Going Wild & Changing Rooms with Linda Barker
Plus! 60 Minute Makeover; Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Jungle!
Renovation Paintworth £500, plus, 5 lucky readers will receive a Q-Smart Door Handle - with
Versatile, comfortable, stylish rooms that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Crafted using high-performance, sustainably manufactured components, Spaces deliver increased functionality and significant added value to your home.
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Improve Magazine chats with the top TV designer, Linda Barker, about what’s in and what’s out, how our homes can restore us, and why she’s going wild in her garden. As the ultimate ‘do-er upper’, Britain’s longstanding interior designer Linda has been inspiring the nation with her home makeover shows for decades.
12 Is your door and window furniture guaranteed to last? Many homeowners will be familiar with the problem of pitting on their door furniture. Happily, there is a furniture range that is guaranteed to stay looking good for years to come.
Homeowners can also be assured of the highest security standards thanks to an innovative new feature on one of the UK’s most advanced electronic door locks, with the IONIC, the first in a series of smart products to be launched by UAP’s Fullex-ai brand.
18 The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry is a great place to make a career. Whether you are a school or college leaver, or someone looking for a career change, with over 120 distinct roles to choose from covering eleven career families, the industry is sure to have something for you. Once you’re in the industry the opportunities for progression are limitless. In total there are over 100 industry relevant qualifications on offer, plus tailored accredited training programmes, and bespoke qualifications written to support specific job roles and individuals.
22 Are you happy with your home or is there room for improvement? Perhaps you would like to have a bit more space? Read our article on home extensions, check out some fabulous garden rooms, take a look at how roof lanterns or solid conservatory roofs can transform your space and delve into windows and doors of all materials including aluminium, PVCu and timber. Open up your home with natural light - our experts explain how this can be achieved and learn how your front door can add that all important Kerb Appeal.
62 Nearly 25 years since he won the first-ever ‘Big Brother’ - the show that completely changed his life - highly successful property developer and fixer-upper Craig Philips owns 13 apartments and seven houses and has built his dream family home from scratch. We chat with Craig about his prosperous property journey, advice on adding value to our homes on a budget, energy efficiency, painting like a pro, plus his top DIY tips and trends.
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66 Mixer taps, hot water taps, accessories & sinks! The all-new Classically Collection by Abode encompasses exactly what the brand is best known for; luxurious design leading, premium quality products, expertly designed in Britain and lovingly crafted in Italy. We also bring you 9 of our favourite office decor and stylish study ideas, to inspire you!
72 Improve Magazine have teamed up with V33 to offer six lucky readers the chance to win two 2L tubs of V33 Renovation Cupboard & Worktop paint in a colour of their choice. That’s over £500 worth of prizes! VBH is giving away a FREE Q-Smart Door Handle to 5 lucky Improve Readers.
We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of your digital magazine, dedicated to home improvements and now also available in a print format!
Available in Sainsbury stores now and continues to be available on digital platforms throughout the year, Improve Magazine aims to inspire readers to embrace all things home and garden, whether that is a DIY project, an extension, renovations or conversions.
Improve Magazine isn’t just a magazine; it’s a community. We invite readers to share your stories and connect with like-minded individuals through our social media platforms. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant, mindful lifestyle.
Creating an inviting home and garden that thrive in every season is an art that balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Functional spaces with natural light, neutral bases with seasonal accents, paired with layered textures and indoor plants, can all help to achieve a seamless flow between your interiors and exteriors year-round.
For outdoor living spaces incorporate fire pits for cosy Autumn evenings and shaded areas for hot Summer days. With the right furnishings, these spaces can be inviting throughout the year.
By harmonising your interior and exterior spaces, you create a cohesive environment that reflects the beauty of each season. Whether through colour, texture, or the careful selection of plants, embracing all-season design enriches your home and garden, allowing you to fully enjoy nature's beauty.
Don’t miss out—subscribe now to be part of this exciting journey!
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Christina Lazenby T: 01302 278756
E: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk
W: www.improve-magazine.co.uk
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Improve Magazine does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and therefore cannot take responsibility.
Improve Magazine is published by Lazenby Shaw Creative Ltd.
From cabin crew and designing TUI cruise ships’ first-class cabins, to presenting game-changing ‘Changing Rooms’, ‘60 Minute Makeover’ and cooking up storms in ‘Celebrity Masterchef’ and the ‘Celebrity Jungle’, award-winning interior designer Linda Barker always has her talented fingers in a plethora of projects.
Angela Sara West chats with the top TV designer about what’s in and what’s out, how our homes can restore us, and why she’s going wild in her garden.
As the ultimate ‘do-er upper’, Britain’s longstanding interior designer Linda has been inspiring the nation with her home makeover shows for decades.
An avid investor in bricks and mortar, with a plethora of property in Blighty and abroad, her property portfolio began in Battersea, southwest London, where she bought her very first flat which, when revamped, featured in House Beautiful magazine.
With her impeccable taste, incredible eye for colour and unrivalled ability to create amazing interior spaces quickly on tight budgets, the commissions consequently came rolling in…
Yet Yorkshire-born Linda’s working life actually started up in the air. “I was cabin crew, which was great fun!” she tells me. But having studied Fine Art, a career in creativity beckoned. “I was art-trained and creative and did interior design on the side. I wrote interior features for a few house titles as homes were my passion, but wasn’t sure which path to take in design until I got that first flat and started decorating… And interior design really resonated!”
The highflying star started designing retail outlets and celebrities’ houses and the 90s saw the start of her smallscreen career.
Along came landmark BBC show ‘Changing Rooms’, which Linda co-presented alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and BOOM… Britain got bitten by the home improvement bug!
“’Changing Rooms’ kicked off a lot of interior design programmes and it was fantastic to work on so many of them!” she says. “My first ‘Changing Rooms’ was mindbogglingly terrifying but exciting. I LOVED the challenges.”
Linda and her co-stars became international sensations practically overnight and she went on to star in a string of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 TV shows, including ‘House Invaders’ and ‘60 Minute Makeover’. Always up for a challenge, she’s taken part in a number of reality TV shows, too, and has been a familiar face on DFS and Currys commercials.
Ever the busy entrepreneur, hardworking Linda also consults on interior brands and private property developments, while her insights into modern interior design make her a popular speaker on the corporate and design seminar circuit, squeezing in styling restaurants and retail stores alongside writing bounteous design books.
Linda’s corporate clients include Terry’s Fabrics, an online curtains and blind company for which she has just launched a fab new fresh floral collection, while she’s currently working on a cool new range of shower panels for Multipanel.
“My Multipanel collections are doing incredibly well, which is nice because when we first started not many people had heard of or used waterproof panels for their bathrooms instead of tiles, but that's now really taken off.”
Decorating “since childhood”, she’d also make clothes and soft toys to sell at school. “I’ve earned my own money from a very early age, around 14, and always loved being completely independent.”
For inspiration, Linda looks at many other designers’ work. “Not just interior, but ceramic designers and furniture makers. I visit design museums and galleries, plus travel provides loads of ideas, as do the big national and international trade shows.”
Continuing to promote craft and design on TV, she carries out living room makeovers for well-deserving people live on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, meaning the pressure is on more than ever. “We thought ‘Changing Rooms’ was good - a two-day makeover for £500 - and ‘60 Minute Makeover’ was good, but for this, we actually complete a WHOLE living room makeover LIVE in just over two hours!”
Linda and her husband, ex-TV exec Chris, have made a mint from property. “It was very much that whole property ladder scenario where you buy a cheap wreck, do it up, sell, put your investment into another property and do the same. That was our progression.”
The pair have also owned properties in southeast London, while overseas they recently sold their contemporary investment property in Cyprus, having successfully combined a typical Cypriot feel with a stylish contemporary twist.
Since 2008, the couple’s also co-owned a stunning Romanstyle villa in the South of France with friends, lovingly transformed from a basic B&B into a barefoot high-end holiday hideaway. Boasting a typical Provençal/French feel with a modern take, showcasing her simple but elegant style, Linda runs yoga retreats at their ultra-glam abode near sensational hotspot St. Tropez.
Over the past few years, the design doyenne’s been busy restoring their latest property purchase, a gorgeous large Georgian character house in East Riding, Yorkshire, now close to conclusion with its renovations.
“It's essentially just the exterior outbuildings to finish now, one of which will have a kiln for clay-based workshops, and I also run residential yoga retreats with qualified teachers, if any readers would like to join us!”
Keen cook Linda loves carrying out the catering at her fivebedroom property. “I do all the healthy cooking etc. and run craft workshops for people staying, too. And we recently did a shoot for my new collection with Terry’s Fabrics here.”
Colour-wise, Linda says kitchens are becoming less white, cream and beige. “They’re more likely to be blues and greens. Mine’s olive green, which I’ve paired with concrete work surfaces made from Caesarstone, a composite granite which is incredibly hardwearing and strong. I’m fortunate to have a big kitchen, but even small kitchens can carry these dark rich colours, and really bring a sense of identity, reflecting the homeowners’ personalities.”
She says it’s crucial to get this special space just right. “The best kitchen in the world is the one that works for that individual person, not a replica. Everything should be bespoke and personalised; that’s key. Whether you’re spending £3,000 or £50,000, it’s about creating an individual kitchen which will improve our lives.”
This mantra became particularly key during lockdown. “In times of uncertainty, our home is really important as it’s our sense of security and comfort. I try to encourage people to think like that and get it right. Design has the capability to transform people’s lives!”
Tips for keeping interiors on trend all-year-round? “I think interiors in general make us feel REALLY great. A beautiful home has a quality of spirit which makes you feel well. And, in this day and age where there’s a lot of stress and anxiety, if your home is something that restores you, it’s a fantastic gift.”
“It doesn’t have to cost much money… Paint, wallpaper, fabrics are always great vehicles for transforming an interior. Go to boot fairs, buy antique fabrics and salvage furniture… It’s about being passionate about your own home, bringing in what you really want.
Linda no longer sees people copying designers’ interiors.
“That trend for going around showhouses to see what interior designers have done and then copying them is disappearing Now, it’s about creating a very individual look for YOURSELF. So, create your own space, be your own curator. Social media platforms… Pinterest… Instagram… help you gather ideas and make your interior very much your own.”
Natural light-wise, roof lanterns remain popular and it’s now all about creating intimate spaces.
“Sliding doors rather than folding, with less huge flat panes of glass, instead dividing it up Crittall-style into real or faux panels. It’s a very beautiful look which creates such an interest at the window,” she says.
“A little Crittall detailing is a nice way of opening up the outside and bringing it in, but also introducing intimacy within a room, creating these kind of cocoon spaces which make us feel safe.”
Creative Linda always layers light. “Arc lights… tabletop lights… it’s much more interesting and balances natural light with artificial light, making it atmospheric from day to night. Tiny lights look very pretty on a shelf, dresser or sideboard, even on a kitchen worktop, creating beautiful little pockets of light. I’ll aways put dimmers on overhead lights, and recently bought a tiny £6 light from Dunelm, with a small olive-green shade and base.”
She says those thoughtful little details add so much to a room. “When guests walk into your home and it’s carefully lit, it’s definitely a wow factor… Atmospheric and SO much more interesting than just flicking on the switch for the overhead lights!”
