Home Living

brought to you by HomeServe

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Brilliant décor ideas + Give your home the Downton look + Get crafty with our pet projects + T herapy: declutter and de-stress

Loft?

Kitchen?

Extension?

Five great renovation projects to boost your property’s value

WIN £2,000

Enter our fantastic prize draw – page 34

Sit back and relax, you’re covered

...just like Harry, and over two million other HomeServe customers *

*Number of HomeServe customers as at 6 July 2013.

- Our service -

Home Living WELCOME

As a HomeServe customer, you already know you can rest easy – if you have a home emergency or problem this autumn or winter, you can call us 24-7.

Home Living magazine is here to go that little bit further. We’ve worked with various home and style experts, journalists and designers to bring you a whole range of ideas and inspiration for your home.

Inside you’ll find plumbing and home maintenance tips. There’s a collection of easy-to-tackle projects to bring a personal touch to your décor, and some top value-adding renovation ideas from TV’s House Doctor®, Ann Maurice. From how to hire a reliable tradesperson to getting the Downton Abbey look, we’ve got it covered. Don’t miss our draw on page 34 for a chance to win £2,000!

But that’s enough from me. Why not turn the page and start enjoying what Home Living has to offer…

Contents Our service 04 Update

News on our new and improved Plumbing and Drainage Cover

06 Here for you

Who is Britain’s dream plumber, and how HomeServe is here to help…

08 Plumbing tips

Five ways to avoid a plumbing problem. Plus: prepare for winter

06 12 Emergencies

What to do when you have a home emergency – some first steps

10 On the job

HomeServe to the rescue as a leaking pipe threatens one customer’s kitchen

HOME IMPROVEMENT 14 Tradespeople

Cover image:© OJO Images Ltd / Alamy Back cover © Bjorn Holland / Getty Opposite: © Corbis

Eight essential tips – read these before you hire a tradesperson

16 The manual

Greg Reed Membership Director

Keep your home running smoothly with our maintenance schedule

20 Eco home

Seven great ideas for a greener and more sustainable household

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LIFESTYLE 22 Pet projects

Upcycle and relove – seven low cost projects to brighten your home

26 Keep cosy

30 Inspiration

28 Décor

32 Get organised

How to make your own quilted blinds – they save energy and look great!

Décor specialist Sophie Brown on giving your home the Downton Abbey look

House Doctor Ann Maurice on how to boost the value of your home Declutter and de-stress – what to do with all your unwanted items

28 www.homeserve.com 03

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Update

New and improved Plumbing and Drainage Cover from HomeServe has been enhanced, giving you even more peace of mind…

H

omeServe has made a number of improvements to Plumbing and Drainage Cover. If you have this policy, when you renew you’ll receive details of all the enhancements which give you even more protection in the home, including:

with all the latest high-tech equipment – everything from electrical testing technology to moleing devices. Our engineers aim to deal with whatever your problem might be there and then.

Our range of vehicles has diversified to include short-wheel vans, which will help HomeServe engineers who work in busy city locations, while also reducing carbon emissions.

1 Repairs to taps (including permanently fitted garden taps) 2 Repairs to leaking overflows 3 Repairs to seized internal stop taps 4 Repairs to washing machine and dishwasher hot and cold flexible pipes 5 Unblocking rainwater drains 6 Smells from drains or pipes 7 Noisy or vibrating pipework Customers with Combined Cover policies already enjoy several of these benefits, but will now also receive points 4, 6 and 7. Watch for your renewal pack which will detail the enhancements to your cover.

We’ve also invested in a new fleet of Plumbing and Drainage and Water Supply Pipe vehicles. They’re kitted out

Facebook

Here are three great ways for you to connect with HomeServe online...

04 Home living magazine

Like HomeServe UK on Facebook and you’ll get access to some great features, photos, hints and tips.

Twitter

For regular tweets about DIY help, hints and tips, HomeServe news and more, follow @HomeServeUK on Twitter.

YouTube

Why not watch HomeServe on YouTube? You’ll find a great range of help and videos which you can play, pause and repeat until you’ve finished the job!

*Policies are arranged and administered by HomeServe and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance SA.

Images: © iStockphoto.com

Join the HomeServe social club

5 Star cover HomeServe Cover 8 receives the maximum rating from Defaqto

Are you a landlord?

We have cover options for customers with rental properties HomeServe is aiming to take the hassle out of being a landlord with a variety of cover options designed to help you look after your rental property and your tenants. From gas safety inspections (CP12) to cover for a range of home emergencies, simply choose the option that best suits you and the needs of your tenants.

With cover, you can relax – our specialist engineers will be on hand to take care of your rental property. If you wish, you can also let your tenants claim directly with us, with no need to get involved at all if you choose. For our latest offers, plus full policy details, visit www.homeserve.com.

TOP TIP

How to get rid of mould…

Got nasty mould stains on grout, silicon and tiles in your bathroom?

HomeServe plumbing and drainage engineer Andy Jones recommends HG® Mould Spray (or equivalent).

It’s available via B&Q, Amazon and other major retailers.

Independent financial research company Defaqto has awarded 5 Stars to the HomeServe Cover 8 product, recognising its market-leading position across areas such as high claims limits and all-year cover. This is the first year that Defaqto has carried out research into the Home Emergency Cover market, collecting information about 223 different products. As at 1 February 2013, just 26 of these had been awarded the 5 Star Rating – and no fewer than seven come from HomeServe!

“Not all Home Emergency products are created equal. HomeServe Cover 8 offers comprehensive protection and this Defaqto Star Rating recognises that,” says HomeServe Membership CEO Jonathan King. “Over the last year we’ve invested heavily in improving our services further as we look to cement our position as the UK’s home emergency experts.”

Happy birthday HomeServe!

Lots has changed since 1993, but we still deliver great service…

Get your party hats on and birthday streamers at the ready – this year HomeServe is celebrating its 20th birthday. Plenty has changed since the company was founded in 1993, but HomeServe continues to improve the policies it offers.

Over the last two decades, technology has certainly advanced.

The very first text message was sent in Finland in 1993, and today nearly everyone has a mobile phone and an internet connection.

Many washing machines, cookers and dishwashers these

days are fully programmable and have digital read-outs on the front.

Modern gas boilers are much more efficient – they need to be because energy bills have risen substantially since the early 1990s.

Many more homes across the UK today have water meters as well.

