MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE PROPERTY GAME!
FIXING FINANCE
From Mortgages to Stamp Duty
FAST CASH SELLING
Is it Right For You?
theMastering Market
Martin’s Unmissable Advice
LOCKED UP TIGHT
Smart Tech and Security
THE ULTIMATE EPC GUIDE
Energy
Performance Certificates Explained
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Hi, it’s Martin Roberts - him off the telly! - welcoming you to the latest issue of Property & Home, your unmissable guide to buying, renovating, decorating and selling property.
The papers are reporting that the big boom in property prices has passed, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no activity in the market – in fact I’d argue that there has never been a better time to look at property as an investment. And remember, in the words of Sam Goldwyn, ‘the harder I work, the luckier I get!’ – the property market rewards the amount of effort you put into it. Research, foot-slogging and willingness to get your hands dirty are all a vital part of the game!
Under the Hammer, a programme I have been privileged to be associated with for almost 20 years, I see all sorts of properties – but the one
thing I see everywhere is opportunity.
So, whether you need advice on how to organise a mortgage, how to improve the energy efficiency, security and features of a property, or how to make the most of your home indoors and out, we have something for you in this factpacked issue of Property & Home!
I’m engaged in an exciting property development project which I will tell you more about in the end column – I hope it encourages you to think socially as well as personally about the benefits of getting into property.
Enjoy this issue of Property & Home with Martin Roberts – if it fires you up with the sort of enthusiasm I have for the property market, we’ll all have exciting times ahead of us!
Cheers, Martin
10 Interview
Martin Roberts tells Chris Jenkins about his latest property projects and how he thinks market fluctuations could a ect the plans of property investors
16 Property Trends
All the news about new products, services and issues a ecting the property market
18 An End to No-Fault Evictions?
The government’s proposed end to no-fault evictions may benefit some tenants, but will it make life more di icult for landlords?
23 Tape It to the Limit
Adhesive tape is being used more and more in construction, maintenance and renovation - but what are its advantages?
24 Tax and Mortar
Philip Gambrill FCCA explains two aspects of property related tax – rent-a-room relief and Furnished Holiday Lettings
26 The Registration Gap
Charles Knapper LLB looks at some legal property posers including the risks of a delay between purchase completion and registration
28 Packing It In
How an auction conveyancing solicitor can smooth the process of selling by dealing with aspects such as the Auction Pack
31 Easy as EPC
What is an EPC, why do you need one, and how do landlords have to respond to the new EPC guidelines?
37 Cash in Hand
What are the pros and cons of selling a property to a ‘fast cash’ company? We look at this fast-moving market
40 Covering in Crisis
When insuring a property, landlords have more to think about than domestic customers. What are the crucial points to cover?
42 The Return of the 100% Mortgage
Getting on the housing ladder would be easier without having to find a deposit – but is a 100% mortgage the way to go?
47 The Bad Credit Fix
If you’re in a financial hole due to a bad credit score, how can a specialist advisor help you out?
49 From First Time to Large Loan
The mortgage market can be complicated, and di erent rules apply according to your property plans. So where do you look for mortgage advice?
51 Claiming Your Dues
How do you make a Stamp Duty refund claim? It’s something you need to know if you think you have been charged wrongly
52 The Secrets of Conveyancing
What exactly is conveyancing and why is it so shrouded in mystery? We pull back the veil and reveal the hidden secrets of this arcane art...
57 Words and Pictures
Why is an inventory important for landlords, and what’s the smartest way of getting it done?
58 Condition Critical
A home condition report can highlight problems before you come to sell your home, and save you money in the long term
60 Home Trends
All the news about new products, services and issues a ecting the homes and interiors market
64 Smarter Security
Your doors and windows are the main security issues in your house, but how can technology help you make sure they’re locked up tight?
71 Steps to Safety
Ladder safety awareness is essential if you are to complete your tasks in the home or garden without risk of injury. Here are some top tips
73 Painting out VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are a common component of paints and other household materials - but why should we be avoiding them?
76 10 Top DIY Tips from Martin Roberts
Property & Home celebrity guest editor Martin Roberts got into the property market through a love of DIY. Here he gives us his top 10 DIY tips
78 Is Your Mattress Natural?
It might seem an odd question, but do you know what’s in your mattress? We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s an important issue
80 Cooking With a Conscience
The kitchen can be one of the most wasteful parts of the home in terms of energy - how can you save energy and save money?
84 Kitchen Inspo
Breathlessly on-trend kitchen design inspo is at hand! If you’re dying to refresh your cooking area, grab some ideas here and start measuring up!
87 Tapping Into Style
Your choice of taps can set the style for your kitchen or bathroom, so what are the design and material choices to consider?
76
102
90 Flood, Fire and Mould
What do you do when disaster strikes in your home? Specialist services can handle the worst catastrophes, from flooding and fire to unhealthy mould
93 Breath of Fresh Air
Ventilation is the key to home energy e iciency, but there’s more to it than just opening a window. We look into MVHR
96 The Heat is On
In the fight to save energy, heat pumps may be the solution - but how do they work, and what are their pros and cons?
101 Child Safe Homes
Fitments and utilities found in every home can present a hazard to children - where do you start making your home child safe?
102 The Italian Job
Italy is famous for its progressive, not to say psychedelic furniture designs. Jörg Zutter reports on some of the most amazing items coming out of Rome and Milan
107 Paint Problem Solvers
You shouldn’t just paint over your mould problems; when you have serious issues with damp, there are specialist preparation products to do the job
108 Building an Appetite
Is diet important in building work? In fact, it’s part of generally keeping fit and healthy, and is essential to get the best out of your labourers
110 Getting the Antique Look
Michelle Mason’s guide to the decorative antiques look will put you on the path to showcasing your keepsakes
112 The Fi h Wall
The ceiling is the fi h wall of your rooms, but have you thought about how to decorate it?
114 Made to Shade
80 celebrityangels.co.uk PROPERTY & HOME WITH MARTIN ROBERTS 7
116 Garden Trends
All the news about new products, services and issues a ecting the garden market
118 Fire and Forget
New firelighter technology is making the chore easier and more eco-friendly
120 Life On The Tiles
You might think about tiling your kitchen or bathroom, but what about tiling in your garden? It can make an interesting alfresco experience
123 Creativity in Concrete
The word ‘concrete’ may conjure up images of drab, grey surfaces, but there are lots of ways to add style to this versatile garden material
124 Basket Cases
Hanging baskets of flowers can enhance any garden, but caring for them requires skill if you don’t want them becoming basket cases…
126 Is Your Garden Ready for a Barbie Party?
With the movie Barbie due for release in July, pink is in – but how can you make your garden the perfect Barbie party venue?
128 Out of his Comfort Zone
Martin’s plan to renovate a community pub takes an unexpected turn – maybe you can help out with his social project…?
PUBLISHER & CEO
Kevin Harrington
EDITOR
Chris Jenkins
CONTRIBUTORS
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Thomas J Roberts
Margo Lane
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Joanna Harrington
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
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DESIGN
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ADMINISTRATOR
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Property & Home with Martin Roberts Celebrity Angels 143 Caledonian Road London N1 0SL Tel: 020 7871 1000
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All material in Property & Home with Martin Roberts is wholly copyright and reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Products and services included in this publication do not imply endorsement by Martin Roberts. The views expressed in this publication are entirely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of Celebrity Angels. The information in this publication is carefully researched and produced in good faith, however, neither the Publisher nor the Editors accept responsibility for any errors. The Celebrity Angels Series is published in the UK under licence by Damson Media Limited. Damson Media Limited is registered in England and Wales under registration no. 07869300.
Martin Roberts, celebrity guest editor of Property & Home, talks to Chris Jenkins about the state of the property market, the best ways to improve your property, and the stinkiest house he ever saw on Homes Under the Hammer
Martin Roberts’ 20-year association with the BBCs Homes Under the Hammer has made him a household name, and his enthusiasm for the property market is as lively as ever. Here he tells Property & Home why he thinks property is still a good investment and how to make the most of your development opportunities.
HAVE WE SEEN THE END OF THE PROPERTY PRICE BOOM OF THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS? LAND REGISTRY AND BUILDING SOCIETY FIGURES DON’T SEEM TO AGREE I don’t see how anybody can question the tenacity of the property market, which carries on delivering positive returns and growth despite the most doomladen predictions.
Remember March 2020, at the start of Covid, when virtually all the industry
analysts (not including me by the way!) were so certain that the housing market would become apocalyptic that Rishi Sunak, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, made sweeping changes to stamp duty to head off said apocalypse?
Of course, once it was possible for people to move, house prices through that period went through the roof, as people realised the importance of space, a garden and perhaps a nicer environment to live in. So here we are again with the doom vultures circling!
There’s no doubt that increases in the Bank of England base rate and the knockon effect to mortgage prices will affect people. Affordability is a problem that’s been off the agenda since the halcyon low interest rate times that we’ve had for the past 10 years or more. However, we are now only back at what most consider to be the middle ground for where interest rates should be over the long term. »
The pressures of increased mortgage payments, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis and energy prices (which have now hopefully stopped spinning out of control), has put most family budgets under pressure.
So, unsurprisingly we are seeing a slowdown in sales volumes. But I personally do not believe this will lead to a significant drop in property prices in the medium term. We are still in a situation where there aren’t enough houses to meet demand, and that can only continue to push property prices in one direction.
It’s always been a requirement by mortgage lenders and others that property destined for rental has to have a minimum level of energy efficiency in EPC Band E. The government have proposed that all rental properties will need an EPC rating of C or above by 2028. However, it’s likely that many properties already meet this standard, as many people realise the all-round benefits of energy efficiency. It’s not just about ticking a box or meeting a requirement; it’s about saving money and saving the planet. Boosting your EPC rating if you do fall below the required level is something I’d urge you to do anyway, and it could just be as simple a procedure as making sure all the lights are low energy and the loft has a significant amount of insulation. There may be more complicated and costly measures required, but the benefits of these should still outweigh the cost and hassle.
They say that people make a decision on whether or not to buy a property within the first two minutes. Therefore, kerb appeal and first impressions when people walk through the front door are absolutely paramount.
A tidy garden or well-maintained
property frontage will create an impression of a house that’s been cared for. An uncluttered, bright and sweet-smelling entrance area will continue the good vibes. Try to de-clutter and de-personalise a property as much as you can if you’re trying to sell it. You want to create the feeling of a blank canvas on which people can paint a happy future in their new home. A coat of paint or simple decoration that is within the realms of most people’s DIY ability can make a huge difference.
Re-painting the walls using the trendy chalk effect paints, pioneered by the likes of Farrow & Ball but now emulated by most other manufacturers, will transform an interior. If you haven’t done so already, reveal and highlight your home’s original features and make sure you accentuate all the things about the property that made you buy it in the first place.
We are still in a situation where there aren’t enough houses to meet demand, and that can only continue to push property prices in one direction
If someone is determined to break into your property, the reality is they will find a way to do so. The basics of home security are to try and deter a casual or opportunist thief or make a professional thief look for an easier target.
The most important thing for a burglar is not to be seen or caught, so the thing they will look for is access that’s hidden from view and escape routes for them and their ill-gotten gains. Installing a lockable gate and clearing any bushes that create cover for unseen access are good starts. An intruder will often use tools and equipment which the home-owner has left lying around, so make sure that any ladders are locked away or chained up and that any tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and chisels are securely locked away.
All doors should be fitted with insurance grade locks. Vulnerable windows should also be fitted with devices that stop them being opened even if the window is broken. Consider replacing traditional single pane glass with either an equivalent in safety toughened glass or double-glazed units.
Exterior motion-activated lights will not be welcomed by an unscheduled visitor. You
might want to also consider CCTV, and there are now some very simple to install and efficient camera systems that link directly to your mobile phone and will alert you to any unexpected activity.
A full alarm system may be a requirement for some household insurance policies, and certainly the sight of a professional bell box on the exterior is still a classically efficient deterrent.
Finally, try this test: Imagine you’ve locked yourself out of your own house. You’ve forgotten your keys. How are you going to get in? You will know your house’s weaknesses. A window that doesn’t quite shut fully. A door you can nudge open. So now sort out those weak points. But just don’t forget your keys from now on!
IS IT STILL WORTH INVESTING IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS? HOW LONG MIGHT IT TAKE FOR THEM TO PAY FOR THEMSELVES? WHAT ABOUT HEAT PUMP ENERGY SYSTEMS?
Building regulations require that new build and often renovations require an increasingly high level of energy generating technology to be installed. So, in many cases you don’t have a choice to fit it or
not. The massive increase in energy costs of late has meant the payback time on the capital investment required for solar panels, heat pumps or anything else has reduced considerably. Improvements in battery storage technology also mean that energy harnessed from the sun, air or ground can be utilised 24 hours a day.
Payback time will obviously depend on the size and energy efficiency of your property, but any reputable supplier will give you estimates and guidelines on what this could reasonably be expected to be.
When I was growing up it was a regular sight where I lived that men with long drills, longer hoses and a big chemical tanker would squirt the equivalent of expanding foam into the cavity walls of the houses up and down the road. I think there were grants and initiatives available and so many people jumped on the bandwagon.
Unfortunately, as in any industry, the cowboys also joined in and squirted so much insulation into buildings, regardless of the need for natural air flow, that these buildings became damp from the inside out. Many people have struggled with the unpleasant after-effects of damp and mould that’s very difficult to eradicate. Fastforward to 2023, and the technology and expertise have changed beyond recognition.
Not all properties will be suitable for cavity wall insulation but the process for those that are will be carried out in a way that should not create future problems, so long as you use a reputable provider. Alternatives such as internal and external wall insulation can be considered where cavity wall insulation isn’t possible or suitable.
Organisations such as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) have been campaigning long and hard for years for laws that fairly protect both landlords and tenants. On the face of it, »
the proposed changes swing things in the favour of the tenant, which in the rare instance of an unfair or unethical landlord may be a good thing.
However, I’m not sure that the proposed changes will protect the most vulnerable from any rogue landlords that might be out there, and I’m concerned that the perception of yet more onerous obligations will deter even more people from entering the private residential landlord sector or could be the final straw that causes existing landlords to sell up. This would create a huge problem in a country where there just simply aren’t enough properties to buy or rent, and I don’t see the government or local authorities stepping in to replace houses that are lost from landlords giving up.
When you have a survey or valuation done on a property, the valuation will often have three variants – a 30-day, 90-day and 120-day sale price. Not surprisingly the 30-day sale price – that is the price at which the property needs to be advertised at to guarantee a sale within 30 days - will be considerably lower than the 90-day sale price, which will be lower than the 120-day
sale price. This shows that, as with most things, it is recognised that if you want a quick sale, you may not achieve the best possible price. This logic follows through to those companies offering quick sale for cash offers. They may well get you your money quick, but you cannot hope to achieve the same kind of return as you would if you allowed longer for the process.
I recently visited a property in Wincanton. It was a beautiful two-bedroom cottage, situated down a private alleyway just off the main central area. There were roses growing up the outside and a small front garden with fragrant shrubs. The second I opened the door I realised why it had sold for much less than what might have otherwise been expected. The acrid smell of animal urine and faeces hit me in the face like a brick wall. It was almost impossible to breathe, and you could not only smell the dereliction, you could taste it.
Asking around the neighbours, we discovered that an old lady had previously lived in the house, along with 39 cats who were never allowed out. The new buyers hoped they would be able to get rid of the smell using bleach and specialist
cleaning products, but from my experience they will end up having to take up all the floorboards and probably the joists and replacing with new, which is going to be a very labour intensive and therefore expensive procedure.
I’m working on an incredible project at the top end of the Rhondda Valley in south Wales. A local community pub closed at the start of lockdown and I’m working alongside teams of youngsters from the area to help renovate and refurbish it as a gastro pub and funky hotel. The only slight hiccup is, I’ve never owned or operated a pub, a restaurant or a hotel, so I’m surrounding myself with a team of experts and advisers who can make sure it doesn’t go horribly wrong.
I’m making a TV documentary about it called ‘Oops I Bought a Pub’ so the one positive thing if anything doesn’t go to plan is that it will make great TV!
Meanwhile I’m carrying on with my children’s charity work through my Foundation, and of course continuing to film Homes Under the Hammer. November 2023 will be the 20-year anniversary of our first transmission, and I have to say I’m very proud to have been presenting it since that very first episode back in 2003. ■
In June, Britain’s largest mortgage provider Halifax followed other lenders by raising its interest rates for new home loans, in response to soaring funding costs. British inflation data prompted a big jump in market interest rates as investors scrambled to price-in more increases in borrowing costs from the Bank of England. The decision by Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group, came after rivals like Nationwide Building Society announced hefty increases to mortgage rates. The moves echoed the temporary shutdown of the mortgage market last year, sparked by investor reaction to former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ economic agenda. Mortgage loan rate rises will come as an unpleasant shock to some borrowers who will find their monthly repayments jumping up at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is biting. Two-year deals rather than five-year deals are currently popular among borrowers who hope that rates will fall again soon. “This latest increase by the biggest mortgage lender in the UK will spook buyers and sellers alike not to mention those due to re-mortgage in the next few months,” said Lewis Shaw from broker Shaw Financial Services.
Landlords will be asked to reveal their damp and mould strategies in an overhaul of reporting standards for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).
The changes to the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing (SRS) will include a bigger focus on stock quality, particularly how landlords manage and mitigate damp and mould risks, plus data on gas safety checks and fire, asbestos and legionella risk assessments. Housing associations will be expected to give extra information about their stock quality, including their approach to damp and mould issues, as part of an overhaul of a sector reporting standard.
The SRS was launched in late 2020 in a bid to attract funds from investors focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials, and since the launch, around 160 organisations, including housing associations and funders have signed up.
The standard is now being updated amid a focus on poor housing conditions, following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to damp and mould conditions in his family’s Rochdale flat. A consultation is being launched this month with the backing of dozens of landlords and investors.
While controversy rages about second home owners taking up a ordable housing stock and leaving locals unable to buy their own home, the ONS has published statistics showing that second home ownership is on the increase.
Based on statistics from the 2021 census, the O ce for National Statistics has announced that in England and Wales, 5.3% of people (3.2 million) stayed at a second address for 30 days or more; a slightly higher percentage of people in England used a second address (5.4%) than in Wales (5.2%). In 2021, 447,000 people (0.7%) stayed at a second address that was a holiday home.
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The government’s proposed end to no-fault evictions may benefit some tenants, but will it make life more di cult for landlords?
The government has proposed an end to ‘no fault’ evictions carried out under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Section 21 enables private landlords to repossess their properties from assured shorthold tenants, without having to establish any fault on the part of the tenant, hence it is sometimes referred to as the ‘no-fault’ ground for eviction. It is o en used simply to enforce a rental increase and has been opposed by many social housing pressure groups.
Private tenants, their representative bodies, and others working in the sector argue the ability of landlords to end an assured shorthold tenancy at short notice has a detrimental e ect on tenants’ wellbeing.
Last year, research by Shelter, the housing charity, said nearly 230,000 private renters had been served with a nofault eviction notice since April 2019.
Research shows evidence of tenants who are reluctant to exercise their rights to secure repairs and/or challenge rent increases due to the ease with which landlords can evict them. Respondents to a 2018 consultation on overcoming the barriers to longer tenancies in the private rented sector, said they felt unable to plan due to housing insecurity, with knockon e ects on children’s education and residents’ mental health.
On 15 April 2019, the then-Government announced: “Private landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants from their homes at short notice and without good reason.” This was followed by a consultation which ran between July and October 2019. The consultation paper proposed the abolition of section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
The Conservative Manifesto 2019 promised “a better deal for renters” which included abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions. A Renters Reform Bill was included in the Queen’s Speech December 2019 but was not introduced in the 2019-21 parliamentary session.