Outdoor spaces look great lit, too, drawing focus from dusk. “I’m seeing a trend for very low-level, delicate lighting in gardens. Subtle, so it’s not disruptive to nature.”
What colours, vibes etc. should be on our radar right now? “There’s a lovely move towards colour, pattern and texture. It’s VERY exciting in interiors at the minute!” Linda reveals.
“I’m really loving this passion for these brown colours, like cinnamons, ‘paper bag brown’... Lovely on walls as paper or paint. I’m seeing a lot of botanical wallpapers in designs, which I adore.”
Linda reveals there’s a little 70s’ vibe happening, but with a modern twist. “We’re borrowing from the 70s a lot more and I really like that, but it’s definitely anchored in 2024 with a kind of modern slant. The colours are much more punchy, definitely not dated.”
“So, for the autumn, I think we should be looking at these lovely honeyed browny colours, rust and burnt oranges… Lovely natural colours but with a big kind of power impact, which is great and go very well with salvage and antique furniture, which I’m passionate about. Renovating or just buying in general, I think it makes a modern home very kind of anchored.”
Window dressing is also important and, working with Terry’s Fabrics on cosy curtains and blinds, Linda’s loving the strong interest in pattern and texture for windows. “This layering of strong pattern is SO beautiful, warm and about creating interest and adding your personality into a room. I’d combine different patterns from my Terry’s collection, and perhaps have a patterned blind and a different pattern on the curtains.”
Minimalist? The star designer recommends a white-on-white pattern or cream-on-cream pattern. “Whatever suits your vibe!”
Wow factor-wise? “I think it’s always colour, and it’s always cheap, really, if it’s paint.” Linda particularly likes chalky paints. “Annie Sloan is magnificent at them and a little goes a very long way. I LOVE layering colour. Almost patchy layers of colour are super. It’s a very appealing, sensory way of painting your walls.”
According to this super-stylish designer, it’s also about creating ‘art spaces’ on walls. “I’m a huge collector of original art, which doesn’t have to be expensive. Collect it from friends, frame your kids’ pictures, create an art wall… I think that’s the most beautiful way of decorating walls.”
“I’ve noticed lots of print shops popping up, unique artist printed posters, many limited-edition, very beautiful… And again, you are your own curator. Create your own look, a wall of seven or nine pictures, or maybe even three (odd numbers work well). I’d pop them in just cheap frames from boot fairs or charity shops. Each frame can be quite different, lending a beautiful individual look, this very strong hint of personality into a room.”
“Visual focal points with a collection of vases also work well!”
“Always fabrics,” Linda advises. “We’ve started to fall in love with pattern fabrics, which I’ve noticed while developing my Terry’s collection throughout the years. I now use pattern really heavily.”
“I’ve still borrowed from botanicals, trees, plants and flowers, and patterned fabrics are really beautiful, anchoring to the here and now. A lot of curtains were always very plain, even just a few years ago, and now they’re very definitely patterned.”
Investment-wise, she says kitchens have always been good. “It’s very much about adding your own detail and making your home personable. Kitchens really are the centre of the home, and the more individual they look, I think it’s more interesting for you and can add a lot of value to your home,” she explains.
“You can have a beautiful kitchen on a budget. I still love the IKEA units… You can twist and turn and use them in different ways, so they are very much your own, individual, and don’t look straight out of a showroom.”
Bathrooms are incredibly important, too. “We’ve seen a huge shift away from just clinical white with the use of something like my Multipanel panels rather than tiles if you’re on a budget, but much more pattern coming into bathrooms, even wallpapers.”
Linda recommends wowing bathrooms with incredible IP47-rated (necessary for safety) lighting. “There’s much more choice to be more creative with light now. I like layering light even in bathrooms… A pair of wall lights against a mirror around the basin area, spotlights if needed, but also lovely water-rated pendant lights.”
She says gardens are also great investments. “Beautiful gardens have HUGE kerb appeal, whether large or just a tiny driveway front garden, with big pops of flowers it’s an investment of the human who lives in the house because it makes you feel good every time you walk in.”
“A really nice way of adding value to your home, it shows potential visitors/ buyers how important home is and how much care you’ve taken.”
“All the above advice adds an enormous amount of value without costing much at all!”
“I LOVE the wild look!” reveals Linda. “And it will only get stronger and stronger as we think about the environment we're living in. We're considering nature more, allowing more wildness into gardens, and conserving beetles, worms, earwigs, butterflies, moths… everything we really want in our gardens.”
With her “great two-acre garden”, she’s a big fan of ‘No Mow May’. “I don't always have time to cut grass, which also eliminates habitat. So, although there are certain areas I have to mow, I'm really trying to reduce those. This doesn't mean it's no maintenance… far from it. Sometimes, these wild areas take a lot of curating and looking after. But it's such a beautiful look, and a summer garden full of butterflies is just heaven sent!”
Linda reckons we should reconsider the use of chemicals, too. “We don't want to be putting them inside our home, and the same goes with gardens. No chemical interference, or very minimal. I think we need to improve our gardens in that way.”
“And I love garden furniture and moving furniture from inside to out. Again, look for longevity.”
Totally on trend, cold-water swimmer Linda’s creating a natural swimming pool. “I've been building a garden which now looks like it's been here forever… Big trees now growing to maturity, lots of new planting areas… I want a wild garden for nature and wellbeing, for planting yourself on the earth, and loving that kind of connection.”
Her golden rule? “Just live in your house and love it! If YOU love your house, other people will, too!”
Linda’s Terry’s Fabrics Collection
Linda Barker Designer Collection
Her Multipanel Range
Linda Barker’s Multipanel Wall
Panels
Insta @really_lindabarker
Linda supports Hull for Heroes alongside other local charities and is a longstanding member for Greenpeace and Oxfam.
© Angela Sara West 2024 @angela_sara_west
Homeowners can be assured of the highest security standards thanks to an innovative new feature on one of the UK’s most advanced electronic door locks.
Using inbuilt ‘haptic technology’, the IONIC has become the first electronic lock to detect different forms of attack and immediately alert the homeowner via their smartphone.
A vast range of security and safety risks can be mitigated through this innovation. It can detect if the door is kicked, if a burglar attempts to use a drill on the lock, and if someone tries to open the door without using the App or key fob. The technology can also alert a homeowner to a fire outside the door or the use of a blow torch.
The IONIC is the first in a series of smart products to be launched by UAP’s Fullex-ai brand.
David Jennings, CEO of UAP, said: “We developed the IONIC’s haptic technology based on customer feedback which signalled a growing demand for more robust door lock security covering all eventualities.
“Although most electronic locks provide a very safe option there are still vulnerabilities, which we have resolved with this new feature. Homeowners can now benefit from an unrivalled electronic lock that is always on guard.”
The haptic technology adds to a range of innovations which combine to provide unrivalled security and convenience for homeowners.
In a digital world where stolen data is common, and where there is mistrust in Far Eastern made technology, the IONIC uses no third-party server. Everything is stored on the user’s phone and the IONIC brain in the door. For added protection, the IONIC App has dual security in case the phone is lost, and its fobs can’t be cloned.
A further benefit of the IONIC is that no complex wiring is needed for installation making it as simple and quick to fit as any multipoint lock.
Unlike other electronic locks, the IONIC also has an integrated power supply and allows wireless charging. A wireless unit, which fits easily to a door frame, connects to a control unit and powers the lock. Homeowners can use a USB wire with a plug or a power pack to charge the lock via this system. The long-life battery means a charged lock can operate for up to four weeks if there was a power cut.
Providing flexibility, the homeowner can set up new users and a wide range of time settings using the IONIC App. It is also possible to set up one-time-only access for workmen and to add and delete users at the press of a button.
As well as offering unrivalled security and convenience, the IONIC enhances the appearance of any entrance door. Available in anthracite grey, chrome and white, the lock has an elegant appearance and can be paired with rose handles to complement interior design briefs. Alternatively, the lock can be paired with classic door handles on a backplate or high security front door handles.
Many homeowners will be familiar with the problem of pitting on their door furniture.
A lovely new door is ordered and fitted. The beautiful gold or chrome handle, letterplate, knocker and hinges give the door some serious kerb appeal.
The furniture looks great. For a while. Sometimes, within a few months or so, that beautiful furniture isn’t so beautiful anymore. The damp climate in Great Britain can be very unkind to decorative metal products that are exposed to the elements day after day, and it is common to see signs of pitting in a relatively short period of time.
Most of us are aware that coastal areas are a challenge, due to the high salt content in the air. But installations in towns or by busy roads are also affected because of air pollution. Even rural areas can have their own issues, as the high levels of airborne ammonia from manure and fertilizer causes a problem for the decorative finishes on metal products such as door furniture.
Happily, there is a furniture range that is guaranteed to stay looking good for years to come.
The greenteQ range (pronounced green-tech) includes furniture for entrance doors, patio doors, and windows.
There are two distinct ranges; the greenteQ Suite is manufactured from zinc or aluminium and is available in up to ten core finishes. The architeQ stainless steel range is available in up to seven core colours.
Years of real time experience, coupled with exhaustive testing in controlled salt spray environments that accelerate the effects of the weather have given VBH, the manufacturer of the greenteQ brand, the confidence to offer a 20-year surface guarantee on greenteQ Suite products, and 25 years on those from the architeQ range.
Registration is required and claiming is easy. There are simple procedures for both on the website. Once it has been established that the product is, in fact, a greenteQ one and is covered, VBH will send a replacement part.
VBH will give advice on how to fit the replacement and, in some cases, they will send an engineer to fit the item. This
The Door & Hardware Federation asks: ‘How Secure is your front door?’ Your front door is your home’s first line of defence against intruders, but is it really secure? To truly protect your home, your door needs to meet certain security standards.
The most widely used standard for security of external doors in dwellings in the UK is BSI’s PAS 24, which focuses on enhance security performance. It is important that testing has been conducted by a suitable laboratory; this can be guaranteed by certification from a UKAS-accredited certification body, i.e., the BSI Kitemark, LPCB (the Loss Prevention Certification Board), Certisecure (Element Materials Technology), and UL Solutions.
PAS 24 and similar standards are designed to test a door’s resistance to attack by an “opportunist” burglar who will resist making noise in residential areas and will generally not carry specialist tools. If the risk is greater than this, for example in commercial premises where cash is kept, higher standards are available from the certification bodies mentioned above.
Security standards are continually updated to keep pace with the latest
threats. Committees, which include experts and representatives from organisations like the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the police, work together to develop these standards. This on-going effort ensures that your door is tested against realistic threats and remains an effective barrier against intruders.
There are also standards for locks and other items of security hardware. It may be possible to upgrade an existing door by fitting new locks, but the door is only as good as its weakest point, which may include the glazing in and around the door, the letterplate, or panel vulnerable to being sliced with a knife. If the lock needs replacing, standards include BS 3621 (plus Kitemark) for single-point locks, and TS 007 3-star (Kitemarked) for replacement cylinders. The Master Locksmiths Association offers a range of relevant certifications through the Sold Secure brand.
General Manager and Secretary of the DHF: Michael Skelding
Comprehensive guidance is available from Secured by Design, the official police security initiative: https://www.securedbydesign.com/
DHF remains committed to developing and maintaining domestic security standards to be used as the basis of third-party product certification schemes. Current standards include TS 007-1, TS 007-2, TS 008 and TS 621.