However, one thing hasn’t changed. Sometimes things still go wrong and that’s why our commitment to our customers is so important. In 2012, HomeServe attended a home emergency every 41 seconds. We’re still going strong. www.homeserve.com 05

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Here for you

Dream plumbers

Home emergencies can be stressful, but HomeServe customers don’t need to worry about the quality of service they receive… omeServe has your home emergencies covered, but what do you look for when hiring a tradesperson?

If you’re anything like the average Briton then tidiness, a nice smile and a willingness to explain exactly what they’re doing are top of the list.

A survey* conducted by HomeServe asked people across the country what qualities the nation’s ideal tradesperson would have, and revealed some surprising statistics.

Although 53 per cent of those polled said they don’t care what a tradesperson is like as long as they do a good job, 30 per cent of Britons said that a warm, welcoming smile is important to make a good first impression.

H

Jargonfree

When you’re visited by one of our engineers, they’ll investigate the problem and explain what they plan to do in plain English, without using any complex terms or jargon.

Clean and tidy

Tidy and jargon-free

Being messy was the biggest turn-off, with 72 per cent of people saying they’d be annoyed if someone they hired didn’t tidy up afterwards and 60 per cent objecting to them being unhygienic.

Jargon got the thumbs down – 42 per cent didn’t like it when they were talked to in complex terms rather than plain English. Looking at results across the board, the survey found that the nation’s ideal tradesperson would be 41 years old, polite and from Yorkshire. *All research conducted online by Canadean Consumer on behalf of HomeServe, February 2013 among a representative sample of 2,005 UK adults.

06 home Living magazine

A HomeServe engineer will wear boot covers, protect your surfaces and tidy up when the job is done.

Doing the job well

Our engineers are all properly trained and vetted and will aim to do the job to the highest standard, with minimal disruption to your day.

Who is Britain’s ideal tradesperson?

When conducting our survey, we also asked people which celebrity they think would make the best tradesperson…

Ross Kemp ‘Sorted, bruv.’

According to our survey, Britons think Ross Kemp would make the ideal tradesperson. Perhaps it’s down to his tough EastEnders image.

1

First time, every time

Our plumbing and drainage engineers aim to complete jobs the first time, every time. To help them, they travel in vans stocked with all the tools and parts needed to tackle the most common plumbing problems.

HomeServe’s plumbing and drainage engineers deal with 94 per cent of problems they attend in one visit.

Signing off

Before leaving, our engineer will ask you to sign to say that the work’s been done to your satisfaction.

Gary Barlow ‘Relight my boiler…’

In second place, it’s the Take That vocalist, Gary Barlow. Maybe he sings while he works?

2

After completing the work, a HomeServe engineer tests the work they’ve done and will demonstrate it to you, to make sure you’re happy with the work.

Prof Brian Cox ‘I can see stars!’

The physicist and TV presenter Professor Brian Cox came in third, and this might well be due to his scientific credentials.

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www.homeserve.com 07

Images: © Rex Features

Properly tested

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Plumbing tips

Main image: Š Corbis

5

ways to prevent a plumbing problem

Plenty of plumbing-related problems may be avoided if you follow these simple tips from HomeServe plumbing and drainage engineer Paul Price From blocked drains to broken taps and toilets, many plumbing issues can be averted with some good common sense. Taking the right precautions and making sure you respond to small issues before they become big ones can make all the difference. Here are five ways to prevent a plumbing problem.

08 home Living magazine

1

Don’t pour grease down the sink

One of the most common reasons that kitchen sinks get backed up is because fat, oil or grease has been poured down the plughole and has solidified, blocking the drain. Prevention is better than the cure, so avoid pouring these substances and other food matter into your sink. Instead, put unwanted fat, oil or grease into an old plastic jar with a lid and throw it in the bin.

HOW TO…

Get ready for winter

2 Install hair traps

What causes blocked drains in the bathroom? Very often it’s human hair.

Hair traps are a simple solution and they cost under £5. Simply fit them in your bath and shower plugholes, clean them out regularly and you’ll avoid the inconvenience of having a blocked drain.

4 Holiday? Turn off the water

If you’re going away for any length of time, find your stop tap and turn off the water. That way, if there’s a leak while you’re gone there won’t be a nasty surprise for you when you get back. You’ll most likely find your stop tap in the kitchen or utility room, or where the water supply pipe enters your house.

3 Know where pipes are

Whether you’re planning renovation work or just want to hang a mirror, don’t drill, hammer or screw until you’ve checked where your pipes (and electric wires) are.

Use a sensor tool – you can pick one up for under £20 – before undertaking the work and you’ll be unlikely to hammer a nail into a water pipe!

5 Fix faults fast

Got a dripping tap? Or a toilet that’s gradually refilling all the time? Left to their own devices, small issues can quickly turn into much bigger ones and if you’re on a water meter, they could start costing you money. So get them fixed as soon as they’re discovered rather than waiting for the problem to get worse.

Save yourself some hassle by lagging your condensate pipe...

During the coldest months, boilers can stop working, often because of a frozen condensate pipe. This is a pipe coming out of the wall where your boiler is, which allows excess condensation to run off. If this freezes, it’ll stop your boiler from working. Either lag the pipe or buy a condensate pipe heater for around £75 from major DIY stores.

And insulate your outdoor tap too...

Outdoor taps can freeze and burst during the cold weather. The best precaution you can take is to turn the water supply to the garden tap off using an isolation valve, which you should be able to find inside the house. If you can’t find it, lag the tap with insulation or buy a tap lagging kit from a DIY outlet. They cost less than £10. www.homeserve.com 09

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On the job

Problem solved...

When Stella Yates phoned HomeServe, a leaking tap under her sink was threatening to wreak havoc across the kitchen. Plumbing and drainage engineer Tony Jacobs was on the case...

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Name Stella Yates Location Wiltshire Cover HomeServe Cover 7 Problem Leaking water pipe under the sink

uinness, the black Staffordshire bull terrier, barks his happy greeting as Tony Jacobs rings the doorbell. It’s July and it’s one of the hottest days of the year. No matter what the weather, HomeServe plumbers like Tony are responding to call-outs and making repairs. His latest job is in Warminster, Wiltshire where Stella Yates has a leak in the kitchen.

The door swings open and Tony introduces himself showing his ID card.

Stella is relieved to see him and shows the way to the kitchen.

Minor flood

Stella explains to Tony that she noticed the problem when she heard a hissing noise coming from under the sink. When

she opened the cupboards she saw water dripping from the pipes.

Stella pulls a plastic takeaway meal tub out from under the leak and empties it.

Several more containers are there catching the drips. Stella’s worried it will turn into a minor flood and damage the kitchen floor and cubpoards.

