HOME SECURITY

You will be amazed at the replacement costs of your household goods, that’s why a good contents home insurance policy is a good idea.
Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.
Alarms systems act as a good deterrent, and can be a psychological obstacle for potential thieves.
If you are on holiday, make sure that someone picks up your post and newspapers and cancel all milk deliveries.
Make your valuables easily identifiable by marking them in some unique way.

Securing Your Home
With the spate of local break-ins around the peninsula, it has made us more aware of how we secure our own homes and property. We are used to feeling safe in this corner of Ireland, and maybe we can be a bit lax about locking doors. It is wise to take security measures and protect your home as burglary can happen at anytime and during any season of the year. Securing your home from intruders can begin with some obvious yet often overlooked security measures. Doors and windows provide immediate access to your property but are not the only ways that your home might be unsafe. Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.

Windows and doors
Thieves are opportunistic and will be able to identify easily accessible properties. The first thing you should do is check your windows and door locks. If your windows are old, they may not be able to lock properly. You may want to consider investing in new replacement windows that lock securely. It is also a good idea to install windows with catches that prevent people from opening them more than a few inches. With new windows, you will also be able to enjoy the benefits of greater energy efficiency, which can save you a great deal of money.

Get connected
Alarms systems act as a good deterrent, and can be a psychological obstacle for potential thieves. It's a good idea to have an alarm that is actually connected to a security response unit so that the security firm or guards will respond to the signal and check that your property is secure.

Cancel the milk
There are other more obvious ways to make sure that your home is secure. Opportunistic thieves are always on the look out for properties that appear to be vacant. Your home should look occupied at all times even if it is not. If you are on holiday, make sure that someone picks up your post and newspapers and cancel all milk deliveries. These are obvious signs that the house is empty and an open invitation to thieves. You should also get a friend or neighbour to turn lights on and off while your away or alternatively install a lighting timer. It is also a good idea to leave a car in the driveway at all times.

In the garden
It’s not just the house that needs protecting. The garden is also a place for theives. Garden tools and features are expensive so they need securing. Try not to leave equipment out in the garden when you are not there to keep an eye on it. A badly maintained garden could also be an idicator of an empty house.

Here are some suggestions on ways to make your more secure:
Get a professional to install a burglar alarm.
Outdoor lighting with sensors can act as a good deterrent in that the light switches on when someone approaches your home. You should also have an outside light at the front and back door that enables you to identify callers in the dark.
Leave lights on in interior rooms. It is not enough to simply leave the landing lighting on as thieves will spot this. You can install a timer to switch lights on and off at specified time intervals to make it appear that there are people in the property. It’s also a good idea to leave the radio on.
Keep a car in the driveway when you are on holidays.
It is a good idea to fix a door chain to your front door.
Install strong locks on windows and doors. Multiple locking mechanisms are also a good idea from a security perspective. You may need to get some advice here in terms of breaches of fire regulations. While you want to keep intruders out, you still need to be able to get out of the building in the case of a fire.
Double glazing. Laminated glass is better than toughened because it stays in place when it’s smashed. The safest double glazing has bolts that shoot in to the frame for extra security.
Secure your patio doors. Patio doors are common point of access for intruders so make sure these are secure. .
Use of gravel on your driveway or pathways to your property can act as a deterrent to burglars. Always keep hedges and shrubbery well clipped as they can act as a hiding place.
Dogs act as a great deterrent. While security is not a good enough reason to get a dog, if you actually like dogs it is always an option.
Don’t leave any valuables such as cash or jewellery lying around or hidden in obvious places. Make sure they are securely stored
When you buy new appliances such as a flat screen TV, dispose of the packaging carefully. Don’t leave the box outside your house.
You should also give a spare key to a trusted neighbour rather than “hiding” it under the doormat or a potted plant in the garden. Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places
Protecting your belongingsIf you were unfortunate enough to have had your property burgled in the past, you will be aware of the difficulties in identifying what has been stolen and then proving this. There are a few key ways to protect your belongings.
Make your valuables easily identifiable by marking them in some unique way.
Take photographs and make a record of all valuables and their corresponding unique markings. These should then be secured away with a friend or family member in a different property as you don't want the burglars stealing your records too. This is particularly important for valuables such as jewellery or collectables such as art pieces.

