How To Renovate Your Home And Get Great Workmen
'm sure you have heard the horror stories of the 'Cowboys' who have virtually destroyed some poor old ladies house by really not knowing anything about what they were doing and instead if increasing the value of the property the 'Cowboys' have caused thousands of pounds of damage and worse the pain and suffering to the person footing the bill.
By making the right plan and getting on with some of the jobs done yourself you can make a significant increase in the price of your property. You can make thousands by spending less than you think, so really it is up to your imagination and your hard work to see the value of your house increase.
If you have decided that you will be doing some or all of the work then really look at the time you have available and be honest with yourself about how much time you really want to spend with Do It Yourself. If you are looking to employ other people to do the work then also be realistic! Home improvement can be the most expensive thing we spend our money on after our house so make sure you make the right choices ....be tuff but fair!
There really is no point in trying to attempt a job that is really too much for you. If your thinking about doing something for the first time either research it thoroughly or get good help. You will be surprised about how easy some of the jobs you will need to do are. On the other hand don't risk something like knocking a wall down if you know you really don't know how to do it.
Make A Plan Best thing to do is to start to build a plan of what you are going to do. Maybe put together a file that you can add pictures and articles so you can build up as visual representation of what you are going to do. If you are computer literate and like stuff on the PC why not create a excel or word file with all the rooms you are going to renovate in the file. After you must make a list! Write down all the rooms and then write out all the jobs you intend to do. Don't do this from memory, go to each room and look carefully at each room individually and see what needs to be done. You will find it a lot easier to work out where things will go and what small things need to be done to get the perfect room.
Sometimes its best to remove the old before you start, as a blank canvas is a lot easier than working with what you already have. Once you have got the list of all the jobs you propose to do mark next to them whether you can do the job yourself or you will need a workman to finish the job for you. This will give you a clear picture of all the supplies tools etc you will need to get to finish the job.
Feedback If you don't ask people about your proposed renovation your are risking doing something that now all people might like or worse that only 1% love and the 99% hate. If you are thinking of selling later this would decrease and not increase the value of your property. So get on that phone and get them round for dinner, drinks or a chat and get them to tell you what they think.
So start with the most obvious people to give you some feedback on your ideas. The more people that you get feedback from the better. In some cases this will leave you confused about what you are going to do later as many people would like to see different things done. But don't give up heart just get all the feedback you can even if it is 'Why did you buy this?' or 'Your gonna need lots of money'. These ones usually push you on to get it right. So listen the negatives and focus on the positive.
Make sure you don't get a cowboy
There's really no way to tell if the jobs you commission are going to be carried out properly but there are some things you can do.
1. Always ask for a written quote and never except anything else.
2. Do they seem professional?
3. Ask when they can do the work as most good workmen are busy and need sometimes months to book you in. If they can do it this afternoon worry!
4. Calling you several times to get the order. We once had a plumber who rang several times this indicates a desperate plumber with no business and avoid these people.
5. Not structured - Look for a positive structured mind in your workman. Someone who is looking at a work of art not a quick buck.
6. Do you get on with this person? If not don't book them especially as they will be in your house for a length of time.
7. Late for the appointment - If their late for this they will find no problem in being late for the works so avoid if their late.
8. How many people work in the company - Find out it may change your mind.
9. Are they close? - If they have travelled for 2 hours to see you they are not getting work near them why not?
10. Limited Company? - Are they a Limited Company, Self Employed, how do they run there business?
11. How do they want you to pay - Cash, Cheque, Transfer it also may change your mind ASK!
Hopefully you have a few great tips to get someone you can rely upon and you end up with an excellent finished job.
Good Luck
Phillip
http://www.propertyproducts.co.uk
Is Your Home Environmentally Friendly?
Climate change is an issue that is beginning to dominate the headlines. Here, we take a look at how we can all be more environmentally friendly at home.
Having an environmentally friendly home can have many aspects, from the design and building stage right through to our lifestyles. Some green ideas and technologies can be expensive but it is possible to make smaller changes that are relatively inexpensive but that can have a large environmental impact.
Many builders are waking up to green concepts and are also realising that being kind to the environment can also be financially profitable. As a result, many new houses in the UK and elsewhere are being built to be "carbon neutral" - in theory, energy used during the build phase is offset.
This issue of trying to reduce our carbon footprints can be extended into our lives in our homes. For instance, many people are having solar panels or small wind turbines fitted at their properties.
Such measures can have a substantial initial expense involve but, over a period of years, they may lead to savings, due to reduced electricity bills. Indeed, within the UK, some individuals are actually contributing to the National Grid using electricity generated within their own properties.
There are other solutions that you can use at lower prices that can still produce results. Think about your home recycling efforts and how these might be improved. For instance, have you got a composter and a water butt?
Within the home you can make subtle alterations to save water, gas and electricity. You may be able to make use of rainwater to flush your toilet - this may require some small alterations but could save a lot of water. which is particularly useful if your water supply is metered.
Don't forget to turn off lights when you are out of a room too. You'll be amazed at how much you can reduce your electricity bill by doing so and also by remembering never to leave your television set on standby.
Finally, remember the savings that can be made from insulating your home properly. Double glazed windows and conservatory doors can ensure that you minimise heat loss, saving on both energy usage and cost.
Similarly, loft insulation can have a massive impact. Many older properties are inadequately insulated, so consider improving the current loft insulation to save energy.
We've provided a few simple hints and tips that should help to make your home much greener.
Keith Barrett has written about Winchester estate agents and other UK property issues. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.
Finding the Right Location
When it comes to buying property, location is vital. Finding the right location can be so important to your future lifestyle.
Property investors often say that "location is everything". While this may be over-stating the case, it is undoubtedly true that the location of a property can often be as important as any other aspect of the building.
Finding the right location isn't just important from an investment point of view - it can make a real difference to your lifestyle.
A good place to start is by writing down a list of all the key features that you'd like in your ideal location.
It may be that it's important to you that your new home is within walking distance of a good local school. Or maybe public transport links are vital? Perhaps you are looking to cut down on your commute to work.
Write down absolutely everything that you believe to be important to you when looking for your new home. You may think that it won't be possible to find a single location that meets all of your criteria but don't worry about that for the time being - just concentrate on making a list of all of your key aspirations for your new home.
Once you've written down your list, double check to make sure that you really have noted down everything that is important. Don't forget to make sure that you have taken input from the rest of your family too!
Now the hard part begins - it's time to start doing the research. The internet provides a great tool - use it wisely and you can save yourself a lot of time.
It's also worth having maps of the areas that you are interested in. The key is to find out as much information as you can yourself, or using trusted sources.
If you're told some information from an individual who has an interest in your purchasing in a particular location, then make sure that you get independent verification that the information is correct.
This may sound harsh and also time-consuming but purchasing a property involves a large financial transactions - it's important that you get it right.
As you look at information about various locations, compare what you find to your original checklist.
By doing so, you should be able to identify your ideal location.
Keith Barrett has written about Winchester estate agents and other UK property issues. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.