“That’s a lot of water,” says Tony, as he starts pouring the water away. “But don’t worry, we’ll shut the water supply off and get this sorted for you.”

In the living room, Guinness has settled down. Four cats appear and watch curiously as Tony investigates the water pipes under the kitchen sink. He’s turned off the stop tap but water is still dripping, so he pops outside and turns on the garden tap. This will drain all the water sitting in the pipes away, so no more floods out while he works under the sink.

Homeserve saves the day

Plumbing and drainage engineer Tony Jacobs arrives at Stella’s house ready to fix the leak…

10 home Living magazine

4.40 pm

4.50 pm

Much of the cupboard under the sink has been flooded with water. Tony sets about finding the problem.

Stella’s cat looks on as Tony locates the leaking hose joint and turns off the water supply.

Major leak

What’s the damage?

Getting it fixed

“The problem is, there’s a flexible piece of hose that takes water to your cold water tap,” explains Tony. “Where the water goes into that hose, the joint has split.

We’re going to replace that and stop the leak. It won’t take long.”

Stella is relieved that the problem’s being resolved. Tony goes to his van and returns with the parts he needs, including a replacement hose, plumbing joints and clamps. He gets to work under the sink, removing the leaky tube.

Stella suspects the pipe may have been leaking slowly for quite a long time.

Luckily, she has been able to work from home today, emptying the plastic tubs every so often to prevent damage before Tony arrived. She has had her policy with HomeServe for about seven years and has called once before, when she had some leaking taps.

A job well done

Within half an hour, the replacement part is installed and Tony has turned the water supply back on. Next, he runs the tap to test it, checking for leaks where he’s made the repair. It’s running fine with no new drips appearing under the sink.

Now it’s time to show Stella the work he’s done. The sink is functioning properly again, and she fills a bowl of water for Guinness while the cats mill about Tony’s ankles – it seems as though they can sense a job well done.

Stella Yates is relieved that Tony’s able to fix the leaking pipework.

Don’t worry, we’ll “shut the water supply off and get this sorted for you…

Tony Jacobs

”

For Stella, there are several benefits of having a policy with HomeServe. You don’t need to find a tradesperson when things go wrong, you don’t pay extra for the parts, and if you need help with a home emergency all you have to do is pick up the phone.

5:20 pm

Good as new 5.00 pm

New parts

Tony has the parts he needs in his van, so he’ll remove the leaky section and fit a new piece of hose and joint.

The new part is in place and Tony dries out the entire area. Then he turns the stop tap back on and runs the tap. Getting back under the sink he checks thoroughly that the new joint and hose are not leaking.

Then he shows Stella to check the work has been done to her satisfaction.

5.25 pm

Signed and sealed

With the leak fixed, Stella signs on the digital screen of Tony’s HomeServe PDA. This device is connected to the HomeServe network and contains Tony’s daily work diary. He’ll be heading home – this was the last job of the day. www.homeserve.com 11

- Our service -

Emergencies

Emergencies: first steps...

If a problem occurs, follow the tips to the right, then call HomeServe’s claims line: Main image: Š Corbis

0800 24 7 999 12 home Living magazine

PLUMBING PROBLEM

Major leak

Find your stop tap If there’s a major leak in your home, the first thing to do is to turn off the water supply at the internal stop tap.

Locate it and check that it works beforehand, so you don’t have to look for it in an emergency. Often, it’s in the kitchen or the utility room.

1

Turn off the water Your stop tap will probably be a metal tap.

To turn it off, rotate it clockwise until it’s completely closed.

Don’t force it – seized-up valves can break.

2

Minimise damage If you can’t turn the water supply off, try to minimise the damage. If your home’s wiring is at risk, turn off the electricity at the fuse board. Remember, the simplest solution is often the best – grab some towels and a bucket and put them under the leak to catch the water.

3

ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY

No power

First things first Look outside. Do your neighbours have electricity or not? If it’s night time, are the street lights illuminated? If it’s just your house that has no power, maybe the fuse board has tripped.

1

Find your fuse board If you feel confident about accessing your fuse board and it is safe for you to do so, you can try to restore power yourself. If it’s just the main switch that has tripped, try simply turning it back on.

2

Isolate the fault If other switches have tripped too, this might indicate where the fault lies. Often, it’s the last appliance you used but if you are in any doubt call HomeServe and we’ll send an electrician to help.

3

BROKEN BOILER

Images: © iStockphoto.com

No heating Check the pilot light If your boiler fails, don’t remove the casing. You might be able to restart it yourself. Check the pilot light, then press the restart button if there is one.

Follow any specific instructions that came with the boiler.

1

Make and model If you are unable to start your boiler and have cover, call HomeServe and keep to hand the make and model, as well as any error code that is displaying.

2

The manual Our engineer may find it useful to see the boiler’s manual and service history, so it’s worth getting them. Lost your manual? You can usually find a copy at your boiler manufacturer’s website.

3

www.homeserve.com 13

- Home Improvement -

Tradespeople

8 tial How to deal sen

es

tips

with tradespeople Finding a good tradesperson may sometimes be a tricky task. Follow our handy tips and ensure the job gets done right…

Be clear about what you want

Before making any calls, make sure you know exactly what you want the tradesperson to do. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know all the finer details but if you can clearly describe the end result you’re looking for, it will help you get the right person for the job and also help the tradesperson to provide an accurate quote.

Get three quotes

It is vital to remember that an estimate is just that – an approximate price and it’s not binding. Always get an official quote, albeit one that includes clauses covering changes in parts or materials. Research carried out on behalf of HomeServe in March showed that 34 per cent of Britons have had the final cost of work on their homes come in higher than the estimates.

So, always get an official quote before the job starts.

14 home Living magazine

Images: © iStockphoto.com

Estimate or quote?

For even more peace of mind, get three tradespeople to quote on the job. If you only have one quote, you’ve no idea if it’s reasonable. Quotes should be presented to you on headed paper with the tradesperson’s or company’s details, a full description of the job to be done and the cost including VAT. Be wary of anyone asking to do the job for cash – that means no receipt, no record and no comeback.

Trust your instincts Don’t just go for the cheapest quote, it’s better to pay a bit more for someone you trust.

Ask yourself if they seemed professional. Were they happy to take questions and give you clear answers? Did you find it easy to get on with them? If something doesn’t feel quite right, listen to your gut instinct.

Follow recommendations

Good tradespeople get a lot of work through recommendations. The most obvious way to tap into this is to ask family, friends and neighbours if they can recommend someone. There are also several websites where tradespeople advertise for work and previous customers leave feedback. You can also ask tradespeople for references from customers or any trade associations that they may belong to.