The Queen’s Speech 2021 said the
Government’s response to the 2019 consultation would be published, followed by of a private rented sector reform package in a white paper in autumn 2021.
The white paper, A Fairer Private Rented Sector, was published on 16 June 2022. It sets out a 12-point action plan to deliver “a fairer, more secure, higher quality private rented sector.” The Queen’s Speech 2022 confirmed a Renters Reform Bill would be introduced in the 2022-23 parliamentary session.
The white paper outlines proposals to abolish section 21 evictions and introduce a simpler, more secure tenancy structure. A tenancy will only end if the tenant ends it or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession.
The grounds for possession will be reformed to ensure landlords have e ective means to gain possession of their properties when necessary. New grounds will be created to allow landlords to sell or move close family members into the property. Grounds covering persistent rent arrears and anti-social behaviour will be strengthened.
Under the proposed new law, tenants would be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse, and it would be made illegal for a landlord to refuse tenancies to families with children, or those in receipt of benefits.
Alongside the white paper, the Government published its response to the 2019 consultation on ‘A New Deal for Renting’ providing more detail on
tenancy reforms; and its response to the ‘Considering the Case for a Housing Court: Call for Evidence’ which outlines reforms intended to improve the e iciency and speed of court processes for possession cases.
On 15 February 2023, Baroness Scott of Bybrook said: “Ensuring a fair deal for renters remains a priority for this Government, and we will legislate in this Parliament to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions’.”
There’s a divide in opinion between organisations advocating on behalf of tenants and those advocating on behalf of private landlords.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, described the white paper as “a gamechanger” for private renters, while Generation Rent welcomed the abolition of section 21 but called for greater protections for tenants to ensure landlords do not abuse the strengthened section 8 grounds for possession.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) argues a reformed and improved court system which has bedded-in, together with improvements to the grounds for possession, should be introduced before section 21 is amended or abolished. Landlord organisations contend there is a risk of landlords leaving the sector, which could reduce access to housing for those who cannot a ord to buy and who cannot access social rented housing.
And some campaigners, as well as some Conservative MPs, have warned the bill could force more landlords to leave the market and reduce the supply of rental properties. Tory peer Lord Frost described the bill as a “dangerous and counter-productive intrusion into private property”, and Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said landlords needed to be confident “they will be able to repossess their properties as quickly as possible”, adding: “Without this assurance, the bill will only exacerbate the rental housing supply crisis many tenants now face”. ■
Last year, research by Shelter, the housing charity, said nearly 230,000 private renters had been served with a no-fault eviction notice since April 2019
Keeping your property looking fresh, clean, and up to date with the latest decoration trends, is so important when appealing to new tenants. We understand time is money, and the longer your property remains empty due to redecoration means the more you are losing out.
For landlords and homeowners alike, our products enable you to freshen up your property
between occupation in a quicker and higher quality than ever before.
Furthermore, our range of adhesive bathroom accessories enable the landlord or tenant to mount new shower racks, soap dishes etc. without having to drill into bathroom tiles or causing damage to walls when it’s time to remove them.
Homeowners exploring more creative wall designs has increased the demand for painters and decorators to use creative paint techniques. From stripes to other artistic designs, tesa® Precision Mask has become the professional painter’s best friend, and thanks to the tesa® Precision Mask ability to produce a crisp line finish, painters and decorators can achieve a flawless design without concern for paint bleed or damage to the already painted wall or trim surface.
For covering larger areas, such as stairs or doorways, tesa Easy Cover® Precision is an essential for painting work for smooth and slightly textured surfaces. Not only does the cover save time, the 2-in-1 solution also combines tesa® Precision Mask to achieve sharp edges and a transparent film to protect all other surrounding areas from paint spillages.
Our adhesive expertise now includes our range of no-drill adhesive bathroom accessories. There’s now a quick and reliable solution for applying hooks and towel holders, shower baskets, soap dishes, towel rails, toothbrush holders and more without drilling holes into new tiles. The extensive product range is made from high quality materials to ensure fittings remain stainless in the humid bathroom environment. The products are easy to apply and offer a strong hold on a variety of surfaces including tiles, metal, natural stone, wood. What’s more you can later remove them without causing damage to surfaces, making the range a longer-term solution that’s ideal for renters and people moving house.
If you’re more used to using it for sealing parcels at Christmas, it doesn’t seem that adhesive tape has much application in property construction or renovation. But in fact high-tech industrial strength adhesive tape, also known as PSA tape, self-stick tape, pressure-sensitive tape, or just sticky tape, has all sorts of building applications.
Adhesive tape is basically a backing material such as paper, plastic film, cloth, or metal foil, coated with an adhesive. It’s supplied either with a peel-off covering film, or on rolls so you can use what you need and save the rest for later.
Available in varying widths from narrow for precision jobs to wide for heavy-duty construction, adhesive tape comes in all sorts of finishes from transparent to matt, gloss, or double-sided.
Adhesive tape can often save time in construction, save weight, and in many cases replace traditional fixings such as screws, bolts, rivets and welds which can be prone to rust and leakage. Some of the common applications for adhesive tape are:
h Bonding incompatible materials which can’t be glued
h Providing protection against moisture and environment
h Replacing welds which would need refinishing
h Improving aesthetics by eliminating visible mechanical fasteners
h Providing gap filling with uniform thickness
The suitable type of backing material is dictated by the application; for instance
a tape that is to be used outdoors must have a UV-stabilised backing, while an adhesive window-sealing tape might have a fleece backing that can be plastered over. Some types are repositionable, infused with fibres to enhance strength, others are designed to produce airtightness, or to build up adhesive strength over time. Adhesive tapes can be used to provide bonds for membrane overlaps, and joints to adjacent building components such as timber, stone, wood fibreboards, plaster and concrete, so long as the surface is generally even, free of dust and resistant to abrasion. Primers for acrylate tapes can be applied in liquid form.
In many cases a better option than traditional fixings, it’s all a matter of understanding what adhesive tape can do for you. ■
Philip Gambrill FCCA is senior partner at PG Lemon LLP
Chartered Certified Accountants in London and Kent. The practice advises many landlords on all aspects of property related tax. See www.pglemon.co.uk, call 020 7247 1922 or email philip@pglemon.co.uk
Rent-A-Room tax relief is available to individuals letting furnished accommodation in their homes, and you can let out as much of your home as you want. The relief applies to owner-occupiers and tenants. Under the relief, gross annual rents (‘rent-a-room receipts’) not exceeding £7,500 are exempt from income tax. Where gross annual rents exceed £7,500, the individual may choose between paying tax on the excess (but forgoing relief for allowable expenses) or on the actual profit in the usual way. If more than one individual is entitled to the rents, each individual’s tax-free limit is set at £3,750, regardless of how many individuals are involved.
The tax exemption is automatic if you earn less than £7,500. This means you do not need to do anything. If you earn more than this you must complete a tax return. You can then opt into the scheme and claim your tax-free allowance. You do this on your tax return. You can choose not to opt into the scheme and instead record your income and expenses on the property pages of your tax return. You can opt in to the scheme at any time if:
h You’re a resident landlord, whether or not you own your home
h You run a bed and breakfast or a guest house
You cannot use the scheme for homes converted into separate flats.
There are special tax rules for rental income from properties that qualify as Furnished Holiday Lettings. If you let properties that qualify:
h You can claim Capital Gains Tax reliefs for traders (Business Asset Rollover Relief, relief for gifts of business assets and relief for loans to traders)
h You’re entitled to plant and machinery capital allowances for items such as furniture, equipment and fixtures
h The profits count as earnings for pension purposes
To benefit from these rules, you need to work out the profit or loss from your FHLs separately from any other rental business.
Accommodation can only qualify if it passes three occupancy conditions: if the total of all lettings that exceed 31 continuous days is more than 155 days during the year, this condition is not met so your property will not be an FHL for that year.
Your property must be available for letting as furnished holiday accommodation letting for at least 210 days in the year.
Do not count any days when you are staying in the property. HMRC does not consider the property to be available for letting while you’re staying there.
You must let the property commercially as furnished holiday accommodation to the public for at least 105 days in the year.
Do not count any days when you let the property to friends or relatives at zero or reduced rates as this is not a commercial let.
If you do not let your property for at least 105 days, you have two options (known as elections) that can help you reach the occupancy threshold:
h The averaging election - if you’ve more than one property
h A period of grace election - if your property reaches the occupancy threshold in some years but not in others. ■
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Charles Knapper has 24 years of legal experience in property, disputes, family and children’s law, wills and probate, and is a Consultant Partner of Curtis Whiteford Crocker Solicitors, 247 Dean Cross Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7AZ. See the website at cwcsolicitors.co.uk
What happens between completion of your purchase and the purchase being registered at the Land Registry?
Now, this may seem a very odd question, because on the day of completion the buyer has parted with a large sum of money, and surely owns the property?
The buyer has probably had a loan, and there will be a mortgage, but on the day of completion and until the property is registered, the property is still registered in the name of the seller. The period between completion and registration is called the registration gap, and in this period the new owner is a beneficial but not a legal owner of the property.
This is of particular relevance to someone buying the property as an investment with a view to leasing the property, or one that has a tenant.
The difficulty for the buyer, who is now the landlord, is he or she cannot serve notices such as a notice to quit or a break notice on the tenants, because the buyer is not yet the legal owner.
This is exactly what happened in the case of Sackville UK Property Select II (GP) No 1 Ltd and another v Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers Ltd and another [2018] EWHC 122 (Ch). The High Court ruled that a break notice signed by the tenant who had acquired the lease was invalid because the transfer of the leasehold interest had not been registered at the Land Registry. Only the former tenant cold lodge the notice, as the former tenant was still the legal owner.
As you can see, it is therefore very important that your solicitor registers the transfer of the property as quickly as possible - but remember we live in times where people are still working from home, and there may well be delays at the Land Registry.
If there is going to be a delay with submitting the application for registration, then the solicitor should renew something called a ‘priority search’ to continue the protection that this search gives the buyer.
The importance of this was seen in the case of Baker v Craggs [2018] EWCA Civ 1126. The solicitor forgot to ensure the priority search was renewed, and this gave rise to a dispute over whether the property should be subsequently registered subject to a right of way in favour of a neighbouring property owner whose registration was completed before Mr & Mrs Craggs, and in error had been granted rights over their property.
Although the Court of Appeal eventually found that Mr and Mrs Craggs’ property took free from the right of way, this case stresses the importance of the rules of priority, and ensuring priority checks are kept up-to-date and is just another issue caused by the ‘registration gap’.
Recently we acted for someone who had purchased his property 18 months ago, but to his horror the property was not registered in his name, and he needed to re-mortgage the property to raise cash. He was the beneficial but not the legal owner and therefore the lender could not lend him the money until he became the legal owner.
In fact, all this time the seller had been the legal owner, and the conveyancer had failed to renew the priority search, putting our client’s ownership at risk. I am glad to say that we were not the conveyancers, and this case had a happy ending - but the registration gap is something that every buyer should think about, so after completion make sure you continue to communicate with your solicitor to ensure the purchase is registered in your name! ■
Selling a property at auction is often the best way to get a quick sale, but the process has certain legal requirements which must be followed for a smooth experience. To ensure this you may need the advice of a specialist auction conveyancing solicitor, ready to take charge of the paperwork and make sure that you don’t suffer any unwanted delays.
The essential element of selling at auction is the Auction Pack, which you are required to provide to the auctioneers for them to make available to prospective buyers. Typically this pack of documents is now made available online, though the wise buyer will probably combine this with an on-site inspection of the property. Making sure there is nothing missing from the auction pack is the best way to ensure that potential buyers are not put off bidding.
These legal packs are only produced for auction properties, not those sold by private treaty, because of the nature of auctions; when the auction ends the buyer is bound either by a reservation agreement or by a legal contract to complete the transaction, so the buyer needs to have all relevant information about the property before they commit.
So what’s in the auction pack? The basics are:
h Official Copy of Register of Title (Office Copy Entry) and title plan or copy deeds to the property, to show evidence of ownership and the boundaries, or Epitome of Title, a schedule of the documents
comprising the title accompanied by photocopies of the documents
h Search results, including Local Authority and environmental searches covering areas such as water and drainage
h Property Information Form
h Fixtures and fittings form
h Energy Performance Certificate
h For commercial properties, relevant Commercial Property Standard Enquiries (CPSE) forms
h For tenanted properties, a copy of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreement
The Property Information Form contains details such as what works have been
undertaken to the property, whether there are any disputes around it, any insurance issues, and general questions regarding the property such as parking arrangements.
The Auction Pack may also contain information on special conditions of sale such as covenants, information on planning permissions, property management information, lease details, and tenancy agreements.
On average it takes about two or three weeks to produce a comprehensive legal pack, though this does depend partly on the speed of the local authority search, which varies from council to council. Costs might be around £300-£400, more for commercial properties. ■
If you are selling a property at auction, an auction pack is a legal requirement. So what’s in the box?
First time buyer or family home mover?
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In these days when we are all becoming more aware of energy conservation and building efficiency, it pays to keep up with the latest guidelines and regulations - in fact, you can get into a lot of trouble if you don’t, particularly if you are a landlord, with potential fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is a building energy survey which shows you how energy efficient the building is, and includes a list of
recommendations on how to improve its energy efficiency. It’s now a legal requirement to have an EPC if you’re selling, leasing or renting a property, but even if you are not selling or renting, it’s worth having an EPC survey to find out how you could reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions.
An EPC will give your property an energy-efficiency grade between A and G, with A being the best - that is the most energy-efficient - and G being the worst. New-build homes tend to have high
EPC ratings, while older homes often have lower ratings of around D or E. The average EPC rating for a home in the UK is D.
The Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill had its second reading in parliament on April 24, 2023. Originally, the Bill proposed that rental properties in the UK with existing tenancies had a deadline of 2025 to achieve a minimum EPC rating of band C. Now it seems that landlords will have more time to get their properties up to standard. »
This property produces
This property’s potential production
3.9 tonnes of CO2
1.7 tonnes of CO2
Properties are rated in a scale from A to G based on how much carbon dioxide (CO2) they produce.
Properties with an A rating produce less CO2 than G rated properties.
6 tonnes of CO2
Rules on letting this property
By making the recommended changes, you could reduce this property’s CO2 emissions by 2.2 tonnes per year This will help to protect the environment.
Environmental impact ratings are based on assumptions about average occupancy and energy use. They may not reflect how energy is consumed by the people living at the property
An average household produces
Properties can be let if they have an energy rating from A to E.
You can read guidance for landlords on the regulations and exemptions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlordguidance) Energy efficiency rating for this property
This property’s current energy rating is D. It has the potential to be B.
See how to improve this property’s energy performance.
The graph shows this property’s current and potential energy efficiency.
Properties are given a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Properties are also given a score. The higher the number the lower your fuel bills are likely to be.
For properties in England and Wales:
average energy rating is D the average energy score is 60
Typical installation cost Typical yearly saving
By following our step by step recommendations you could reduce this property’s energy use and potentially save money Carrying out these changes in order will improve the property’s energy rating and score from D (64) to B (85).
Step
1. Internal or external wall insulation £4,000 - £14,000 £169
£4,000 - £6,000 £29
2. Floor insulation (suspended floor) £800 - £1,200 £39
3. Solar water heating
4. Solar photovoltaic panels £3,500 - £5,500 £334
Paying for energy improvements
You might be able to get a grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgradescheme) This will help you buy a more efficient, low carbon heating system for
The new proposed deadline uses the date originally set specifically for new tenancies, 31st December 2028. Both existing and new tenancy properties will be have to meet this date - if the Bill becomes law, which is some way off.
Still, these EPC requirements could be a major issue for some landlords, particularly pension holders in the Self Invested Pension market, as they may face with the prospect of their pension asset being devalued if the property is unable to meet the minimum rating.
Landlords of residential properties will have a close eye on the proposed increase in the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to C rating from its current E, as this is likely to be introduced for new lettings from 2025/26, and all lettings from 2027/28. This may also apply to commercial landlords.
Mortgage lenders may insist on a C rating as a condition of mortgage offers, and this may be linked to a preferential loan percentage rate. Landlords faced with footing the bill for improvements may even be considering exiting the market rather than paying the costs, but we’ll discuss later on what they could do.
An EPC will give your property an
energy rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and is valid for 10 years, and importantly, you can check any home’s EPC rating through the government’s website. Using the register’s EPC retrieval page, www.epcregister.com, you can search for a property’s energy performance certificate by postcode. This is useful for looking up your own certificate, or for finding the certificate of a property you are considering moving into.
There are several good reasons for having an EPC certificate. The main one is that a survey will help you to lower your energy bills by recommending energy efficient measures to add to your home, reducing energy consumption.
A better EPC rating should also improve the value of your property should you wish to sell, and crucially, it may lower your mortgage through a ‘green’ mortgage scheme. Finally, of course, you will lower your carbon emissions, which will be good for the planet!
So how do you get an EPC? In many cases this can be arranged through your energy supplier, who can also put you in touch with recommended suppliers for measures such as loft insulation or solar energy panels. You can also find an EPC assessor through an estate agent, or through the EPC register’s assessor page.
The most effective ways to improve your EPC include:
Loft insulation - relatively inexpensive and easy to install, loft insulation can prevent energy loss, a great deal of which is often through a building’s roof
Wall insulation - possibly more expensive to install depending on whether the building has cavity or solid walls, but again it can do a great deal to reduce energy loss
Double glazing - draughty windows and doors should be replaced with sealed double- or triple-glazed units, which reduce heat loss and have the side benefit of reducing noise
Fitting solar panels - these can be an efficient source of power, though initial installation cost can be high Replacing inefficient boilers - if you have an old boiler as part of a central heating system, replacing it with a new more efficient device can save energy and money
Secondary heating sources - lossy energy source such as open fireplaces should be replaced with more efficient alternatives such as modern wood-burning stoves
Low-energy lighting - even a smaller change like this that involves no structural alteration can be a cheap, easy way to lower energy bills
Some companies will o er an EPC survey for a fixed price regardless of the size of the property, and will be certified by the TrustMark, the government endorsed quality scheme, so you should be able to rely on their professionalism. An EPC should cost you around £120.
It’s worth getting a quote from your estate agent and a registered surveyor for the survey and energy report. The Scottish government website provides a list of EPCapproved organisations.
There are some variations to requirements for listed buildings, where energy saving measures may not be architecturally appropriate, stated in the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, which gives the foundations for the MEES standards.
If you are buying or renting, it’s the seller’s or landlord’s responsibility to arrange an EPC, but it’s important that you as the buyer or tenant see and understand the certificate. As a buyer you should make sure you receive an EPC from the seller. You can use its recommendations to inform any renovations you might want to carry out, or even to try and negotiate the property price.
The EPC should include the potential cost of undertaking improvements, and
the typical saving over a three-year period; the estimated costs of heating, lighting and hot water a er improvements are made; total potential savings, and the energy performance rating you might receive a er making improvements.
As a seller, it’s a legal requirement to have an energy performance certificate for your home before you sell it. This can be arranged through your estate agent or directly with an EPC provider.
If selling in Scotland, you’ll need a Home Report, which includes an EPC (known as an Energy Report), a house survey and a property questionnaire. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), they should cost between £585 and £820, depending on the size of the home. Homes in Scotland have to display the EPC somewhere in their property, for example by the boiler.
If you’re a buy-to-let landlord, it is now a legal requirement that your property has an EPC rating of E or above before you can take on a new tenant or renew an existing contract. Since 2020, this rule applies to all properties with existing tenancies, too.
Under the proposed changes, by 2028 all rental properties will need to have a C rating. The expense of achieving this may lead to some landlords considering
exiting the market - others may look to specialists who can support portfolio and professional landlords with advice in financing improvements to their existing properties. ■
Newable Finance’s EPC Finance o ers a range of lending solutions to support portfolio and professional landlords with improving their existing properties to gain an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. Once the refurbishment has taken place, Newable Finance can advise on an exit strategy for this loan and source landlords a “green” mortgage which may be cheaper than what would otherwise be available.