House Insurance
Don’t forget having your home insured does mean that if you are robbed then at least you will not be out of pocket. For peace of mind, make sure your insurance is up to date or if you don’t have insurance it is a good time to look into opening a policy. It’s amazing when you look around the house, just how expensive it would be to replace everything if it suddenly went missing…...

FEELING GOOD AT HOME

“With the cut in interest rates, the savings on your mortgage may be better invested in the home than the bank.”

“Buying curtains, putting up shelves and choosing colours really make your house a home.”



RENOVATINGAND EXTENDING
With the housing market so slow, many people are considering renovating or extending rather than moving. It can be a great solution especially if you are near friends and neighbours and your children are settled. With the cut in interest rates, the savings on your mortgage may be better invested in the home than the bank. Getting renovations or an extension added to your home may be quite stressful when the work is being done, but having the extra space is well worth it when the builders have gone home.

Guide to Planning Permission
If you are considering an extension, you need to do some preparation and planning before any practical work can be started. You will most likely need planning permission so you need to get in touch with the council. Planning permission can take up to three months to come through, or even longer if there are problems. You will need an agent or an architect to draw up the plans and there are forms to be filled in, site notices to be erected and notifications to be placed in the newspaper. When you have your permission, you can start looking for your builder.

Choosing Your Builder
Getting a good builder can make the stress of the work much lighter. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get at least three quotes so that you have a chance to meet the builders and see if you are comfortable with them. See what other jobs they have done and whether the customer is happy with their work. As well as the costs, get an idea of how long the job will take and consider who will be doing the project management.

Fixtures and Fittings
Don’t forget to budget for the fixtures and fittings. Take time to choose your tiles, units, showers and sinks. Look at books, magazines and the Internet for inspiration and of course see what you like in friend’s homes. A good builder should be able to advise you while not imposing personal preferences.

Finishing Touches
There are usually little fiddly jobs (called the snag list) when the builders go home, like a missing switch or a leak of some sort. A good builder will ensure that there is time to come back and make these finishing touches. A company like Knottyboy Wood Finishes can make a real difference at this stage as they can finish the woodwork in the house off to a high standard with their lacquered finishes. Then of course, there is the interior decorating. Buying curtains, putting up shelves and choosing colours really make your house a home.

Renovating a Room
Renovating a room isn’t as big a job as an extension but it can still be an exciting challenge. You might have to get the professionals in if the walls need re-plastering or patterned wallpaper rolls have to be matched up. For most of the work you could try your hand at DIY as it will be a case of using your interior design skills to good effect. You’re old three-piece suite might be a bit threadbare. Have a look at having it re-covered instead of buying a new one. The same goes for furniture, it might be far less costly to re-paint or re-varnish the quality furniture you have instead of rushing out to buy new. Choose the flooring to suit your lifestyle, do you need sumptuous carpets or a practical wooden floor and are the curtains ready for a change? If you don’t want too much upheaval the jobs can be staggered and remember to have fun.


3 WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY
If you are trying to sell your property in these deflated times, estate agents recommend these three ways to maximise the asking price.

Sleep on it
Adding an extra bedroom, will boosts those vital estate agent’s statistics in a way all buyers understand. The addition of a decent-sized bedroom can significantly increase the price of your property. If you are considering adding another bedroom again to maximize the value added, try to incorporate an en-suite.

Going Through the Roof
A quality attic conversion will take your house can add value, but a poor quality installation will merely be viewed by potential buyers as a problem that may require fixing at considerable expense. Always make sure your attic conversion complies with current building regulations.