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25 year surface guarantee on all furniture in the greenteQ Suite year surface guarantee on all furniture in the architeQ range
greenteQ window & door furniture comes with up to a 25 year surface guarantee
BENEFITS OF GREENTEQ INCLUDE:
The surface is guaranteed against pitting for either 20 or 25 years depending on the range fitted
We will replace the furniture on registered installations directly
Easy registration process via our dedicated website (see QR code)
Insist on greenteQ furniture on your new windows and doors - (it’s pronounced GreenTech!)
Whether you are a school or college leaver, or someone looking for a career change, with over 120 distinct roles to choose from covering eleven career families, the industry is sure to have something for you.
Once you’re in the industry the opportunities for progression are limitless. GQA Qualifications is the industry’s leading Awarding Body – that’s to say the organisation that writes and oversees the delivery of qualifications – to enable personal and professional development. In total there are over 100 industry relevant qualifications on offer, plus tailored accredited training programmes, and bespoke qualifications written to support specific job roles and individuals.
Let’s delve into some of the opportunities that are on offer when it comes to qualifications and career development, but first, what do we mean when we talk about ‘career families’? Well, our career families cover every area of the industry from manufacturing and technical roles, sales and marketing, warehousing and distribution, IT and Quality Control, HR and Business Administration as well as working in the industry’s extremely high profile environmental recycling programmes. In other words, regardless of your skillset or your ambitions, there are opportunities for everybody in the industry, and GQA is there to support your development.
“With eleven career families and over 120 distinct job roles, the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry offers career opportunities for everyone”.
Along with his colleague Martin Sadler, GQA Qualifications Simon Smith, takes up the story. If you join the industry and want to work in a manufacturing environment, or an office environment, these are the opportunities for development that are available to you. They include everything from entry level qualifications covering the basics of your role, all the way up to a Level 4 Diploma in Occupational Leadership in a Glass or Glass-Related Working Environment; Level 3 Diplomas in Customer Service; Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Glass Processing; a Level 1 Diploma in Health and Safety and Environmental Awareness in a Glass Processing or Fabrication Working Environment; and Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in the fabrication of glass supporting structures. I know to a newcomer that these sound very technical, and potentially daunting, but my reason for mentioning them is to demonstrate that there is a very broad pathway, full of opportunities for personal and professional development throughout a person’s career. The industry is excellent for showcasing those pathways and supporting people to go down them.
It’s a similar story for those wanting to work in a site based role says Martin.
Firstly, for those who wish to join the industry or are new to it, the Level 1 Certificate in the Principles of Window and Door Installation is ideal. This is a knowledge-based qualification that has been developed to give individuals an understanding of the principal aspects of window and door installation. The qualification does not require candidates to complete practical tasks. In addition to it being suitable for those who are new to the industry, it is also ideal for those who may have been involved in the installation of windows and doors for a period of time without achieving formal qualifications.
For people who install windows, doors or conservatories, who have some experience but may still need some support in their role, the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation is a good choice. This is suitable for both new build and refurbishment work.
For more experienced on-site operatives including those in refurbishment work, the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation is an option. This qualification is suited to those who could lead a team of installers, do more complex work and conservatories or are involved in glazed curtain walling installation.
For those who carry out surveys for windows, doors and conservatories in the new build or refurbishment sector, the Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Fenestration Surveying
is ideal, and there are many more. Finally, workers experienced in glazing who carry out more complex glazing work and are also in charge of others will find the Level 3 NVQ in Glazing is ideally suited to them.
With the exception of the Level 1 in the Principles of Window and Door installation the level 2 qualifications ensure that candidates achieve a Blue Skills Worker CSCS Card, whilst the Level 3 Qualifications secure successful candidates a Gold Supervisors Card. GQA Qualifications is the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass and Glazing industry and has a key role to play in ensuring that the industry’s employers are not only competent to fulfil their roles, but have a means to progress with the right learning behind them.
Now, more than ever, salespeople have to be able to prove that they have the right skills and technical knowledge. This is not just to avoid mis-selling because it is an embarrassment, but because it will land companies in trouble with the law.
GQA has a Level 3 Sales in a Fenestration Environment Qualification aimed at those who are involved in negotiating and closing sales within the industry.
The qualification has two distinct pathways: one for those involved in Business-to-Business sales, and the other for those who handle retail/domestic selling of fenestration products. There are ten mandatory units and a group of optional units. The latter allow employees with specific responsibilities and duties from companies of all sizes equal opportunity to complete the qualification. The units are made up of the key areas those working in these job roles need to know and the tasks they need to be able to do to carry out the work appropriately and effectively.
Mandatory units currently cover areas such as the supply chain, products, services, contracts, the laws and ethics of selling, sales presentations, profitability, handling negotiations, buyer behaviour and aftersales to name but some. We can let anyone interested have the full list of both mandatory and optional topics.
And just one more thing…
GQA offers an ‘Accredited Training’ service that is ideal for employers and employees in all working environments. It is aimed at those who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications, and gives them the opportunity to deliver or receive training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role rather than having to work with an off the shelf option.
Using our Accredited Training service means that employers can develop their own training to suit their employees or their customers’ needs with the GQA stamp of approval to show the quality of the training delivered. The GQA-branded certificate we offer is an important tool and highlights the third party endorsement we bring. We can also help to develop specific courses in the consultation phase of our collaboration.
Are you happy with your home or would you like to have a bit more space? A house extension could be the answer. In this article we bring you some tips and ideas on how to plan, research and choose the right extension for you and your home.
When it comes to choosing the right consultant for your project, it pays to do your research. You need to be looking for a consultant architect who can help you choose the best extension for you and their experience should be in residential architecture.
Always ask to see the designer’s previous work and be realistic on your requirements. Look for a company or individual who has the most experience and its also important that you are able to talk through your brief, ensuring everything is understood every step of the way.
Your consultant should be able to talk you through the design of your extension, whereabouts the extension is going to be and what you are looking to achieve from the extension (i.e. more space, more light, a place to
work, a place to relax etc.); as well as discussing any planning permission requirements, budget and timescales.
If your extension is simply a new conservatory, most fenestration installers will be able to advise you on planning, however, its always wise to look into this yourself too. There are many great products in the marketplace these days, so again, research the type of conservatory you are looking for and obtain quotes. A reputable installer will be a part of a competent person scheme. Competent person schemes are a way for tradespeople to prove their ability to carry out certain work to required standards, instead of you applying for building regulations approval.
An installer (e.g. of windows or boilers) who’s registered with a scheme can self-certify that their work complies with buildings standards and can deal with building control issues, like objections. If needed, they’ll tell your local authority about work on your behalf. They’ll also give you a certificate within 8 weeks of completion which can be used as evidence of compliance - it will also show up in solicitors’ searches if you come to sell your home.
Competent person schemes have insurance-backed warranties and complaints procedures if there’s a problem with the work.
If your extension is more than a conservatory, you may need to acquire the services of a builder. Recommendation is a good way to source a reputable builder. You can also do your own research and look for reviews, testimonials, look at previous work and ensure you have numerous conversations before appointing a builder.
Be realistic with your budget. Once you have decided on your budget, allow for an extra £1,000 per square metre and a 10% contingency on top (minimum). Your designer/architect and builder should be able to give you a cost for what you have in mind, however, without setting a budget you could go over the amount you are able to afford, so its really important to work on every aspect of the extension and set your budget, then add on the contingency. This will help with unwanted extra costs and keep your architect and builder on track and avoid overspending.
Consider the cost of your consultant/ architect, builder, other fees involved such as planning applications, local authority fees and VAT.
Who will be using the space? Are you extending to enlarge the kitchen/ dining space? Do you just want an area to relax in? Will the extension be used as a family room? Work space? Is it an extra bedroom you need or are you looking for a cool entertaining space? Deciding on what the extension is going to be used for is imperative, before anything goes ahead.
Your consultant will help you with deciding on what type of extension you can have.
Here are the most popular types:
• Rear house extension.
• Single-storey extension.
• Two-storey extension.
• Side Extension.
• L-shaped or wrap-around extension.
• Over-structure house extension.
• Sunroom extension.
• Converting a room.
Your local council website should provide most information you will need in terms of design guides and whether or not you will need to apply for planning permission. Planning permission will depend on the size, shape and scale of your new extension.
“Talk to your neighbours! If planning permission is required chances are that your neighbours will be involved anyway, so its always a good idea to get them on your side.”
You should also be able to speak to your local planning officer (building control body).
You must check if you need approval before you construct or change buildings in certain ways. You do not need to get approval yourself if you use someone registered with a competent person scheme. Building regulations approval is different from planning permission. You might need both.
Even if your extension does not need Planning Permission it will need Building Regulations Approval which is there to enforce construction standards across the UK. The person doing the work could be prosecuted and fined if they do not comply with building regulations.
Your local authority could make you pay for faulty work to be fixed. Without approval you will not have the certificates of compliance you may need when you want to sell your home.
For more information on Planning Permission and Building Regulations visit – www.planningportal.gov.uk .
The material finish of your extension is very important. Do you want traditional brick, a cladding option, render or
glazing? Cladding can give a nice rustic finish whereas a white render will look more modern. Large span glazing looks great too, it really depends on the location of your extension, privacy options, the surrounding area and how your extension needs to tie in with your house and garden.
You also need to consider things such as window and door material, security options such as locks or smart lock tech, thermal efficiency and whether or not you want a roof lantern/roof windows. There are so many options to choose from such as timber, PVCu or aluminium.
Often an overlooked consideration when having an extension built. Talk to your neighbours! If planning permission is required chances are that your neighbours will be involved anyway, so its always a good idea to get them on your side. Even if your extension doesn’t require planning permission, the polite thing to do would be to let them know what’s happening and that there will be builders on site and within the area. The last thing you want are any objections from disgruntled neighbours.
Sales Director Nigel Bishop states, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for garden rooms surged as people sought versatile spaces to accommodate remote work, home schooling, and personal retreats amid lockdown restrictions.
“This trend has persisted, with garden room sales continuing to enjoy robust year-on-year growth. The sustained popularity is fuelled by the increasing need for flexible living spaces that blend indoor comfort with the tranquillity of nature, meeting the evolving lifestyle demands of a post-pandemic world. As a result, garden rooms have transitioned from a niche luxury to a practical home extension, becoming a more common feature in modern living arrangements.”
Discussing the benefits of the Spaces range, Secondary Operations Director, Daryl Fradley explains, “We’ve pulled together all our experience and expertise in PVCu extrusion, foiling, and manufacturing of stunning energy-efficient, high-performance components into one amazing, finished product.”
“This exciting line breaks new ground for us and allows customers to add significant value and functionality to outdoor areas in a completely bespoke, easy-toorder and install package.”
Liniar recently introduced its latest innovation in home enhancements – Spaces outdoor rooms.
The team is extremely excited about its brand-new product range, which officially launched at the Great Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Home Show in Harrogate this September.
Daryl continues, “One of the standout features of Spaces is its highly bespoke nature. Customers can design their room from scratch using our unique digital visualizer. We’ve collaborated closely with the software developer to ensure this convenient tool allows users to personalize aspects of their Spaces room, making sure it perfectly meets their needs and preferences.