Newable Finance can also help landlords who already have properties with an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above, by refinancing their current mortgage to a “green” mortgage with cheaper rates.
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were supportive through the entire sale process and helped me through an incredibly di cult time. I don’t know what I’d have done without them!
One of the main problems with selling a house can be the time it takes - typically nine months from start to finish. What if you need a quick move, say because your job is relocating, you want to avoid repossession, or you don’t want to miss a chance to buy a new property? That’s where cash buyers come in - they can take a property off your hands with an immediate cash offer.
It’s the equivalent of the ‘We Buy Any Car.Com’ idea, but for houses, though there are some restrictions - for instance while you can shift any old banger, even if it’s just for scrap value, selling a house to a cash buyer will have more complex requirements.
Of course there’s a catch, and the catch is that cash buyers will typically offer you less than the market value of the property, maybe 80 percent. But that’s not as much of a disadvantage as it may sound; for instance, by selling your house in what may be as little as a week, you may save on estate agent fees, typically around two percent of the value of the property; solicitor’s fees, which may run to over £1,000; mortgage payments while a conventional sale goes through; Council Tax on the property while it is being sold; and the cost of repairs and clearance before you can move out.
In fact, ‘fast cash’ companies estimate that you can do just as well out of selling to them, as you can by selling through conventional routes, as the savings you make by selling to a cash buyer offset the loss of not getting the full market value in cash. So how does it work? Typically, a
cash buyer will offer you around 80 percent of the market valuation if searches show that there are no issues in relation to the property or its title, and when the property is in ‘grade A’ condition, of standard construction, and located in an area with average or above market conditions.
A cash buyer will normally guarantee that there will be no hidden costs to the process, that they will cover the costs of all legal fees, and that they can make a cash
offer often in as little as 24 hours, with the sale process completed typically within one week.
The prospect can look enticing when the alternative is to be caught in a chain or face a long selling process. Do your research into any company making you a cash offer, and make sure any valuation is conducted by a RICS surveyor or several estate agents, and the cash buying route may work for you. ■
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In most cases a conventional domestic insurance policy will not be adequate if you are a landlord, letting property furnished or unfurnished. For the myriad of special claims which can arise, it’s essential that you have a specialist insurance policy in place.
The main reason is that a landlord insurance policy covers your legal liabilities as a landlord, and the possibility of you losing income, and well as protection to property and contents.
You should be able to get landlord insurance on pretty much any kind of property, even when it is empty, and should be able to expand the policy as you add more properties to your portfolio. Your landlord insurance consultant will work with a panel of insurance companies to ensure that cover is tailored to your needs.
Another way in which landlord insurance is different to conventional domestic cover is that it should include Loss of Rent or Alternative Accommodation costs, such as if your property suffers a claim resulting in your tenants having to move out of the property, or if your tenants simply stop paying their rent.
Landlord insurance will also provide ‘Landlord’s Liability’ or ‘Public Liability’, which will cover you if a third party (including your tenants) suffers injury or loss on the premises. An example would be if a tenant tripped over a loose carpet. Fire is usually covered as a separate insured peril, so even if your standard policy excludes accidental or malicious damage, you would still be protected in the event of a fire.
When obtaining quotes for your landlord insurance you are likely to be asked for the rebuild/reinstatement sum insured for the property. This shouldn’t be confused with the market value, as the rebuild sum insured should include costs to rebuild your property in a scenario of total loss, such as a fire. This should include debris removal, legal fees, and materials and labour. You may find your rebuild sum insured in a survey report of the property, or you can hire a surveyor to establish it.
To find landlord insurance you can go direct to an insurer, or through a broker, who will probably have exclusive deals with wholesale insurers that cannot be accessed by the general public. A good broker will also act in your best interests when you need to make a claim, using their expert knowledge to support your cause. ■
When insuring a property, landlords have more to think about than domestic customers. What are the crucial points to cover?
With the news that the Skipton Building Society is o ering first-time property buyers a 100 percent mortgage, you might think that firsttime buyers eager to get on the property ladder would be rejoicing that there was an alternative to finding a he y deposit to obtain a mortgage. But is the time right for the return to the market of 100% mortgages, which haven’t been generally available since before the financial crash of 2008?
Although it’s notoriously hard for firsttime buyers to find a ordable properties, the traditional 90 or 95 percent mortgage, which leaves buyers having to find a he y deposit, is only part of the problem – the main problem, everyone admits, is the shortage of a ordable properties.
The economic crash of 2007-10 was caused partly by a collapse in the American property market, where overconfident lenders, certain that property values would continue to rise and that buyers would always be good for their loans, overextended and were caught out by the ‘credit crunch’. As more and more borrowers defaulted on mortgages they could no longer a ord to repay, the lenders went into meltdown.
The assumption of o ering a 100 percent mortgage, the whole value of the property for sale, must be that prices will always continue to rise and that borrowers will always be good for their loans. The danger is that if prices fall, or borrowers lose their incomes, they are caught in ‘negative equity’, where the value of their property is less than the amount they owe, so they can’t pay their mortgage, and
they can’t a ord to sell. The result is an increase in repossessions and problems for the lenders.
The Skipton’s o er of 95 percent or 100 percent mortgages comes with a relatively high interest rate of 5.49 percent for a fixed term of five years, compared to an average 5.35 percent guaranteed for two years. Skipton buyers will be able to borrow up to 4.49x their income up to a maximum total loan of £600,000, and a maximum term of 35 years. The mortgage is open to all firsttime buyers who currently rent and pass the lender’s a ordability criteria.
Charlotte Harrison of Skipton said: “People trapped in renting is one of the UK’s biggest housing challenges, having a massive impact on the fabric of our society. With escalating rents and the cost-of-living squeeze further impacting people’s ability to save for a house deposit – it’s making it almost impossible for people get onto the property ladder.
“We recognise there’s a clear gap in the market for people who have a strong history of making rental payments over a period of time and can evidence a ordability of a mortgage – but there is currently no solution for them to buy a property due to lack of savings or access to family wealth. It is time for a re-think on these massive barriers to home ownership, and we’re proud to take the lead on bringing to the market, solutions for such a massive social problem.”
She added that the Track Record Mortgage product has been created with potential risks in mind, including concerns around negative equity.
According to Skipton, there are 4.6million households renting privately in England, more than double the number in 2000. Four out of five tenants say they feel trapped in the rental cycle, paying rents that are higher than a mortgage and which prevent them saving a deposit to buy their own home. At the same time house prices for first time buyers have risen by an average of 18 per cent in the last two years, an increase of £39,680.
Applicants for the Skipton mortgage will need to show a credit score, plus evidence of a minimum of a 12 months good track record rental history. As an example, based on the average rent of £1,290 a month, an applicant could borrow up to £240,509 for a 100 per cent mortgage at an interest rate of 5.49 per cent over a 35-year term.
Skipton is Britain’s fourth biggest mutual, and says it is ensuring the monthly mortgage payment for each applicant is not more than the average of their last six months rental costs that they have paid.
But co-founder and CEO of Wayhome, Nigel Purves, commented: “Although the reintroduction of 100% mortgages will no doubt be welcomed by those struggling with the high cost of home ownership, it’s important that anyone considering such a product fully
understands the approval process they will be subject to.
“While the concept of purchasing a home without a deposit is attractive, the income multiplier associated with mortgages would still limit the purchasing power of those with lower incomes.
“What’s more, there’s a very real risk of buyers falling into negative equity should property values start to fall. Given the unsettled market conditions seen in recent months, such a change in the market is far from out of the question and could see buyers lumbered with their property and unable to remortgage until such a time that market values recover.
“Rather than loading people up with
more debt and negative equity risk, those who are truly serious about solving the housing crisis should be looking at alternative approaches that can solve the problem in a sustainable way that is accessible to more people.”
Research by specialist property lending experts Octane Capital has shown that first-time buyers opting for a 100% mortgage in the current market face a monthly mortgage repayment some £369 a month higher than those purchasing with just a 15% deposit – an additional £4,425 per year. The research shows that, based on the current first-time buyer house »
There’s a very real risk of buyers falling into negative equity should property values start to fall... such a change is far from out of the question
price of £238,742 across Britain, the average first-time buyer securing a traditional mortgage with a deposit of 15% is placing £35,811 upfront.
This means they require a loan of £202,931, and at the current average rate of 4.22%, this equates to a full monthly repayment of £1,096 per month, or £714 for those making an interest-only payment. In contrast, those opting for Skipton’s 100% mortgage at a rate of 5.49% would be facing a full monthly repayment of £1,465, or £1,092 for an interest-only payment.
Those making a full monthly repayment would pay £369 more per month for a 100% mortgage, versus those who have placed a 15% deposit. That’s an additional £4,425 over the space of a year.
CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “For many firsttime buyers, a 100% mortgage probably sounds too good to be true and this is unfortunately the case. If you do pass the strict lending criteria, you will find yourself very limited in terms of what you can buy, not to mention the fact you’ll pay substantially more for the pleasure.
“It may sound tempting for those who are saving tirelessly in order to accumulate a deposit, but as our research shows, you are far better off sticking with it than being tempted into a 100% loan to value mortgage product and paying a far higher price in the long run.
“What’s more, placing a deposit and borrowing less also leaves you far less susceptible to the risks of negative equity
compared to those who are borrowed up to the eyeballs.”
The Skipton says that by basing its loan qualification on more than a simple income multiplier it is taking potential risk onboard; but checking whether rent has been paid on time or the borrower has been in steady employment is no guarantee of future reliability, or of the performance of the property market.
Other 100 per cent mortgages are available, but they normally rely on the requirement of having family or friends as a guarantor.
As the property market fluctuates, it seems that going for a 100 percent mortage may be a gamble for many. ■
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When you are applying for a mortgage, one of the things your lender will take into account is your credit score. There are three main credit reference agencies (CRAs) - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – all of which will keep information about you gleaned from sources such as your bank, credit card issuer, or finance company, as well as public records such as property or court records. CRAs may hold data on:
h Your name, current address and previous addresses from the past six years
h Whether you’re registered on the electoral roll
h How many accounts you’ve had in the past six years, and when they were opened
h Your regular payments, including any missed or late payments
h How much credit is available to you, and how much of it you use
h Who you’re financially associated with (e.g. someone you have a joint mortgage with)
h Whether you’ve had a default, Count Court Judgement, IVA or bankruptcy in the past six years
You can see what data a CRA holds on you by checking your Credit Report online –this is refreshed every 4-6 weeks when the CRA gets updates from companies. A potential mortgage lender will consult one or these credit agencies when considering your application for a loan.
Companies don’t always need your consent to do a search on you, but they must have a legitimate reason for doing so (e.g. you’ve applied for a loan with them). They can choose to do a ‘soft’ search, or a ‘hard’ search which reveals more information. According to which CRA they use, and what
other information you supply about your situation, the lender will make a decision on whether to grant you a loan. If you get refused credit, it’s best to ask the company why, as only they know the reason. Typically a credit score ranges from 0-999, with a ‘good’ score to be anywhere between 881 and 960, with ‘fair’ or average between 721 and 880. But what if your credit score is poor, maybe due to having no credit history, failing to make repayments on time, having been declared bankrupt or having CCJs against you?
A specialist in dealing with adverse credit can help you regardless of your credit score or financial circumstances, by developing bespoke mortgage solutions that fit your budget and financial goals. Whether you need credit score repair, help with defaults, CCJs, debt management or missed payments, a specialist in bespoke financial services for adverse credit will help you dig your way out of that hole. ■
and prepare for the future...
help you understand and prepare for the future...
With over 25 years experience, we focus on ensuring our clients are up to date and in the know.
With over 25 years experience, we focus on ensuring our clients are up to date and in the know.
We are Independent whole of market Mortgage & Protection Advisors.
We are Independent whole of market Mortgage & Protection Advisors.
As one of the leading Mortgage Advisors in the UK, we have a range of specialists who can help you with everything, from first time home buyers to experienced Property Portfolio Owners.
As one of the leading Mortgage Advisors in the UK, we have a range of specialists who can help you with everything, from first time home buyers to experienced Property Portfolio Owners.
Types of Clients we assist ;
First time Buyers
Home Movers
Home Movers
Re-mortgages
Re-mortgages
Buy to Let for Individuals
Buy to Let for Individuals
Buy to Let for Limited Companies
Buy to Let for Limited Companies
Buy to Let Portfolio
Buy to Let Portfolio
Commercial, Development
Commercial, Development
Bridging Finance
Bridging Finance
Financial Protection
Financial Protection
4th Floor, Sunshine House 7 Cutler Street, London, E1 7DJ
Some of our client feedback:
Some of our client feedback:
"A great company to work with. Very friendly and professional with knowledgeable staff."
"A great company to work with. Very friendly and professional with knowledgeable staff."
"Amazing service, got my mortgage offer in 5 days. A big thank you"
"Amazing service, got my mortgage offer in 5 days. A big thank you"
"Can't thank Intra Mortgage Solutions enough. The whole process was seamless from start to finish"
"Can't thank Intra Mortgage Solutions enough. The whole process was seamless from start to finish"
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Please scan for full 'Contact Details'
The mortgage market can be complicated, and different rules apply according to your property plans. So where do you look for mortgage advice?
The type of mortgage you apply for will differ according to the type of property you want to purchase, your intended use for it, your financial situation and many other factors, so you may well need a mortgage broker to give you advice on what sort of mortgage you need and what conditions must be met. A broker will also be able to shop around for deals on your behalf, and will have access to offers you may not find on your own. So, what are the main kinds of mortgage and how do they differ?
h A residential mortgage is the most common and, in some ways, the most straightforward type. You are borrowing money to buy a place to live, to move, or to pay for an existing property at a more favourable rate (re-mortgaging). You may need to pay anything from 5 percent to 30 percent of the value of the property as a deposit, and the repayment term of a residential mortgage is typically 25-30
years. Special deals may be available for first-time buyers, shared ownership schemes and right-to-buy mortgages.
h A buy-to-let mortgage is for when you want to buy a property to rent out, usually as an investment. The rules here are a lot different to those for residential mortgages. Deposits may be higher, and most buy-to-let mortgages are provided on an interest-only basis, so for each month of the mortgage term, you’ll only pay the interest on the loan, and none of the capital. This can minimise your monthly outgoings, but means you need a plan in place to pay off the full loan or refinance at the end of your mortgage term.
h A foreign national mortgage is a property loan that allows people to buy a home in a country that they weren’t originally born in. One of the main criteria for a typical British mortgage is that the
borrower needs to have been a UK resident for two or three years. It also helps to have a good credit score and to be prepared to pay a large deposit.
h A commercial mortgage is similar to a residential one, but secured on a commercial property such as a shop or factory. Commercial mortgages are usually offered with a maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV) of 80 percent for an owner-occupied mortgage or 75 percent for a commercial investment, which means you will need a deposit of between 20 percent and 40 percent.
A final mortgage category is the ‘large loan’, which might apply if you are buying a large property. If you are a high net worth individual, a mortgage broker might be able to secure you a large loan at favourable rates through a private bank rather than the normal High Street lenders. ■
Stamp Duty Land Tax, usually known just as Stamp Duty, is a tax levied on buyers of land, property and rights over property such as leases. Since 2003, when the regulations were simplified and clarified, it’s a bit less complicated than it was; but there’s still plenty of scope for confusion, as not all such purchases attract Stamp Duty.
The rules on which transactions do and don’t can be rather ba ling, and depend on many factors, such as:
Whether the land or property is for residential or non-residential use
How much you paid for the land
Whether you are an individual, a company, or a partnership
Whether you are a UK or overseas resident
Why you bought the property and whether you have made any related purchases
Normally, Stamp Duty must be paid within 30 days of a transaction being completed, but depending on how you pay for the property, you may have to pay Stamp Duty in several separate transactions. This is normally handled by your solicitor who will deal with HMRC on your behalf.
There are ways to reduce Stamp Duty liability by applying for certain reliefs or exemptions, which your conveyancing solicitor should be able to advise you on. But HMRC estimates that over £2 billion in Stamp Duty is overpaid each year, o en because legal professionals have made mistakes when filing a return on your behalf. If it can be proved that an overpayment of Stamp Duty has been made, you can make a claim for repayment.
There is a small catch here, in that to reclaim an overpayment from HMRC there is usually a deadline of 12 months and 14 days from the date the Stamp Duty was paid. There are some extreme circumstances in which the deadline can be extended up to four years and 14 days, but if you are too late to claim against HMRC, your best bet would be to bring a court case against your professional advisor, if their advice or work was negligent and caused you to overpay.
You can also qualify for repayment of the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for additional properties if you sell what was previously your main home, but normally you must have sold your previous main residence within three years of buying the new property to qualify for a refund. Consult a specialist promptly if you think you have a claim to make. ■
What’s the big mystery about conveyancing? No-one except experts seems to understand what it is or why it’s necessary, but you will certainly come across the term if you are buying or selling a property. The fact is that you can do your own conveyancing, but as they say about murder trials, the man who defends himelf, defends a fool; conveyancing is best le to the experts because it’s their job to protect your interests in property transactions.
Conveyancing is the legal procedure used to buy and sell a property, designed to make sure that at the end of the transaction, all legal requirements have been taken care of and both parties are protected against possible legal action.
The most common terms you will
hear in connection with a conveyancing transaction are Exchange and Completion. ‘Exchange’ is the exchange of contracts that makes the transaction legally binding between the parties, and Completion is the agreed upon date when the parties physically move.
The conveyancing process can take anything from six to 14 weeks, depending on whether the property is freehold, leasehold, or a new build. During the process, the buyer’s solicitor will raise enquiries on subjects such as the legal title to the property, documents supplied by the seller, or issues raised by legal searches submitted on the property. These issues are dealt with between the buyer’s and sellers’ solicitors and aid in the decisionmaking process.
As part of the conveyancing process, a survey reporting on the physical condition of the property is usually carried out by the mortgage provider. This will cover areas such as local authority permissions, water and drainage, environmental, and chancel repair liability (a requirement to contribute towards the costs of local church repairs. Yes, despite Henry VIII’s best e orts, this still exists in some parishes).
The survey can be carried out to various levels - a basic ‘home buyer’s’, a complete structural, or a valuation survey. A complete structural survey is only required on properties in need of significant restoration.
Another check carried out by the conveyancing solicitor is for covenants,
legally binding promise attached to the land. These could include restrictions on alterations to the property, requirements not to park caravans or commercial vehicles on the property, not to erect satellite dishes, not to cause a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours, limitations on the number and/or type of animals that can be kept at the property, and so on. As the buyer, you should be aware of any covenants attached to the land so that you can ensure you comply with them during your ownership.
Your case manager may also identify defects such as missing title documents with the land registry or absent planning or building regulation certificates.
Another vital part of the conveyancing process is that the conveyancing solicitor usually holds a deposit of 10 percent of the purchase price from the buyer, to compensate the seller if the buyer fails to complete financially. Following exchange but before completion, the conveyancing solicitor supplies a final statement of account showing the balance of funds required to complete. Once these are cleared the conveyancing process can proceed to completion.
It is sometimes possible if you are
selling or buying a property with or without a mortgage to manage exchange and completion within seven days, though there is usually an additional charge for this from the conveyancing solicitor because of the large amount of work that needs to be done in a short time. It’s also sometimes possible to exchange and complete on the same day, though again this will usually involve an additional charge.
AML
The conveyancing solicitor is also required to carry out checks under the Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulations. For instance, if any amount of money is being contributed to the cost of buying a property that is not from the buyers themselves, these “gi ” or “third party” funds have to be checked for AML purposes, and this too could involve a charge.