Agree the job in writing Once you’ve made a decision, agree the job in writing. This should detail the work, the time it will take to complete and the payment details. Small jobs are usually paid on completion. For bigger jobs, it’s reasonable to make stage payments as the work progresses. Be sure to get a receipt for each payment you make.

Get the work guaranteed

Ask about the warranty the tradesperson offers for their work.

You need to know that if anything goes wrong they will come back and sort it out quickly. Good tradespeople will want to correct any problems and keep you happy, ensuring they earn your recommendation for future work.

Speak up If you notice something isn’t going as planned, don’t be shy about speaking up and getting it rectified before it’s too late. If you change your mind about something, discuss it with the tradesperson and, once it’s been agreed, get a revised quote in writing.

www.homeserve.com homeserve.com 15

- Home improvement -

The manual

Keep your home running smoothly Try this home maintenance schedule and stay on top of all the jobs around the house Televisions, computers, cars – most major purchases come with a manual. However, the biggest one of all – your house – doesn’t. Not to worry. With our handy home maintenance calendar you’ll be able to keep on top of all those jobs around the house that it’s easy to forget about. Spending time on these tasks when they’re due might seem a chore, but it could save you from disaster in the long run.

Do a drain check

Start by checking your kitchen sink is free from food debris and any hair is removed from bathroom plugholes. Put on your rubber gloves and sprinkle some soda crystals down each drain. Leave them for 10 minutes, then rinse well to wash away the soda and any other debris.

Hose out the bins

If you have outdoor bins and recycling boxes, wash them out every month to purge them of odours.

It will also help keep rats away!

Blast the taps

Once every few months, when you’re running the bath or filling a sink or basin, open the taps all the way for a few seconds each.

HomeServe plumbing and drainage engineers recommend you do this for all your taps to help prevent limescale build-up inside them, which can damage the mechanism and washer seal.

16 home Living Magazine

All illustrations by Naomi Hocking

Test the fuse board

According to the Electrical Safety Council, you should test your fuse board every three months. To do so, press the button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’. The RCD (Residual Current Device) switch should trip out the electricity. If it does, the RCD is working properly. The RCD is a safety feature that cuts the current whenever there’s a fault with your wiring.

Test the stop tap

Find your stop tap and turn it off, then back on again.

HomeServe recommends you do this twice a year to stop it from seizing up. Turn the tap one quarter to the right, then a quarter back again. If it’s stiff, spraying some WD40® or equivalent on the spindle may free it up, and won’t contaminate the water.

Check the fire alarms

The fire safety scheme Blue Watch says you should take the casing off your fire alarm and vacuum it out every six months, test it, and replace the batteries if necessary. If you have a carbon monoxide sensor, test it as well, and check the pressure on your fire extinguishers. www.homeserve.com 17

Clean the gutters

The best time to clear out your gutters is after the leaves have fallen in the autumn. If you don’t, debris can quickly build up and cause blockages. The last thing you want when winter weather hits is water overflowing and seeping into your roof or running down the walls. Website www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk recommends you inspect your gutters and downpipes at least once, if not twice, a year. Water stains on your walls are a telltale sign of a cracked or overflowing gutter. If the job requires a ladder, remember to take care.

Cut back overgrown trees

If you have mature trees on your property, cut them back once a year, making sure they’re not touching or getting too close to your home. Make sure that trees aren’t threatening your fences, shed and garage as well. Cutting back large trees can be dangerous, so take the necessary precautions. If the work requires you to leave the ground, or if any tree is over 20 feet tall, call a professional.

Top Tip

Prune deciduous trees in the late autumn or winter.

Concentrate on removing dead or hazardous side branches.

Sweep the chimney

If you have a wood fire or stove, get your chimney swept annually and check that the flue isn’t obstructed or leaking.

A clean chimney ensures that smoke and carbon monoxide won’t linger the next time you light a fire. Solid fuel fires, as well as gas, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. So any dirty chimney can be both a health and a fire hazard.

Get the boiler serviced

You can have this done at any time of the year, but HomeServe recommends you schedule it during the summer when the boiler isn’t being used for heating. A service must be done by a qualified Gas Safe Engineer. The parts should be checked, debris cleaned out and the oxygen to fuel ratio adjusted so that it burns as efficiently as possible. The system’s water pressure should be checked and topped up.

Inspect the roof

You can easily do a visual inspection of your roof from the ground – be sure to check both the front and back of your home. Look out of any windows that overlook the roof too.

If you notice that the roof is sagging, contact a structural engineer. Cracked or misaligned roof tiles (which can result in leaks) and worn chimney brickwork can be fixed by any reputable roofing company. Fascias should be straight and properly attached. If they’re wooden, look for signs of peeling, cracking and deterioration.

Finally, go up into your loft space. Check the felting that lines most tiled roofs and make sure it’s not leaking. If you can see light coming through from outside there may be a hole. So look for water stains or fungus on the timber.

18 home Living Magazine

Assess the rebuild cost

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recommends you have the rebuild cost of your home assessed at least once every five years. You need to know the cost for your buildings insurance.

Insurers link the figure you supply to a property value index to determine how much you should pay. So it’s important the rebuild cost is accurate, so that you end up paying the right premium. A chartered surveyor is qualified to assess the rebuild cost. If you are over-insuring, you’ll be able to save some money on your premium. If you were underinsuring, and your building was destroyed, you’d have to make up on the shortfall to have it rebuilt.

Hiring a chartered surveyor can cost £200 or more. Alternatively, you’ll find a rebuild cost calculator online at the Association of British Insurers’ website: http://abi.bcis.co.uk. You will need to register to use it. The online calculator may not be as accurate as a surveyor, but it’s free to use.

Maintain the windows

It’s important not to forget about your windows as they will deteriorate over time. Start by checking that the seals and frames are intact, and look for any damage such as cracks in the corner joints, chipped paint, decay or erosion. Test the locks, and check that doors and windows open and close smoothly. If they don’t, clean them and try lubricating the hinges with a drop of oil.

If you have UPVC windows, make sure the friction tracks, hinges and pivot points are clean and free of debris. A little WD40® or equivalent in the tracks might be needed. Ensure that the brick and mortar work around the windows is in good condition too.

Have any painting, resealing and repair work done as necessary. Renewing the window seals is a great way to cut draughts in your home.

Check exterior walls

Look for cracks and the deterioration of any plaster, pebbledash or pointing outside the house and have these repaired. Paint where necessary – both to protect the external walls, and to keep the house looking its best. If you spot any major cracks, this could indicate a structural problem. In this case, get a qualified structural engineer to survey the house for you.