Splashing out
The addition of a second bathroom should add value to your property. A modern bathroom will really lift your property. Consider choosing white fixtures as they won’t date and will appeal to a broader range of potential house buyers.



“Kitchen cupboards can be brought back to life with new doors, bedrooms can be made up to date with new wardrobe doors and furniture from around the house can be re-varnished or painted to bring back to life… at a fraction of the cost of buying new.” Shane from Knottyboy Wood Finishes and Coating Specialists.


KNOTTYBOY WOOD FINISHES

There is something very tactile about running your hand over a professionally finished varnished surface like a banister or cupboard door. If you have ever done the job yourself you will realise it takes years of practice to get that smooth quality finish. That is why it pays to get in the specialists.

Shane Deery from Ballybofey started the highly successful Knottyboy Wood Finishes and Coating Specialists in 2002. Shane and his team, based in both Convoy and Ballybofey, specialise in different types of lacquered wood finishes for everything in the home from stairs to furniture and kitchens. They also come in at the final phase of installation in a home to put their professional touch of quality to the finish. Shane himself is a fully qualified French Polisher and worked for Modem Kitchens in the UK as a trainer and foreman before coming home to Ballybofey and setting up his highly successful business.

External Finishes
Knotty Boy is also busy with external finishes on the home. External finishing is becoming very popular. “In the near future there will be grants for people to install wooden window frames as uPVC frames are non bio-degradable. Wood will also be used more for doors and other outdoor features around the house and also shop fronts,” says Shane. “We only use products that have a minimum of 5 year guarantee and can also be used on steel fabricated surfaces.” Shane advises. “All of the products are water based and are well within with the latest European emissions VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) legislation. It’s important to have products in the home that are non-toxic when they are being applied as well as being safe after application

What’s in a name?
You might wonder where the Knottyboy name came from. His son had the idea as it reflected the fact that Shane worked closely with wood. His son is also caricatured on the logo.


Refurbish instead of Replace
Knottyboy are also getting a lot of business from customers who want to refurbish their old and tired furniture. “People are not getting rid of furniture any more which is good for the environment,” says Shane. “Kitchen cupboards can be brought back to life with new doors, bedrooms can be made up to date with new wardrobe doors and furniture from around the house can be re-varnished or painted to bring back to life… at a fraction of the cost of buying new.”

Knottyboy can be contacted on 087 7702878




“Whether you are freshening your house for a potential sale or looking to put your own individual personality into a room, you can use colour to reflect a mood whilst expressing your creativity.”

A SPLASH OF COLOUR
A great way to brighten up a room is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Whether you are freshening your house for a potential sale or looking to put your own individual personality into a room, you can use colour to reflect a mood whilst expressing your creativity. Choosing colours may be daunting as there are so many to choose from. Here is a list of the most popular colours and how they will affect your day.

Blue is associated with calming and soothing. It is said to promote intellectual thought and is believed to keep hunger at bay. Other traits include loyalty, serenity, authority, protection and contemplation. It is also said to prevent nightmares.
Best rooms for use would be bedrooms, bathrooms and studies.

Green is associated with nature and energy. It is calming and restful and is related to security and stability. Often seen as a colour of balance as it is halfway between red and blue.
Best rooms for use are bedrooms and living rooms.

Lilac is associated with spiritual matters. It suggests the misty area between the sky and heaven and is often seen as feminine.
Best rooms for use are bedrooms and bathrooms in order to create a stress-free sanctuary.

Orange is associated with stability and reassurance. It is a warm colour and is thought to aid digestion.
Best rooms for use are living and dining rooms.

Pink is associated with love.
Best rooms for use are bedrooms as it can be peaceful and restful. A hot fuchsia can introduce passion.

Purple is associated with creativity, fertility and joy, but also with magic and sex.
Best rooms for use are bedrooms.