“Whether wanting to create an elegant venue for entertaining guests, a dedicated exercise space, or a versatile room for multiple uses, Spaces can be tailored to fulfil any requirement. The range offers a wide variety of window and door configurations, plus various optional extras to further enhance performance and utility.
“The visualiser also makes ordering extremely easy and efficient - so suppliers taking on this latest offering can rest assured satisfying orders will be a straightforward process from designing all the way through to manufacture and delivery.”
Discussing Liniar’s design and manufacturing heritage, Daryl says, “For over two decades, Liniar has led the way in product innovation, setting standards for quality and performance in building solutions. Spaces continues this legacy, offering a stylish and durable alternative to traditional timber sheds and garden rooms. We are also proud of our homegrown talent - manufactured sustainably in Britain, Spaces exemplifies Liniar's commitment to design excellence.”
After a fantastic launch, Daryl shares, “The response to our new Spaces range has been incredible, and we’re excited to see it transform gardens and outdoor areas across the UK. With so much positive feedback, we can’t wait to help homeowners design their perfect retreats, bringing enjoyment and value for years to come.” Scan QR to download the Spaces brochure.
The award winning Kolorseal team created a striking finish to this project for homeowners who wanted very specific colours for the exterior and interior of their home in Yorkshire.
A consistent look throughout was requested for the final finished project. Consequently, all external windows, doors, fascias and rainwater products were colour coated in the striking sage green colour (RAL 7009). The interior of this property was equally important for this home with every internal window and door frame colour coated in Farrow and Ball, Old White, to match the owners interior design concept.
Deborah Hendry, Managing
Director, Kolorseal Ltd
comments, “Colour coating products for the outside of a property is extremely involved with far more focus needed than most design projects. Personalising a home, is now very important to many, with bespoke installations becoming increasingly popular as they add unique appeal and financial benefits when it comes time to sell.”
Whilst colour restrictions may be in place in certain areas of the country, where covenants or limits on listed buildings apply, a little creativity can still allow people to achieve the look they want, particularly with dual colour coating.
Deborah continues, “Nothing quite beats an inspiring colour that is consistent across the entire exterior of the property.
Careful consideration was given to the existing aesthetic here, as well as any accents or garden design that needed to be evaluated before the colour schemes were chosen. Everything matched perfectly with all underlying tones of neutrals in and around the home, providing a very attractive balance.
“When making changes to the exterior colour of any home, people must carefully consider their options, as any colour decisions will also influence the neighbourhood. Colour coordination is essential to keep the property attractive while considering neighbours and the local surroundings.”
Deborah continues, “Many homeowners are attracted to paler palettes and Kolorseal offers an array of alternative shades to standard foils for those wanting something different for their home. Another benefit is how much value this can help to add to a property - this is where guarantees are important. The colours need to last. With our highly trained team being able to colour match window frames with soffits, guttering and rainwater pipes, this gives people the chance to create stunning, truly unique projects. Kolorseal can put homeowners in touch with their list of national fabricators, who will then have products Kolorsealed to the bespoke colour they require. There really is no limit when it comes to choice.
In turn the fabricators will know the best people to install these. It’s very simple and cuts down on the labour intensive search for someone to help on an installation project.”
Trending colours are not necessarily the right way forward for everyone. Before the colour decision was made on this particular property, the owners evaluated it at different times of the day, in different lights.
Deborah explains, “Knowing how much light a property receives will help them to guide people on the perfect shade for their home.
Here, the architectural style of the house as well as the surrounding gardens were all considered to ensure the right colour choice was made. The team here will be able to help make those decisions easier.”
Colour Quality Counts
Consumers, need to understand that the quality of the colour coating process really matters. Kolorseal staff are trained to the highest industry standards before they even touch any projects.
Deborah concludes, “Knowing about preparation techniques, understanding the spraying process and how paint works are all important for any colour coating project.
As can be seen on this stunning project, colour coating windows, doors and rainwater products to exacting standards can completely transform a home. When any project is completed it should make anyone step back and admire it - it is a great way to make a home stand out.”
Kolorseal is an award winning, colour coating specialist, providing bespoke services to the fenestration and construction sectors. For advice or more information on colour options for new projects call the team on 01924 454 856 or visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk
When it comes to transforming a home with natural light and mod ern design, the Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern stands out as a top contender. This innovative product blends aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge engineering to create a visually striking addition that enhances both the interior and exterior of any home. Here’s why the S1 Roof Lantern is becoming a popular choice among homeowners seeking to brighten their living spaces.
The Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern is designed to maximise light while minimising visual clutter. Its slim, minimalist profiles are crafted from thermally efficient aluminium, giving it a sleek and contemporary look that complements various architectural styles. The clean lines and discreet joins ensure that the lantern integrates seamlessly into the roof, creating a sophisticated focal point that draws the eye upwards.
Available in a range of colours, including dual colour options, the S1 allows homeowners to match or contrast with their existing decor. Whether you’re looking to make a
bold statement or prefer something more understated, the Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern offers the flexibility to do either.
One of the key benefits of the S1 Roof Lantern is its ability to flood a room with natural light. The carefully engineered glazing allows sunlight to enter the space below, creating a bright, airy environment. This can be particularly beneficial in areas of the home that might otherwise feel dark or enclosed, such as kitchens, dining rooms, or living areas. The increased natural light not only improves the ambiance of the space but can also reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, contributing to lower energy costs.
Despite its expansive glazing, the Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern doesn’t compromise on energy efficiency. The product is designed with a thermally broken frame, which helps to minimize heat loss and keep interiors comfortable yearround. The high-performance glass options available with the S1 further enhance its insulation properties, ensuring that the lantern remains energy efficient, even in challenging climates.
This focus on thermal performance is a significant advantage for homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. The S1 meets rigorous industry standards for energy efficiency, making it a smart investment for those who are conscious of their environmental impact.
Sheerline has also ensured that the S1 Roof Lantern, including the SheerVent® option, is easy to install and maintain. The pre-fabricated components and innovative design mean that the lantern can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to the home. Additionally, the highquality materials used in its construction are durable and low-maintenance, ensuring that the lantern remains looking its best with little effort.
In conclusion, the Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern with the SheerVent® option offers homeowners a perfect blend of style, functionality, and efficiency. Its ability to enhance natural light, provide ventilation, and maintain energy efficiency, all while boasting a sleek design, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of modern elegance to their home. Whether renovating an existing space or designing a new one, the S1 Roof Lantern is a bright and versatile choice that promises to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits.
Sheerline understands that ventilation is just as important as natural light in maintaining a comfortable home environment. That’s why the S1 Roof Lantern is available with optional SheerVent® roof vents, an integrated ventilation system that allows fresh air to circulate without compromising the lantern’s sleek design. The SheerVent® option is perfect for homeowners who want to improve air quality and reduce indoor humidity, particularly in kitchens and open plan living areas where condensation can be an issue.
With SheerVent®, the S1 Roof Lantern becomes not just a source of light but also a means to keep your living spaces fresh and comfortable yearround. The discreet vents are designed to blend seamlessly with the lantern, ensuring an outstanding aesthetic appeal, while enhancing functionality.
If you’re seeking ideas for a home renovation or a new build project, the experts at Mercury Glazing have some suggestions that can help you achieve your goal.
Improve Magazine brings you their latest case study and advice piece. If you’re seeking ideas for a home renovation or a new build project, here are some suggestions that can help you achieve your goal.
build extensions and conservatories.
Opting for sleek and stylish aluminium sliding patio doors can dramatically enhance the natural light in your home. These doors feature slim and elegant frames that allow the glass to take centre stage, creating a contemporary look that complements any home design. With various configurations available, including fixed pane options and flexible sliding panels, you can customise the doors to suit your indooroutdoor living needs while maximising airflow.
Introducing internal glazed panels or internal screens doors can transform your living spaces into versatile modern areas. These sleek, aluminium room options create divisions within your interior while allowing natural light to flood previously dark rooms. With slim aluminium profiles offering added privacy and effective acoustic barriers, internal glazed panels are perfect for enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
For a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, consider installing aluminium bifold doors. When closed, these doors provide a stunning glazed wall with minimal frame visibility. When opened, they seamlessly merge the interior and exterior areas into one cohesive space, offering a sophisticated touch to your home design. With customisable configurations and a smooth folding mechanism, aluminium bifold doors are ideal for new build extensions and conservatories.
Opting for aluminium bifold doors, aluminium sliding doors, or internal screening from Mercury Glazing ensures durability, security, and aesthetic appeal.
With a wide range of colour options to choose from, you can customise the frames to complement your desired look.
As a specialist manufacturer and installer with over two decades of experience, Mercury guarantees quality at every level, making them the ideal choice for your home improvement projects.
Kick start your home renovation or new build project by contacting the expert team at Mercury Glazing.
With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional service, Mercury is your trusted partner for bringing more natural light and sophistication into your home.
Alitherm Heritage 47 Aluminium Windows deliver energy-efficient technology to your project without compromising on the aesthetics of your original windows.
• Security tested to PAS24:2016.
• Direct replacement for steel windows.
• Fixed windows, tilt & turns or casement window options available.
• Single or dual colour options with marine quality powder coating as standards.
Our Alitherm Heritage 47 Aluminium Windows deliver energy-efficient technology to your project without compromising on the aesthetics of your original windows.
Engineered specifically to replace existing steel windows, our Heritage aluminium windows offer a durable and visually appealing refurbishment solution.
• Options in Heritage and Art Deco styles.
• Polyamide thermal break provides enhanced thermal performance.
• Traditional heritage styling for sensitive refurbishment projects.
If you’re seeking ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, consider the offerings from Leka Systems. Opt for our highly thermally efficient Leka roofing system to transform your new or existing conservatory into a stylish, year-round space. Alternatively, explore the impressive features of the Leka Xi for a quick and fabulous new conservatory installat ion.
Like many homeowners, you’re probably looking at ways to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home. Whether it’s tackling sky-high energy bills or doing your bit for the environment, many of us want to take action.
To see what’s possible, explore what Leka Systems has to offer. Already chosen by over 10,000 homeowners nationwide, these innovative British designed and built home improvement solutions could be just what you’ve been looking for.
If your conservatory is too hot in summer or too cold in winter, the culprit is your conservatory roof. Traditional glass or polycarbonate conservatory roofs leak heat in the winter and absorb it in the summer, ensuring your conservatory is either a fridge or an oven.
The solution is to switch to a Leka Warm Roof or a Leka Orangery Roof. Both are expertly engineered with highperformance insulation and thermally efficient materials to give you a naturally bright and airy space that works all year round. Plus there are a wealth of design options to ensure they can match your home and décor perfectly. The intelligent design offers impressive practical benefits. They have a GRP construction, which means they’re
incredibly lightweight: they can typically be used on your conservatory without additional reinforcement. They take just two or three days to install, so you get a rapid transformation with minimal disruption.
Ideal for both existing conservatories and new ones, Leka roofs give you the year-round room you need, cut your heating bills and look great too!
If you’re looking at adding an extension to your home but worry about the time and mess that might be involved, the Leka Xi is the answer.
It provides a warm, sustainable alternative to a traditional blockor brick-built conservatory and it brings a host of advantages.
It’s installed on concrete pads or ground screws, so it saves all the mess and upheaval of digging foundations. It has a modular construction so it’s fast to fit too – a Leka Xi typically takes days not weeks to install.