A Period Inspection Report

According to the Electrical Safety Council, you need to have your wiring properly checked by a qualified electrician every decade. If you own a rental property, this must be done every five years. A PIR inspection will check if any of your electrical circuits are overloaded and identify shock risks, fire hazards and defective electrical work. It will ensure that you have adequate earthing or bonding too. The electrician carrying it out should be registered with the Electrical Safety Register. He or she will issue a report on the condition of your wiring, listing any damage, defects and non-compliance. If your wiring fails the report, it must be dealt with as soon as possible. www.homeserve.com 19

- Home improvement -

Illustration: © Si-Gal iStockphoto.com

Eco home

Live green for less Want to improve your home, save money and help the environment?

We’ve researched some of the best ways to go green...

W

e all want to save money and, with carbon emissions and the state of the environment an ever-growing concern, energy efficiency is an increasingly hot topic for all of us.

Adapting your home so that it can be more energy efficient may seem like an intimidating prospect, but it’s actually quite simple. There’s a lot you can do for very little money – or even for free – and some green measures will even add value to your property. Two governmentsupported schemes (The Renewable

Want to take action today?

The Energy Saving Trust offers plenty of free, impartial advice on how to live more sustainably and save money on your energy bills. For more visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk

Above and beyond

The Green Deal The Green Deal is a way of financing energy efficient improvements in homes.

The way it works is simple.

A Green Deal advisor visits your home and identifies what improvements can be made.

You’ll be given a report outlining the changes and savings. You then take this to a Green Deal

Heat Premium Payment and The Green Deal) exist to help you, and there are several other options to help you make your home greener. Here’s how you can get involved.

Save water and save money

If you’re on a water meter, saving water will cut your bill, so introduce some water-saving habits into your home.

A shower uses less water than a bath, and a running tap wastes more than six litres of water a minute. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face, and use cold water if you don’t need hot. If your dishwasher

Provider who will arrange the improvements and financing.

You pay for the work through your electricity bills, and as the amount you pay back should be no more than what you save, you’re likely to be better off straight away. However, if you move out of the property the repayments are carried over to the next owner rather than moving with you. Find out more at www.greendealinitiative.co.uk

What is ECO?

ECO is the Energy Companies Obligation.

It means that energy companies in the UK are obliged to fund energy efficiency improvements, in order to cut down on carbon emissions and help support people living in fuel poverty.

Installing insulation will keep you warm and help lower your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, loft and cavity insulation could save a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house £310 a year on energy bills.

What’s more, it might be free if you have it installed by your energy supplier.

or washing machine needs an upgrade, opt for a replacement that bears the new Water Efficient Product Label – the Waterwise Marque – and the Energy Saving Recommended mark (www.europeanwaterlabel.eu).

Upgrade your loft and cavity insulation

One great way to cut down on CO2, make your home more energy efficient and save potentially hundreds of pounds a year is to get your loft and cavity walls insulated. Best of all, you could even make this change without spending a penny. Some energy providers offer insulation installation as a free service (though eligibility is determined by where you live and your income). It only takes about half a day to install the insulation too, so the whole experience is as quick and painless as possible.

Get a new boiler

If your boiler is old, the chances are it will be less energy efficient than a newer, A-rated boiler. Handily, a grant exists as part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) that means you might be eligible to have a new one fitted, absolutely free.

Eligibility is determined by the age of the boiler, as well as your location and

benefits status, but it’s a great way to stay warm and save money. Check with the energy company you use today to see if you are eligible.

Get an energy monitor

Energy monitors are small devices that help you discover how much energy you’re using in your home. They show you how much money your energy consumption is costing you, and are a great way of helping you change your habits and cutting your gas and electricity bills. The average energy monitor costs between £15 and £65, and there are a range of different makes and models to choose from.

Apply for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment

This is a government scheme designed to encourage the use of renewable technologies such as solar panels, biomass boilers and ground or water heat pumps. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales and own your home, you could get up to £2,300 towards the technology. As part of the deal you will occasionally be required to supply information on how the technology is performing to the government, but that’s a pretty good deal, if you ask us.

www.homeserve.com 21

Images: © iStockphoto.com, Corbis

Top Tip

- Lifestyle -

Pet projects

Transform your home!

Looking for ways to refresh your rooms at very little cost?

Sophie Brown brings you a range of great upcycling ideas… ou don’t need to embark on a major renovation or redecoration project to transform the look and feel of your home. Often, all it takes is a new splash of colour or a quirky, eye-catching feature and a room can be simply, but potently refreshed. It’s easy to turn

Image: www.lachicadelacasadecaramelo.com

Y

everyday objects into stunning pieces that will help you transform an ordinary house into an extraordinary home.

Here, I’ve brought some examples to do just that, whether it’s working with stencils, repainting second-hand furniture or trying your hand at découpage. Use them for inspiration, and come up with your own pet projects.

Image: www.dwellingsbydevore.com

Beautiful bottles

Rather than leaving your empty glass bottles for recycling, save them up for a quick and easy handmade project. Start by thoroughly washing out the bottles with warm soapy water and then leave them to dry. Pick up a large pipette from your local pharmacy, fill it up with paint and squeeze it inside the bottle, rolling it around to make sure it’s evenly covered. Empty the excess paint from the bottles and leave them upside down to dry.

The effect is stunning.

Reinvent with reupholstery

Reupholstering your furniture is a great way of giving it a new lease of life or matching it to suit new decorations. Whether you get it done professionally or have a go at it yourself, it often works out less expensive than replacing the item!

Think outside the box when you’re reupholstering and go for bold and bright geometric prints on an antique chair, or subtle pastel floral patterns on a modern sofa for a one-of-a-kind design!

Sophie Brown writes for various style and craft magazines including Papercraft Inspirations, Made in Felt, Love Stitching and Sweet. www.homeserve.com 23

Stencilled stags

Image: www.voneinspired.com

Image: www.pleasenotepaper.com

Save up your jam jars for this stylish project with lots of different uses.

Choose a basic shape like this stag’s head, find an outline image online or trace it from a book or magazine, then cut it out. Add it to the front of a clean, empty glass jar with tiny dots of Blu-Tack® or equivalent and spray paint over the top. When the paint is dry, carefully remove your stencil to reveal the clear shape underneath. Your jars are now ready to be used as vases or tea light holders.

Penny vase

Top Tip

If you don’t have a ceramic vase, try a glass one. Spray paint it black or leave it clear for a great look!