Red is associated with danger, passion, energy, warmth, adventure and optimism.
Best rooms for use are dining rooms as it promotes sociable and lively feelings, and stimulates the appetite.

Yellow is associated with sunshine and energy. It is said to stimulate the intellect.
Best rooms for use are kitchens, dining rooms or north-facing rooms.

Brown is associated with security and stability. It is a very practical colour.
Best rooms for use are living rooms and dining rooms.

Black is associated with death, eccentricity, drama. It's a non-colour that absorbs colour and reflects nothing back…..
Best used in moderation (unless you are an emo teenager).



PAINTING EXTERIOR PEBBLEDASH WALLS
Are you considering painting the exterior of your house. Before you start, inspect the condition of all the surfaces to be painted. Look closely at the exterior walls for any signs of mould. If you see any, mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 6 parts water and apply to affected area. Leave this solution to dry, then using a wire brush remove the debris. If any of the exterior walls have loose or powdery surfaces they need to be cleaned and sealed. Use a primer solution to seal all affected areas as this will act as a stabilizer for your first coat of paint.

Using paint rollers can be the quickest method to cover most exterior surfaces, although you may need to use a brush to cover heavy areas of pebbledash. By attaching an extension handle to your roller you will be able to tackle most of the paint-work from the ground. One method is to start rolling at the top right corner of your first wall, (unless you are left handed and then start at the left side). Now gradually work your way across the wall until completed. Good preparation and attention to detail when applying the paint will mean that you will have a longer time between painting duties….


“Good maintenance of your home costs less in the long term.”

COLD WEATHER CHECK LIST
With winter still here, make sure you are protecting your home against the cold.

Make sure no tap is left dripping.
If that is not possible put a plug in the basin or bath overnight (as drips cause ice to block waste pipes).
Never allow cisterns to over-fill (as water in overflow pipes can freeze, causing the cistern to spill at the sides).
In a long cold spell, open the attic door occasionally to let in warmth from the house.
During cold periods if you have to leave the house for short periods, keep the central heating turned on, turned down to the minimum. For long periods, drain the plumbing system by closing the main stopcock and opening all the taps.


DAMP PATCHES
Your home, like many homes, will have areas that are colder than others and damp patches can form. It might be a simple case of lack of air and condensation. If this is the case, an open window will probably solve the issue. Sometimes, however it is a bit more complicated than that. Here are some causes of damp that if left unchecked could lead to problems.

If your home is newly built it may be damp because the water used during its construction (for example, in plaster) is still drying out.
Look out for leaking plumbing, central heating pipes, wastes or overflows.
Does rain seep through the roof where a tile or slate is broken or missing? This can cause problems and you might not even be aware of it.
Over flow spilling from a blocked gutter, broken gutters or down pipes.
Rain penetrating from around the window or door frames.
Rising damp is due to a defective damp-course or haviong no damp-course. Rising damp usually appears in rooms at ground floor level, and will rise in the walls only to a height of around 1m.

These types of dampness often leave a visual watermark. Being aware of a problem is the first step, getting it seen to as soon as possible is the next. Problems will only get worse if they aren’t dealt with. Contact your local tradesperson if you need advice. If your home is damp for any of these reasons it may take weeks of heating and ventilation to dry out, but good maintenance of your home costs less in the long term.

BLEEDIN’ RADIATORS

Why is it sometimes necessary to constantly bleed radiators?
Constantly venting a radiator is necessary to eliminate air or occasionally hydrogen gas. Both can cause the radiator to become cold. It is usually assumed the problem is due to air but often it's because of the formation of hydrogen gas resulting from electrolytic corrosion, the evidence of which is a black sludge deposit in the system, including radiators. Black sludge can be dealt with by dosing the system with a suitable de-sludging agent. Your local supplier will advise on the amount to put into the system and if you are in any doubt get in a professional.