In most cases, original documents such as bank statements and identity documents have to be supplied to support this process - photocopies and scans are o en not accepted. Again it is the job of the conveyancing solicitor to obtain and verify these documents, so it’s best to disclose if this is to be the case early in the transaction to avoid last-minute delays. ■
In Scotland, a solicitor will be the first point of contact for someone planning to sell, and as the Scottish contracts system is di erent from that in England, the contract is usually completed quickly. Solicitors’ firms which are also estate agents are usually members of Solicitors and Property Centres, which have showrooms which advertise available properties from members.
In Scotland, solicitors play a more prominent role in selling homes, many also acting as estate agents, so they can take responsibility for marketing, managing initial transactions, sourcing documentation, negotiating the contract on the seller’s behalf with the buyer’s solicitor, finalising the contract, including checking the title deeds, carrying out land register searches, drawing up the missives (contracts) and agreeing the date the transaction is completed, known as ‘settlement’.
Why do you need a conveyancing solicitor or lawyer?
The services of a conveyancing solicitor or lawyer is required for several reasons. They assist in obtaining important searches that provide key information about the property being purchased, carefully review all documents sent by the seller’s solicitor and raise key legal questions on behalf of the buyer. They act in the best interests of both the buyer and also the lender if a mortgage is involved.
Searches are a crucial part of the conveyancing process. They provide key information about the property, such as planning applications, drainage, and environmental issues, which can really help a buyer make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the transaction. Mortgage lenders typically require at least a local search and water and drainage search.
What could happen without searches: You could find out later that there is planning permission for a nightclub or school in the area which could hugely impact your enjoyment of the property and area. You may also find out that you are partly liable for the maintenance and upkeep of the local church.
It is advisable to have either a homebuyer or a full structural survey. A survey provides detailed information about the property and can uncover potential issues that may need to be assessed further before proceeding with the purchase.
What could happen without a survey: You may find out later that there are a number of issues that need to be remedied and you will have this unexpected financial expenditure. There could be structural damage or damp works required which can be extremely expensive.
The legal due diligence stage of the conveyancing process involves a thorough analysis of all documents sent by the seller's solicitor. The solicitor acting on behalf of the buyer will raise key legal questions and seek clarity on issues such as the capacity in which the seller is selling the property, whether key documents referred to are provided, if the covenants have been observed and if all details of the transaction are correct on the contract.
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What could happen if enquiries are not raised: You move into your new home in the winter only to find out that the boiler needs replacing and you have no heating. Your ownership of the property cannot be registered as there are restrictions on the legal title preventing this from being completed.
What is the extra layer of investigation required in a leasehold purchase?
It is essential to review the terms of the lease and advise you on the rights and obligations associated with the property, such as the length of the lease, restrictions on what you can and can’t do at the property, and any ground rent or service charge obligations. A leasehold property enquiries form will reveal any arrears on the ground rent or service charge and investigate any disputes between the leaseholders and the freeholder or managing agent.
What could happen if this information is not reviewed: You may want to make alterations to the property, such as wooden flooring, but your lease restricts you from doing this.
When a solicitor or lawyer acts for both the buyer and the lender in a property transaction, they have a duty to act in the best interests of both parties. This duty extends to ensuring that the property has a good and marketable title and provides adequate security for the loan offered by the lender.
When purchasing through a company, it is important to investigate the individuals behind the company, register the mortgage at Companies House and consider higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax.
What are the laws and regulations regarding my source of my funds?
Solicitors and Lawyers have a legal obligation to carry out due diligence on their clients to comply with the money laundering regulations. This includes verifying their client's identity and address and investigating and obtaining evidence for their source of the funds being used for the purchase. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in sanctions and severe consequences for the solicitor or Lawyer and you.
What if I wish to buy with someone?
Co-ownership of a property can be held as beneficial Joint Tenants or beneficial Tenants in Common, with Joint Tenants having the survivorship rule where the surviving co-owner takes over the property upon the death of the other. Tenants in Common can often hold different ownership shares in the property that can be dealt with in accordance with the will of each owner. It is recommended to enter into a Declaration of Trust to outline each co-owner's interest in the property and avoid potential disputes.
What could happen without clear provisions: Your parents gift you £50,000.00 as a deposit towards your purchase and when you decide to sell, the person you purchased the property with can claim that they are entitled to half of your parent’s money. We recommend all parties take advice.
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Savvy landlords know that one of the smartest ways to avoid disputes with tenants is to have an accurate inventory of the contents and fittings of a property. This can avoid time-consuming and expensive disputes about deposits and damage to fixtures and fittings of a short- or long-term property rental.
Tenants will normally expect to have a written inventory of the contents and fitting of the property, but it’s a time-consuming and unreliable system to simply go around the property taking written notes. Having a professional company do the inventory for you will take this responsibility off your hands, and will make sure that you have third party backing in the case of any possible dispute.
It sounds easy to list of all the contents, components and conditions of a property, from fixtures and fittings to cutlery and kitchenware, but the condition of an item isn’t necessarily covered by a bare description, so many inventories are now accompanied by a photographic or even
video record. Digital photography makes this very easy, and also makes it simple to date-stamp images.
The inventory report helps a landlord prove his case in any claim for damage or loss, making the process of claiming through an adjudicator that much smoother. This is particularly important if the claim against the tenant exceeds the amount of their deposit.
When compiling the inventory, or having it done by a professional, the key is detail; common mistakes are to list items without describing them or their condition fully, basing descriptions on opinion rather than fact, failing to cover all the property’s rooms or contents, or failing to mention aspects of condition such as cleanliness.
Once the inventory is compiled it’s essential to get the tenant to countersign it and to provide them with a copy.
App-based software makes the job of doing an inventory yourself much easier, taking in still images, videos and notes. If you turn the job over to a professional inventory clerk, you have the added advantage of experienced advice about the inventory process, and an extra layer of professional evidence should there be any dispute.
A professional inventory clerk will be covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance, and many are members of the ARLA Propertymark Inventories or the AIIC (Association of Independent Inventory Clerks). It’s still worth asking to see a sample report so you can be sure of the quality you can expect before commissioning the inventory. ■
When a property is up for sale, it’s common for the buyer to commission a property survey with the aim of identifying any problems or issues with the fabric of the property and any possible legal concerns with the sale. While this can work well for the buyer, allowing them to negotiate a lower sale price if any problems are detected, it can o en come as an unpleasant shock for the seller, who may have to drop the sale price by thousands of pounds.
A good way for the seller to avoid these problems is to commission their own home condition report before the question of sale arises. A RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Level 1 Survey Report will give sellers a practical assessment of the condition of the property, rating di erent areas with a ‘tra ic light’ system and drawing attention to areas in need of work. By identifying stumbling blocks to a sale in advance, home condition report
can save money in the long run, flagging up areas in need of attention before conditions deteriorate further.
Even if the seller chooses not to go ahead with amelioration work, being able to state that the problems have been identified and taken into account when valuing the property o ers a level of transparency which makes it harder for the buyer to try to renegotiate the price or even to back out of the sale.
So what areas are commonly covered by a RICS report? They can include:
General structural condition of the property
Areas of movement
Dampness
Drainage
Rainwater pipes and gutters
Timber defects
Insulation
Condensation
Roof structure
Windows and doors
External walls
Services (electricity, gas, drainage, water, heating)
Party walls
Mundic (deterioration in concrete due to use of aggregate)
Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species
Radon gas levels
Environmental issues
Health and safety issues
In a basic form, this sort of survey will establish whether a property is habitable; assuming so, it will identify issues impacting on saleability or potential value, and can estimate the costs of repair works. Your RICS surveyor will be able to talk through issues arising and give advice on the direction to take immediately or in the longer term.
You can find out more about the RICS standard survey at www.rics.org ■
A home condition report can highlight problems before you come to sell your home, and save you money in the long term
Enjoy the benefits of optimised thermal efficiencies
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to increased respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, headaches, and allergies.
It can also contribute to poor sleep quality and fatigue due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other pollutants within the home.
Improving indoor air quality with proper ventilation, insulation and filtration, as well as maintenance of HVAC equipment, will reduce this burden and lead to lower utility bills over time.
Any deterioration of the external façade such as render or cladding, may start to allow water to penetrate into the construction. Water penetration and damp saturation can unfortunately saturate walls and insulation to create the ideal conditions for black spot mould to grow and spread, as well as significantly reducing the thermal efficiency of your home.
Improve air quality
Reduce energy costs
Maximise thermal efficiency in your home
Reduce your energy cost and maximise your property’s thermal efficiency with insulation bespoke to your needs (e.g. location, house direction, and property age).
To ensure there are no health risks related to your home, and optimise your property’s energy costs, get in contact with Steren Surveyors today for a personalised investigation.
According to bespoke furniture maker Neville Johnson (www.nevillejohnson.co.uk), the latest interior storage trend for busy homes is the ‘family boot room’. Well, maybe if you have vast tracts of land and a home to match! If you have a large family, or a busy home, having a space which offers a dedicated area to take shoes and coats is essential, and as it’s one of the first things you see when entering your property, making sure it’s stylish, sophisticated, and functional is key. Neville Johnson’s bespoke bootroom is painted in the trending, tranquil colour of 2023 – light green. The opal shade, which according to online data has seen a 213% sales increase since the pandemic, proves homeowners are keen to wave goodbye to neutrals and bring the outdoors in. The bootroom features closed cabinetry allowing larger items such as coats to be stored away and concealed, paired with open shelving for easy access to shoes, and integrated seating providing an aesthetic area to rest legs after a long walk, placed below decorative hooks for hanging your most needed items. A shelf sits above to provide a designated spot for decorative interior touches and indoor plants, making the design uniquely yours. Prices start from £3,000. “Qualities of a boot room can be configured to any space” says Neville Johnson: “Bespoke storage with a dedicated purpose means you can incorporate a ‘mini’ boot room in hallways, small alcoves or as part of your utility room.”
Drawing from the inspiration of shores, beaches and warmer climes, coastal trends have become a popular aesthetic for homeowners looking to connect with the outdoors. With all the looks of coastal boardwalks without the worry of splinters, wood-effect floors from www.quick-step.co.uk can add an authentic weatherworn calm to bedroom zones. Pair with light neutral tones and nautical inspired soft furnishing layers for a welcoming look. Cork lends itself perfectly for creating subtle finishes on floors and walls, while for homeowners looking for a quick transformation, accessories can play a key part in setting the tone. Choose from aqua or nautical blues for a nod towards retro coastal styles. Indian block-printed fabric cushions can be used singularly or mixed and matched for a bold maximalist look. The use of natural sisal fibres provides a sustainable and hardwearing solution for hallways and stairs, while a choice of tones allows homeowners to opt for light, warm or cool themes.
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Established in 1996, UAP specialises in locks and hardware for doors and windows. With a reputation for innovation and quality, UAP’s unrivalled product range can meet standard and bespoke requirements.
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If you’re looking to improve your home security, a smart door lock should be at the top of your list. Thanks to advances in technology, the latest smart locks are more secure and flexible than ever before. Here, UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, explains everything you need to know.
A smart lock provides keyless entry into your home. This can be achieved in various ways, including a smartphone App, fob or keypad.
There are various smart locks on the market and not all often the same level of security. It’s important to do your research to check for any vulnerabilities before making your choice. Thankfully, the most recent smart locks have been
manufactured to avoid any hacking risks. The IONIC electronic lock is one of them, offering the most advanced security encryption on the market. The IONIC fobs can’t be cloned, and the fob codes can’t be stolen by intercepting the signal in the same way thieves target keyless cars. The IONIC smartphone App requires Face recognition to access and also enables the user to see who has opened the door.
A smart lock such as the IONIC doesn’t just rely on a smartphone. The lock can also be opened using a fob, a push button on the inside, a thumb turn, or an override key if there is an emergency.
The IONIC can be installed on timber, composite and
“IONIC IS STRAIGHTFORWARD TO USE. ONE OF THE GREAT POSITIVES OF IT IS THE FULLEX-AI APP, WHICH IS EASY TO SET UP AND GET STARTED. I CAN USE THE APP TO GRANT MY DOGWALKER TEMPORARY OR REGULAR ACCESS, WHICH MEANS ROXY GETS WALKED WHILE I’M AT WORK. I CAN SEE WHAT TIME MY DOGWALKER ARRIVES AND WHAT TIME THEY LEAVE THANKS TO THE LOG OF EVENTS ON THE APP, AND I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE DOOR NOT BEING LOCKED AS IONIC AUTOLOCKS THE DOOR.”
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aluminium doors and with a vast range of door handles, including the popular lever on rose.
The IONIC is powered using a wireless unit, which fits easily to a door frame and connects to a control unit. Customers can either use a USB wire with a plug or a power pack to charge the lock via this system. If there was a power cut, a charged lock can operate for up to four weeks without a power supply.
Most smart locks are designed to maximise flexibility and convenience with the option of adding several users. This can be particularly beneficial
for homeowners that rent their properties via Airbnb for example.
The IONIC can be provided with up to 16 fobs for each lock and each user added to the App. Time-limited access can also be set up for tradespeople, cleaners or carers.
An electronic lock like the IONIC can be set up with a WI-FI bridge to enable access remotely, from anywhere in the world. Without the WIFI bridge, the App must be within around 12ft of the lock.
The IONIC is quick and easy to install, taking only approximately 30 minutes longer than a normal door installation.
Your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry, so it’s essential to have doors and windows that are as secure as pos sible.
There are many ways to make sure your home is well protected, and smart technology is now making it easier to organise a security system which keeps your home really safe.
It’s a good idea to start with a locksmith belonging to the Master Locksmiths Association who can check to see if your door is secure and made of solid timber or a robust composite. A locksmith can arrange to reinforce the frame and check if the locks and hinges are British Standard approved.
Sliding patio doors are particularly vulnerable to forced entry, so do check that yours have an anti-lift device fitted so they
can’t be lifted out of the frame. Some uPVC doors are fitted with locks that protrude from the frame on the outside, known as Euro profile locks - ask your locksmith to exchange these for models with a shorter profile which can’t be snapped off.
If you are fitting a new door, choose security accredited products tested to British standards and approved by the insurance industry. Talk to your locksmith about standard PAS 24 2022.
Building managers responsible for flats situated within larger blocks should familiarise themselves with up-to-date fire safety requirements prior to making any changes to front doors.
If your door is not in good condition, replace it with one at least 44 millimetres thick, which will allow for a mortise lock
to be fitted. In the meantime, if your door is thinner than 44 millimetres, fit a rim deadlock. If you do not have a mortise deadlock on exterior doors your home may be more at risk. Mortise deadlocks should conform to BS3621 or the new BS EN 12209 standards.
There are various types of locks to fit wood, metal and PVC-framed windows. Make sure the lock is fitted correctly and in a position where it’s effective.
Hinge bolts are recommended for doors that open outward - they should be located 100 to 150 millimetres below the top and bottom hinges.
If you have a letterbox in your front door, make sure that it is not near the lock of your door, especially if you have a habit of leaving your keys in the lock. A burglar could easily slip their hand through a letterbox and unlock the door.
Established in 1996, UAP specialises in locks and hardware for doors and windows. With a reputation for innovation and quality, UAP’s unrivalled product range can meet standard and bespoke requirements.
Homeowners can choose from more than 3,500 competitively priced product lines, ranging from door knockers, letterplates and handles through to security items for windows and doors.
UAP’s latest innovation is an advanced, ultra-secure electronic door lock, designed and tested in the UK. Launched following five years of research and development, the IONIC maximises security and convenience for homeowners and can be installed on timber, aluminium, and composite doors. Simple to use, the IONIC can be operated using a smartphone app, a fob, a push-button on the inside of the door, a thumb turn, or an override key in an emergency. Improving aesthetics, the lock can also be fitted with a wide variety of door handles, including lever-on-rose.
https://uapcorporate.com
French doors should be fitted with either mortise rack bolts (bolts fitted within the door and operated internally by a threaded key) or surface-mounted locking bolts (push to lock, key to open). Make sure they are rigid on installation.
There are many domestic CCTV systems on the market to help you protect your home and your household members. This includes video doorbells that can help you know who or what is at your door. If you are thinking of fitting one, you must make sure you do so in a way that respects other people’s privacy.
A ‘smart’ lock is a modern and flexible security measure, providing keyless entry into your home using a smartphone app, fob or keypad within a range of a few meters. The most advanced types of smart locks offer security encryption to
prevent hacking, their fob signals cannot be intercepted, and their fobs can’t be cloned. Some apps, for instance, implement face recognition, though in emergencies, they can be over-ridden using a fob, a push button on the inside of the door, or an override key if there is an emergency.
Smart locks can be installed on a wide range of door types and handles, and are usually powered by a wireless unit which fits to the door frame and connects to a control unit, charged via USB. In case of a power cut, the control unit allows the smart lock to operate for several hours.
The flexibility of smart locks lies in the way they can be programmed to add users. This is particularly useful for homeowners who rent out their property. You can also usually use an app to set time-limited access, for instance for tradespeople or carers, or access the smart lock remotely using wi-fi. ■
Thermoguard paint products provide the most e ective protection for risks from fire, smoke and toxic gas.
Thermoguard paints are concentrated to ensure full protection and high standard redecoration can be achieved in fewer coats, to protect people in your buildings with a similar cost, and far less disruption or waste than if using typical wall and ceiling paints.
They are supplied via a network of 350+ UK-owned decorators’ merchants with committed, experienced and professional sales and counter sta able to guide your choice, and serve your needs and best interests.
The Building Regulations (Fire) Doc B now emphasises the greatest risk to life and long-term health in fire are from toxic gas and smoke.
The paint commonly applied along escape routes in major buildings emits significant levels of a toxic gas in a fire. Laboratory testing shows gas from these and all other common types of wall paint are suppressed to the safe level S1 with one coat of Thermoguard SFR Dualcoat.
In major buildings, extreme natural or artificial ventilation is mandated along escape routes unless only low smoke paints have ever been used, or total smoke control paints are used.
Risk of surface spread of flame is created when multiple layers of significantly di erent paint types are applied over one another a er each has aged over several years. Stress created in a fire risks delamination of unprotected layers of di erent paints aged between coats.
The di iculty in properly cleaning and abrading heavily textured inert or low-reaction fire paints also causes severe delamination risk.
In either case, when delaminating in a fire, these paint layers rapidly catch and spread fire. Eighty percent of these can be protected to the safest Class B s1 d0 with one coat of Smoke & Flame Retardant Dualcoat or SafeCeilings Onecoat. The remaining 20 percent first need a coat of fast-action Insulating Basecoat .
Building Regulations stress the major improvement in fire protection of the fairly recent BS EN “Real-World” Reaction to Fire protection Class B in place of old Class 0, the testing kit for which was fatally flawed by preventing air flows inevitable in fire.
Although, strangely, unlimited smoke (s3 and Class 0) are permitted at present, the safest fire standards for surfaces are BS EN’s Class B Fire Intensity and S1 near-zero smoke.
Though not mandated for private dwellings, it makes sense when possible to protect halls and stairways, provided that the fire paint needs fewer coats than normal paints.
It’s worth dispelling some myths around paint stripping which can be needlessly costly, counterproductive, and disruptive or neglecting to use fire protection paint.
1. Exceeding 10 coats of paint creates no need to strip, whatever the type or combination of internal wall paints unless loose. A comprehensive test programme at a UKAS-approved Fire Test Lab showed one coat of two concentrated fire protection paints protect 18 > 24 coats to Class B s1 d0 with as wide a safety margin as when protecting nine.
2. On the rare occasions paint needs stripping back to a bare plaster or rendered wall (loose paint caused by previous painting in bad conditions or omitting preparation) there is no need to apply fire paint for the first three decorations.