24 home Living Magazine

Put a jar full of pennies to use and turn an old vase into a stunning centrepiece. Start by painting the vase with matte black paint to create the perfect base, then use a hot glue gun to apply pennies all over the vase. Hold each penny in place for a few seconds once you’ve glued it on to make sure it doesn’t fall off.

Image: www.lovelyetc.com

Top Tip

Image: www.helent.co.uk

If you don’t fancy making a mess with wallpaper paste, try buying rolls of self-adhesive shelf liners!

Colour splash

Add a touch of fun with these bold coloured chairs, perfect for your younger visitors! Look around on online auction sites and search charity shops and car boot sales for little wooden chairs for children.

Don’t worry if they don’t match – it’ll only add to the quirky effect of your finished project. Sand your chairs down with fine sandpaper and paint them in contrasting bright colours. Pick up tester pots of paint from DIY stores for a money-saving solution to buying whole pots!

Step up your home-style

Take your creative skills to the next level by wallpapering the front panels of your staircase. You could buy a roll of wallpaper, but if you’re feeling extra thrifty, use scraps and leftovers from a previous project or wallpaper samples. Measure the front of your stairs then cut panels to fit. Most wallpapers have measurements on the back, making the arduous task of measuring really easy. Apply them to your stairs and leave to dry overnight – et voilà, a brand new staircase!

Image: www.livelovediy.com

Cut and paste…

Cutting and pasting isn’t just for the classroom! In the world of interiors, it’s called découpage. You can découpage almost anything – from tables and frames to doors and coasters! To make this worldly addition to your home, take an old mirror and sand down the frame. Snip out small pieces of an old map and apply PVA glue to sections of the mirror’s frame before adding the map. Shape the map to the mirror’s contours by gently pressing with your fingers.

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- Lifestyle -

Keep cosy

How to make your own window quilts Insulate your rooms and add extra visual charm with some fantastic quilted blinds. Crafts journalist Rebecca Reid shows you how to make your own…

F

rom bags to bedspreads and from cushions to coats, more and more people are making and using quilted fabrics. One fantastic way of using quiltwork that you’ve made or bought is to turn it into an attractive set of window blinds.

The idea originates from colder countries. In Canada and Scandinavia, homemakers hang patchwork quilts over their windows to insulate them during the long, dark winters. This basic solution leads to a warmer but darker room.

What if you could take a quilt that you’ve made and turn it into a Roman blind? That’s exactly what I’m going to show you how to do. They can be raised in the day to let the light in, and lowered at night to keep the cold out. This can lead to a warmer, more energy efficient home, but because you can use your own handmade quilt, it will bring a personal touch wherever you hang one.

You can make your quilt to any design, colour and pattern to chime with your décor. Be creative and make a unique blind from patchwork or appliqué to give the room more authentic, homespun charm.

Whether you make one yourself or ask a professional to create one for you, a window quilt is a fantastic way of keeping your home cosy and looking great at the same time.

Rebecca Reid writes for handicraft magazines including Cross Stitcher, Simply Crochet and the soon-to-belaunched title Love Quilting.

26 home Living Magazine

Size matters…

Measure your window inside or outside the recess to get the exact size of your finished blind. Either cut an old quilt down to these measurements or make a new one from scratch and hem it to fit. Sandwich three layers – top fabric, wadding or any other insulating material, and backing fabric – then work rows of running stitch through all three layers for a quilted effect.

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Make your mark

The back of your Roman blind needs rods attached so it folds up properly. To achieve this, Roman blind tape is sewn across the width of the curtain lining. This needs to be evenly spaced but with the bottom gap half the width of the others. Calculate the gaps then draw them onto the lining fabric – 25cm to 30cm between each tape is ideal.

2

Where to hang?

Hanging your blind inside the window recess will give you the best heat and light insulation but if you have particularly bad condensation then it’s better to hang it outside the recess.

Further Reading

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Hang and admire

You can buy sidewinder headrails, which are ideal for hanging Roman blinds as they can be raised and lowered using a chain at the side. Stitch Velcro® to the top of the back of your blind and thread the cords from the headrail through the tapes and secure at the bottom tape. Screw the headrail to the window and press the Velcro® on the blind and headrail together.

Insert folding rods

Stitch the tape to the lining along the drawn lines then slip stitch this to the back of your quilt, turning all the edges under to match up with the quilt top, but leaving a gap at the lower edge to insert the bottom bar. Push the rods into the tapes and stitch over the ends then put the bottom bar into the hem.

Blinds, Curtains and Cushions

For more detailed information on making a Roman blind get a copy of Blinds, Curtains and Cushions by Merrick & Day, available at www.merrickday.com

www.homeserve.com 27

- Lifestyle -

Décor

Get the Downton look Décor specialist Sophie Brown has some great suggestions for your home inspired by the hugely popular period drama Downton Abbey…

Image: ©Corbis

Since Downton Abbey hit our screens, people have been lusting after its stunning postEdwardian décor and elegant interiors. We’re not all fortunate enough to have houses as palatial as Downton Abbey, but it’s easy to bring some of that gorgeous 1920s style into your home. Whether you’re going for a total vintage overhaul, or you just want to add a touch of antique class, here are six top ways to help you replicate the signature Downton look at home. All of them can be found in high street retailers, but you can just as easily save money and look for something similar in second-hand shops or even at car boot sales. Happy hunting!

28 home Living Magazine

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1 A true sense of style

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1 This gorgeous tiered, tasselled lampshade is perfect for adding a touch of the Downton style to more modern homes. I found this light at Marks and Spencer.

2 Show your dedication to Downton with the daring Tatton Camomile Damask wallpaper. Look for this or something similar at Laura Ashley.

3 A Downton Abbey-inspired bedroom wouldn’t be complete without stylish perfume bottles. These frosted peacock ones come from Debenhams but similar glassware is easily found in other shops.

4

4 Pick out the more feminine features of the Abbey and indulge in soft fabric floral furnishings like this Asquith Chair upholstered in eggshell silver.

I found this at John Lewis.

5 Downton Abbey wouldn’t be half as impressive without the gorgeous gold mirrors adorning the walls. The distressed look adds to the vintage charm. This one’s from the Sass and Belle range in Debenhams.

6 Make a statement with a fivearmed, mirrored candelabra as the centrepiece for your next dinner party. This particularly grand piece was found in Marks and Spencer but you can find plenty of Edwardian candle holders at flea markets and car boot sales.

5

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Opposite Combine contrasting frames, flowers and figurines for effortless home style. These items are from Debenhams.