The GRP construction means it’s thermally efficient to Building Regulation standards, ensuring you have a warm and welcoming room that’s perfect for use as a home office, additional living space or a kitchen extension. You can even use it to create a freestanding garden room.
And like the Leka Warm Roof and Leka Orangery roof, there are a wealth of design and finish options to give you the stylish space you need.
Every Leka product comes with credentials that reflect their intelligent innovation and exceptional quality. Every product is precision-engineered to order in the UK and extensively tested before delivery. All Leka materials come with a 40 year warranty for complete peace of mind.
The products comply with the requirements of MFA Ltd, an approved inspector licensed by the government to carry out Building Regulations approvals as an alternative to Local Authorities. It gives you a fast-track service that turns applications around in days, adding to the ease of choosing Leka Systems.
Ready to transform your home with style and efficiency? Contact your local Leka Systems installer for a no-obligation quote and explore how Leka Systems can create a warmer, more stylish home for you.
Visit www.lekasystems.co.uk today!
How window blinds and shutters can help you
We know natural light is beneficial for both our physical and mental well-being and should be encouraged in our living spaces .
As such, contemporary home designs often feature large glass installations which flood our living spaces with light. But this doesn’t mean we have to pay the price of losing privacy and overheating rooms. Here, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) looks at how blinds and shutters can help ensure your home, and the people inside, benefit from good light comfortably.
Natural light and darkness are believed to have the biggest impact on our circadian rhythms; that’s the internal clock which determines how awake we are based on the light around us. Most artificial light doesn’t have the same impact as natural light which comes from outside.
So how can we use less artificial light and reap the rewards of natural light without sacrificing on privacy, glare control and the other benefits blinds and shutters provide, such as reducing heat gain and heat loss?
Well, there are some blinds on the market which allow homeowners to enjoy all of these benefits. Day and night blinds, for example, are a stylish and innovative solution for retaining natural light while enjoying privacy. This is achieved thanks to two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric. The two layers move independently of one another so the stripes create an open-and-closed effect which provides an almost limitless amount of light control.
What’s more, biophilia – the concept of connecting building occupants with the outside – can be aided thanks to different types of screen fabrics and voiles which provide contact with the outside while reducing light and providing privacy in daytime.
Some blind types, like Venetians and verticals, can be tilted during the day to provide shade, glare control and privacy, while maintaining some natural light and a view to the outside.
Of course, sometimes we don’t want any light. When the sun sets and the street lights come on, a block out blind can help prevent light pollution seeping into your bedroom helping you get a good night’s sleep.
Automation can help make sure your shading is in the right place at the right time, ideal for when you’re away from home and want to maintain privacy and security. It’s inherently safe too, which is ideal if you have children in the house.
External shading, such as awnings, can also help you control the light which enters your home.
The BBSA’s Blinds Make Better campaign is working to highlight how shading products can have a positive effect on our buildings and the people inside them. Scan the QR code to read more.
Birmingham based and leading PVCu window and door system extrud er and distributor Selecta Systems, explain how panoramic sliding and entrance doors have evolved. From being just a door, to what is now considered a lifestyle choice that creates a secure, thermally efficient and stylish entrance to their home.
The appetite of the homeowner has been well and truly whet by the sheer number of home improvement programmes that we are now exposed to on TV. Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs and the likes of George Clark, Kirsty and Phil have certainly provided the home improvement market a huge boost, delivering a host of ideas, visions and design concepts to the ‘improvers’.
The entrance to any home has always and continues to serve three main purposes; to act as a welcome to the homeowner, family and friends, to keep unwanted visitors out and also to protect the property from inclement weather. However, homeowners have also been inspired by the rise in home improvement TV programmes to create their own grand design. This has led to greater expectations as they look to improve their home, enhance its kerb appeal and improve space, light, thermal performance and security whilst providing that definitive wow factor.
Long gone are the days when a sliding or entrance door was only available in wood or aluminium with no or very little colour variations combined with poor thermal and security performance. The quality has improved significantly, and the volume of sliding and entrance door options has grown considerably, thus giving the homeowner greater choice.
One of the greatest appeals of modern sliding and entrance doors, on top of improved security and thermal performance, is colour choice. This now gives homeowners the opportunity to create a bespoke entrance to their home that sits comfortably in to the style, period and location of their home. So, whether it’s a classic Chartwell Green, Cream or wood grained effect or a modern Anthracite Grey, Ulti-Matt Black or smooth effect, there’s a comprehensive colour palette now available to blend in to their home or make a style statement.
This is where composite doors have totally transformed entrance doors, with there being more traditional and contemporary styles, designs and colours available than ever before. With literally thousands of variations, there is an entrance door to suit every style of property.
More recently we have seen the introduction of swing and slide panoramic door solutions, like our EASi-FOLD Doors, which again, have captured the imagination of the home improvers. The innovative and revolutionary EASiFOLD Doors are an alternative to bi-folding doors and are appropriately named because of the simplicity of operation, with each sash sliding independently and folding in to place alongside the master door. With PAS 24, Secured by Design and Document Q certification and compliance, EASi-FOLD Doors have undergone rigorous testing for security and weather performance.
Homeowners also have a newfound desire to create a glass wall and panoramic view they are proud of and comfortable to live with –almost becoming a lifestyle choice. The opportunity to open up their living space and create large, glazed walls is appealing, particularly when extending properties or when looking to open up the home to the outdoors.
The patio door is currently going through a renaissance period, where large and almost uninterrupted glazed walls can be achieved. Patio doors have also been seen as a more cost-effective solution to bi-folding doors, whilst being unobtrusive as they glide along a track, rather than concertina and protrude in to living or external space.
The Selecta Systems MASTERslide Patio Door
benefits from PAS 24, Secured by Design and Document Q certification and compliance. So, not only are they a practical, durable and effective sliding door solution, they also provide you with the added ‘peace of mind’ of enhanced security features.
These kind of innovations give the home improvement market a new and fresh approach to standard offerings as consumers look for the latest advancements in pioneering product design to improve their home and lifestyle.
Sliding and entrance doors are no longer just an add-on to a property. They’ve become more than just a door. A chic choice to fit in with their lifestyle. A security option to protect their family and home. A thermally efficient decision to reduce energy bills. They’re a product that the fashion and technical conscious consumer is ready to invest in, open up their living space and create that grand entrance to their home.
It can be very difficult to envisage how your new door may look in your home. As the homeowner, how do you know if a particular design or colour will complement the style of your home? Well, if you head on over to www.advance70. co.uk our website provides you with a wealth of information and guidance regarding entrance and sliding doors. Upon the website you’ll also find two fantastic features that provide you, as a homeowner, with the tools to not only find your approved local installer, but also provide you with the facility to design your own door.
The whole design and enquiry process is purposely kept simple. You can select a number of sliding and entrance door configurations and styles, choose the internal and external colour, the hardware colour and other glazing options like Georgian bar or leaded glass. The beauty of the designer is that you can take photos of your home, upload them in to the home visualiser and drop your newly designed door on to your home to envisage how they would look! Follow us on our social media channels for
You can start designing your dream door today by clicking this link https://selecta.portal.bm-touch.co.uk/launch/advance70
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advance_70/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/advance70inthehome
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ADVANCE_70
YouTube Video of Window and Door Designer / Home Visualiserhttps://youtu.be/iD02ycq1ZyY
YouTube Video of MASTERslide Patio Door - https://youtu.be/xSxUrcr46AU
YouTube Video of EASi-FOLD Doors - https://youtu.be/HfCWQO78aHo
Windows and doors are the gateways to natural light, offering more than just a view—they're portals that infuse your living space with vitality, warmth, and a sense of connection to the world outside. In the realm of interior design, harnessing the benefits of windows and doors goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about transforming your home into a luminous sanctuary tha t nourishes both body and spirit. Let's explore how these architectural elements can enhance your home and elevate your living experience.
Windows and doors serve as conduits for natural light, channeling sunshine into your home, maximising daylight, minimising the need for artificial lighting during the day and reducing energy consumption. Whether it's expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood your living room with sunlight or a well-placed skylight that bathes your kitchen in warmth, embracing natural light can transform your home into a bright and inviting oasis.
The strategic placement of windows and doors can visually expand your living space, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors and creating a sense of continuity and flow. Large picture windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, making rooms feel more spacious and open. Sliding glass doors provide seamless access to outdoor patios and gardens, extending your living area and inviting the beauty of nature inside. By embracing this seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, you can enhance the overall sense of harmony and tranquility in your home.
Windows and doors play a pivotal role in defining the architectural character of your home, adding personality, charm, and visual interest to both the interior and exterior. From arched casement windows to rustic barn doors, these architectural elements can imbue your home with character and charm, reflecting your unique sense of style and identity. By selecting windows and doors that complement the architectural features of your home, you can enhance its curb appeal and create a lasting impression.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, windows and doors can also contribute to energy efficiency and cost savings. Energy-efficient windows, such as doubleglazed or low-emissivity (low-e) glass, offer superior thermal insulation, minimising heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Similarly, well-insulated doors with weather-stripping and proper sealing can prevent air leakage and enhance overall energy performance. By investing in high-quality windows and doors, you can create a more comfortable and sustainable living environment while reducing your carbon footprint.
The benefits of natural light extend beyond mere illumination; they have a profound impact on our mood, health, and overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to boost serotonin levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function.
In conclusion, windows and doors are more than just functional elements of architecture—they're gateways to natural light and conduits of beauty, warmth, and inspiration. By embracing the benefits of these architectural features, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that uplifts mood, and celebrates natural beauty.
At The Bifold Network, we offer a wealth of choice when it comes to your new windows and doors. Building from scratch? Renovating? New extension? We have all of the products you need, no matter your project.
• Bifold Doors
• Windows
• Entrance Doors
• Lantern Roofs
• Heritage Windows & Doors
• Patios Doors
• Sliding Doors
• Conservatories
• Orangeries
• Garden Rooms
If you are looking to replace the existing roof on your conservatory, probably your first port of call is Google, with a search term such as ‘Solid Roofs for Conservatories’. I did this and found, on t he first page, references to an array of national brands along with some local suppliers. Also on that first page was a Technical Guide from the LABC on ‘Solid Roofs on Conservatories and Porches’.
A brief look through the aforementioned pages should tell a prospective buyer of a solid roof about the pitfalls and regulations. But If this were the case, why are ‘Cladovers’ apparently outselling the genuine article?
The answer has to be clever selling and attractive prices coupled with the fact, we as homeowners, are still not aware enough of the pitfalls we could potentially face, when it comes to replacing our conservatory roof. Let’s take a simple scenario. You have an ageing conservatory with a polycarbonate roof and, understandably, you’d like it replaced and a solid roof will make it more habitable, year round. A quotation from any of the recognised roof manufacturers through one of their approved installers will, undoubtedly, be more expensive than a quote from an unaffiliated installer. Why? Because they may well be offering a ‘Cladover’. The problem comes when we think we are being offered a named brand of roof but the installer is simply picking up timber, insulation material, tiles and plasterboard from their local trade counter and assembling a roof on the conservatory. Sometimes
this may be done without even removing the polycarbonate roof but rather sandwiching this between the batons, felt and tiles and plasterboard and some insulation that is fixed underneath. From all appearances it would look pretty good. The snag is that the original PVCu structure that carried the polycarbonate roof, or even a glass roof, is probably not structurally robust enough to take the solid roof. As an unknowing homeowner, you end up with a roof for half the price of the branded product, and it looks OK. However, what happens when something goes wrong? A heavy fall of snow or even the PVCu structure simply bending under the load? No problem, there’s the 10 year warranty and Building Control Certificate…..ah! they haven’t got either of those.
