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MAKE YOUR HOME MORE LIFESTYLE FRIENDLY

By Angela Kelly

HAVING gone through 2020 as The Year of the Pandemic we now face 2021 as The Year of Change.

So many people have had to stay home for so long during large parts of last year and this year that we are now viewing our lives very differently. Relationships, hobbies and health have all come under close scrutiny.

Forced to confront home vs lifestyle, we’ve discovered that some are not fit for purpose and we may have made the decision that the way forward is to move house.

Covid has thrown several other curveballs our way during the year, too, so many may have had to change jobs, pursue a totally different career or become self-employed. For some, covid has been the catalyst to reevalue lives and recognise that things need to change dramatically.

Whatever the pandemic has brought your way, it’s very likely that this year will represent a chance to move forward and do things differently. For some people, there is the realisation that their home is too small for their needs and only a move to a larger property will do. For others, the plan is to make the current property bigger and more lifestyle-friendly.

This may mean an EXTENSION to your home, either just covering the ground floor or creating two floors with more rooms. The permitted development rules have recently been relaxed and so you may not need planning permission.

It’s important, though, to ensure it’s all done properly so one way is to look for a design and build company that comes highly recommended by someone you know, preferably with work you can see.

The National Association of Building Contractors (NABC) is a good place to start so go to https://nabc.org.uk/ or try other places like Rated People at ratedpeople.com/local/builders which gives you recommendations from other customers.

Individual extensions like ORANGERIES and CONSERVATORIES can also involve a wide choice of local suppliers and installers. Again, try to go on recommendation and see their work first before getting them along for an initial discussion about possibilities.

As well as the cost of building, you will also be looking at a new area to furnish so having in mind exactly what you want to do with this is helpful. It may offer an opportunity to RE-DECORATE and to re-think FURNISHINGS in adjacent areas or even throughout your home.

It may be that your property is too large for you and you want to DOWNSIZE or go to something smaller with a garden or nearby green space.

There are plenty of options open here. You may be considering RETIREMENT LIVING in a pretty rural area or somewhere more central and convenient. Before you start looking, go to Age UK’s site at ageuk.org.uk as they have plenty of advice on what suits you and what to look for as well as the range of options available.

If you’re staying put but changing your surroundings, take an objective look at your LIFESTYLE first. Decide what needs to alter physically to better enhance it and be realistic about what is possible, especially within your budget.

For some couples, grown-up children have moved back home and suddenly home seems a lot smaller! If this arrangement is going to continue for some time, get the advice of a builder on how you can re-configure your home to suit you all.

INTERNAL CHANGES rather than building extensions might be the answer. Walls could be knocked down, areas re-purposed and fitted units used to free up extra space. We can get so used to our current lifestyle that it takes an objective view to challenge our usual ideas and come up with innovative ones.

Now that so many people have had to work from home, it may be that you need a designated OFFICE in your home. That objective view might well throw up some useful thoughts on turning dead space into somewhere you can happily work. HOME ENTERTAINMENT has had a huge boost during lockdown months and it has never been more diverse or accessible.

It’s also fairly bewildering for the novice so a quick visit to charity the Consumers’ Association website which.co.uk will help you sort your sound bar from your home cinema system and select the right upgrade for you.

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The Premier Garage Door range blends the convenience of power operation with smooth, vertical opening and the benefits of insulation to provide the perfect solution for any garage.

Manufactured from foam filled aluminium lath, available in a full range of colours and four wood effect finishes. We are confident we can accommodate your requirements and enhance your property. Operated by a tubular motor complete with a manual override facility and controlled by a comprehensive remote control system to include courtesy light and full safety system we guarantee all year round access. Features include a unique auto-lock system to prevent the door from being lifted when in fully closed position and a safety brake mechanism to prevent the door from falling when in the fully open position, making your garage safe and secure at all times. Additional benefits compared to conventional garage doors are the reduction in noise and heat loss whilst freeing up valuable garage space. A vehicle can be parked within 50mm of the door inside or out without disrupting operation.

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Sample colours The above swatches are for guide purposes only and do not represent an exact match.

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Again, consider first what you want from an office. As well as somewhere for a desk and your equipment (computer, printer, files etc). You probably need good light and you might prefer a view. Fitted units could well turn a small boxroom into just the place or even part of a larger room into a dedicated workspace.

There’s plenty of initial advice online including smallbusiness.co.uk which shows how other small companies have set up home offices effectively.

The KITCHEN may have come into its own as the heart of the home over the last year. It’s already a place families naturally gravitate to so if you’ve spent much of your time here, identify what you need to improve it. Today’s fitted kitchens boast user-friendly fitments like hot water taps and specialist appliances amid the streamlined units and clever storage.