Brand-new systems will always initially give up lots of air, which collect in radiators and will usually need to be vented a great deal for the first few weeks.



Moving or staying put in your own house? It makes no difference as you will still have to do the cleaning….. What a relaxing thought….


SPRING CLEANING
After having the windows tightly closed to keep in the heat, your house will be in need of a good clean and airing. Letting fresh air circulate is great for the house and might put you in the mood for some spring cleaning. Deep cleaning each spring gets rid of dust and dirt that has accumulated throughout the winter months and helps keep your home and family healthy. The idea is to remove more embedded dirt, dust and contaminants than you do during your regular maintenance cleaning.

Clean carpets. Regular carpet cleaning helps maintain the life of your carpet and can improve indoor air quality, which in turn decreases the likelihood of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you do not own a carpet cleaner, look at renting a machine or hiring a professional.

Wash windows. Regular cleaning of your windows, inside and out is a necessary part of keeping our home looking shiny and clean. Sparkling clean windows are a wonderful way to view the outside world. Never clean your windows while they are in direct sunlight. Your cleaning solution will dry too fast, which causes streaks as the cleaning solution dries before you can wipe it off. The best time to clean windows is on a cloudy, dry day.

Wash linens. Wash bedding, curtains and shower liners according to fabric
instructions.

Vacuum mattresses. Dust and dust mites build up in your mattress so vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This draws air through the mattress and unsettles dust and dirt.

Clean light fittings. Turn off your light then remove the light bulbs and light casing.

Clean waste paper baskets. Empty all rubbish containers. Clean and disinfect inside and out with warm, soapy water and an environmentally friendly disinfectant.

Clean the cooker hood. To release trapped grease and odours, wash the range hood and fan with warm water and vinegar then rinse well. Remove the metal filter, soak in warm water, vinegar and a few drops of washing up liquid and then rinse well before replacing.

Clean cupboards and drawers. Vacuum up crumbs, dust and hair and wipe clean.
Wash the bottom and inside of each drawer and cupboard using a solution of two
tablespoons vinegar into a few litres of water and wipe dry.


Organise cupboards. Reorganise cupboards around the house, removing items that you have ‘slightly’ outgrown or have not worn in the past two years. Check all expiration dates on medications and remove old lotions, shampoos or cosmetics.

UNCERTAIN BUILDING

“The advanced price correction and rapidly falling interest rates in recent months have combined to make property much more affordable and attractive to those who need a home now.”

“If you are buying a home and you can get it at a 20 or 30% reduction and the cost of financing it is similar to the rent you are paying, then it makes sense to purchase.”

“Many positive factors include much lower prices, the cheaper cost of money, and the considerable choice in the market place.”

“With further falls expected in interest rates in the first quarter of 2009, soon it will be cheaper to be paying a mortgage on a home rather than to rent it.”


Positive Factors in an Uncertain Property Environment

No-one can deny that 2008 was a year of change for the global and local economy and the property market. Although the environment is still uncertain, there are some positive factors to consider if you are thinking of buying a property. Although it is not yet clear what the current market value of properties is, it is clear that the prices were over inflated in the summer of 2006. This was in part due to easy access to money from the banks which pushed prices up. Now the market is correcting itself and there are plenty of properties out there at significantly lower prices. Local developers are finishing new homes to a very high standard with some even including costs of kitchen appliances and furnishings and selling them at bargain prices.
Smaller, lower value properties prices have fallen by 15 to 25% and the prices of larger homes have fallen even more up to 25 to 30% depending on location, style and quality of house.

More Affordable
The advanced price correction and rapidly falling interest rates in recent months have combined to make property much more affordable and attractive to those who need a home now. Indeed with further falls expected in interest rates in the first quarter of 2009, soon it will be cheaper to be paying a mortgage on a home rather than to rent it as rental values are higher than the monthly cost of the mortgage. Financial institutions seem to be happy to lend to home owners/owner occupiers in particular and it makes good sense for all of us that they ensure customers are credit worthy.

