2nd September 2010
Eco-homes can be created through home improvement projects and do not need to be especially built, it has been reported.
Speaking to Sarah Lonsdale of the Daily Telegraph, Chris and Hilary Handel explained how they had made their almost 100-year-old abode energy-efficient.
The couple installed insulation in the walls and loft, double-glazed their windows, updated their boiler [...]
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Posted in DIY
1st September 2010
People who are hoping to have a power shower installed may be disappointed if they currently have a combi-boiler, it has been claimed.
The Daily Telegraph's DIY expert Jeff Howell told one reader who wanted a more forceful shower that a regular boiler with a cold-water tank may be a better option.
"Combi boilers heat water from [...]
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Posted in Heating & Plumbing
1st September 2010
People in the UK are spending more money on their home improvements and are using bank loans to support their investments, new research has revealed.
Statistics compiled by Sainsbury's Finance showed 20 per cent of all loans taken out in the first six months of this year were for renovation or redecoration projects.
Steven Baillie, head of [...]
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Posted in DIY
1st September 2010
Home improvement fans may be considering emulating their favourite houses from the TV soap Neighbours, as new research has revealed the abodes on the programme are the most inspiring for property owners.
The study, conducted by Halifax, found 40 per cent of respondents were keen on the open-plan designs on Ramsey Street, while 35 per cent [...]
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Posted in DIY
31st August 2010
People considering hiring professional interior designers to help them undertake home improvement projects could save costs by making a series of small changes, one expert has said.
Speaking to the Baltimore Sun, president of the Maryland chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers Laura Kimball said those with less money after the recession are attempting [...]
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Posted in DIY, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Those looking to make their gardens more vibrant as the warmer weather wanes may consider planting climbers, as one expert recently said they brought "drama" to outdoor spaces.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Constance Craig Smith advised growing species vertically could allow gardening enthusiasts to cultivate more breeds than they would be able to if they [...]
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Posted in Garden, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Those looking to make their gardens more vibrant as the warmer weather wanes may consider planting climbers, as one expert recently said they brought "drama" to outdoor spaces.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Constance Craig Smith advised growing species vertically could allow gardening enthusiasts to cultivate more breeds than they would be able to if they [...]
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Posted in Garden, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Property owners have been encouraged to undertake home improvement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their houses.
According to the National Home Improvement Show, households could ensure that any DIY includes the installation of renewable technologies or insulation, which will add up to five per cent to the value of a property.
Michael Holmes, spokesperson for [...]
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Posted in DIY, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Property owners have been encouraged to undertake home improvement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their houses.
According to the National Home Improvement Show, households could ensure that any DIY includes the installation of renewable technologies or insulation, which will add up to five per cent to the value of a property.
Michael Holmes, spokesperson for [...]
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Posted in DIY, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Although the summer is nearly over, homeowners can still keep up their garden projects by planting some greens for the winter.
Caroline Foley, gardening expert at the Guardian, suggested that turnip varieties have been developed especially for their leaves, which can be sown in September and will be ready to be harvested in as little as [...]
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Posted in Garden, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Those hoping to add a subtle touch of yellow to their garden next summer could get ready to plant some Dahlias, as long as they are kept out of extreme conditions.
According to gardening expert Val Bourne, writer for the Telegraph, some people choose to take their Dahlia tubers inside during the winter, but recent warmer [...]
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Posted in Garden, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Modern kitchens are evolving to blend well with adjacent rooms, one expert has said, as open-plan interior design becomes more commonplace.
Speaking to Jean Patteson of McClatchy News Service, president of Architectural Artworks in Winter Parks Florida Joan DesCombes said homeowners like their cooking spaces to match connecting areas such as patios and dining rooms.
Kitchen appliances [...]
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Posted in Kitchens, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
Modern kitchens are evolving to blend well with adjacent rooms, one expert has said, as open-plan interior design becomes more commonplace.
Speaking to Jean Patteson of McClatchy News Service, president of Architectural Artworks in Winter Parks Florida Joan DesCombes said homeowners like their cooking spaces to match connecting areas such as patios and dining rooms.
Kitchen appliances [...]
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Posted in Kitchens, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
One expert has told gardening enthusiasts to plant autumn-coloured species as the summer draws to a close.
Writing for Ifpress.com, Jennifer Dobinson suggested people replace annuals with chrysanthemums to inject some vibrant hues into their outdoor spaces.
The plants are available in a variety of colours including pink, yellow, red and white and is often referred to [...]
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Posted in Garden, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
People living with teenagers may consider taking on home improvement projects to make their abodes more practical for adolescents.
Architect Wil Tunnell recently gave tips to the Guardian on interior design for the younger generation.
The specialist created a space for 16-year-old Ella Knox by converting a silversmiths' studio and cellar into two-bedroom flat with a bathroom, [...]
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Posted in DIY, Painting & Decorating
31st August 2010
People living with teenagers may consider taking on home improvement projects to make their abodes more practical for adolescents.
Architect Wil Tunnell recently gave tips to the Guardian on interior design for the younger generation.
The specialist created a space for 16-year-old Ella Knox by converting a silversmiths' studio and cellar into two-bedroom flat with a bathroom, [...]
Read Full Article
Posted in DIY
27th August 2010
Those embarking on home improvement or self-build projects will be affected by new energy-efficiency regulations this year, one expert has said.
Writing for the Daily Telegraph, David Snell explained the new requirements will be introduced in October and could mean reconsidering heating systems, windows and doors.
Conservatories, for example, must be kept warm by a separate arrangement [...]
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Posted in Heating & Plumbing, Painting & Decorating
27th August 2010
Those embarking on home improvement or self-build projects will be affected by new energy-efficiency regulations this year, one expert has said.
Writing for the Daily Telegraph, David Snell explained the new requirements will be introduced in October and could mean reconsidering heating systems, windows and doors.
Conservatories, for example, must be kept warm by a separate arrangement [...]
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Posted in Heating & Plumbing
26th August 2010
People about to embark on DIY home design projects may like to note that it is fast becoming the in-thing to use a variety of materials for flooring throughout a property.
This is according to the Press & Journal, which explained that practical floor tiles can be introduced in a kitchen space, while hard-wearing wood is [...]
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Posted in Flooring, Paving & Walling, Painting & Decorating
26th August 2010
People about to embark on DIY home design projects may like to note that it is fast becoming the in-thing to use a variety of materials for flooring throughout a property.
This is according to the Press & Journal, which explained that practical floor tiles can be introduced in a kitchen space, while hard-wearing wood is [...]
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Posted in Flooring, Paving & Walling