Period Properties – How To Update Them

An older home is filled with character and charm; however, if you live in a period property there will be things in your home that you want to update. In order to ensure that your home keeps its character, you must find the perfect balance of modern amenities with the character and charm that made you fall in love with your home in the beginning.

Period Properties - How To Update Them

1. Insulation

Most period homes were not properly insulated, which can impact the amount of money it costs to properly heat and cool your home. Additionally, improperly insulated homes negatively impact the environment and increase your home’s carbon footprint. Heat loss in your home occurs in five areas, including:

  • Draughts – 30 per cent heat loss
  • Walls – 25 per cent heat loss
  • Glass (windows) – 20 per cent heat loss
  • Floors – 15 per cent heat loss
  • Loft – 10 per cent heat loss

In order to prevent moisture issues and air quality issues, you should have a professional install the insulation in your home. If you decide to do it yourself, you need to wear protective clothing, goggles and a face mask to properly protect yourself.

2. Outdated Boilers

Replacing your old boiler is expensive; however, it can save you a lot of money. A high-efficiency boiler is 85 per cent efficient. Old G-rated boilers were 65 per cent or less efficient. A new high-efficiency boiler costs approximately £2,500; however, you can save approximately £235 annually on your heating bills.

3. Outdated Electrical Systems

Outdated electrical systems are not only inconvenient, but they can also pose a safety hazard by increasing the risk of fire and electrical shock. Older homes were built before electrical systems were inspected. If your home’s wiring is older than thirty years old, you should have your home rewiredContinue reading >>>

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 >>>

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 >>>

How to Rent a House, Flat or Apartment

Before you begin searching for a house to rent, you should determine what you are looking for in a rental property. You must determine where you want to live, the type of property you want, your monthly budget (as well as deposit money), and the amenities that you want to be nearby.

How to Rent a House, Flat or ApartmentThese requirements include:

  • Preferred location – amenities nearby, in the city, or in the country
  • Type of rental property – house, room, studio, or flat
  • Length of expected tenancy
  • Unfurnished or furnished rental
  • Rooms needed – bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
  • Parking – on-street or off-street parking
  • Land – garden or no garden

Setting a Budget

Determine a manageable budget. When you speak to a letting agent, the rental price could be stated as a weekly rate or a monthly rate. Avoid looking at properties that are rented for more than you can comfortably afford because this could tempt you to rent a home for more than you can afford.

In addition to budgeting for your rental costs, you need to make sure other related expenses are also budgeted in. These expenses may include:

  • Renters insurance – This insurance covers the contents of your house. Renters insurance should be arranged when you sign a lease and will cover all of your personal belongings located inside the property.
  • Council tax – This tax is your responsibility;  ask the landlord or agent for an estimated cost of this tax.
  • Service charges and utility bills – If your property is a serviced apartment, there may be a charge. Ask the landlord or rental agent if the service charge is included in your monthly rent or if it is an additional charge.
  • Deposit – The deposit is typically one month’s rent and is due when you sign a lease.
  • Removal costs – This is
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