For those who wish to buy a home this year, there are many positive factors including much lower prices, the cheaper cost of money, and the considerable choice in the market place. For most their home is a mid to long term purchase/investment and people are likely to reside there for 5 to 30 years. Property values will go up and down during this time. If you are buying a home and you can get it at a 20 or 30% reduction and the cost of financing it is similar to the rent you are paying, then it makes sense to purchase. It is likely that after this period of uncertainty and change, property values will improve. Construction activity of new homes has nearly ground to a halt and this will lead to lack of supply in a few years, which in turn will increase the likelihood of capital growth.

Active Viewing
If you are considering purchasing a home, new or second-hand, you should be actively viewing the properties available as value is better than many realise. In addition cost of credit is relatively cheap and likely to get cheaper. The New Year will bring opportunities and a new optimism.


Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate in Ireland
From the 1st of January 2009, all residential properties for sale or for rent will require a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate and all existing buildings (residential and other buildings) when offered for sale or rent have to be assessed to receive an energy rating..

What is a Building Energy Rating?
The Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) makes the energy performance of a building transparent and available to potential purchasers or tenants. It is simply a check to see how good your house is at using energy and will measure how much energy and carbon your house will use or produce over a given year. You will be given a label that looks like a sticker from your new fridge with a rating from A-G, where ‘A' is the most energy efficient and 'G' is the least.

Who needs a BER?
You are only required to have an energy rating carried out if you are selling or renting your house. Exemptions apply to listed buildings of outstanding architectural or historical importance.

How do you get a BER?
BERs will be carried out by specially trained BER assessors who will issue the BER by using various calculation methods and software.

How will energy rating of NEW HOMES be carried out?
New homes will most likely be rated from the plans during the design stage by a certified assessor. The person or organisation building the new dwelling will engage a BER assessor to carry out the BER.

How will energy rating of EXISTING HOMES be carried out?
Homeowners who are selling or renting an existing home will be required to have a building energy rating (BER) carried out by a trained and certified assessor and must provide the BER certificate to prospective buyers/tenants.

How long is a BER valid for?
The BER is valid for up to 10 years provided that there is no material change to the dwelling that could effect its energy performance.

How could the BER be improved?
National Energy Assessors (NEA) recommendations may include:
Increasing the insulation in the walls/attic/floors
Installing advanced energy efficient windows/doors
Measures to achieve controlled, healthy ventilation
Replacing an old or inefficient boiler with a more efficient boiler
Installing modern heating controls
Installing certain types of renewable energy heating systems
Insulating the hot water cylinder and pipe work

How much does it cost?
It will vary, depending on competition. Here is a rough calculation to give you an idea.
A BER for a house may cost about €370
A BER for a one bedroom apartment may cost about €269
A Customised Improvement Report (which is a costed step by step guide on how to improve the energy efficiency may cost about €120
A Thermal Imaging Report (which is a diagnostic to identify heat loss invisible to the naked eye) costs about €60
An air tightness test (which tackles draughts and heat loss in your home) would cost between €180 to €400
A follow on BER would be between €200 and €360

How to improve your Building Energy Rating
Use low Energy light BulbsEnergy efficient light bulbs (CFLs), not only last up to 15 times longer than ordinary bulbs, they also use 80% less electricity. Remember to turn off lights when they are not required.
Increase insulation in walls, attic & floors
Ensure you have lagging jacket on your cylinder,
Insulate Your cavity wall
Make your windows and doors energy efficientWhat kind of windows do you have. If you have single pane glass windows consider glazing. Double glazing reduces heat loss by 1/3rd and low emissivity triple glazing reduces heat loss by over 2/3rds.
Controlled Ventilation SystemWhilst ventilation is necessary, excessive ventilation can result in energy wastage. Controlled vents should be installed in every room.
Heating SystemsA 93% efficient boiler will save about €600 a year in fuel. If you have a boiler with an efficiency of 80% or under it is worth considering replacing it with one of the modern condensing boilers which have efficiencies of up to 97%. This will improve the BER considerably.
Modern Heating ControlsImproving the heating control system can reduce the BER quite significantly. There are a variety of possibilities depending on the type of heating system present, e.g. for boiler systems the ideal is to have time & temperature control.