A quick phone call to Building Control at my local Council and I was told immediately that replacing a conservatory roof with a solid roof was subject to Building Regulations. When I told the gentleman I was from the media and why I was asking, he knew all the branded solid roof products and the need for corner post supports to ensure that the roof was self-supported rather than relying on the PVCu
Written by Chris Champion, Industry Expert and Editorial Contributor
window structure. I asked if they had any issues with solid roofs not having Building Regs and his reply was a no. And what about ‘Cladovers’, I asked? “We usually pick those up” he said, “when they try and sell the house.” Now my particular council seem to be on the ball, but I also understand that some large authorities are unclear as to whether Building Regs are required. There is also the issue of ‘passing off’ whereby the installer purports to be offering branded solid roofs and even display company logos on their website but are actually selling ‘Cladovers’. Some of the roof system companies have challenged these people and got them to remove claims to be offering their roofs, usually with an apologetic: “Sorry guv, it’s a fair cop, we’ll take the logo down.”
Is this ‘Cladover’ issue a big problem? I’m led to believe that the market for solid roofs, through the branded systems, is around 1,000 roofs per week. However it is also estimated that around 1,500 ‘Cladovers’ are sold every week. I’d say that was a big problem. I’ve heard of companies being ‘phoned by a homeowner, saying: “I’m having one of your roofs fitted at the moment but there seems to be a lot more timber
“Saving money in the short term may not only be dangerous, as your roof could literally cave in, you will ultimately end up paying a lot more in the long run. It’s not worth it financially and it’s not worth it from a safety point of view.”
involved in the construction than I saw on your website.” The request for some photographs to be sent through from their mobile ‘phone soon establishes that it isn’t the roof they thought it was. The “Leave it with me” comment from the householder probably indicates a major row with the installer or a call to Trading Standards. And it appears Trading Standards in some areas know of the problem. You may ask why as a homeowner you can’t see that the new roof is a ‘Cladover’? It’s not unusual for a working couple to leave the installer to do the job while out at work and, without cutting a hole in the plasterboard ceiling, who’s to know what’s hidden inside?
My concern is a collapsed ‘Cladover’ on top of little Jimmy, who is playing with his bricks in the conservatory. Our synopsis? Saving money in the short term may not only be dangerous, as your roof could literally cave in, you will ultimately end up paying a lot more in the long run. It’s not worth it financially and it’s not worth it from a safety point of view. Do your research and if a company is proclaiming to offer a national brand, check it out direct with the manufacturer.
This tired 1960s home with its outdated brick and concrete tiling was renovated into a bright, airy family home with a timeless feel. The extensive transformation utilised Bereco Timber Windows & Doors throughout and was managed by Back to Front Exterior Design.
Back to Front have collaborated with Bereco for many years, including Bereco timber windows and doors as a key part of their renovations. The clients had lived in the property for 20 years when they decided in 2013 that the house layout was no longer working for them. Thus began the journey of redefining their home, beginning with designing and submitting planning applications.
Henley, Reading
39
Traditional - Internal Ovolo
Mouldings and External Putty Style Design
Spiral Balance Sliding Sash, Flush Casements
Entrance Doors, Flush French Doors, Folding Doors
RAL 7038 Agate Grey
Back to Front Exterior Design
The renovation was divided into two significant phases. The first phase began in 2015 and involved a five-month project to create a two-bed attached house. The second phase, completed in 2020, took seven months and involved further renovations that dramatically altered the home’s look and improved the living accommodation for the rest of the family.
The Agate Grey RAL 7038 finish on the Traditional Sliding Sash Spiral Balance and Flush French Doors were specifically chosen to transform the house from its 1960’s appearance to a modern take on a Georgian property, the colour beautifully contrasting against the White render.
It’s the first thing guests see when they arrive, it’s the last thing they see when leaving. It gives potential buyers something to remember the house by and it adds that all important kerb appeal.
A house that is considered an ordinary home could become "the house with the yellow door" with nothing more than a simple coat of paint. Whereas choosing a modern door can transform the whole look of your property.
Modern, traditional, contemporary?
PVCu, solid wood, aluminium or glazed? Colour choice is also immense, so how do you choose the right front door for your home?
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you through the process.
With so many design options available it can be an overwhelming experience when choosing a design. Whilst there are styles to suit every taste and personality, how do you know what’s right for your own home? Are you looking for a solid door for complete privacy, are you looking to flood your hallway with light? Are you are looking for a statement design? Always request a brochure from your supplier so you can take your time and study the different options available. Its important to ensure the design of your door suits your property. You can customise to your own tastes using colour, glazing and finishing touches.
Canary yellow? Pillow box red? Bold and black? When it comes to colour there really are no limitations. Most suppliers will be able to provide the colour you want, straight from the factory to your home. There are also spray painting services if you just want to update the colour of your door (so if you like the design of your current front door and it is still secure and thermally efficient, a change of colour can be easily achieved). The process of adding colour to a door is called colour coating. Look out for suppliers who offer a colour warranty to ensure your door is finished to the utmost quality. If you choose a bright colour on the outside of your door, you can choose a different colour for the inside. This is called dual coating and any reputable supplier will be able to advise you on this.
What does the colour of your front door say about you? Here’s our guide:
The Red Front Door Red is the colour of passion.
The Orange Front Door Orange is the colour of warmth.
The Yellow Front Door Yellow is the colour of logic.
The Green Front Door Green is the colour of health and wealth.
The Purple Front Door Purple means extravagance.
The Brown Front Door Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic.
The Blue Front Door Blue is the colour of peace.
The Grey Front Door Grey is the colour of contentment.
The Pink Front Door Pink is the colour of love.
The Black Front Door Black is the colour of sophistication.
The White Front Door White is the colour of perfection.
Composite doors are a popular choice as there are traditional, modern and contemporary options available, something to suit everyone’s budget, style and colour preference. There are different levels of quality when it comes to a composite door, so do your research and look out for reviews. You are looking for quality, thermal efficiency, security and installer reviews as well as aesthetics. Solid oak or timber doors are durable and naturally insulating, suitable in a more traditional setting. For a more bespoke look you could go for an aluminium door which will transform the look of your property into something state-of-the-art. Standard upvc doors can be picked up for as little as £300, so when choosing the material it really does depend on your budget.
If you are looking for total privacy then a solid door with no glazing could be the option for you. However, you have to take light into consideration. If you have a small hallway, little light, or if your door opens into a living room, you may need to consider some glazing. Most doors come with various glazing options and these can range from small squares, semi circles, small panes through to longer, wider panes. If privacy is imperative you can request privacy or frosted glass. Glazing also comes in colour and pattern options, so if you opt for a more traditional coloured door, you can add colour with glazing.
Some suppliers will offer warranties on your door locks, cylinders, handles and hinges, so look out for added value when choosing your ironmongery. The finish of these products also needs to look good as well as be durable, so its also important to look out for lifetime coating warranties on marine grade stainless steel, gold and chrome door handles and letter plates (these are the areas that are touched the most, so are subject to the most wear and tear).
There are 100’s of options when choosing ironmongery such as the style of the handle, door knocker and letterbox, through to the colour finish. Research which design and finish will look right on the style of door you have chosen and always request a brochure and check out any warranties.
As well as the more traditional options on door hardware security such as multi locking, there are now many keyless entry solutions, as well as mixing and matching a multi lock with keyless entry.
The frame of your door is also important to bear in mind. Most doors can now be colour matched to an existing frame. If a new frame is required, you can choose to have this the same colour as your new door, which will make the overall frame of the door look bigger, adding a contemporary feel.
Use lighting to make the most of your porch and highlight your front door, as well as keeping your front door area well lit at night. You can achieve this with downlighting, side lights or fairy lights around pots and plants, dotted around the front of the porch. Keep your front door and your porch area clean to maximise kerb appeal.
With an increase of 170% in searches for ‘house renovations’ in the last quarter, there indicates a notable increase in demand for window and door upgrades throughout 2024. From energy-efficient solutions to aesthetic enhancements, each season presents a prime opportunity for trade professionals to capitalise on the following key factors driving consumers buying habits.
With changeable weather on the horizon, homeowners are increasingly focused on optimising energy efficiency to combat rising cooling costs. Nearly half of UK homeowners are aiming to make their homes more eco-friendly and energy efficient. Installers are poised to meet this demand by providing innovative window and door solutions designed to improve insulation and reduce energy use.
The Residence Collection can support installers with these sustainability goals, as all three of the window systems boast energy efficiency. The R9 system achieves an A++ energy rating with a u-value of 0.74 W/m2K for triple glazing and 1.2W/m2k for double and R7 and R2 both have A++ energy ratings and reach a u-value 0.79W/m2k for triple glazing and 1.2W/m2k for double glazing as standard.
Autumn time installations allow homeowners to reap the benefits of improved efficiency throughout the winter months, positioning installers as trusted partners in sustainable home improvement.
Installers play a crucial role in helping clients achieve their aesthetic goals through the selection and installation of on-trend windows and doors. Each customer and property has unique preferences, and there is a growing demand for home improvement solutions that offer a high degree of personalisation as well as functionality.
The Residence Collection offers 23 different colourways across three systems, along with a range of different dual-colour options, with each system boasting a different aesthetic and style to align with consumer preferences. This allows installers to be able to widen their product offerings through a variety of colour choices.
In 2024, the UK Government initiated an energy efficiency initiative targeting heritage homes, aiming to address barriers faced by homeowners in preserving historical properties while embracing sustainability. This effort acknowledges the hindrances posed to achieving Net Zero status by 2050.
The Residence Collection, recognized for its adherence to Article 4 guidelines, facilitates planning and installation processes for conservation areas and Grade-II listed buildings. The R9 model, a pioneering timber alternative window introduced in 2011, aligns with energy efficiency standards, notably surpassing Future Homes Standard 2025 requirements, making it a prime choice for upgrading energy efficiency in historic structures.
With seasonal shifts at the forefront, installers are proactively preparing for the surge in renovation projects. By optimising scheduling and resource allocation, installers can efficiently accommodate client needs and deliver timely installations. Moreover, suppliers and manufacturers are ramping up production to meet the heightened demand for window and door products, ensuring seamless supply chain operations throughout the peak season.
Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection commented: “Spring heralds a period of significant opportunity for installers in the window and door industry. By leveraging energy-efficient solutions, embracing design innovation, and anticipating demand, installers can position themselves for success in meeting the evolving needs of homeowners seeking to enhance their living spaces.
“At The Residence Collection, we pride ourselves on supplying installers with window ranges that naturally fulfil the needs and wants of current and future homeowners.”
Start your #myresidence journey today!
AUTHENTIC TIMBER ALTERNATIVE WINDOWS & DOORS
Conservation Areas, Grade II Listed Buildings & Heritage Design. The Residence Collection combines modern machining with traditional craftsmanship, specifically designed to aesthetically replicate the documented historical window designs from the 19th Century period.