3. If paint is applied over dirt, applying another coat of fire paint does not make it safe.
4. Class 0 and s3 smoke do not “future-proof” critical area fire protection beyond the time safety takes priority over commercial interests. Class B s1 d0 does, while Class B s2 d0 is likely to do so for wood-based wall or ceiling linings.
5. Laboratory examination of paint flakes cannot measure surface spread of flame without the heating of painted walls to 200°C, which is dangerous and impractical.
The actual answers are simple.
● After successful 2 mins on-site adhesion tests, check for mixed oil based and emulsion paints
● If no - 1 well applied coat of high fire protection finish paint alone
● If yes – apply the finish over a fast-reaction insulating basecoat
● At completion, a manufacturer’s Certificate confirming the standard their paint will have achieved on that project and sq.m area protected.
A contamination legacy was built up over several decades involving a heavy metal /metalloid similar to lead – at low % in early wall paints but notably higher % in one type commonly applied in recent decades along escape routes.
Documentation that obscured the high flammability of foam slab insulation (E & F to EN13501) has led to its installation for sound insulation within dividing walls and between floors. Corrugated Asbestos Cement sheeting is a common low-level risk. As removing asbestos cement sheets and stripping heavymetal contaminated paint create a far greater risk than leaving them in place, the safest action for both is to seal them with affordable, Certified Thermoguard Asbestos Encapsulation, Smoke & Flame Retardant paint.
www.thermoguard.co.uk
Before taking a single step, remember that ladder safety begins on solid ground. If you are working outdoors
on uneven ground models like the Hyperlite come with All-Terrain Outriggers to adjust for changes in level.
Maintain three points of contact on your Little Giant Ladder at all timestwo hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
With Little Giant Ladders' innovative designs and multi-position capabilities, you can find the perfect configuration to maintain a secure grip.
You need to work far enough from the work to reach it safely and keep your tools close at hand. Use Little Giant Ladder accessories like the LootBox™ or the Wingspan™ to provide added stability, span a down pipe, and prevent side-to-side movement.
Discover how Little Giant Ladders can help you keep safe when working at height at www.littlegiantladders.co.uk 15% Exclusive Discount to Readers use code HOMEIMPROVEMENT15 at the checkout
When it comes to DIY projects, ladder safety should never be an afterthought. As a Little Giant Ladder Systems product expert, I sit on several industry committees, including British Standards. We understand the significance of choosing the right ladder and employing proper safety pract ices, but standards can only go so far.
By embracing a safety-first approach and utilising Little Giant Ladder Systems' trusted products, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect yourself from harm.
At Little Giant Ladder Systems, we take pride in providing high-quality ladders designed with safety in mind. Our products are trusted by the pros, built to withstand rigorous use, and offer superior stability and versatility for various DIY tasks.
The King Kombo is ideal for use around electrical projects, and back home in the USA, we are famous for our hinged ladders that can transform into twenty-four different configurations, making them ideal for working on slopes and stairs and suitable for use around the garden.
By partnering with Little Giant Ladder Systems and utilising products with built-in protection, you can ensure a secure and injury-free experience. Remember, your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, in 2021/2022 there were 29 fatal injuries due to falls from height in the UK. This is the most common cause of fatal injury, and the main cause of falls from height injuries is falls from ladders.
The most common fall incidents involve over-reaching, over-balancing, equipment failure, misuse of equipment, unexpected movement and the failure of a fragile surface, but in most cases they are due to management control rather than because of equipment failure.
In the home, in the garden or at work, there are situations where you need a structure such as a platform to work safely, but there are plenty of cases where a stepladder or extending ladder are appropriate, as the HSE puts it “when an assessment of the risk for carrying out a task has shown that using equipment that offers a higher level of fall protection is not justified.” This is determined partly by the duration of the job - as a guide, if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, it is recommended you use alternative equipment.
But the most important factor in deciding when it is appropriate to use a ladder is a safety assessment, critically, whether the ladder can be made level and stable, and where practical can be secured.
To use a ladder safely, you must be competent or, if you are being trained at work, you should be working under the supervision of a competent person. Competence can be demonstrated through a combination of training, practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience. Training should be appropriate for the task, and this includes knowing:
h How to assess the risks of using a ladder for a particular task
h When it is right to use a ladder (and when it is not)
h Which type of ladder to use and how to use it
Pre-checks should be carried out before doing any work; these should include examining the ladder to make sure the stiles are not bent or damaged, the feet are not missing, worn or damaged, the rungs are not bent, worn, missing or loose, and the stepladder platform is not split or buckled.
It’s just as important that you know how to support and use ladders of different types. You can learn all you need to know about ladder types and safety from online workshops – TB Davies of Cardiff (www.tbdavies.co.uk) runs a free ladder safety workshop via Zoom on the last Wednesday of every month. ■
awareness is essential if you are to complete your tasks in the home or garden without risk of injury. Here are some top tips
The air in our homes, schools and workspaces should be as clean and healthy as possible, but a great deal of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals happens indoors. A common class of these harmful compounds are VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. they are commonly used in the manufacture and maintenance of building materials, interior furnishing, cleaning products and personal care products.
Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other researchers have found that VOCs are
common in indoor environments and that their levels may be two to a thousand times higher than outdoors. There may be anywhere from 50 to hundreds of individual VOCs in the indoor air at any one time, and the trouble is that while some of them emit detectable odours, others are odourless, so we don’t know we are being exposed to them.
Nonetheless VOCs can be irritants, causing e ects such as ‘sick building syndrome’, with symptoms such as headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs may lead to chronic diseases such as Danish Painter Syndrome (chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy or brain damage) or even cancer, and at high concentrations, some VOCs are immediately toxic.
One of the most common substances containing VOCs is household paint, so quite sensibly, many manufacturers are now trying to eliminate these compounds from their products.
When you are looking for indoor paint, some of the ingredients to look out for and avoid are vinyl chloride, phthalates, acrylic so eners, plasticisers, formaldehyde, glycols, pesticides and herbicides, fungicides such as BIT (benzisothiazolinone), and APEOs (alkylphenol ethoxylates), a manufacturing by-product. Ideally your indoor paint should be free of all these, and ideally completely VOC-free and 100 percent non-toxic, as certified by one of the third-party chemical emissions schemes such as Greenguard. ■
The GREENGUARD Gold Certification standard includes health-based criteria for additional chemicals and also requires lower total VOC emissions levels to help ensure that products are acceptable for use in environments like schools and healthcare facilities. In addition to limiting emissions of more than 360 VOCs and total chemical emissions, GREENGUARD Gold Certified products must also comply with requirements including the state of California’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.2 (2017).
Martin Roberts got into the property market through a love of DIY. Here he gives us his top 10 DIY tips for enhancing your property
Property renovation can be a costly business, and all too often enthusiastic DIY’ers overspend on big projects. But giving your house a bit of a facelift doesn’t have to break the bank, and there’s plenty you can do with a small budget.
Repainting walls and ceilings in neutral colours (if they aren’t already) is a quick and cheap way to instantly refresh a property. If you’re confident with colour, you can use varying hues on different walls to create depth in a room. Strong, bold colours are really fashionable - but remember the basics; dark colours make a room appear smaller and more intimate, while light shades give the illusion of a space.
LIGHT
Replace old lamp fittings with modern ones using LED or low energy bulbs. It’s not an expensive job, and you’ll be amazed at the difference that the right lighting makes. Vary the amount of light toodownlighters are great for overall lighting, but lamps and spot-lights can create a completely different mood. Search for statement lamp bases make your own shades to match other decorations, or go ‘Steam Punk’, recycling all manner of household objects into funky lamps to create a conversation starting centre piece. You can create a designer effects for just a few quid.
3.
Kitchens are where it’s at when it comes to creating the ‘wow’ factor, and the family will spend a lot of time there, so be prepared to splash out on splashbacks and work on your work surfaces. If a full kitchen refit is beyond your budget, just replacing the work surface or cabinet doors will dramatically improve and rejuvenate a tired looking kitchen. Putting in a new sink at the same time will also work wonders. You can also paint tiles with specialist paints.
4.
New flooring can be expensive but there are some good money-saving hacks, from eco-
friendly cork or bamboo to rubber as well as traditional carpet and tiles. You can also buy laminate that’s made to look like stone or floorboards and porcelain tiles made to look like wood.
While you’re working on the flooring, think about installing under-floor heating, especially in bathrooms. You’ll need a qualified electrician to make the connections.
Sometimes the main problem with a property is its internal layout. You can
make a huge difference just by removing or moving walls. It’s certainly a cheaper option than building an extension or conservatory to create more space! Internal stud partition walls are super easy to take out or relocate but be careful if the wall is load-bearing. If in doubt, ask a builder or surveyor before wielding the sledgehammer!
7.
Stripping original floorboards is a great way to create a stunning look without forking out a lot. Hiring a floor sander and getting stuck in for a weekend, you can usually bring discoloured and stained floorboards up to being beautiful and smoothrevealing the natural features of the wood in the process. Throw in a couple of tins of hard wearing floor varnish and you could have a stunning floor that’s cost you not much more than £100.
8. SEE THE
The more natural light you can bring into a property, the better. Installing sliding glass doors in place of an exterior wall can dramatically change the look and liveability of a home. It also allows you to bring the outdoors in without going to the trouble of building a conservatory or extending. ‘Light tubes’ which reflect light down from a prism on the roof can bring natural light into dark rooms and corridors.
9.
Houses often have their best features covered up under years of paint or wallpaper. Reveal hidden features, such as old fireplaces, original wooden doors and shutters; remove doors and have them ‘dip stripped’ to save hours with a heat gun. Stairs have often been boxed in, so get rid of the 1960’s hardboard and reveal the
concealed beauty! Highlight coving and any plaster details, and even think about removing suspended ceilings in upstairs rooms to create lofty bedrooms with a real wow factor!
10. INSULATE TO RENOVATE
Improving your home to make it more energy efficient is a DIY must, it will save you money not only in the short-term – ensuring savings on your energy consumption come next winter – but in the longer term, too, as your energy savings build up. Not only that, but when you come to sell, homes with a higher EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating sell at a higher price. An A or B-rated dwelling can sell for 14 per cent more than a G-rated dwelling, which is yet another reason why investing in energy-efficient home improvements is a no-brainer. ■
It might seem an odd question, but do you know what’s in your mattress? We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s an important issue
It ’s long been recognised that good sleep is essential for health, and there are many issues, such as ventilation, lighting and lifestyle which can be addressed to improve our sleeping, and hence our overall health. But one essential issue which is not always considered is the mattress.
Most of us spend a third of our lives sleeping, and most of us sleep on a conventional mattress. A good mattress can be a boon, contributing to temperature regulation and good sleeping posture, but a badly designed, worn-out or soiled mattress can cause all sorts of sleeping and health problems.
There are many kinds of mattress technology, some aimed at specialist areas such as children or those with disabilities, but there’s a wider question of whether the materials used in the manufacture
of your mattress are good for you. In just the same way that many people now try to avoid chemicals such as artificial preservatives or colourings in their food, should we be considering the benefits of a ‘natural’ mattress?
Certainly if you are allergic to common household chemicals, it’s worth knowing what makes up your mattress.
Let’s look at how mattresses are typically put together and what materials are used. The core of a mattress usually consists of metal springs in pockets: perhaps not the most natural-sounding solution, but it does give essential firm support, and is usually buried deep inside the mattress. Springs can be covered in cotton or polyester; natural material is better at balancing temperature, though
the artificial material will admittedly last longer. The next layer, the filling, should ideally be wool, which naturally resists bed bugs, and should be stitched with natural materials, not bonded using adhesives. Cotton is an alternative natural filling, but is often mixed with polyester. Foam or latex fillings are usually treated with chemical fire retardants.
The top layer, the cover, can be sewn up or closed with a zip. This is of course the closest layer to your skin, and has to pass fire resistance tests, so is often treated with fire retardants. But there are natural materials which offer fire resistance, such as high quality wool or organic cotton (look for the Cottonsafe® certificate).
If you are a futon user, be aware that futons are classed as seats, so are required to meet higher fire regulations than mattresses. ■
Cottonsafe Natural and Vegan Mattresses are handmade on the beautiful Devon coast.
Pioneers in Chemical Free, Natural and Vegan Mattresses, using the finest natural and cruelty free materials.
Non-toxic, ethical and sustainable, our products are as good for the planet as they are for you.
With up to a 10 year guarantee and our 40 night sleep promise.
cottonsafenaturalmattress.co.uk
The kitchen can be one of the most wasteful parts of the home in terms of energy - how can you save energy and save money?
As the nation is looking for ways to cut down on energy spend, we saw supermarket chain Iceland challenge its customers to switch off their ovens for an entire week, encouraging them to use the most energyefficient cooking appliances instead.
Ovens are typically the most commonly used cooking appliance, but they are also the least energy efficient. Cooking in an electric oven costs up to five times more than cooking in an air fryer or electric pressure cooker, but being more mindful of your cooking processes can significantly reduce the amount of energy you use.
Air fryers are some of the most talked about kitchen appliances, with sales up 3,000% in a year. It is therefore no wonder that www.bbcgoodfood.com reported a year-on-year growth of over 2,000% across their air fryer recipes in the first two weeks of September 2022 alone.
According to research by Utilita, annual savings of using an air fryer could be up to £279.66 per year. Air fryers on average were found to run at £55.91 per year, versus gas cookers at £121.06 per year and electric cookers at £335.57 per year.
Using hot air rather than oil, air
fryers are not just more energy efficient, they are also a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying. You can find a selection of Quiet Mark certified Air Fryers on www.QuietMark.com from brands including Lakeland, Instant Brands and Sage Appliances.
According to Uswitch, microwaves are generally the most efficient way to heat up and cook food. They recommend examining the cost per unit of energy used to judge the energy efficiency of an appliance. Uswitch research using a
smart meter indicates that a microwave costs 21p per hour of use, but as it’s highly unlikely that you would use it for a full hour, the cost is actually much lower.
When it comes to cooking your vegetables, more nutrients are retained in microwaved cooked veggies than by any other cooking method.
Air fryers typically feature Fast Combi and Cook from Frozen presets along with clever shortcuts, all designed to make life easier in the kitchen.
The convection oven in some air fryers will also come in handy when looking for energy efficient ways to cook your food. It uses fans to circulate heat around the food as it cooks, which provides a more energyefficient way of cooking because it means the heat doesn’t have to be turned up as high as it would in a conventional oven.
According to a recent independent study conducted by Unconventional Connections, cooking in a pressure cooker can save up to 80% energy and cost compared to an electric oven.
Pressure cookers typically feature a range of separate cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking and sous vide, (low temperature, long period cooking. Pressure cooking is worryfree, with modern units featuring quiet steam release, a handy alert when it’s safe to open the lid, and a remote release button to keep your hands safe.
You can save energy, time and money by changing the way you boil water for cooking. According to UK Power Networks, using the kettle instead of heating a pot on the electric hob will be more ‘energywise’ and will also take less time. Once done, quickly transfer to a pot on the hob for steaming or boiling your food.
However, one of the most common forms of energy wastage is the energy it takes to boil water you don’t need, so make sure to only fill it up to the level required.
Look for a kettle with a replaceable element such as the Classic Kettle by
Dualit – this lengthens the lifespan of the product. The Dualit is fitted with a superfast 3Kw element, making for quick boiling time, and two measuring windows with cup level and litre indicators help you to only boil the amount of water required from one cup to 1.7 litres. If you want to cut down on noise, the Dualit also has a Whisper Boil feature to drastically reduce unwanted boiling noise.
Utilita recommends batch-cooking when possible, as defrosting frozen food in the fridge overnight does not only typically
halve your cooking time, but also means you don’t need to use the energy of a microwave to defrost more quickly. This could save you around £112 a year.
Look for models such as as the LG NatureFRESH GBB62PZGCC, which has an Inverter Linear Compressor which emits less noise, but also helps you save as it consumes less energy than competing compressors.
And remember that while you can’t unplug the fridge-freezer, appliances left on standby such as microwaves still use energy, so switch them off at the plug while you are not using them! ■
The kitchen is the centre of the home; a hub filled with cherished moments where we gather and spend time together from hectic weekday breakfasts, treasured weekend dinners and family moments around the dining table.
Therefore, designing a new kitchen can be a daunting task. Get it right with a unique kitchen design for a truly one-of-a-kind space that fits your specific needs, style and preferences and removes unnecessary stress in the process.
Discover Smile Kitchens best tips when designing your next kitchen for the most functional and stylish kitchen experience, that removes any hassle and unnecessary costs for an unparalleled kitchen renovation experience.
Before you start the process of renovating or designing a new kitchen, take some time to plan out your ideas. Whether you need to replace an existing kitchen, rebuild, or you are moving to an entirely new home; think about your functionality requirements such as the layout, workspaces, storage, and the traffic flow.
As featured in
Making a list that outlines your wants and needs for the kitchen will create clear goals and a sense of direction for your kitchen project, and eliminates additional stress and confusion. Needs will be non-negotiables like more storage or additional worktops, and wants are things that would be nice to have, but are not essential, like a pantry.
Another important aspect of kitchen renovation is the matter of cost. Renovating a kitchen can be timeconsuming and involve costly mistakes without the needed knowledge and experience. For a personalised kitchen, you’ll want a kitchen specialist that can manage your project with transparency and exceptional service to keep you on budget and give you peace of mind.
Smile Kitchens don’t have any hidden costs, and from the very beginning presents you a complete breakdown of costs for every kitchen part, ensuring you know exactly what you are paying for and can make substitutions where needed.
Now that you have a scope of what your kitchen project and budgets are, let’s visualise what your kitchen will look like. Our virtual 3D kitchen planners allow you to see exactly what your new kitchen will look like even before you’ve started building it.
With our virtual cutting edge 3D kitchen planner, you can use your exact kitchen shape and measurements for a real life view of your dream kitchen: from testing different layouts, seeing the kitchen in true life scale, materials and finishes to ensure the new kitchen is perfect for you and your family. Explore styles that echo the personality and theme of your home. Consider what atmosphere you want your new kitchen to evoke and what style would fit your space. Once you’re happy you can digitally walk step by step through your new kitchen and get a real feel of your new space.
Finally, we recommend booking a design consultation. We offer that extra step of reassurance with our expert team of kitchen designers that offer exclusive design consultations. Our designers follow you through all stages of this design process: from initial planning to final completion, our designers work tirelessly to give you as many alterations that are needed to turn your vision into reality.
Take the first step today and book a design consultation with one of our kitchen designers for an informal chat that instils you with the confidence you need to get started.
Smile Kitchens is an online based kitchen specialist, driven by a desire to do things better. Providing our customers with a personalised kitchen that is every bit as unique as themselves, our team of expert kitchen designers puts the customer front and centre.
We guide our customers through the entire design process for a hassle free kitchen renovation with our immersive design experience: Our technologydriven design process begins with our online design consultations where our experienced kitchen designers work with you to bring your vision to life. We then use our state of the art 3D video walkthroughs and visual designs to provide you with a realistic and detailed view of your dream kitchen. With our advanced technology, you can digitally walk through your true to scale kitchen design - all from the comfort of your home.
Finally, we have a no deposit rule so our customers do not have to pay until their kitchen has been delivered and is 100% happy. At Smile Kitchens, we leverage the power of technology to deliver you an exceptional new kitchen.