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- Lifestyle -

Inspiration

Image: © iStockphoto.com

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Great renovations Thinking of upgrading or extending your home?

TV’s House Doctor Ann Maurice shares her top five ways of adding value to your property…

30 home living magazine

Across the House Doctor® Network, my team of property consultants and I are finding that space has overtaken location as the foremost concern for homeowners. The difficult housing market in recent years has also meant that it’s more important than ever to get a return when you spend money renovating your house. To help inspire you, here are my top five value-adding home improvements...

1 Internal layout

Before you consider spending money on an extension, think about whether you can increase the space and potential of your property by changing the existing internal layout. This can achieve those all-important bigger rooms and cost less than an extension.

Moving or removing internal walls can make a big difference – just make sure you don’t damage the load-bearing walls. Also, never knock through bedrooms to create fewer rooms, as this usually decreases property value.

2 A new kitchen

The kitchen has become the showpiece area of the home. We don’t just cook in them anymore, but carry out almost every function in the home there

2

3

An extension can add space and add value.

What’s cooking?

A new kitchen could add up to 5 per cent to the property value

5

4

Lofty ambitions

A good loft conversion can add up to 15 per cent to the property value

Modern central heating is a great investment.

– except bathing! Install equipment that is as up to date as possible so it won’t look outdated in years to come. More importantly, make sure that the price bracket of your kitchen matches the price bracket of your house and that it is not overly personal in style. Stick to neutral cabinetry and add colour with accessories and soft furnishings.

3 Side extensions

Increasing the actual size of your property by adding extra rooms can add to the value of your home because of the extra space they give. Some side extensions may not create much additional space, but they are cheaper to build. If you have a garage, converting it into a room is another way to add value – 90 per cent of British garages don’t even contain a car anymore.

4 Heating & plumbing

Adding or updating the central heating system will always add more to the value of a property than it costs, and most buyers usually consider it to be essential. Using a plumber to add central heating to an average threebedroom house will cost around £3,000.

A modern central heating system will also help you cut the cost of your utility bills if you’re currently using expensive storage heaters.

can be a hugely worthwhile investment, with the average cost being around £25,000. Make sure that the access to the loft is easy and does not look like a bolted-on extra to the property. It should be seamless and appear as though it has always been there.

5 Loft extensions

It’s tempting to try it yourself, but I always advise people wanting loft extensions to call in an expert. You don’t want your loft space becoming a poorlyconverted room that no-one would want to live in. As long as you have the space and the money to convert your loft, it

As TV’s House Doctor, Ann Maurice has fans worldwide. She’s written six books on transforming your home, and now runs the House Doctor® Network. For more information visit www.housedoctor.co.uk www.homeserve.com 31

- Lifestyle -

Get organised

Declutter and de-stress Are you a hoarder? Then why not declutter your home?

You’ll reclaim some room and make your house a tidier, nicer place... here comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to stop and say, “No, I don’t need any more handbags, letter-openers or garden gnomes.” Eventually, we all end up with too much stuff. But what do you do then? Parting with it requires a lot of determination, and can feel like a chore.

T

Before you pack up the car and head to the nearest council refuse centre, think again. Today it’s easier than ever to get rid of your stuff in safe, ethical ways and even make some money in the process.

Auction it on eBay

The online auction site is the 19th most visited website in the world, which means that your unwanted possessions have a potential market of millions of people. You do pay listing fees, but these are generally very small, and the upside is that you might make hundreds of pounds, or more, depending on what you’re selling. Head to www.ebay. co.uk, sign up and start selling.

Just resist the temptation to spend what you make bidding on other people’s items.

Go on Gumtree

Don’t like auctions?

Another option is to put an advert on a classifieds site like Gumtree. These sites get thousands of hits per day, and it’s free to list things on them.

Visitors to the site see items for sale in their area so shipping isn’t such a hassle. Go online and get started at www.gumtree.com.

Use Freecycle

Feeling generous? Then why not use Freecycle? The website

32 home Living magazine

http://uk.freecycle.org is the central hub for lots of local groups dedicated to giving away, well… anything. Furniture is popular, but you’ll find clothes, books, TVs and much more on here. Place an advert and wait for the emails to come in. It’s one of the quickest ways to declutter, and you’ll feel good doing it.

Car boot sales

Ah, the good old car boot sale – one of the great British traditions. They’re an excellent way of offloading all your old things, making a bit of cash and getting some fresh air all at the same time. Be careful though, the temptation to replace all your old stuff with lots of other people’s old items is high.

Give to a charity shop

The charity shop is a mainstay in every town and city. If you’ve got lots of clothes and books to get rid of, they’ll almost certainly be willing to take them off your hands. Unwanted, working electrics can also be donated via the Furniture Reuse Network (www.frn.org.uk).

Go on Cash In The Attic

The BBC’s popular show turns an array of old and unwanted items into great TV. Don’t hold your breath though – they get thousands of applicants each year.

No-one will take it?

Some items might never find a new home, so work out what can go in your recycling box, and what to put in the bin.

Larger items will have to be taken to your local council refuse centre.

Top tips for car boot selling Car boot sales may look deceptively easy, but there are certain things you should bear in mind if you want to make the most of the opportunity. Here are our top tips...

1

Where should I sell this?

Early to bed, early to rise

You need to get up early for a car boot sale. Car boot fans are early risers and keen to catch a bargain. Be prepared to get to the site for about 5.30 or 6am if you want to make the most of the day.

Vinyl records

Go armed with change

You’re going to be selling items big and small and, inevitably, someone will want to pay for one of the small items with a £20 note. Go armed with bags of coins and notes.

2

Car boot sales are often a draw for serious record collectors. Just be prepared for people spending half an hour rifling through your stock to buy one Beatles 7-inch. CDs are less collectable and therefore less likely to sell, but it’s still worth taking some.

Old mobiles

3

Take a friend

Car-booting can be surprisingly tiring.

Taking a friend to help out will give you the chance to use the facilities, get a drink, browse the other stands or just grab a minute to yourself.

Got an old mobile lying around?

If it’s a reasonably new model (the last three years or so) and in good condition, try selling it on eBay or through online specialists like www.envirofone.com. Also, many phone shops recycle old mobiles and give you money in return.

Power tools

4

Clothes

Unless you’ve got vintage or rare items that you know will go for a pretty penny in a specialist shop or on eBay, then you’re probably best taking them to a charity shop.

You’ll get rid of them quickly and help out those in need.

Furniture

5

Be prepared for rain

The weather can change quickly, so be prepared and pack an umbrella, regardless of what the forecast says.

