How To Update A Period Property

Old houses typically exude a certain charm and character that is hard to replicate with new buildings. However, if you live in a period house, you will appreciate the need to update a few things. To this end, the aim should be to strike the perfect balance between installing modern comfort features and retaining the charm and character that attracted you to the period house in the first place.

How To Update A Period Property

1. Poor Quality Insulation

The vast majority of old houses have poor insulation that leads to a huge carbon footprint and expensive bills. CosyHome Company reckons that a period home loses in 5 major ways:

  • Loft 10%
  • Floors 15%
  • Glass 20%
  • Walls 25%
  • Draughts 30%

You should consider updating the insulation to your home. Preferably, you should have the insulation professionally installed to ensure quality workmanship – they can use floor plan software to ensure they carry out the job correctly. For instance, opting for professional installation with high-quality craftsmanship ensure you negate air quality problems and moisture-related problems.

2. Replace The Boiler

Replacing an old boiler is an expensive endeavour, but a necessary one nonetheless. Whilst investing in a new boiler, opt for a high-quality high-efficiency condensing boiler. This particular type of boilers typically converts at least 86% of the fuel input into heat. Older G-rated boilers are less efficient as they convert about 65% of the input. According to The Guardian, while the initial cost of a high-quality boiler can be as high as £2,500, it could save you as much as £235 annually.

3. Outdated Electrical System

Outdated electrical systems are a fire and electrical shock hazard. Additionally, their inefficiencies also make them very inconvenient to use. Period houses were most likely built before electrical systems for residential properties were a must. Real Homes reckon … Continue reading >>>

Tips For Renting A House

It is very important to consider your requirements before you begin to search for your property. Be very clear about the area that you want to live in, the type you are searching for, which amenities you want to have near and what budget you have available.

Tips For Renting A HouseYour requirements:

  • Room, studio, house, flat
  • Location
  • Tenancy period length
  • Unfurnished or furnished
  • Number of reception rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms
  • Garden
  • Off-street parking

Set a budget

Get a manageable budget set up and then stick with it. Rental properties are marketed by letting agents either by stating the monthly rental price or weekly rental price. Try to not be tempted (or allow your agent to tempt you) into searching for properties that are beyond what you can afford comfortably.

Along with your rental costs, other related expenses need to be budgeted for. Those may include:

  • House contents insurance: this is something that you need to arrange yourself for all of the personal belongings that are inside of your property
  • Council tax: often the tenant is responsible to pay this, so be sure to ask the landlord or agent for the estimated cost of this
  • Service charges and utility bills: If the property is either in a serviced apartment or flats, there might be a service charge that you might have to pay, so make sure that you clarify with your landlord or agent whether it is an additional charge or included in the rent. You should also take the cost of bills into consideration – do they have economic electric German heating systems in place? Or could the house be losing heat?
  • Deposit: usually the value of one month rent
  • Removal costs: make sure you budget for expenses for hiring the removal company

Determine the location

When deciding the location of your property there … Continue reading >>>

What Will “The Office” Look Like 10 Years From Now?

It has happened time-after-time. As technology and lifestyle change, the concept of the office to torn apart and rebuilt as a new vision, a new way of getting more work done with less effort. Modern technology is the driving force. It is the catalyst which has driven changes over the last few decades, and the speed of change is not slowing down. The next round of big changes in offices is just around the corner. We have already seen the birth of robotic security guards and meeting rooms which are scheduled and controlled by apps, but that is just the start. Changes are coming fast.

What Will "The Office" Look Like 10 Years From Now?How are our offices and workplaces going to look in the future? We talked to 6 office design experts to find out what changes they expect to see over the next ten years. Here is what they had to say.

The Architect

Question: “What will the office look like in 10 years’ time?”

Lord Norman Foster is 82 years old and has seen massive changes during his life. This world-renowned architect designed some of the planet’s most dramatic structures including:

  • City Hall & Bloomberg Headquarters in London
  • The Reichstag Dome
  • Apple Campus 2 – California

Question: “What will the office look like in 10 years?”

Norman Foster: Young people will drive the changes. They will want greener offices, in every sense of the word. The office will need to both support the lifestyle they want, plus provide greater levels of sustainability. The new generation of office workers will demand their employers focus on tackling tough issues like climate change. I think the office will shift to provide a higher-quality work area while improving sustainability – something which can be determined by a chartered surveyor, such as Curchod and co. This is good for … Continue reading >>>

Top Tips On How To Look After Your Skin During Winter

Top Tips On How To Look After Your Skin During WinterIt is commonplace to take extra care of your skin during the summer; moisturising and buffing your skin to perfect is a must. However, as the hot days give way to chilly months, many people are tempted to hide their faces under layers of woolly layers and chunky scarfs and along with it, ignore their skin, which is not right.   Now the sun is coming back out and you need to get your skin ready for your beach dresses, we will delve into 8 expert tips to help you care for your skin.

#1. Make Use of Hydrating Cleansers

Believe it or not, cold weather can take away a lot of moisture from your skin. Add in the effect of central heating and your skin will suffer from bouts of dryness quite a lot. As such, it is important to add hydrating products into your skin care regime during winter. One way to go about it is to use a moisturising cleanser as it will help your skin work efficiently and infuse freshness and keep your skin looking fresh. Refrain from using “harsh” products such as face wipes as they play a role in depleting your natural oils. Beauty expert, Nathalie Eleni advises people to use micellar instead of water as they are more effective at hydrating your skin but just as easy to use.

#2. Rejuvenate Your Skin As You Sleep

Night time is when your skincare products work the best. It is during your night when skincare products have the most efficacy. You should take this opportunity to rejuvenate your skin. Ms. Eleni advises people to apply face oil night time. It helps to lock in moisture in your skin without leaving your skin with a greasy feeling.

Importantly, you do not have to spend a … Continue reading >>>

The Ultimate 2019 Bucket List Of Must-Do Family Activities

Looking for ways to make 2019 the best year yet as a family? Herein, we will explore a list of activities that feature fresh air, challenges, and a lot of family fun wherever you are in the UK. If you are looking to map the rest of the year and make resolutions to make memories as a family, this is the only bucket list of family activities that you need.

The Ultimate 2019 Bucket List Of Must-Do Family Activities

Have The Most Exciting Family Break Ever

Admittedly, everyone looks forward to a holiday. You are bound to get excited right from the moment you book the holiday to the moment finish packing for the vacation. That said, you do not have to go abroad to enjoy a fantastic holiday thanks in large part to the numerous stunning staycation destinations all around the UK. To sweeten the deal, the holidays are jam-packed with family fun. You can opt for a cosy cottage stay, theme parks trips, and much for your short family holiday. And using Candy Tours can make it even easier for you to get around.

Ride A Steam Train For The Ultimate Enjoyment

Kids naturally love trying new things and travelling. Taking a magical train ride on a classic steam train to elevate the exigent given that it involves trying new things and travelling. Explore some stunning vistas in all of UK through the steam railway. Such an expedition is not only exciting for kids but also enjoyable for adults. Check out our list of the top 10 steam train rides to try in the UK. You can watch this video for a train ride geared more towards kids.

Explore A New UK City

The UK has 69 cities, all different from one another. How many cities have you explored? Plan to explore at least 1 new … Continue reading >>>