The Hjerte range (above) is packed with character and heritage which create a warm timeless feel. Extremely durable and versatile it perfectly complements both a traditional kitchen design and a more modern look. Hjerte is all vinyl wrapped which creates a rich timber effect. Integrated storage solutions pull corners out, tilt shelves down and help minimise food waste. Every inch of space used as efficiently as possible.
https://smilekitchens.com
Kolwezi is an example of bespoke kitchen design from Woodworks Brighton. This was a lengthy design job, taking into account
high ceilings which presented a challenge in filling space and retaining the colour scheme, inspired by a Mexican home. Placing the colours took many design iterations, but the family thinks they got it spot on!
www.woodworksbrighton.co.uk
SMILE KITCHENS LYKKE
The Lykke range is painted and gloss lacquered to create a smooth effect. This range creates a seamless finish throughout. Lykke’s linear zero-fuss design makes a perfect practical kitchen. Integrated storage solutions pull corners out, tilt shelves down and help minimise food waste. Every inch of space used as efficiently as possible. Lykke doors and drawers come in four sharp colours, from
crisp white to darker grey. Each brings an assured elegance to your kitchen with a subtle dash of colour, whether you opt for Chalk, Clay, Tusk or Moon.
https://smilekitchens.com
VLAZE ADAPT OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Vlaze ADAPT outdoor kitchens are British Made in the Isle of Wight. The Vlaze ADAPT Range comes in a range of colours in vitreous glazes and are made from stainless steel. They come with castors or wheels for manoeuvrability and are completely modular, supplied with cabinets, sink, fridge or Big Green Egg charcoal barbecue which can be added into the outdoor kitchen in long runs, L-shapes or islands.
www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk
One of Red Dog’s largest bespoke splashback paintings, Spring (above) captures the vibrant colours of new life emerging in the English countryside. Created with boundless energy and pure joy, this gorgeous work of art is perfect for high-energy areas. It looks amazing in kitchens behind a range cooker. Each bespoke Red Dog Glass Design splashback, using 6mm toughened glass, starts with lead-artist Sally’s original contemporary paintings, inspired by her love of coastlines and waterways. Prices start from £125.
www.reddogglassdesign.com
The Kingston table (right) fits perfectly into small spaces while bringing a homely, classic style to your home. With its solid, curved pedestal base, this round table also comes in a crisp white finish that works well in traditional and
contemporary interiors. Match it up with the Kendal chairs - their solid hardwood frame and distinctive x-shaped back bring a contemporary country home aesthetic to this simple table. www.furniturechoice.co.uk
Pronounced Lin-eya, the Linje range translated literally to ‘line’, emulating linear, uninterrupted design. It comes as no surprise that this new range is designed with an uncluttered, open design which lends itself well to open plan spaces. Continuous runs of cabinetry allow for a smooth transition between spaces, creating a lighter and more open feeling, ideal for entertaining. https://smilekitchens.com
Framed wall art from Beach House Art (top right) includes these gorgeous lobster and langoustine watercolour, original framed art prints. These detailed, high-quality, watercolour art prints of
Cornish Blue lobster and pretty pink langoustines are painted in the Beach House Art Studio by artists in Cornwall, the original BHA artwork reflecting its coastal DNA. Prices start at £18 for unframed giclée art prints, and £45 for framed and ready-to-hang art, available in four sizes, on premium, archival, heavy fine art paper.
www.beachhouseart.co.uk ■
Taps have a simple mechanical function, to turn on and off a water supply, but they can also say something about your tastes and lifestyle, so they’re not as straightforward to choose as you might think.
Whether you are replacing existing taps or completing a new fitting, there’s an amazing array of taps to choose from, in a range of designs, finishes and materials that could boggle the mind.
Three-hole or three-piece mixers have separate tap handles that deliver hot and cold water through a single central spout. This allows the temperature to be set by mixing the two.
Pillar taps are the most traditional tap style, supplied as one for hot water and one for cold, requiring either a two or
three-hole basin, where the central hole usually houses a stopper or a pop-up waste. Handles on pillar taps are of two main types, crossbar, and lever.
A monobloc or single lever mixer has a single lever to control both the water flow and to mix between hot and cold, but some traditional types also have separate hot and cold handles.
These types are often used with freestanding baths, though they can also be used with certain types of freestanding basin. Freestanding shower mixers and floor-standing spouts with separate wall- or deck-mounted controls are also available.
Some sets come with a diverter for switching the water flow from spout to
shower head, others are designed with individual shut-offs that control a single bath or shower fitting, either a shower head, bath spout, or hand shower set.
Once you have chosen the type of tap you want, you will be faced with a bewildering array of design and finish styles. Brass taps and shower fittings are usually finished using methods such as electro-plating and powder coating to create a polished, brushed, matt, or gloss appearance. Stainless steel designs are also available, and these have the advantage of being recycleable and inherently anti-bacterial. Tap handles can come in a range of materials including glass, fine wood, and metals such as nickel. In many cases, you can select the colour finish of your choice from the RAL universal colour system - or you may prefer the traditional antique finish of raw brass, which can take on an ‘antique’ patina as it ages. ■
As climate change affects more and more of us, and extreme weather conditions bring the threat of storms, flooding and subsidence to wide areas, it’s become essential not only to have your buildings insured, but also to have plans in place should the worst happen. In the case of flooding, for instance, damage to furniture and fittings can be the least of the problem, as they are relatively easy to replace - the long-term structural damage to a property can be the real threat.
In addition, it’s come to be obvious from recent headlines that more and more properties are becoming a health hazard, because inadequate protection from damp and leakage can lead to ingress of mould, which can have all sorts of health implications.
Mould is a simple microscopic organism which can spread through airborne spores. Moulds need damp conditions to thrive but can find food sources practically anywhere, from wood and other organic materials to wallpaper, plasterboard, and carpets, so practically any part of the house where there is water can be affected.
Typically, of course, mould is found in kitchens and bathrooms, where the rich organic ‘biofilm’ of food waste and skin particles provides plenty of sustenance. Once it has gained a foothold, mould will
spread rapidly by generating spores, so an empty property with no ventilation is particularly prone to mould infestation.
Inhaling mould, particularly some forms of black mould, can be a health hazard for anyone, but it is particularly dangerous for people with respiratory diseases or compromised immune systems.
The worst thing you can do with mould in a property is to try to remove it by scrubbing with bleach. This doesn’t remove the mould’s ‘root system’, and it will return as soon as conditions are right. The important thing to do is not only to remove the mould, but also to treat the conditions which support it, such as damp and leakages. Many everyday practices, such as drying clothes indoors, and not
ventilating kitchens and bathrooms, can contribute to the development of mould. With recent proposals to make landlords responsible for dealing with health threats to tenants such as mould, it’s particularly important that if you are renting out a property, you have a property ‘MOT’ done so that problems can be detected and eliminated, making it possible to get the proper health certificates. The ‘MOT’ will use meter technology to measure conditions such
as humidity, and your consultant will propose improvements to ventilation and air circulation which should eliminate the problems.
If you are unlucky enough to suffer the trauma of having your home flooded, your first concern should be safety; furniture and fittings may be salvageable, or may not, but the first issue is to arrange safe accommodation while you assess the
damage. Your insurer’s claims manager should be able to help with that, and will put in place a plan to make the property safe. Advanced drying techniques such as bringing in air heaters will dry out the property and reduce the risk of secondary damage such as by mould, and in some cases, such as if a business is flooded, experts can advise on whether it is possible for the business to continue in one part of the property while drying work continues in another.
While you should try to remove items such as soaked furniture from living areas as soon as possible, you should consult your insurers before disposing of anything, to avoid possible problems with your claim. Some other aspects of flood recovery which might not be immediately obvious include the safety of electrical circuits, which might require a temporary electrical supply board to be fitted; whether potentially harmful sewage or drainage water has leaked into the property, requiring decontamination; and whether floodwater may have found its way into areas such as basements and cavity walls.
The effect of a fire can vary from the complete destruction of a building to smoke damage of fixtures and fittings, so it’s hard to generalise about the recovery process. But a restoration expert will advise on aspects such as cleaning carpets, removing odour from fabrics such as curtains, storage and restoration of items such as artwork and documents, and refurbishing furniture.
In the short term, fire damage issues such as damage to electrical systems and chemical contamination have to be dealt with as a matter of urgency, and severe fires can cause structural damage which mean that it is not safe to enter a property without a structural assessment and the use of protective clothing. Long-term problems with fire damage can include odour from smoke, which can penetrate areas such as cavity walls, and will be difficult to eliminate without specialist techniques. ■
By William Bown, MD of Ventilation Megastore
Improving insulation and plugging draughts will help a home to stay warmer but it also reduces ventilation, leading to condensation, mould and mildew.
Developing within just 24-48 hours of water exposure, mould and mildew can grow on any surface until the moisture is eliminated, spreading through microscopic spores that float through the air.
Ventilation, in its most basic sense, is easy; you just open a window or switch on an extractor fan. The problem is that this can make your home much colder in an instant.
Whereas a basic extractor fan propels air from a room to the outside, mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) is a relatively new technology that replaces the extracted air with filtered fresh air which gets warmed by the air that’s being removed.
Using no more power than a typical extractor fan at just 40-60W, this can save you a fortune on keeping your home warm while also keeping the air in your home fresh, clean and well ventilated.
It also has the added benefit of preventing the build up of airborne germs as well as airborne dust and other particles. Better still, it also prevents pollutants and allergens such as pollen from entering the home because the air is filtered.
With the main unit tucked away in the lo or on an external wall, these systems are e ectively silent and they can be fitted to any kind of property.
As a family-owned team that’s been supplying MVHR systems for ten years, we know ventilation inside-out, o ering cost e ective, high performing systems that can make the air in any home safer, cleaner, more comfortable and energy e iciency.
In this period when energy bills are going through the roof (almost literally, if your loft isn’t insulated), having your home properly insulated is essential. But there’s a paradox there, as an insulated building can suffer from a lack of ventilation - if there’s no source of moving air, you can experience problems such as condensation caused by heating, or rising damp which can lead to mould.
The solution isn’t as easy as opening the windows to let in air - this obviously wastes heat in the winter, and in the summer can let in atmospheric pollutants from traffic, and allergens such as pollen. Extractor fans will deal with condensation, but again, can leach heat.
So how do you ventilate your home without compromising on energy efficiency?
A relatively new technology, MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) could be the solution. The idea is that while air is extracted from the building, it is replaced by filtered fresh air, which is warmed by the extracted air.
This sounds as if it might be expensive to run, but in fact MVHR systems can use no more power than a typical extractor fan, at around 40-60W. So an MVHR system can deal with two problems, keeping your internal air fresh, and helping with your heating.
MVHR has another advantage, which is that it can filter out airborne particles - remember the pollutants and allergens we mentioned earlier? - so the air it is providing is clean and healthy.
Unlike some heating systems such as heat pumps, an MVHR system can be relatively discreet, installed on an external wall or in a loft, and can operate almost silently. They’re suitable for pretty much any kind of property, although in some
cases a system of ducting will need to be fitted. Sometimes this can be concealed under flooring. Maintenance requirements are pretty low, consisting mainly of lowtech filter cleaning and replacement.
There’s nothing to stop you opening windows in summer while you are running an MVHR system, though in winter you will want to keep them closed for peak
efficiency. MVHR is compatible with all heating systems, from gas condensing boilers and radiators, to underfloor heating, air-source heat pumps or even district heating, with the exception of oldfashioned fire-places - as an alternative you could fit a room-sealed stove with a dedicated air supply to outside through a closed steel duct, which would not interfere with the operation of an MVHR system. ■
The news recently has been dominated by the price of energy, particularly gas, and with the climate crisis dictating a move away from fossil fuels, it seems that the days of gas as a domestic energy source are numbered. Indeed, no new houses will be built with gas heating, and at some stage (though the date keeps changing), it will become mandatory to replace gas boilers. But what with?
While solar energy will be an option for some, for most of us, it seems that the preferred replacement for piped gas as a domestic energy source will be the heat pump. But what are heat pumps, how do they work, and what are the pros and cons of fitting them?
There are two main forms of heat pump, the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP).
Heat pumps work similarly to a refrigerator, using a refrigerant liquid to absorb heat then transferring it to another medium. The ASHP works by transferring heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space. An ASHP can transfer heat directly into rooms through fans, or can be connected to a ‘wet’ (ie water-filled) central heating system to heat radiators and underfloor heating and to provide domestic hot water.
Most heat pumps are placed outside the home - they look like air conditioning units - so they need some clearance from
surrounding buildings. Some air source heat pumps can also work as a cooling system in the summer months.
Ground Source Heat Pumps, sometimes referred to as ground-towater heat pumps, transfer heat from the ground outside your home to heat your radiators or underfloor heating. They can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps and showers. Thermal transfer fluid (TTF), a mixture of water and antifreeze flows around a loop of pipe, buried in your garden or outdoor space. This loop could either be a long or coiled pipe buried in trenches, or a long loop (called a ‘probe’) inserted into a borehole with a diameter of around 180mm.
The main advantage of any kind of heat pump is that it is a low-carbon energy source which would free us from reliance on gas, so there’s no cost for delivering fuel, no storage requirement, and no danger from explosion.
In order to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2050, the UK government aims to install 19 million heat pumps in new-builds properties. By using support grants, the aim is to make heat pumps the preferred domestic energy source, and at some stage, gas boilers will be phased out. An International Energy Agency report says that no new gas boilers should be sold after 2025, if Net Zero targets are to be achieved by 2050, but there’s no set date yet on when gas boilers will be banned. »
An air source heat pump system can take only a couple of days to install and often requires no planning permission. Cost can be anything between £8,000- £18,000, depending on the size of property and the application. Ground source heat pump systems can cost more like £14,500 – £45,000 due to the digging work required.
In either case, to make good energy savings, it’s essential that the property should be fully insulated, particularly the roof.
Maintenance is relatively easy, involving checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters and so on, though it’s worth getting an annual check from a qualified fitter. With proper maintenance a heat pump should last for around 20-25 years.
Although heat pumps use electricity to enable energy conversion, they are much cheaper to run than gas, electricity or coal. Though the initial installation costs could be high, you may receive a grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This £3.9 billion initiative was launched by the government in April 2022, as part of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, and will run until April 2025.
There are some downsides to heat pumps; they can make some noise, though this is reducing as the technology improves; and they don’t give the instant heat of a gas boiler. In fact, they operate at a lower heat output than gas systems, so you might need larger radiators, and you might have to plan ahead when you want to warm the house. This is one reason why heat pumps are o en used for underfloor heating, which doesn’t require such high temperatures.
You might ask yourself whether heat pumps work well in winter. In fact they have a high Seasonal Coe icient of Performance (SCOP), the measure of e iciency by comparing the power input needed to produce heat to the amount of heat output. A ‘seasonal COP’ figure is adjusted to seasonality. For example, a
typical air source heat pump runs at a COP of 3.2 when the outside temperature is above 7°C. This means that the heat pump is 320% e icient: for each kWh of electricity used by the fans and the compressor, 3.2 kWh of heat is generated. However, although air source heat pumps can work at temperatures as low as -20°C, they do lose e iciency when the temperature of the outside air drops below 0°C. Ground source heat pumps on the other hand have pipes buried deep under the ground and have a more stable temperature, so are little a ected by cold weather. ■
Charity NESTA, (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is running a survey of heat pump owners in England, Scotland and Wales, covering topics such as overall satisfaction including space heating, hot water, noise and ease of use, likelihood to recommend a heat pump, the experience of the installation process, and costs, financing, maintenance and servicing experience. Look for the results soon on the website at www.nesta.org.uk
Are solar panels a good financial alternative to a heat pump? A lot depends on how much roof space you have on your property, and what sort of system you install.
A large system of say 16 panels with 4kW output, with a diverter to send power to your hot water tank, and a battery to store electricity, can mean that you need hardly buy any electricity from the national grid from mid-March to mid-October. In the winter months, using the battery reduces the reliance on the national grid. With measures such as running domestic appliances and charging the battery on low night-time energy tari s, costs can be minimal.
Solar panels work best on properties with south facing roofs, but east or west can work too. Of course, in winter and particularly when it snows, generation can fall to about 10 percent of what it is in the summer, meaning that you still need to be connected to the national grid.
A system like this might cost around £12,000 to install, and should pay for itself in reduced energy bills in around seven to 10 years. But this is partly dependent on issues such as the current Energy Price Guarantee, which is due to expire in April. Having solar panels installed can improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of your property, which can increase its value.
Surestop is an easy to use alternative to the traditional brass stopcock, allowing you to turn off your mains water with the flick of a switch in case of an emergency.
Turns off water instantly
Powered by water, no need for electricity or batteries
Can easily replace existing brass stopcocks
Remote switch for even simpler access
WRAS approved as a stopcock
Limescale resistant, maintenance free
Push-fit or compression
15mm and 22mm options
Two year warranty
The furniture, fittings and utilities we take for granted in every home are essentials for everyday life, but they’re often designed with adults in mind, and can be a safety hazard for inquisitive children. Fortunately, there are some simple moves you can make to keep dangers in the house to a minimum.
In the kitchen and bathroom, children love to play with taps and water, so there’s always a danger of flooding or scalding. Surestop (www.surestop.co.uk) is a unique stopcock, protecting properties by reducing water damage caused by a leak. With a simple flick of a switch, Surestop stopcocks will shut off the water supply - no batteries, or electrics. Easy and quick to install, and limescale resistant.
Another sensible precaution is to fix
an ‘anti-scalding’ device to your water supply, which limits water temperature to a safe 38-41°.
It may seem silly at first, but try crawling around your house in order to get a toddler’s-eye view of the hazards encountered in the home!
One of the first safety steps in childproofing your home is to make sure that they can’t get out, or into rooms that are not childproofed. Door-knob covers make it hard for little hands to get a grip, turn, and open doors, and should be placed on all exit doors, on bathroom doors, closet doors and on the doors of any other room that you don’t want your child to get into. Lever type door handles are much
harder to childproof, but lever handle locks are available.
In the kitchen, it’s helpful to fit a stove guard, but also make sure not to have pan handles projecting outwards. Open fireplaces should have screens fitted. Most modern white goods have safety latches, but if necessary, dishwashers and washing machines can also have locks fitted. Even toilet lids can have locks fitted.
If you have very small children, fitting a gate at the top and bottom of the stairs is essential, and window gate and guards will prevent falls from windows.
Finally, furniture such as tall cabinets and electrical items such as free-standing TVs should be tethered to walls to prevent toppling over, and any sharp edges on items such as chair arms should be padded. ■
Italy is famous for its progressive, not to say psychedelic furniture designs. Jörg Zutter reports on some of the most amazing items coming out of Rome and Milan
Design Italy, a trade show dedicated 100% to Made in Italy interior design, has predicted furnishing styles that promise to characterise home interiors in the coming months.
A 360° idea of well-being emphasising respect for the environment, in reunification with nature and in the search for technological solutions to be integrated into everyday life, capable of
improving the quality of life, is the trend in home interiors predicted by Design Italy on its e-commerce site. Dedicated to Italian design, since 2019 Design Italy has been recording market demands and the evolution of tastes of online buyers from all over the world. Its goal is to offer furnishings for a functional home, which creates well-being for people and is at the same time respectful of the environment. Domestic spaces are lightened and
appear brighter, thanks to a careful selection of colours based on neutral and soft tones. An example is the Roly Poly design armchair by Faye Toogood for Driade, which with its curved backrest and oversized cylindrical legs, recalls a funny pet. A complement that gives a touch of style and joy to the home.
An example of rigour and aesthetic cleanliness is the Leonardo table by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, a piece of
timeless beauty with a trestle structure in evaporated beech and a white laminate top. These light colours go very well with enveloping and relaxing earthy colours such as ochre, cream, beige and grey. They are delicate nuances such as the Hexagonal plate in Palatina marble by Gabriele D’Angelo for Kimano, the perfect centrepiece, or the vase of 13Ricrea, which recalls a composition of dried flowers.
These light dominants also go very well with some “surprise” pieces with more decisive and bright tones, capable of characterising the rooms. Excellent ideas are the highly refined Duprè Mosaic Carpet by Sicis in glass and marble or the three-colour Mercury armchair by Daria Zinovatnaya for Adrenalina.