If you know (or suspect) that it’s antique then get down to a local auction house.

For more modest items, try placing an advert on Freecycle to shift it quickly.

Top Tip

Always keep an eye on your stall (and your money).

Though they are rare, thieves have been known to prey at car boot sales. Don’t be a victim. www.homeserve.com 33

Images: © iStockphoto.com, Corbis

Pack some bags

Always take carrier bags to car boot sales – for you and for your customers, who probably haven’t brought anything to carry their new books, trinkets and toys in.

Always a popular choice. If they’re in good, working condition then these will usually sell quickly at a car boot sale.

- Competition -

Prize draw

WIN £2,000 Enter our prize draw and you’ll be in with a chance to win £2,000 which you could use towards your gas, electric and water bills…

How to enter

imply log on to S www.homeserve.com/ competition/2013 and fill in the online form

Image: © iStockphoto.com

Entries must be received by 11:59pm on 31 March 2014

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions • Promoter: HomeServe Membership Limited, Company Registered Number: 02770612, Registered Office: Cable Drive, Walsall WS2 7BN. • The prize draw is open to HomeServe customers resident in the UK aged 18 or over, except for employees of the Promoter, or of any other HomeServe group company, or their families, agents or any other person who is connected with the promotion or administration of this prize draw (together a “Person”).

• To enter the prize draw, complete your name, address, contact details and policy number on the online form located at www.homeserve.com/competition/2013 between 09.00am on 01 September 2013 (the “Opening Date”) and 11:59pm on 31 March 2014 (“the Closing Date”). Entries received before the Opening Date or after the Closing Date will not be entered into the prize draw.

• By entering this prize draw online (www.homeserve.com/ competition/2013) and providing your email address you agree that HomeServe Membership Limited and its group companies may use your email address to keep you informed by email of products, services and offers that they consider may be of interest to you.

34 home Living Magazine

As the cost of heating your home and powering your appliances just keeps on rising, wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a year-long holiday from having to pay those bills?

If the idea sounds attractive to you, read on...

By entering this draw, you have the opportunity to win £2,000 from HomeServe which you could put towards your utility bills for 2014. According to energy regulator Ofwat, the average household pays £1,740 per year on energy, water and sewerage – up by an incredible £1,218 since 2004*. Just think – on top of having your bills covered, winning could, if you chose, free up some money to make energy saving improvements to your home and reduce your energy bills in the future (see pages 20 and 21). That sounds like a double win to us! *According to a survey published by Ofwat in February 2013.

• One winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries made by a Person received between the Opening Date and Closing Date.

• No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for entries that are lost, incomplete, delayed, illegible, altered or damaged and such entries will be disqualified from the prize draw.

• It is each entrant’s responsibility to ensure that their contact details they provide are accurate and complete. No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for the loss or delay of the Prize in the post. If the Prize is unclaimed after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the winner, the Promoter will be entitled to dispose of the Prize as it sees fit without any liability to the winner for having done so.

• Entries which appear in the opinion of the Promoter to have not been submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions will be disqualified from the prize draw.

• The prize draw will take place following the Closing Date and will be supervised by an independent person. The winner will be notified in writing by 14 April 2014.

• The winner will receive a cheque in the sum of £2,000 (“the Prize”).

• The Prize must be accepted as offered, there are no alternatives.

• The Prize is non-transferable.

• If requested to do so by the Promoter, the winner will take part in promotional activities.

• The decision of the Promoter will be final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into. However, the name and county of the prize winner will be available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: Prize Draw Winner, Marketing Manager, HomeServe Membership Limited, Cable Drive, Walsall WS2 7BN. • Entry into the prize draw implies acceptance of these rules as final and binding.

• Notwithstanding that the whole or any part of any of these terms and conditions may prove to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable then it shall be severed and deleted from these terms and conditions and the other terms and conditions and remainder of the term and condition in question shall remain in full force and effect.

• The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this prize draw at any time without notice.

• Only one entry per Person.

- Our service -

Your cover

How to make a claim If you experience a home emergency that’s covered by a policy arranged through HomeServe, here’s a reminder of what to do…

HomeServe

Your emergency is our emergency

0800 24 7 999

1

Call us on 0800 24 7 999. Our dedicated claims call centre is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Have your policy number handy when you call (it’s on your policy documentation) as well as a pen to take down your claims reference number.

2

The person dealing with your call will ask you a few questions to establish the problem. Feel free to ask for guidance on what to do while you wait for our engineer to arrive. Also, see our tips on page 13.

3

Image: © iStockphoto.com

4

HomeServe is a trading name of HomeServe Membership Ltd, Cable Drive, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7BN. Unless otherwise stated, policies are provided by and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance SA and sold, and arranged and administered by HomeServe Membership Ltd. For claims, lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For enquiries, lines are open weekdays 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.

HomeServe: Sophie Compson, Kiran Pawar, Hannah Logan, Louise Bird, Bal Thandi, Greg Reed FuturePlus: Editorial Director: Mark Donald Editor: Garrick Webster Art Directors: Dermot Rushe, Stuart Hobbs Art Editor: Steve Roberts Contributors: Sophie Brown, Rebecca Reid, William Salmon, Lee Hart, Emma Swift, Matthew Robinson, Dean Evans, Naomi Hocking, Emma Ingrey-Counter, Bruce Mytton

If your problem is covered, a HomeServe approved engineer will come out to your home. The engineer will call you when en route with an estimated time of arrival.

When the job has been completed, all that’s left is for you to sign and say you’re satisfied.

Account Manager: Debbie Blackman Director of FuturePlus: Jayne Caple Autumn/Winter 2013 Home Living Magazine is published on behalf of HomeServe Membership Limited by FuturePlus, a division of Future Publishing Ltd (company no 2008885), whose registered office is at 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW. Tel: 01225 442244 All information correct at time of going to press. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written

permission of the copyright owner. No responsibility will be accepted for any errors or omissions or comments.

Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily the views of HomeServe Membership Limited, and services and goods mentioned are not necessarily endorsed by HomeServe Membership Limited. HomeServe Membership Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of third party websites or the goods or services that they may provide. The subjects covered in this guide are for information only and examples used may not be covered by your insurance policy should you make a claim. © HomeServe 2013

www.homeserve.com 35

5 Star quality Defaqto has given its highest rating to HomeServe Cover 8 “An excellent product with a comprehensive range of features and benefits.� – Defaqto

Find out more at www.homeserve.com Defaqto is an independent financial research company specialising in rating, comparing and analysing financial products and funds.