Local kitchen stores are a great place to start but don’t forget to have a wish-list of what you want in your new, ideal kitchen and be realistic about what’s possible and what you can afford.

Your BATHROOM may also seem past its best and need improving. If you’re thinking of a new bathroom, the size of it will influence the cost along with the structural changes and the quality of the materials you want used. If you have a particular look in mind, this can influence the final bill and there may be other costs like re-wiring and new pipework. Check out individual costs like a new toilet, shower, bath, panels and tiles yourself to discover a basic guide even before labour costs are involved.

And we have all definitely come to appreciate open space outside so give your GARDEN a chance to shine in 2021 - whether it’s by buying a hot tub or having a complete re-design.

If you’re looking for garden ideas, try the Royal Horticultural Society’s website at www.rhs.org.uk

They explain how to make the best of small gardens and all gardens, garden designs and styles and how to use plants well plus everything from garden furniture to hedges and boundaries.

For more tips on how to spruce up your home visit our website www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Benefits of renting in a retirement development

Renting in a retirement development is a great way to beat loneliness and be part of a ready-made community of people to socialise with.

The benefits include an onsite manager, 24-hour emergency careline in all apartments, communal lounge and gardens to enjoy with friend and neighbours, plus the rent includes service charges and property maintenance. After living in a private rental, 80 year old Jackie Corrigan decided it was time for a change and there were few retired people living close by. After doing some research she moved into retirement development Homemoss House in Buxton, not far from where she was living. Jackie absolutely loves living there and has quickly made friends. Jackie says, “Since moving here I’ve been much happier. I have made new friends and a few of us regularly meet for a natter and cup of tea. There is a communal lounge where activities such as afternoon teas, bingo and quizzes take place, as well as security measures which gave me confidence in my choice of moving here.” “I highly recommend moving into a retirement community. As a woman living alone it’s really reassuring to know I have people I can speak to and socialise with, plus the development manager is wonderful.” Girlings Retirement Rentals is the specialist letting agent for retirement property and has properties available throughout the UK. Most are let on assured tenancies, which provide the same security of tenure as homeownership.

Visit the blog on our website for the latest information on living independently in retirement.

To find out what we have available in your area visit www.girlings.co.uk or call 0800 525 184

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Working with your style to create custom built bathrooms and kitchens unique and personal to your space. Start your journey by arranging a consultation with our expert inhouse designers. Our well-trained team can take care of the entire process; from developing a design, through to production and installation if you wish. We gain an understanding of the style of your home, the functional requirements, materials and colour schemes. Our aim is to create the highest quality projects to meet the exact needs of our clients. Together we design spaces for you, using the best products from around the world to produce bespoke built spaces you are content to call home.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR HAVEN AT HOME

The UK has spent more time at home than normal, and with uncertainty around moving to a new house, Brits have decided to improve rather than move, with many undergoing home improvement projects. In fact, the 2020 Renovation Nation Report stated that spending more time at home inspired 65 per cent of homeowners to invest in renovations to their properties.

Making our home more comfortable, creating a space which we can enjoy all year round has become more important than ever. The 2020 Renovation Nation Report also suggested that the trend for investing in our home is set to continue, as 73 per cent of UK homeowners admit they’ll continue to spend more time at home.

With the home improvement trend set to continue, Eurocell Home, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributer and recycler of UPVC window and door systems looks at how you can create a stunning living space at home, you won’t want to leave!

Creating an open space

Many homeowners aspire to create a seamless link between the indoor and outdoor space of their homes. Bi-fold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years, they can create a stunning finish to a range of home styles including new builds, modern extensions or period properties. And, with a wide selection of colours and frame sizes to choose from, bi-fold doors can bring your home to life and create a wow-factor!

Bi-folds are perfect for letting natural light flood into the inside living space and can often make smaller homes feel larger, providing you with low-maintenance luxury of modern living.

Increase the floor space

For many, increasing the floor space of your home is highly desirable, whether it be attached to the house, or as a separate space in the garden, there are many different ways to create extra floor space to your home. Fitting a conservatory is a popular option, as it’s an effective way of increasing the space within your home and creating a statement. Ensure the finish of the conservatory flows with style of your home with perfectly styled doors. French doors are beautifully suited to conservatories and can create an impressive entrance to your garden or a seamless transition through your living space.

A same level extension or lean to is also a good option for increasing floor space, either extended on a kitchen or living room with a large glass frontage, a lean-to extension can create more of an open plan living space.

Home office

A space at home which you can call ‘my office’ is now more important than ever. With many people now working from home, creating a home office can help to separate work and home life.

A desirable home office would include lots of natural light, whether that be from a skylight, patio doors or a big window, natural light can make a huge difference to the working environment. It’s also important to add personal touches to your home office, decorate it to be a style you like, install good lighting and find a way of separating your office from your home life.

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