Meanwhile the Salone del Mobile, the world’s leading furniture and interior décor fair held from 17th–23rd April at Milan’s RHO fairground, attracted an overall 307,418 visitors from 181 countries across the globe. The fringe fair FuoriSalone, a parallel event presented during Milan Design Week, focusing on alternative and more avantgarde design positions was also a triumph.
This year’s Salone featured more than 2,000 exhibiting brands (two-thirds from Italy and others from 37 different countries).
There are many stunning design solutions which have materialised in the numerous furnishings and interior fittings: reflected in stylish and comfortable living or working areas, relaxing indoor or outdoor lounges, business lobbies etc.
Areas addressed included straightforward targeting of sustainable issues in the use of natural materials, to promoting our essential demands for and right to a personal living space, as well as our need to surround ourselves with natural and gentle hues or inspiring and vivid colours. Furniture manufactured from natural instead of synthetic materials is another elements which has an impact on our mood and well-being.
The first pavilion to visit was a dark black box curated by the brand Turri. The
displayed furniture, including many elegant sofas etc., were all arranged in spacious settings, often marked by marble-effect walls and united by a fascinating woven seagrass cloud.
Poliform’s approach was different. In creating a kind of central circular entrance space or assembly hall in what was doubtless one of the fair’s biggest spaces, the brand attested its ambition to celebrate the “timeless elegance” of its famous collections, as became evident in the Brera sofa, designed by JeanMarie Massaud, with an inspiring variable system of either linear, L-shaped or curved
form-elements.
A worthy competitor to Poliform is certainly Flexform, a long-standing name founded in 1959 and a participant since the first Salone in 1961. The brand has developed a large home furnishings collection. Its focus however is the Asolo sofa designed by Antonio Citterio, which is the company’s undisputed flagship, well known for its tactile comfort, discrete visual appearance and not least the manufactured materials which follow a sublime “Morandi palette”. All in all, Flexform’s design prioritises elegance rather than luxury. »
Among the many design studios that stood out was Marelli. The brand relies on a vast array of abundant materials, one of the hallmarks of its craftsmanship-design. The Noah collection, designed by architect Luca Erba, includes some extremely elegant couches and armchairs endowed with exceptional volumes and curved forms and thus blends in with a modern lifestyle.
Awesome also are the versatile sofas and seats of the Peonia line, designed for Pianca by Cristina Celestino, since they present themselves like flowers.
A contrast is the new collection by Meridiani, a brand belonging to the group IDM (Italian Design Brand) and being its biggest affiliate, with a completely different design philosophy. The emphasised simplicity and elegance of the product line – often designed in rounded or linear shapes as additions to the company’s more classical furnishing line – indeed has the stunning quality to give the interior a
particular ambiance. The brand’s bespoke sofas range in price from €30,000 to more than €50,000. Design brands joining a larger financial conglomerate follows the trend in the luxury Gervasoni’s new line of the Ghost sofa consists of modular elements of various rectangular shapes of different sizes, inspired by the building block system, and enabling numerous playful combinations and inviting new seating patterns.
Among the defiant design brands was edra (derived from the Greek, and meaning a spot for philosophical discussions), especially the two sofa designs by Francesco Binfaré, which humorously challenge traditional views of how a sofa must look and be used. The first model On the Rocks consists of two elements: a white, rectangular seating area superimposed with a curved or snake-like bolster serving as backrest. The second example titled Pack includes a rectangular white base (symbolising an ice block) but
hosts an elongated bolster in the shape of a stylised polar bear. The disco-like blue lighting of the presentation further enhanced the contemporary sculptural appeal of these new design creations.
A brand strongly prioritising ease of living or relaxing comfort is Valentini whose stylish design concept subtly takes possession of the living environment, as evidenced by the elegantly curved and elongated – almost panoramic – sofa Stone. Valentini’s shrewd design concept is indeed a world away from the frowned upon ‘boutique’ style.
A stylish and multi-use proposal for furnishing the living room with a wall unit or a bookcase system was provided by Sangiacomo, and not to mention plenty of attractive solutions for walk-in closets, assembling elegant LED-lit wardrobes often with transparent doors or, in terms of volume, gigantic cabinets with sophisticated sliding doors that discretely fit into the space and add creative value to the private domain.
Time and again the curious visitor incidentally discovered new and daring design solutions, among them, the most extreme proposals showcased in the booth of Glas Italia, offering a series of intriguing glass wardrobes, like the storage furniture Commodore by Piero Lissoni or the Prism Glass Wardrobe by Tokujin Yoshioka.
Stunning, by contrast, were the sculpturelike marble furniture objects – table, chair and curtain – presented at Margraf’s stand, which also made evident in a very focused way how marble (in the specific case, marble from the Italian Dolomites) still is a very attractive material for designers and architects. It is artistically versatile for adaption well beyond its traditional bathroom or kitchen contexts.
Stunning too is the brand Citco since it uses the traditional and ages-old material marble in a new and often very fluid way as became evident in a selection remarkable furniture solution. More experimental design could be experienced at the SaloneSatellite, a special section for young emerging designers.
The French company Roche Bobois, often working closely with renowned designers, presented a colourful new design line of outdoor furnishing, conceived by the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. The rainbow coloured and kidney-shaped sofas and their adjacent matching environment ingeniously replicate a theme park ambiance.
Finally, a real commitment to the contemporary outdoor design trend was proposed by the brand Nardi, which thanks to its consistent furnishing line (displayed in a 400-square metre garden-like pavilion) elegantly embraced the natural environment and inspired a carefree indulgence in leisure with a collection suitable both for rooftop or balcony settings, and even more for overgrown gardens providing shaded areas during superheated seasons.
A large section of the Salone
was dedicated to the contemporary illuminating systems which nowadays are dominated by a large variety of LED lighting systems – a few of them had already been integrated in several pavilions – which occasionally appeared vertiginous or rather very technical and thus literally shunning the human living environment. However, some brands presented within the section Euroluce, among them Artemide as well as Vivida or Leucos (all enterprises that can build on a long-established reputation in lighting systems) came up with various innovative and convincing ideas.
Admittedly, the ultimate choice of suitable lighting systems depends either on the chosen furnishing style and, of course, on each user’s own taste. It is a personal decision whether to opt for a cool LED-lighting system, or in stark contrast, for a magnificent multi-coloured Murano
chandelier: on show at the fair were sumptuous examples by arte di Murano, iDOGI and Barovier&Toso.
The tour of this year’s extensive Salone del Mobile and the many discussions with designers and connoisseurs present at the different stands made clear the resilience, continuity, quality and the enduring innovation capacity of Italian furniture and interior design, and confirmed its stellar international rating. ■
As Summer approaches, it’s crucial to address the risk of mould in homes. Poorly ventilated spaces are a breeding ground for mould, often caused by condensation. Fortunately, opening windows during the Summer months allows moisture to escape. It’s worth noting that a fourbedroom house can produce 5 to 10 litres of moisture in a 24-hour period, which can double if radiators are used to dry clothes. The more moisture there is, the greater the risk of mould growth.
Another factor that contributes to mould is dampness caused by structural issues, such as leaky gutters, downpipes, damaged brickwork, or a faulty damp-proof course. These issues need to be addressed promptly to prevent damage to your property and potential health problems for occupants.
Landlords are now subject to increased scrutiny regarding mould prevention due to the ‘Fitness for Human Habitation Act of 2019’ and new regulations like Awaab’s Law. It’s imperative to act now to prevent mould from developing and to prepare for Autumn and Winter.
If you want the best and most effective results, consider using Glixtone FungiShield paint product. It has been highly endorsed and acknowledged by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) as the only paint that actually works. Our premium paint guarantees the safety of tenants for landlords and protects your property, as well as the health and safety of your family. It’s important to take action as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your tenants and property.
For more than two decades, Glixtone painted surfaces have remained free from mould growth. It boasts a decorative and washable nish that is incredibly user-friendly, making it the preferred choice for mould protection. It is readily available in white and magnolia, with online distributors and retailers offering over a hundred different colour tints.
The Glixtone brand of products is produced by Carrs Coatings, which operates under the trading name Trimite Global Coatings Ltd in Worcestershire. Their products utilise a unique blend of biocides that are bonded to specialised resins. This allows for an even distribution of the biocide throughout the paint, providing effective and long-lasting protection.
This fantastic product effectively solves problems for internal walls and ceilings in
any property, especially in rooms and areas prone to mould. Landlords regularly include Glixtone Fungi-Shield in their maintenance and refurbishment routines, even for problematic properties.
The recommended method by the manufacturer is to treat the area with Glixtone Sterilising Solution to destroy and eliminate any pre-existing mould before applying Glixtone Fungi-Shield. This product is conveniently available in a 240ml container, making up to 5 litres when mixed with water. It is a cost-ef cient “Mould Killer” that should be applied before using the Glixtone Fungi-Shield Paint.
The Glixtone brand has a range of problem-solving decorative paints for interior and exterior use.
Health problems caused by mould have been very much in the news recently, but it’s not just people who can suffer from mould; buildings can too. Untreated, mould can lead to serious structural problems which can cost thousands of pounds to correct.
Some fungicidal or anti-mould paints designed to kill mould use an additive, which is mixed into an already-made emulsion paint. This means that unless mixed thoroughly, not all parts of these
paints will carry the same amount of the fungicide, so their anti-mould properties can be variable and shorter-lived. Look instead for special anti-mould paints formulated with fungicide, or biocide, distributed evenly throughout the whole paint film. This will kill any mould spores on contact, and as the whole paint film contains the biocide, it will continue to stop mould growth for the life of the paint film.
Glixtone Fungi-Shield is manufactured in Worcestershire by Carr’s Coatings who have
been making paints and coatings since 1892. They manufacture specialist coatings to the highest standards only using the best raw materials available. Their ‘state-of-theart’ manufacturing facility also ensures a minimal impact on the environment. Glixtone Fungi-Shield is manufactured in such a way that ensures an extremely long lasting protection against any fungal or mould growth. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of paints and coatings, as well as their technological expertise and innovative approach, the team behind Glixtone has created a brand that caters to the needs of both problem-solving and decorative markets.
It’s important to note that fungicidal paints will not necessarily stop damp, so you must deal with the cause of the damp first. You may need to apply a diluted fungicidal sterilising solution before applying any paint. Sterilisers can also be used ‘neat’ on areas stained by spores, and left in place to kill spores and seal against oxygen ingress. You may then apply a coating of stainblock chemical before painting with the fungicidal paint.
Fungicidal paints are suitable for any internal areas that are susceptible to mould, including walls, ceilings and woodwork in bathrooms, shower rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and living areas, and are usually washable, water-based and environmentally friendly.
This is particularly important for landlords of residential properties, where the battle against the infestation of mould can be continual, and with the resulting unsightliness and health hazard to tenants, any short-term solution will not be cost-effective. ■
Any workers performing physical tasks, and that stretches from you doing some wallpapering to your builders constructing an extension, are directly affected in their performance by their diet, in terms of both daily labour and long-term health.
A healthy and balanced meal plan with plenty of high energy foods is essential for any manual worker, as hunger or lack of energy on the job can lead to ineffective working, or worse, on-site accidents. Proper diet aids physical performance, and also aspects such as memory and concentration.
Essentially, your body needs to burn calories for fuel. Maybe there’s some sense in the idea of the big ‘builder’s breakfast’, but is a greasy fry-up the best fuel? Look for good carbohydrates including brown rice, whole grain pasta and beans, while avoiding bad carbohydrates like sugar or potatoes. Carbs should be balanced out with proteins, such as fish, chicken, lean mince or lean beef so energy levels are kept up and muscles are fed.
The calorie count for each meal is important, and so is the timing. Let’s break things down into a daily schedule.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a perfect time to consume a lot of healthy carbohydrates before starting work. Low-fat foods are often high in sugar, so here are some suggestions for a betterbalanced breakfast:
h Avocado and peach porridge
h Scrambled egg, spinach and toast with a side of banana.
h Watercress smoothie, specifically designed to increase energy levels.
h Gluten-free protein balls
Lunch doesn’t mean you take a trip to the local chip-shop for a batter sausage and chips;
h Tuna Wrap
h Chicken and turkey sandwich
h Vegetarian wrap with goat cheese
Snacks such as biscuits and crisps should be avoided, try instead:
h Fresh fruit
h Yogurt and whole grain cereal
Organic fruit shakes and smoothies
Evening meals should combine protein and good carbohydrates.
h Pan roasted salmon
h Steak and brown rice
h Fish and vegetable curry.
h Grilled chicken breast with garlic and tomato sauce, spinach and green beans
Get the diet right and you’ll get the best out your workers, whether that’s you, the kids or your local brickie. ■
If you’re already an avid collector of antiques or flea market finds, eager to start a vintage business, or you simply enjoy the beauty of time worn objects, Michelle Mason’s hands-on approach to collecting will help inspire your look, offer ideas on how to showcase your keepsakes, and equip you with insider knowledge to get you to the markets and start building your collection.
You may already know author Michelle Mason from her gorgeous shop in Columbia Road, London E2, Mason & Painter – Vintage Emporium (www.masonandpainter.com) – and her super tempting instagram account –@masonandpainter.
Michelle Mason is a designer, stylist and vintage dealer and has worked for a number of clients including Sir John
Soane’s Museum, Kew Gardens, Chiswick House and the Southbank Centre. She is the owner of Mason & Painter Vintage and has ten years’ experience in buying and selling decorative antiques.
Now Michelle’s book Love Vintage: Sourcing, Collecting and Selling Vintage and Decorative Antiques will help you to create a collection and bring the decorative antique look to your home.
With a focus on popular vintage items and decorative antiques, Love Vintage has sections on favourite places to source stock in the UK and France, how to curate your collection, plus help with setting up a vintage business and purchasing tricks and tips and advice from experts in their field. Shop Talk shares insights from eight dealers in the UK and France.
“Tables, seating and dressers are, in my experience, the most popular vintage furniture requests and are frequently chosen as ‘forever pieces’ that can be moved from home to home or purchased to add impact and focus to a newly renovated room” says Michelle.
Combined with recommendations on what to look out for and who to follow
this book will arm you with all you need to get started and more.
h Advice, tips and tricks from specialist experts
h With sections on Furniture, Ceramics, Fabric & Textiles, Garden Furniture & Salvage, Paintings and Prints.
h Includes sourcing at vintage shops and markets in France as well as the UK
Love Vintage is Michelle’s third publication for Pimpernel Press after Flower Market and Vintage Shops London Love Vintage: Sourcing, Collecting & Selling Vintage & Decorative Antiques by Michelle Mason is published at £12.99 by Pimpernel Press. www.pimpernelpress.com ■
Tables, seating and dressers are, in my experience, the most popular vintage furniture requests
The ceiling is the fifth wall of your rooms, but have you thought about how to decorate it?
The ceiling is one of the most overlooked aspects of any room in interior design. However, when used to its full potential, this hidden gem has the ability to significantly enhance a space.
To help us wrap our heads around this emerging trend, Cathryn Sanders, Head of Creative at eco-friendly paint company, Earthborn, has broken down why painting the ceiling has become so popular, and has shared her top tips for introducing the design choice into your home. Cathryn commented:
“Many of us tend to ignore their ceilings when decorating their homes, but interior designers refer to it as the ‘fifth wall’ for good reason! You’ll be surprised to learn just how much treating your ceilings, just as you would any other wall in your house,
can completely transform the appearance of your rooms.”
“Decorating the fifth wall has become a hit with interior designers and homeowners as it makes use of a crucial yet often neglected feature in your home and gives it the attention it deserves. The concept of taking what is essentially a blank canvas and making your own mark on it is hugely appealing and leaves plenty of room to let your imagination run wild.”
“It is, therefore, no surprise that the fifth wall trend has become so popular on social media sites such as TikTok, where interior designers and amateur decorators alike are sharing their tips, expressing their creativity, and inspiring their followers to get involved.”
“On TikTok, hashtags such as #ceilingpainting and #ceilingmural are currently standing at over 8 million and 12 million views respectively, so it’s easy to see why the fifth wall trend is picking up steam in the interior design world!”
And there are lots of good reason why homeowners should take advantage of decorating the ‘fifth wall’.
“The ceiling caters well to all design tastes, so whether you want to make a statement by going intricate and extravagant with rich patterns, textures and decorations, or bring a sense of harmony to a space through a cohesive and complementary design, there is something for everyone with this trend.
So what’s the best way to implement the fifth wall trend into your homes?
“With so much opportunity for
experimentation, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your ceiling. Materials that would typically be associated with walls and floors, such as wood panelling or tiles, make for a really unique and striking aesthetic and are a clever way to challenge expectations.”
“Similarly, wallpaper, artwork and murals have also become increasingly stylish options to decorate your ceiling”
“Matching the colour of your ceiling to that of the other four walls can help incorporate this feature seamlessly with the rest of the room and form a more complete design. Alternatively, make a bold statement by opting for contrasting or accent colours. This will draw the eye upwards and make your ceiling the centrepiece of your living space.” ■
There’s a right and wrong way to paint a ceiling, and you can make a heck of a mess if you do it the wrong way!
The big secret is to know the right order to paint the room in. The ceiling is the first surface you paint when decorating, not the last - it’s relatively easy to remove the odd splash from walls afterwards.
Remove lamp shades or pendants if possible, otherwise cover them securely with plastic bags with masking tape seals.
Fill in any cracks, remove any loose paint or plaster and lightly sand so you have a smooth surface before you start.
Prepare the ‘cutting in’ where you won’t be able to roller; a two- or three-inch border of paint around the edge of the ceiling, done with a smaller brush.
It’s a lot quicker to use a roller than brushes to paint a ceiling. Roller towards the source of natural light to avoid seeing roller lines.
Adding an extension to your house is expensive, but there are ways you can enhance its value and utility without spending a fortune. A veranda or awning can provide outside space to live and work, bringing the pleasures of the outdoors into the home at a much lower price than building a fullblown extension.
More and more people are turning to Nationwide to make the most of their outdoor spaces with either sun awnings or their large range of verandas. All their verandas come in a range of styles from Classic to Contemporary and are purpose made to suit your project. All their products are designed to make life easier for you and give you extra entertaining space in the garden. Fitting is often completed in one day by one of their in-house, skilled fitting
teams who know their products inside out.
To buy, or to obtain a free brochure, visit www.nationwideltd.co.uk or call 0800 787 9041. Free fitting and up to 25 percent off when quoting code PH0723.
A veranda or awning can protect you from the worst of the rain and the sun, without the necessity of having to construct an elaborate conservatory or extension. It can provide a structurally safe area for children’s play, for instance, so they can still enjoy the outdoors without risking exposure to the weather.
Verandas and awnings are usually bespoke designs for each home, as there’s no real ‘one size fits all’ solution for this sort of construction. It’s up to you to what extent the veranda or awning is integrated into
the rest of the property; for instance glazing, lighting, heating and blinds are usually options, so you could use the covered area for anything from hobbies to dining. In terms of design, a selection of contemporary and classic styles and finishes mean that they can be suited to any property.
A simple awning made using UV resistant fabric will provide basic protection from wind and rain – they are often motorised so they can be rolled away tidily.
A glass or polycarbonate veranda could easily be adapted for use as a home office, while providing the shelter and protection from glare that you wouldn’t enjoy while working in the garden. It will provide a decent level of privacy and security without the expense of a garden room or extension. ■
Rattan, a wicker weave from a tropical vine, is a popular material for garden furniture, but can be difficult to clear and maintain. For that reason synthetic rattan made of polyethylene is often preferred, giving the same aesthetically pleasing look as natural wicker, but offering more durability and cleanability, so it can be left outside all year around. The garden range from Cuckooland (www.cuckooland.com) includes nine affordable rattan garden furniture lines, from the Hampstead Natural Rattan Snuggler Egg Chair, which comes with plush showerproof cushions, to the Hampstead Natural Rattan Six-Seater Dining Set with durable poly-rattan chairs and a matching dining table with clear tempered glass top. Also in the range are bistro sets, armchairs, sofas, daybeds and coffee tables.