TIMBER FRAME HOUSING
The main difference between a traditional building and timber frame is that the inner shell is built using a timber structure. The exterior walls are still built in the conventional way. In this way, your home doesn’t compromise on strength but you enjoy the benefits of a timber frame. A timber frame home costs less to heat. Cosy, warm and draught free, the low running costs are matched by structural quality that is not just reliable but is environmentally friendly. In a timber frame house, the basic structure consists of wooden wall panels, timber flooring and roofing materials built onto a timber framework. These timber components are nailed to the framework to provide a sturdy skeleton around which the external walls of a conventional house are built
Compared to traditional masonry methods of construction, timber frame homes:
· Are engineered to the highest level of accuracy and quality
· Significantly simplify on-site construction
· Promote greater efficiency and supply chain integration
· Deliver greater control to the construction process
· Meet and often exceed current building regulations
· Timber frame construction meets and exceeds all current building regulations with regard to fire
· Improves construction health and safety
· Have considerably less impact on the environment


Home Improvements
You like your home, you like the location, but you could do with a bit more space to accommodate the family. How can you make the most of what you have got.

10 Ways to Create More Space

1. Declutter your home: Do a room at a time, a cupboard at a time and pass on the things you really don’t need. Have a car boot sale or donate stuff to a charity shop.
2. Don’t bring things into the house in the first place: Ask yourself, “Do I/we really need it?” before you buy it.
3. Install shelves: Shelves are handy and inexpensive. Every room can benefit from shelving and it gets things off the floor. Corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick-knacks and other small treasures.
4. Design your space to suit your needs: Every-one has different needs for their home. Re-arrange your furniture to suit your needs. Get rid of furniture if you don’t use it or add units for extra storage.
5. Rotate: You may have many items you love in your home, but not enough space. Rotate them. Keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. An example could be summer and winter clothing.
6. One Year Box: If you struggle with the “I might use it one day” issue then pop the items into a box and put them away for a year. If you haven’t gone looking for the item in the year, the decision has made itself. The same is true for clothes you haven’t worn.
7. Get help: If the mess monster has escaped and ravaged your home, then perhaps it would be good to get a friend in or get the family involved. A new perspective will help even if it is just to help make decisions and it gives a bit of structure in getting started.
8. Put frequently used items within arms reach. Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. If possible, store linens in the bedroom, DVD’s near the television and if you use the scissors in the office area and in the kitchen have a pair in each room.
9. Consider refurbishement:If you love cooking and your kitchen is the heart of the home it is worthwhile investing in a new kitchen with plenty of storage presses and work surfaces as well as having seating for friends. If you work from home get a room set up as an office complete with desk, cabinets and filing space.
10. Consider an extension: An extension is a great way to create more space to meet the needs of family life. Getting a good builder on board who listens to your needs, works to high standards and who uses a good team of trades people can really help to make your house a home without having to leave your friends and neighbours.

BETTER HOMES GUIDE- EDITORIAL

How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to.

For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment.

Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering

BETTER HOMES GUIDE
With Christmas just round the corner now is a good time to get your home all ship-shape for the celebrations. How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to. With visitors and family coming home and neighbours popping in, there is still time to do all those little jobs and improvements to make your house as homely as possible.

Warm and Cosy

Start by making your home warm and cosy. Make sure your heating system is in good working order by getting it checked out. Radiators might need to be bled or the system flushed out. Boilers should be serviced and the system checked for leaks. Nothing spoils the look and integrity of your wooden floor than damp patches around the radiator pipes. Make sure the system has anti-corrosive additives as the fins of the radiators can block up with rust and make the system inefficient.