Colin St John, Commercial Director, Freefoam Building Products explains how cladding your home inside and out offers the ideal solution.
In a rapidly evolving world with the government’s ambitious pledge to construct 300,000 new houses each year, for the next 5 years, the demand for traditional building materials is soaring. This surge has led home improvers to move away from standard brick products and an increasing interest in the range and choice of alternative solutions.
One such alternative is PVC cladding.
Cladding offers both versatility and functionality in renovating and improving existing homes. Homeowners seeking modernisation are increasingly turning to creative applications of PVC cladding, harnessing its potential to transform interiors and exteriors alike.
PVC cladding, known for its durability and low maintenance, has emerged as a versatile material that can breathe new life into tired spaces. Its affordability and ease of installation make it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to refresh their homes without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some imaginative ways in which PVC cladding has been effectively utilised to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of people’s homes.
One of the most popular uses of PVC cladding is in revamping the exterior facade of homes. By applying PVC boards in a variety of colours and finishes, homeowners can create a modern and sleek look that not only enhances curb appeal but also provides added protection against the elements. From traditional to contemporary styles, PVC cladding offers a versatile solution to transform the exterior aesthetics of any home.
For homeowners looking to extend their living spaces outdoors, PVC cladding can be used to create stylish and durable garden rooms, playrooms or offices enabling outdoor areas to be transformed into inviting retreats for work, relaxation and entertainment.
However, PVC cladding , sometimes called panelling, is not limited to external applications; it can also be used indoors to create striking accent walls. By incorporating textured or patterned PVC products , homeowners can add depth and visual interest to their living spaces. Whether seeking a rustic charm or a minimalist look, PVC cladding provides endless possibilities for interior design enthusiasts.
The moisture-prone environment of bathrooms makes them an ideal candidate for PVC cladding or panelling. Waterproof and easy to clean, PVC options can be installed in shower enclosures or around tubs to create a stylish and hygienic space. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, homeowners can customise their bathroom designs to suit their personal taste and preferences.
Beyond aesthetics, PVC cladding also offers practical benefits such as improved insulation. By installing PVC panels on exterior walls, homeowners can enhance the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing heating and cooling costs. This sustainable feature not only contributes to an eco-friendly living environment but also adds value to the property in the long run.
As the demand for innovative building materials grows amidst the housing boom, PVC cladding emerges as a practical and attractive option for homeowners seeking to modernize their living spaces. With its versatility, durability, and costeffectiveness, PVC cladding opens up a world of creative possibilities for transforming homes into personalised sanctuaries.
Embracing this trend not only meets the challenges of material scarcity but also paves the way for sustainable and stylish living solutions in the future. So, whether you’re looking to revamp your home’s exterior, add character to your interiors, or create a cozy outdoor oasis, consider the transformative power of PVC cladding in realising your modernisation dreams.
Nearly 25 years since he won the first-ever ‘Big Brother’ - the show that completely changed his life - highly successful property developer and fixer-upper Craig Philips owns 13 apartments and seven houses and has built his dream family home from scratch.
Angela Sara West chats with Craig about his prosperous property journey, advice on adding value to our homes on a budget, energy efficiency, painting like a pro, plus his top DIY tips and trends.
Craig Phillips discovered his love of DIY as a young teen. “The first project I undertook was at 13.” he tells me. “I built an aviary for my pet owl on top of our bathroom roof and became hooked and wanted to try my hand at everything!”
He began his building business aged just 18 after completing his apprenticeship. “By 25, I was employing over 30 guys and turning over £1m.”
How did it feel to win the first-ever ‘Big Brother’? “It was a life-changing experience and one I’ll never forget. I never thought it would lead to me having a career on TV, in the media, and now creating content online. I only went in to raise funds for my friend Joanne Harris, who has since sadly passed away, but it ended up transforming my life.”
Sought-after Craig went on to work on countless TV shows alongside my other cover star, Linda Barker. “Linda is great! Good fun and SO easy to work with.”
The BB champ’s favourite home makeover prog to work on? “My time filming for the British Forces Broadcasting Service,” he reveals. “We travelled the world and undertook so many cool makeovers, including a go-kart track which the forces used for their leisure time, a gym for the Royal Marine Commandos in Scotland, and loads of other cool projects like nurseries and decking. We travelled all over, from the Ascension Islands to the Falklands. It was a truly unique project to be involved with, and great that the squaddies, who were all fit and strong, helped us with builds!”
Having got into the Army groove, ‘Craig Phillips’ Celebrity DIY’ show, meanwhile, saw hammer time with a few famous faces: “We’d go to various celebs’ homes, including Frankie Dettori’s, Uri Gellar’s and Dane Bowers’, and teach them DIY.”
The fab fixer also works with Trepanel, 3C Sealants, Wagner paint sprayers, SureSet and Housebuild. “They’re all such great brands to work with and allow me to be really creative with the filming projects we undertake.”
Brilliant builder Craig’s a big fan of spray painting. “It saves SO much time and money,” explains the spray-painting pro. “I just want more people to try it as they’ll never go back to a brush or roller after!”
His fave DIY skill? “I LOVE tiling! Being a bricklayer originally, it ties in nicely as you follow patterns, and when I had the building company, I found myself doing more tiling than bricklaying!”
Hardcore Craig’s biggest challenge? “Building our dream home was definitely my biggest project to date,” he divulges. “I oversaw the whole process; from buying the land, demolishing the existing house sat on it, doing the ground works, and then from foundations to finish. It was a challenging build due to weather conditions as we get so much rain here in Liverpool.”
And all the hard work, designing and building himself from scratch, paid off. “We are super proud of the house and how it’s turned out. We’ve brought up both our kids here, so it’s our dream build and has a very special place in our hearts.”
The family’s amazing home comes complete with a gym and impressive upycled bar; not the only eco practice Craig has put in place to make his home as sustainable as possible.
“We’ve also made huge planters out of old pallet wood that go all around the garden and some of the low fencing in the garden is made out of pallet wood, too. We had to remove some conifers from the edge of our garden, and I’ve used the large pieces of that wood for a river table.”
Always think twice before throwing anything away and
We have so much junk in our sheds, garages etc. but once you start to look through them you might find a new use for
Check out our YouTube channel for loads of projects where we have repurposed old materials to make new structures!
Constructor Craig’s property journey includes a very special purchase. “I have various other properties and had the incredible chance to buy back my childhood home in Liverpool which we sold when I was a kid, which was SO special...”
“We also did a huge renovation in Liverpool on a Grade II-listed building, turning it into flats. I lived there for a long period and still have the development now. It’s full of tenants, which makes me really proud as it’s a stunning building.”
The handy constructor has top tips aplenty in his toolbox for creating amazing autumn exteriors, plus easily achievable DIY patio and garden design ideas a-go-go to extend our outdoor living window.
• Build a pergola. It can be done very easily, gives shelter and looks really nice
• Once the leaves have fallen, it’s a great time of year to prune everything so it grows back healthier the next spring
• Sit around a firepit and enjoy the outdoors when the temperature falls. Roast some chestnuts or, in our case, marshmallows for the kids!
How can we best make the most of natural light in our homes and ‘bring the outdoors in’?
• Mirrors and lighter shades of paint work really well to ensure your house still feels light and airy, even if it’s grey outside
• If you can afford it, look at installing skylights into ceilings to bring more light in
• Avoid dark furniture. Upcycle old furniture using Frenchic’s lighter paint shades to brighten up indoor living areas
He also advises protecting our homes ahead of the harsh winter months and enhancing energy efficiency.
“We’ve been working with LoftZone recently, creating content to show how easy it can be to board and insulate your loft so you don’t let warm air escape the house in the colder months.”
“Bleed radiators to ensure you get the most out of them and they’re not stopping the other radiators from giving out heat. If your front door lets a lot of heat out, use draft excluders or hang a large curtain behind it to keep the heat in. It can make a huge difference.
How can we keep our interiors tip top and on-trend all-year-round? “Simple things, like giving a room a facelift with a new paint colour, or even buying new blankets to throw over your sofas, work well.”
He also recommends easy tweaks and fixes to freshen up each season, such as bringing old furniture back to life by repainting it. “They’re all little things but can make a big difference to how you feel about your home.”
On point at the mo? “Wall panelling’s proving very popular,” Craig reveals. “We’ve done loads of videos for Trepanel. It’s a really quick, easy and affordable way to transform a room.”
In terms of upcycling, “transforming old metal furniture by giving it a fresh lick of paint’s also really popular,” he says. “We filmed some recent videos for Frenchic Paints on this and our subscribers on our YouTube channel are REALLY keen to try their hand at it.”
As an ambassador for Frenchic, what does competent painter Craig love most about the chalky brand? “Their versatility and range. The colours are a blend of striking and subtle and we’ve used so many of them across projects on both our own home and my other properties, as well as upcycling furniture and other items.”
How can we turn an ordinary space into an extraordinary space?
• Low budget, go with panelling! It certainly gives you that wow factor
• Large budget, change your kitchen, your windows (and perhaps have them in a different colour to set your home out from the rest)
• Change your front door or resurface your driveway. We’ve been working with SureSet who have some great resin-based products which can totally transform it
Craig’s golden rules to stick to for adding value? “Keep your kitchen and bathrooms up to date. Old and tired kitchens and bathrooms can often lead to houses being valued lower.”
As for advice for maximising kerb appeal etc. “Keep on top of paintwork and ensure your garden is neat and tidy. Appearances are everything!”
If you’re currently considering going into property development, think again. “For now, keep your powder dry and wait for mortgage rates to come down,” Craig recommends. “If you have the cash to buy outright, go for it, but build slowly. I’ve seen too many people go mad and buy multiple properties at once, only to see it all fall apart as they have taken on too much too soon…”
Craig recently recorded a podcast with Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon) and enjoys creating his Mr & Mrs DIY tutorials with his DIY-loving wife Laura.
Does he think their young kids will follow in their DIY footsteps? “I’d love them to learn the skills so they can use them in their own homes when they are older, otherwise they’ll be on the ‘phone daily asking me to go round and do it for them!” he laughs.
“Seriously though, I hope they find something they’re really passionate about and love. That’ll make me happy. I love building and that’s why I’ve never deviated away from it too much.”
Offering ‘how-to’ videos to troubleshoot or give you a helping hand, Craig films every day as a daily diary. “I give loads of DIY tips, behind-the-scenes activity on our shoots, plus anything interesting I’m doing, like going on TV or radio, or even just messing around with the dog and the kids, of course!”
Top tips for those who just can’t get motivated to pick up their tools and finish a job? “Start small, try doing something easy and that requires very little in the way of tools and materials, like hanging a picture or painting one of the walls in a room to create a feature wall. It’s amazing how easily you can get hooked into it. It’s all about doing the research first and not cutting corners.”
Up next for Craig Phillips? “We continue to build content for our Mr and Mrs DIY YouTube channel, which is a full-time job, plus we’re constantly filming new projects. So, head over and subscribe, as there are so many different videos on there for keen DIY-ers or homeowners looking for inspiration!” www.youtube.com/@MrDIYCraigPhillips/ www.youtube.com/@MrandMrsDIY
And meet Craig with the Wagner Spraytech team at Screwfix Live this September (27th-29th), showcasing their latest domestic spray-painting technology and helping the public undertake decorating tasks with ease and speed!
