator. This is because it will dictate the depth of the trenches. When it comes to mini diggers you can expect a 5.5 to a 12 feet deep range.

Max Dump Height

Another important consideration, particularly when the machine will be used to handle materials on a job site. The maximum dump height varies between 6 to 13 feet.

Operating Weight

Often referred to as “compact” or “mini” this portion of the excavators weigh anything from 2,000 to 18,500 lbs and will be chosen according to the least impact it will have on the working environment.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/buying-mini-digger.html

6 Tips For Approaching Home Upkeep Like A Pro

For a lot of homeowners there’s something appealing about personally taking care of jobs around the house. While there are definitely times to leave it to the professionals, there’s something satisfying about using your own hands to fix up your home when you can manage it.

Of course, much of your ability to take care of home repairs depends on the job itself and your skill as a handyman, but it’s not all up to skill. Sometimes having the right tools for the job can have you well on your way to a professional approach to basic projects. Here are a few specific tips to keep in mind.

1. Learn The “Hacks”

There are usually more than a few easy ways to simplify small repairs around the house. Remodeling Expense wrote up a helpful list of home “life hacks” that dealt with everything from fixing scuffed floors to hiding the wiring for a mounted television. Learning some of these tracks can have you well on your way to being more handy around the house and maintaining it like a pro.

2. Upgrade Your Tools

For a lot of homeowners a toolkit typically means a few basic handheld tools that have probably been lying around for years, maybe with a set of wrenches thrown in. But upping your tool game can help you do a far more thorough and professional job when addressing a lot of home repairs. A power drill is one of the essentials for any home collection and Screwfix has neatly catalogued a number of drills to make it easy for you to find the perfect one for your home. We recommend finding a decently powerful cordless model with a reverse setting to get yourself started.

3. Have a Home Starter Kit

In addition to a solid power drill there are also a few other must-haves for any home starter kit. A hammer is something of a no-brainer but you should also have two types of manual screwdrivers (a flat head and a Phillips head), a set of hex wrenches, an adjustable wrench, a measuring tape, and a level. With a set of tools at your disposal that covers the basics you’ll be well on your way to fixing up your home in no time.

4. Find Ways To Practice

From fixing electrical wiring to repairing a hole in a wall, home upkeep can present a lot of jobs that you may have never tried before. That can be a bit intimidating, but as with most everything else in life, practice makes perfect. That means one of the best ways to set about becoming a professional-caliber home DIY’er is to find ways to gain some more experience. You might want to try your hand at finishing or remodeling a basement or some other out-of-the-way room just for practice, or build a workshop or garden shed on your property. Projects like these can expose you to all kinds of jobs that you’ll learn valuable lessons from and help prepare you for future problems.

5. Remember To Be Organized

It’s tempting to look at home repair tasks as being all about hands-on work, but the best repair jobs tend to be the most organized ones. That means you’ll also want to keep things clean and maintain records of your progress. This isn’t particularly complicated, but you may want to have a notebook set aside for jobs around the house. In it you can record a list of things that need doing, materials you need, and progress on various ventures. Additionally, you should always keep adequate cleaning materials nearby—it’s pretty easy to make a mess otherwise.

6. Know Your Limits

Finally, it’s important to know your own limits. Optimism, hard work, and a will to learn can take you a long way, but The Huffington Post points out that there are some projects you probably shouldn’t try on your own unless you happen to have the necessary expertise. Even the handiest of homeowners still recognize the need to call a professional from time to time!

The post 6 Tips For Approaching Home Upkeep Like A Pro appeared first on Homey Improvements.

from Homey Improvements http://homeyimprovements.com/6-tips-approaching-home-upkeep-like-pro/