It can also be worth getting your chimneys swept out to avoid the risk of fires and increase the upward draw of the smoke. This will in turn make your back boiler more efficient. Consider putting in a wood-burning stove to cut down on the cost of oil and coal.

Heat rises, so a lot of heat can be lost through your roof. You can cut this down by insulating your loft. There are recommendations about the thickness of the insulating material and this will cut down on your heating bills. Another way to cut heat loss is to put in double-glazing. This can be an expensive out-going but the comfort will be felt straight away and it should pay for itself over the years.

Insulate your hot water tank. A special jacket that fits around the tank will slow down the amount of heat loss and keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. Your cold water tank should also be insulated to stop it from freezing over in the winter months. Make sure that your taps aren’t dripping or leaking. Don’t forget to insulate outdoor taps in case of heavy frosts.

Revamping a Room

Giving a room a facelift needn’t be too expensive. A new coat of paint can make a big difference. Getting carpets, curtains and furniture professionally cleaned can also make a room feel fresher. Old pieces of furniture can be given a new lease of life by having them restored or re-covered. Built in cupboards and shelves can be a practical way of creating storage solutions for all your bits and pieces and can look good as well.

Kitchens

Kitchens are used a lot in the run up to Christmas to prepare the turkey and all the other trimmings for a family celebration. The kitchen is traditionally known as the heart of the home, as it is where women prepared nourishment for their loved ones. For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment. Good storage, ergonomic worktops and sinks and enough storage can make the kitchen a pleasure to be in. Washable floors and surfaces ensure good hygiene. Think about your needs for your kitchen when making changes.
Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be a fun place to redecorate and stamp your own personality as well as being functional. Some people have themes such as the sea or garden, which is reflected in tiles, shower curtains or pictures. Power showers are a popular start to the day and leave you feeling wide awake and ready to tackle the day. A lovely warm bathroom is a great joy and still feels like a luxury. General maintenance of the bathroom is important such as seals around the bath need to be intact and water tight to avoid damp. Check that there is no leakage from the toilet overflow and that all the parts are working freely. Details like new tiles, a new floor or a funky toilet seat can add a bit of character to the room.

Gardens and Drives

Gardens and drives are worth a bit of attention too. No-body wants to slip on moss or wet decking so make sure these are kept clean through power hosing or washing down with appropriate cleaning products that will kill the moss and stop it from returning over the winter.

It can be a battle to keep the outdoor space outdoors. It is all too easy to tramp muck in when you go out to collect the coal or coming in from the car. Unfinished driveways covered in muddy hardcore can be laid with stone to make them safe to walk on and this is really important with the days being short and the long periods of darkness. The last thing you want is to fall and twist your ankle on a pothole. Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering. There are jobs you could do yourself as well though. Start by cleaning all of the old summer bedding plants out of the window boxes and hanging baskets and replace them with colourful winter displays. There are plenty of plants to choose from and the impact is powerful. Your home looks loved and cared for and the sight of winter pansies and heathers is a warm welcome for visitors.


Brighten up the Bedroom

Make sure that you have the winter bedding in the bedrooms. Nothing warms a sleeping body for that “long winter’s nap” like a nice feather duvet and flannel bed linens. Rest your head on fluffy, soft down pillows. Since we tend to sleep longer in winter its important to be sure beddings are warm and comfy. Warm colours on bedroom walls can add to the cosiness, just one wall with a bold colour can make you feel as though the heating is on in the room. Don’t forget your hot water bottles too.


Planning and Preparation

With a little planning and preparation, you can make your home warm and comfortable for the long winter months so that family and guests enjoy the time together indoors. Nothing feels better and keeps people cheerful through the cold months of winter than a home that is well maintained and full of cosy winter décor.