Every little helps in the current cost-of-living crisis, and Cultivar Greenhouses (www.cultivargreenhouses.co.uk) has suggested ways you can cut your costs and boost your health by growing your own herbs. From topping off a homemade mojito with a sprig of mint, to adding the perfect tang to tomatoes and mozzarella with basil, summer wouldn’t be summer without fresh herbs adorning your cocktails and meals. If you already have a flourishing herb garden, you could propagate from existing plants. Perennial herbs such as mint, lemon balm, chives and bee balm have fleshy, clump-forming roots which are easily divided. For plants like these, simply separate the parts of the root, breaking a mature plant into smaller pieces. Then, these smaller plants can go straight into soil, ensuring that they are watered and kept in a warm, bright place. To propagate moisture-loving herbs such as basil, lemon balm, lemon verbena and sage, you can grow the plant’s roots in water, taking a cutting from an established plant and cultivating in a jar with a couple of inches of water. A greenhouse with shelving is the best place to raise your herbs, which should take one to four weeks, with the warmer environment, maximum exposure to sunlight and protection from the elements making the most of your herb gardening.
If you are worried your plants might dry out while you’re on holiday, or your busy schedule means you can’t always make time for watering your plants, there’s a solution in the form of the self-watering insert by sustainable flower pot innovator elho. This innovative, easy-to-use device makes sure that just the right amount of water is released into the soil exactly when your plant needs it, keeping them happy and healthy, even when you’re away for a weekend trip, or longer. Available in seven sizes, from 17cm to 43cm, the insert fits inside most elho indoor plant pots and many others, including ceramic ones. Made with recycled plastic and wind energy and 100 per cent recyclable, the self-watering insert is good for the environment too. Prices start from £8.69. https://www.elho.com
The celebration of floral beauty in nature continues as summer-loving Pelargoniums (so-called ’tender geraniums’) start coming into bloom, adorning gardens, balconies, patios, conservatories and tabletops with vivid bursts of colour and a gorgeous bounty of abundantly flowering plants. Pelargonium for Europe o ers endless inspiration to help you achieve the ‘bloomcore’ aesthetic and achieve the trend for folkloric florals.
The Royal Horticultural Society has come up with a handy online application to identify any plant from an uploaded photo. Ever walked by someone’s front garden and thought “I wonder what that plant is?” Now you can identify it with the aptly named Identify a Plant online tool. Just take a clear close-up photo, making sure the image is well-lit and in focus. Upload it to the website and the tool will try to identify it from a database of 35,000 plants, giving a ‘confidence rating’ of the accuracy of the result. You can then save the plant in a free My Garden account and get monthly care tips. https://www.rhs.org.uk/my-account/identify-plants
Pelargonium for Europe is a marketing initiative from leading European geranium breeders and is active in 22 countries, including the UK, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. With their colourful blossoms, geraniums spread positive vibes from spring right through to autumn, making life more beautiful. These easy-care plants instantly transform sunny balconies, terraces and gardens as well as interiors into flowering havens of happiness.
Flowering throughout summer, pelargoniums are essential in borders and containers alike. Flowers are white, pink, orange, red or mauve, with some double varieties. They are not hardy, but can overwinter in frost-free conditions. On a sunny windowsill or in a heated conservatory, these evergreen perennials and shrubs can flower virtually year round.
All pelargoniums love a warm spot, in a pot or the ground. They prefer free-draining, even stony soil or an open compost. Most flower best with some applications of potassium-rich fertiliser.
Pelargoniums will not survive the frost, so give some thought as to how to overwinter them or whether to buy fresh plants each year.
www.pelargoniumforeurope.com
Whether you’re barbecuing in the garden, sitting around your fire-pit or boiling a kettle on a campsite, it’s often a chore to start a fire; conventional methods can be messy, inconvenient and not eco-friendly. But a new generation of eco-friendly firelighters is making it easier to get a blaze going without making a fuss.
The secret lies in the chemistry. The new generation of firelighter is based on bio-ethanol, which is safer both for the user and for the environment. Bio-ethanol is sustainable, not a fossil fuel, made from dissolving and fermenting waste plant mass, and has a short chemical chain, which makes it easy and efficient to release its energy. Ethanol also contains its own oxygen, which makes it burn hotter and combust more completely, meaning that less fuel is needed.
Bio-ethanol firelighters also have the advantage of giving off very little smoke, soot or smell when burnt, which will be appreciated by your neighbours if they have their washing hanging out.
Bio-ethanol firelighters are easy to ignite with a spark from a flint, lighter or a match, taking only a couple of seconds to light, and will even work in rain, snow and extreme weather conditions. They’re lightweight, easy to store and handle, can be packed safely alongside food without affecting its taste, and as they are a natural disinfectant, can even be used as waterless antibacterial hand cleansers.
As they carry a very low risk of explosion, bio-ethanol firelighters are air transportable under UN Class 4.1, packing group III. They’re even halal, unlike some firelighters which contain animal fats.
As bio-ethanol firelighters are solid or gels, as opposed to other types which can be liquids, it’s safe and easy to add more of them to a fire as you go along. They’re non-toxic and safe to handle, and don’t run or spill. They can be used with most stoves, and are more efficient than kerosene, methyl esters or paraffin, giving out 28MJ of energy per Kg, and releasing heat at a faster and more consistent rate, so for instance they can boil water two minutes faster than the second best performing fuel.
Bio-ethanol also generates 94.7 percent less in the way of harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than burning wood.
Bio-ethanol firelighters have been adopted by armed forces around the world, and are now available in DIY, outdoor and hardware retail chains as a safer, cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bulky and dirty firelighters. ■
New firelighter technology is making the chore easier and more eco-friendly
It ’s the time of year when ‘garden living’ becomes a possibility, all things alfresco kick off and last-minute garden updates take place to be sure your great outdoors is looking at its greatest before summer shows its face. But before you go for the obvious options of decking or paving, think about garden tiling. It can be a challenge, but done properly is a Mediterranean-style enhancement to your garden which can bring joy and individuality.
Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra Stones & Tiles (capietra.com), came up with these tips for making the most of garden tiling, and avoiding the common pitfalls people fall into when choosing or installing outdoor tiling.
It sounds obvious enough, but Grazzie says that it’s amazing how many times a customer hasn’t thought about whether the tile design they love is destined for interior use only.
Before you fall hard for a tile that isn’t compatible with outdoor living, be sure to only head for selections marked as Exterior Stone and Tiles. You’ll find a generous collection of both hardy natural stone and porcelain paving that’s been created to withstand whatever the elements throw their way from snow in spring (as seen this year!) to baking sun and the inevitable floods. Why do you need to think about whether it works
outdoors? Well, exterior tiles will have been put through testing, to ensure that they really can take on all of the elements mentioned above, and they will be slipresistant and frost-resistant too.
We’ve been conditioned to think of plain stone and tiles when we picture patios. Whether it’s a cool and contemporary slate grey terrace, a cobbled cottage garden or a chic expanse of creamy limestone, a neutral landscape is what we’re most used to seeing. There’s nothing wrong with a classic, but mixing it up a little will help you to create something more outstanding.
Remember, with a little help from porcelain finishes, patterned outdoor tiles are just as practical as stone and concretes. Fancy a raised sunbathing area handsomely decked out in bright seaside colours, or veranda and hammock setup with suitably Mediterranean colours? Or you might choose to decorate your barbecue area to give it the pizazz of a Parisian café or an Ibiza beach party. All this is possible by using coloured tiles to add some sparkle.
If you are a very experienced tiler, and also up to the hard labour of digging and laying tiles, this could be a DIY affair; but though keeping down costs can be a priority for projects of all shapes and sizes, cutting corners by not enlisting the help of a professional could be a decision that will likely come back to bite you in the years to come, when you find that your groundwork or finishing just isn’t up to scratch. Investing in the help of a professional will ensure that your patio stays the course and doesn’t need redoing every couple of years.
One element that often gets overlooked in paving projects is drainage. If you don’t want your terrace to become a swimming pool, collecting layers of water every time it rains, make sure you think about drainage before you start to dig.
Just like how new flooring indoors requires a floor-levelling screed, a professional will look at all aspects of installing your garden paving to make sure rainwater doesn’t trickle towards garden furniture or your house’s brickwork, where it can cause irreparable damage.
From a thin and discreet drainage strip, to subtler still paving that tapers off at a slant, you’ve got options, and the important thing is to make sure you consider them and pick one to protect yourself.
Last but not least, it’s worth properly pondering what size of outdoor tile is right
for your space. The colour, the material, the texture and the character all matter, but so does whether you’re going for a mini or maxi-sized slab – and each has its plus points.
Large outdoor tiles work a treat in a small alfresco spot, resulting in fewer joins, less interruption and therefore the impression of extra inches. For example,
tiles with a generous 56cm width make a rooftop terrace feel far more capacious than the reality. Or maybe you’ve got enough space to play with a few different sizes of tile, in which case small and sweet limestone cobbles could suit a garden pathway, leading up to a paved area of the larger format limestone with charmingly tumbled and etched edges. ■
At Adseal we aim to offer the best quality products at best possible price. We have been using, manufacturing and selling hard surface coatings and stains for nearly 25 years and unlike other manufacturers we have used our own products for many years so we have rst-hand knowledge of our products and know that they are some of the best on the market and we have many loyal customers who would say the same.
Our products will reduce the need for cleaning, stop moss, algae, weeds and stains (whether that is a leaking car engine or a clumsy red wine drinking BBQ guest), among other things. It protects your investment, lengthens the whole life cost of the paving and massively improves the kerb side appeal of any property.
Okay, when you think of concrete structures, what normally comes to mind is drab 60s tower blocks and multi-storey car parks; but concrete is a versatile building material, allowing you to get creative in the garden, and there’s no reason why you can’t add colour and style to it too.
You may want to refurbish tired old concrete, or lay new concrete using eyecatching colours and designs. Eco-friendly concrete stains come in a huge range of colours, and unlike traditional paints will not crack, flake or peel. Non-toxic and non-hazardous, they do not produce odours while applying, and do not require neutralising or clean-up a er application. Importantly, the finished colours are predictable, so, for instance, if you want to produce a company logo on your pathway, you can do this using stencils, and will get the expected result.
Preparation is critical to any job of concrete staining; a heavy jet washing followed by use of preparation solutions will help you to remove any coating, dirt, grease or foreign substances first. If necessary you can profile the surface with an acid coating.
Discoloured, blotchy, stained and faded concrete can be recoloured using a range of solid or translucent colours, which have a weatherproofing e ect and will also resist mould, mildew and fungus. Some stains are formulated specially for vertical surfaces.
While some acid or reactive stains can react with the chemical composition of the concrete, there are also water-based, non-reactive stains that are easier to control, and can be sprayed directly onto concrete with an airless or HMVP sprayer. You can even produce marbling
techniques using these stains, though some coloured stains require a top coat sealer.
As an alternative to acid etching, which is no longer recommended for ecological and health and safety reasons, some concrete stains will produce an ‘acid etched’ e ect with a single brush coating, using random motions to give a mottled e ect. As a final touch, concrete surfaces can be ground and polished to give a highly reflective finish, though this is a long process with many stages of grinding, polishing, cleaning, coating and finishing.
You can also recolour or completely change the colour of faded tarmac using tarmac restorer, usually available in black or red, and this can also help bind loosening aggregate and reduce colour fade.
So don’t give in to faded, stained or colourless concrete – just add a bit of colour! ■
Ahanging basket full of beautiful blooms and cascading colour is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your home look glorious, whether it’s sprucing up your patio, porch or garden. But many gardeners struggle to keep their hanging baskets thriving throughout summer, particularly those that are planted in springtime. The gardening experts at Phostrogen have come up some simple tips and tricks to keep your hanging baskets blossoming for months.
One of the most overlooked elements of hanging baskets is the location of the basket itself. Just as you would with any
other flower in your beds and borders, it is important to consider the type of plant and its requirements. A basket full of shadedwelling fuchsias or begonias placed in direct sunlight will quickly wilt, and equally, placing sun-loving plants like petunias in the shade will mean they soon fade, too.
The elements also play a significant factor in the success of your hanging baskets, so ensure you choose an area that is sheltered from the wind. Not only will protecting flowers from strong gusts reduce the risk of the basket falling and protect delicate blooms from being blown away, but it will also reduce the amount of watering required. Of course, ensure the hanging basket is securely fixed to the wall, fence or hook – baskets can become heavy
after a good watering, so it’s important it is safely attached.
Don’t forget to rotate your hanging basket every so often to avoid plants growing unevenly and be sure to prune back leggy growth for a beautiful display. Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooms and allow your plant to flourish all throughout the summer.
Plants in pots, containers and baskets dry out much more quickly than plants in beds and borders, so it’s important to keep an eye on your hanging baskets throughout the summer. You’ll know if your hanging basket is in need of watering when the soil looks dry and it feels much lighter
in weight than usual. Don’t forget that smaller baskets will dry out more quickly than larger baskets, so pay special attention to them.
During hot spells, water your hanging baskets more regularly than you would normally - once a day is usually advisable, but if it is particularly hot or windy you may need to water them twice a day. It is best to water early in the morning and late in the evening to prevent water evaporating throughout the warm days. Never water your plants during full sun or in the middle of the day, as strong, direct sunlight can burn them!
Water hanging baskets generously until it streams through the drainage holes of the container. If you don’t water your hanging baskets enough, the plants won’t develop a strong root system which happens when they go in search for water at a deeper level, and instead becomes dependent on the surface water provided.
Water is not the only essential element that plants need, so it’s important to invest in a quality fertiliser. Potting soil contains nutrients to help plants grow, but the compost soon becomes exhausted as the
plants absorb the goodness that they need, so these need to be replaced regularly to help your plants thrive.
Fertilisers consist of several key elements to help your plants thrive, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium, which promote healthy green foliage and an abundance of flowers, as well as helping plants become more drought-resistant and to develop a healthy root system.
There are a variety of fertilisers and forms to choose from, but ideally you would choose a water-soluble fertiliser or slowrelease granular fertilisers. Liquid fertilisers, such as Phostrogen All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, are easy to use by simply diluting a cap full into a watering can and generously watering around the roots as usual, or you can opt for granules such as Phostrogen All Purpose Plant Food, which are applied directly around the base of the plants and lightly hoed in before watering. ■
Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh says: “The secret of a stunning hanging basket display is loads of plants, plenty of food and water and very special compost.
Use multipurpose compost but add a dose of slow-release plant food and water-retaining gel. First, mix the dry gel crystals with water and leave them to swell to a similar consistency to wallpaper paste. Choose enough plants to fill your container well. You need as many pot-grown plants as you can fit into the container with the root balls just touching. If you are using plugs or small young plants space them 2-3in (5-7½cm) apart around the edge of the container.”
With a hit movie on the horizon starring Margot Robbie (below) playing our favourite retro doll, and Ryan Gosling her plastic boyfriend Ken, this summer everyone will be planning a Barbie garden party.
The ‘Barbiecore’ movement has taken root in interior design, with the pink-coloured Y2K aesthetic all the rage. Nadia McCowan Hill, style advisor for Wayfair, says: “Think hot pink, candy pink and all things glitter and feathers. Try turning a corner of your home into a slice of escapism that gives you that inspired trend moment where less is not more!”
You can never have too much pink for a Barbie theme. Create the kitsch look by layering pink tones on more pink. Indoors, incorporating a fluffy rug with a hot pink ottoman perfectly complements each other to give a sophisticated yet fun Barbie world look. With no rules to break, allow yourself to be led by your pink dreams!
There’s no need to revamp your home completely; adding subtle nods to Barbiecore is enough; try popping a retro table lamp on a bedside table, paired with a funky pink mirror bringing an effortless touch of the Barbie House effect to any bedroom.
The more textures, the better. Get the dramatic Barbie look by combining textures in tones of pink, crushed velvet, silk, satin, glitter and, of course, feathers. Try layering a soft pink throw with deep pink crushed velvet cushions, for a perfectly paired flirty fun space.
For your Barbie-themed summer barbecue, try Wayfair’s Aadhvika Bistro set (below) at £153.99, available in a range of colours including Barbie pink. The set includes a dining table and two chairs, all for practical storage when not in use. Check out the rest of Wayfair’s garden range (right) at www.wayfair.com ■
Every now and then you have to embark on a project that challenges you, and perhaps takes you out of your comfort zone. When that project has massive community impact and the chance to positively a ect the lives of numerous young people, it becomes a ‘no-brainer’.
So it is that I have taken on the renovation and rejuvenation of the Hendrewen Hotel in the tiny village of Blaencwm at the very top end of the Rhondda Valley in South Wales. It closed at the start of lockdown and a community lost the only facility of its kind there.
I bought it last July and have been working out the best way to proceed with the project. But for some reason, perhaps serendipity, I was less gung-ho in proceeding than I normally am. I o en say to people that you need to live in a house for a while before you undertake any changes, because your initial ideas may well be very di erent from the best option. As it happens, the project has taken a turn that I did not see coming.
I met up with a chap called Steve from Real Skillz, who told me about a fledgling initiative he was spearheading. He runs a construction training and accreditation company, and was asked by some local schools if there was anything he could do to help dis-engaged 15-18-year-old youths who were finding it hard to cope with the traditional school syllabus, but showed huge practical aptitude and a desire to work in the construction industry. Normally construction apprenticeships would only be available for those over 18, so this age group found themselves caught in the doldrums.
He pioneered a scheme where small groups of these youths got involved in small community projects, such as building a bin store for the local old people’s home or redecorating a community centre, and he found the kids he was asked to mentor blossomed when given suitable opportunity.
I had an idea. Why couldn’t these kids help me rebuild and refurbish the Hendrewen? Many of the kids are from the local community, so they would not only be learning important skills, but also helping to regenerate part of their own living environment.
Well, I’m delighted to say he jumped at the chance, and for the past couple of weeks teams of kids categorised as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) - the numbers of which are three times higher in Wales than other parts of the UK - have been helping me, Steve and his colleagues rip out the existing building interior.
Last week they were joined by twelve 15-18-year-olds from a local Special Needs school. It was heart-warming to see their joy as they knocked down partitions, ripped apart the old bar area and whacked apart flooring. The subsequent reports from their teachers made incredible reading - they were engaged, happy, excited, communicative, team aware and motivated in a way they never normally are.
As for the NEET kids, the fact that they were arriving half an hour EARLY at the start of the day said it all to me. But they also proved themselves to be exceptionally capable.
A er the first week I had an epiphany. Why should their involvement stop at the rip-out stage? Why can’t they work alongside me, Steve, his team and established tradespeople, to actually put the Hendrewen back together again? Interior design. Carpentry. Plastering. Painting & decorating. Funkifying…!
Putting their ideas forward, and seeing them come to fruition. I asked Steve. He was overjoyed at the prospect. But he’s a fledgling organisation and he needs funding to make it happen. He has to pay for Insurance, protective equipment, transport and his and his colleagues’ time.
I’ll do what I can, but maybe you can help too, or know someone who can? Not just on my project, but on other initiatives in the future. This could spread nationwide, giving thousands of youngsters the chance to get a foot on the ladder of the construction industry - and solve an apprenticeship crisis in that industry at the same time.
It could be companies wanting to help through their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) commitment, or individuals and charities recognising the direct benefits to this o en-overlooked age group.
You can contact me through Property & Home or at info@martinroberts.co.uk if you think you might be able to help.
And in the meantime, we hope to finish phase one of the renovations of The Hendrewen by November, so I hope to see you in MY pub for a Christmas drink. Say you read this, and even better that you helped in some way, and it’s on me!
Enjoy the summer! ■
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