@craigbigbro1 @mrandmrsdiytv
© Angela Sara West 2024
The all-new Classically Collection by Abode encompasses exactly what the brand is best known for; luxurious design leading, premium quality products, expertly designed in Britain and lovingly crafted in Italy.
Brought to you by the company’s award-winning team of brassware specialists, Abode design and engineer brassware collections that bring something different to the home by crafting unique, premium designs that bring a touch of luxury to your everyday life.
Available now, the all-new Classically Collection presents a unique range of traditionally designed monobloc, bridge-style and 3-part kitchen mixer taps, and handsprays with matching basket wastes and overflows in complementary finishes.
As ‘classic style’ continues to see huge value in a quality mix of materials, finishes and decoration, Classically by Abode offers a range of instinctively timeless kitchen taps with Victorian-style spouts and curved silhouettes, fine ceramic and solid brass handles, and the latest valve technology for smooth and effortless operation every time.
Created for people who want the perfect blend of design, quality and performance, Classically by Abode is lovingly crafted, with all taps within the collection thoroughly tested in the company’s UK factory for complete peace of mind.
Within each range, homeowners can choose between three tap styles, either Monobloc, Bridge and 3-part, and all models are covered by a 5-year warranty for quality assurance and peace of mind. So, what can you expect to find in the new Classically Collection by Abode?
Step into the golden age of brassware design with Oxbury, where each tap is artfully crafted from premium solid brass and showcases curvaceous shapes and fluid lines to embody elegance that transcends time. Personalise your tap with interchangeable real ceramic or solid colour matched handles and enjoy effortless water control, along with anti-splash technology and optional flow limiter to help save water and reduce your utility bills!
For a touch of Edwardian elegance, the Mayenne range presents the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary innovation, where the distinct spout is inspired by the opulence found in a grand French chateau. Presenting a classic fusion of Edwardian charm and modern convenience, Mayenne taps feature smooth quarter turn handles for effortless water control, anti-splash technology to enjoy a pristine kitchen and eco-friendly water usage to save you money without compromising on style and performance.
Designed to complement all ranges within the collection, Fenton Handsprays are both beautiful and functional. The ultimate kitchen accessory to enhance your culinary space, the range of Fenton handsprays make light work of cooking, cleaning and filling large pots thanks to the independent sprayhead function, and 1m pull-out hose with ergonomic clicker function to provide easy water flow activation. Crafted from low lead brass, Fenton promises to deliver on durability and style with each handspray able to be paired with all products within Abode Classically and traditional tap collections.
Looking for enhanced style and functionality? Introducing Pronteau by Abode, a perfect blend of timeless style and modern convenience with a range of sensitively styled instant hot water taps that provide access to both instant hot and filtered cold water. Making everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and brewing beverages effortless, choose from a range of Pronteau tap designs, styles and finishes, which are designed to complement classic and traditional kitchen interiors. Extremely safe too, all Pronteau taps incorporate features that always ensure risk free access to instant hot water. All Pronteau taps are supplied with a compact PROBOIL boiler, which sits neatly in a standard sized Belfast cabinet so you can adorn your choice of undermount Belfaststyle sink with a Pronteau instant hot water tap and still not forego valuable storage space beneath the bowl. You can also add a functional Fenton pullout spray, all you need is a 35mm hole!
Truly timeless in design and natural in form, Abode ceramic sinks have been expertly crafted in the finest fireclay to create a signature centrepiece in the kitchen. Designed in England, the range of Classically sinks capture the essence of true British style to deliver elegance, beauty, and functionality as standard. Available with either inset or undermount installation to seamlessly integrate into any style of kitchen, each sink is expertly handcrafted and baked in premium fireclay with large bowl capacity and easy clean contours.
Complete the look and add a little luxury to your kitchen with matching sink accessories. Including a range of complementary sink wastes and overflows, each accessory pairs perfectly with the company’s Antique Brass tap collection to ensure a classical look from sink to tap, which is built to last.
For more information, please check out the new Abode Classically Collection online by visiting https://online.flippingbook.com/view/508843428/
Your home office interiors need to set the perfect scene for your working environment – an oasis in which you can focus, be creative and calmly take everything in your stride.
HERE WE EXPLORE 9 OF OUR FAVOURITE OFFICE DECOR AND STYLISH STUDY IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU!
2. Edgy East London Inspired
1. Cottage Style with Industrial Twist
The solid wooden desk tells a story of beautiful quality, whilst the wild floral display reinforces the cottage-style charm found throughout the design of this property. Metallic and trendy, these carefully selected accessories come together to create a stylish study area, this contemporary leather desk chair and table lamp adding a hint of industrial flair.
Repeating the same colour tones in both the artwork and the surrounding interiors will create a more robust look.
Utterly cool and very trendy, this Andrew Martin Margot desk transports us to East London studio conversions with its edgy angled gunmetal legs and wooden floorboard top. The rich wooden hues continue into the beautiful flooring and vibrant geometric patterned wallpaper, as well as the bold gold mirror and statement Andrew Martin geometric sideboard – all brightly invigorated by the vivid green chairs and botanics.
Cool and trendy desk with edgy angled legs and wooden floorboard top.
3. Antique Meets Urban
Antique meets urban in design, for this home office interior! The handcrafted Eichholtz Paco desk is characterised by a sleek black finish with antique brass frame and statement burnished bamboo-style handles, complemented by the chic office chair in sophisticated dark grey.
Handcrafted desk in sleek black finish, with antique brass frame.
This home office decor idea is all about ‘less is more’, letting the bright colours speak for themselves and allowing the crisp, modern simplicity to create the style. Abundant in natural light, this design is contrasted with an organic feel of the exposed wooden flooring with stylish lacquered metal, adding a bright pop of colour and modern charisma with this bold black and yellow chair.
Crisp modern simplicity, lacquered metal desk with bold black and yellow chair.
This white floor lamp in hand-rubbed antique brass casts the perfect light over this beautifully accessorised desk with leather inserted top by Michael Northcroft, whilst the Italian leather desk chair adds rich warmth to the design of this eclectic, contemporary Soho apartment study.
The perfect office decor idea for anyone planning their teenagers work area, creating a cool environment for them to focus. Brimming with urban flare, the design of the fun desk in this teenager’s bedroom has bold bursts of colour and contemporary Kirkby Design desk chair fabric to add vitality and style.
7. Mid-Century Charisma
Timeless in design, this stunning Andrew Martin Orson desk is small and stylish making it ideal for any city apartment home office interior. The walnut wood and antique brass handles ooze mid century style bringing charisma to this design, whilst the buoyant wine colour tones of the desk chair add a pop of colour to this home office interior.
8. Light Contemporary
The rustic oak of this sleek Shaker desk by Eichholtz harmonises with the vintage brown leather chair in this next stylish study design. The sleek glass top adds a contemporary touch of luxury whilst the tactile fabric table accessories offer an organic feel.
9. Genteel Handsome
Displaying refined symmetry, taupe shades and animal-inspired accessories in this gentleman’s office – with elegant Eichholtz feature lamps, stylish Osborne & Little animal print cushions and Casamance houndstooth wallpaper with deluxe suede feeling.
Many people are wise to the tip of repainting kitchen cupboards instead of buying new ones in order to save money.
Incorporating specialist technology, V33 Renovation Cupboard & Worktop paint prevents culinary and domestic staining, and allows regular and easy cleaning without altering the colour and finish of the paint. Its complex combination of exclusive polymers means it’s highly resistant to heat, scratches, knocks, water and humidity. All of which means it’s a sensible choice for kitchen cabinetry and worktops in addition to imparting a stunning, professional-looking finish too.
With testers available, you can choose from the following colours: White, Cotton, three shades of Grey, Agave Green, Petrol Blue and Quartz Black. V33 Renovation Cupboard & Worktop paint’s high level of adhesion means it can be applied direct to many surfaces without having to use an undercoat.
The paint is easy to apply by even novice DIYers. Here is a step-by-step guide to how to do that.
The tools you will need include: a paint stirrer or wide stick; 4-5mm short pile roller; round-edged paint brush (for angles, corners & finishes); a roller tray (which is included in the pack).
Preparation of the surface is essential. Wash it with a soda-based or sugar soap (alkaline) cleaner. For varnished wood, painted wood and melamine –after washing, rinse thoroughly, leave to dry then lightly sand with 240 grit sandpaper and remove dust. For laminate and glass areas – after washing, rinse thoroughly and leave to dry. For bare/porous surfaces such as wood or mdf – lightly sand and remove dust. On bare oak and chestnut, first apply an appropriate to block the tannins.
• Apply the paint at room temperature between 12 and 25 degrees centigrade and avoid draughts.
• Stir the paint with a stirrer or wide stick, working around the bottom of the tin to mix it well.
• Start by painting the angles, mouldings and joints of the surface. Work on small surfaces.
• Apply from one end to the other of the main surface area. Follow with successive cross-strokes.
• Leave the first coat to dry for six hours (do not exceed 12 hours) Do not start to apply a second coat while the first coat is drying.
• Apply a second coat in the same way. A third may be required depending on the surface and colour.
To clean your painted surfaces, use a gentle detergent and a nonabrasive sponge. Optimum product performance and adhesion are achieved after 20 days from application, so it’s important to treat the surfaces gently, avoiding direct impact, abrasion, staining or cleaning during this 20 day period. Sold through B&Q and Screwfix in 0.75L and 2L pack options, the former is priced at around £27 and provides 10m2 of coverage.
Just email your name and address to the address opposite, stating IMPROVE Q-Smart Offer, and your preferred colour. We will make contact with the first five people to reply and arrange your free Q-Smart handle.
We’ll even fit it for you! (mainland GB only)
IS NOT
(BUT YOU CAN’T TELL FROM LOOKING)
Ultimate Rose brings the timeless beauty of timber without the hassle. Say goodbye to endless repainting and maintenance of your sash windows.
Instead, say hello to a conservation-grade sash window thats hand crafted to achieve the finest detail, even up close.
Boasting 40 years of manufacturing experience built into every sash, Ultimate Rose is designed to keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer and secure and quiet all year round.
The most authentic uPVC sash window meticulously crafted by the UK’s leading manufacturer. Classic style. Modern Performance. Tradition redefined.
Improvers is partnered with Improve Magazine - it’s a place where readers can share their own DIY projects, home improvements, conversions, extensions and renovations. Perhaps you are just updating the spare room? Maybe you’re looking at changing the colour of your fireplace or refreshing the bathroom? Home cinema in the garage, anyone? Building your own pub shed in the garden? Replacing windows or doors or decorating your front door for a special time of the year?
Visit @Improvers and join our group. Send us your before and after photographs and let us know, in a few words, a synopsis of your project. One of the editorial team at Improve Magazine, will pick out our favourite and feature it in the next edition of the magazine. Plus, you’ll win a bottle of champagne! You can also join our Facebook page and Instagram
Mick Clayton CEO
greenteQ window & door furniture comes with up to a 25 year surface guarantee
BENEFITS OF GREENTEQ INCLUDE:
The surface is guaranteed against pitting for either 20 or 25 years depending on the range fitted
We will replace the furniture on registered installations directly
Easy registration process via our dedicated website (see QR code)
Insist on greenteQ furniture on your new windows and doors - (it’s pronounced GreenTech!)