Lifts, Stairs & Balustrades

Flooded vets need lift replacement

Valley Vets, based in Gwaelod y Garth in South Wales is a state-of-the-art, hightech facility providing animal care with ten consulting rooms and six operating theatres, plus hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and two x-ray suites.

They already had an existing platform lift, but during the recent heavy rainfall, unfortunately the building flooded, leaving the lift unit under 3 feet of water. After a visit from the insurers, the loss adjusters agreed to have the existing platform lift removed and replaced with the Optimum 100s from Ability Lifts.

Travelling between two floors, and with a lifting capacity of 410 kilogrammes, the Optimum 100s was a perfect fit. As well as a compact footprint, and being self contained, the lift has a one touch call button on each landing and a generous standard platform size of 1100mm wide x 1480mm deep.

The removal and disposal of the old lift was completed on Monday, whilst installation of the new lift was completed within just one and half days and handed over fully completed on Thursday of the same week to a very happy client.

Please contact the Ability Lifts team on 0845 006 8803 or email sales@abilitylifts.co.uk for further information on the Optimum 100s and the other products in the Optimum range of lifts.

PlatformLifts

HereatAbilityLifts,weoffer solutionsformanydifferent accessrequirements,from platformliftsandstairplatform lifts,toexternallifts,accesslifts andmuchmore.Weaimtooffer topqualityserviceandhighly competitiveprices.

Allofouraccessliftsarein compliancewiththeMachinery DirectiveMD2006/42/EC,EN8141andPartM,andwe’rehappy toadviseyouwithanyquestions youmayhaveaboutaccess requirements.

TheOptimum100-Theself supportingenclosedPlatformLift

� Glazingtoallfoursidesifrequired � Specialcoloursavailable � Uses75%lessenergythanothertypes � Footprint-1250mmx1560mm � Platformsize-1120mmx1480mm � EN8141andMachineryDirectivecompliant � Market leadingwarrantyperiod Pleasecallusforachat,wehavearange ofplatformliftstosuityourrequirements. Tel: 08450068803 Email: sales@abilitylifts.co.uk Web: www.abilitylifts.co.uk

Fresh ideas for Interior Doors in 2020

www.vicaima.com

NEW ‘POCKET DOOR’ ADDED TO BRIO RANGE OF SLIDING DOOR HARDWARE

briouk.com

Brio has extended its established range of sliding door hardware with the new Brio Pocket Slide 80. Hidden from view once installed, the universally sized pocket door kit offers a flexible, simple-to-install solution for installers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), while reducing cost and valuable inventory space for architectural ironmongers (AIs) and builders merchants.

As the only universal fitting kit, the Brio Pocket Slide 80 can cover installation widths ranging from 600 to 1000mm. Simple, efficient and customisable, the kit is easy to assemble and can be fit by a single installer – reducing time, inventory and labour costs for those working on new build projects and extensions.

Included in the pack is an adjustable stopper, forward and back spacer, a stylish black anodised track and wheels with narrow channels for a stable slide of the door. With a quality multilayer wooden beam, the Brio Pocket Slide 80 also absorbs vibrations and noise, making it the perfect fit for en-suite bathrooms. David Newton, general manager at Brio UK comments:

“The pocket door market is one of the largest door hardware markets in the UK, so it’s only logical for us to add this timeless and sleek product to our growing product portfolio.

“Designed with ease of use and practicality in mind, the biggest advantage of the Brio pocket door kit is its universal size. As a ‘one-size-fitsall’ product, it removes the headache of choosing the right-sized solution for a project – making the installation process even easier for installers, building contractors and OEMs. The customisable size also reduces the need for AIs and builders merchants to stock various sizes, helping decrease cost and extend inventory space.”

The Brio Pocket Slide 80 is a certified product and has been put through 100,000 slide cycles as per EN 1527, giving users the peace of mind that this is a sliding door made to last. video has been produced to assist with the installation of the product, which users can view online.

Brio, part of the Allegion family of brands, is an acknowledged global leader in the sliding and folding door industry. For more details on Brio sliding and folding door hardware, visit the website: briouk.com

How to successfully add value to a home

Home improvement updates that provide a return on investment

In the UK, first time buyers typically save for eight years for a deposit to buy a home. While most buyers choose a home that accommodates their current lifestyle, considering its potential resale value is also important. However, with complete home renovation being a costly project, which home improvements will provide a significant return on investment? Here, Nick Cowley, managing director at leading window and door manufacturer Euramax, explains how to add value to a property.

People who are interested in renovating a property often fit into one of two categories: homeowners who have already lived in the home for a long time with resulting wear and tear, or buyers purchasing a neglected home for a cheaper price. In either of these circumstances, it’s important to weigh up which home improvements will yield the most transformative result and resale value. Windows and doors

Updating the interior of a home is important, but it must be emphasised that the face of the building determines the buyer’s first impression. According to research conducted by Strutt & Parker, 76 per cent of property purchasers surveyed agreed that first impressions are everything when they visit a property.

The best way to improve the exterior appearance of a house is to update windows and doors. Not only is this a quick way to get a substantial transformation, but there are lots of different design options available, from the frame material and its colour, to the style of glass.

The improved appearance will add value to the home, and this will be enhanced by the functional benefits. With many buyers looking for environmentally friendly features, upgrading to efficient, double glazed windows will add further value to the home. In fact, Zopa’s home improvement survey found upgrading windows and doors provided a 23 per cent return on investment.

With over 65 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, Euramax is the UK leading supplier of PVCu windows, doors and composite doors. All frames are available in white, Chartwell green, golden oak and grey, with Georgian bar and frosted glass styles also offered. Furthermore, all products are quick and easy to install, rated A for efficiency and come with a ten-year guarantee. If standard sizes aren’t suitable, Euramax offers a bespoke service at trade prices to ensure a perfect fit.

Buying a home is the largest investment many of us will make in our lives. This is why it’s especially important that we invest in a way that delivers the most value and ensures that our time and money is well spent. Adding extra rooms, renovating the kitchen and upgrading windows and doors can significantly increase the value of a house — transforming a fixerupper into hot property.

Extensions, conversions and renovations

Adding an extension is likely the most expensive home improvement project, but could also yield the most profit. In fact, a survey conducted by Zopa, of 1,550 UK homeowners who had recently taken out a home improvement loan, found that extensions generated the most profit, generating an average of £17,090. The extensions that add the most value are those that add an extra bedroom or bathroom to the home, raising its occupancy potential.

If outdoor space is limited, or the homeowner desires a simpler project, loft conversions can have a similar effect. In fact, Nationwide found that, whether through an extension or loft conversion, adding a double bedroom and bathroom can add 20 per cent to the value of a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house.

However, significant results can also be achieved through room renovations. Most real estate experts agree that if you are going to renovate one room, make it the kitchen. According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), 65 per cent of homeowners renovate their kitchen before selling.

With kitchens becoming increasingly used as a social area rather than purely just for cooking, creating an ergonomic space with an inviting atmosphere is a must. Renovating a kitchen can increase the value of a home by around five to ten per cent.