UK Home Improvement Blog

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in most households but it is also the room with the most appliances and hazards. An electric shock is serious business and can cause major injuries and death. You can get rid of the chance of electric shocks by taking care and safely using your electrical appliances.

Avoid water

Water is one of the main factors of electrical accidents, make sure you keep your electric appliances away from the sink even when you’re not using them and always make sure your hands are dry whilst your handling electrical appliances. Avoid any spillages near any sockets or wires in the kitchen and always unplug and switch off kettles and irons whilst filling them up with water.

Repair or Replace broken appliances

If cords or wires and sparking then you should get them looked at immediately by a professional electrician, make sure you unplug your appliance and wait until it’s inspected, repaired and declared safe to use. To avoid damage your cords or wires, make sure they’re neatly organised and in no danger of getting damaged

Protect Children

Children are the most likely to kitchen electrical accidents so you should protect at all costs.  Make sure you always have your children supervised whilst they are in there and keep them out of reach of any electrical appliances or wires.

Other Tips

• Make sure all electrical kitchen appliances are off when you leave the house
• Follow the manufacturers guidelines whenever you’re using electrical appliances in your kitchen
• Keep your appliances clean
• If you purchased a second hand appliance, make sure you get it certified by a qualified electrician

Tags: electrical, kitchen// Category Kitchens // Add Comment »

Owning a pet can make you realise how difficult it is to keep your home floor clean and this is a common occurrence throughout most households. Almost two thirds of homes have a pet living on the property and it is important that these consider the major factors before choosing the home flooring material. There are different choices of materials that can help prevent your dog or cat ruining your floor, and keep your home looking it’s best.

The points below should be considered when picking the right floor for your home and choosing the best flooring for your cat or dog will mean that you don’t have to keep sending them away to a cattery or dog boarding kennels, every time you want to clean or renovate your floor.

Certain floors with rough textures can easily absorb unwanted liquid waste from your animal and no matter how many times you clean, the smell won’t go away. This also provides a potential hazardous health issue which could lead to easily spread diseases to your pets and anyone who enters your home. This is why it is important to install water resistant floors to allow easy cleaning for your flooring and to keep you and your family safe.

Then there is hardwood flooring which can also be tricky if you own pets who do not have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. Scratches can easily show up on this kind of flooring and sometimes these cannot be easily cleaned out.

Carpets can sometimes be a bad idea if your pet is a furry animal, as their fur and hair will easily get caught up in the carpet. This will show up easily and not only prevent your carpet from looking it’s best, it could aggravate the symptoms of anyone with pet allergies, with the only solution constant vacuuming.

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Gone are the days when the sole purpose of a garden shed was to store tools and other gardening equipment when they’re not in use during the winter months. These days, people can maximise their living space by making more use of their garden shed in a number of ways. When upgrading or purchasing a new shed, there are a number of things you should consider depending on its intended use.

Sound Proofing

Getting on the bad side of your neighbours is never a good idea, so making the decision to use your shed as a recording studio requires some careful thought and planning. Ensuring that the structure is soundproofed, not only prevents noises such as dogs barking and birds singing from messing up your masterpiece, but it also keeps your neighbours sweet.

Insulation

Some people choose to use their shed as a playroom for the kids or even an extra bedroom. Maximising your living space is ever so crucial these days, so making sure that the inhabitants of this new outdoor space are comfortable is paramount. As winter creeps in and temperatures can sometimes drop below zero, a garden shed can be heated. In order to conserve energy, careful consideration needs to be given in also ensuring that it is adequately insulated.

Ventilation

Using your shed as home office/getaway will also require some thought to be put in when making your selection. If your intention is not to stew in your own self-made sauna, then adequate ventilation should be included in your shed’s design.

Wiring

The operation of electrical tools or equipment will require a power source or the availability of points for one to be installed. Office equipment such as printers, power tools for DIY as well as televisions and DVD players all require a power outlet in order to work.

Once you have decided which shed to buy taking these items into consideration, I am sure that it will make a more than suitable extension to your living space.

Tags: garden, garden shed, wooden shed// Category Garden // Add Comment »

A feature, or focus wall is a great way to let loose your creativity without ending up with an over decorated home.

Selecting your wall

The first thing to do is choose the wall that you’re going to decorate. The best way to do this is to go out of the room and walk back in again in order to get a better idea of which walls you are directly faced with as you enter. This factor is quite important as the last thing you’ll want to do is spend all your time, effort and money on decorating a wall you will hardly ever see or be able to admire.

Walls with original features such as built-in fireplaces or chimneybreasts are also a good choice as they already have the added feature of a fire, or space for one. Alternatively electric fires are an easy plug-in option and can be moved if necessary.

Selecting the right accessories

If you already have a fireplace, or plan on getting one, its style will naturally set the tone for what you do with the rest of the wall. For example, an electric fire exudes a more modern appeal whilst a stove or gas one gives more of a traditional feel. A fire surround is also considered to be a decorative item that one can use however if you’d prefer a log burner, you can always accessorise with a log holder or fire screen.

The use of mirrors, canvas’s and other forms of artwork above the fireplace is widely seen on feature walls. In more period style homes one will often see a clock positioned on the mantelpiece, which is also a popular spot for family photos.

Picking your paint

Painting your feature wall a different colour to the others in the room will immediately make it standout. Wallpaper is also a great option for giving your wall a makeover, with a wide choice of weird and wonderful designs to choose from for a truly unique look. Wall stickers and other forms of wall art are equally effective when trying to achieve various effects.

To pull off an eye-catching feature wall, one doesn’t need to go to extreme lengths. You can find some high quality, stylish Manchester fireplaces that will immediately become the focal point in your home. With the added help of some splashes of colour and the right accessories, you’ll be well on your way in transforming your feature wall into the highlight of your home.

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If a small space is one of the problems you’re currently facing whilst moving into your new home or redecorating the one you live in, you’ll be happy to know that not only is it more than possible to make a tight space functional, but attractive too.

Make the most of the space you have

The most important design element to remember when furnishing a small space is to use all of it. By positioning your furniture in a clever way, not only will you fit everything in, but also achieve a spacious look. De-cluttering is the key to getting this result, so get rid of any items you no longer need or use. If you don’t like the idea of throwing things away (because we all become hoarders at the best of times), then why not consider giving them away? Charities always welcome second hand goods – and you will have done a good deed too.

Functional home furniture

Choosing furnishings that can be used for show as well as storage is an easy way to save space in a smaller room. Popular furniture items in this case are things like ottomans as well as tables and display units that boast shelving or added drawer space. Also try to avoid choosing unnecessarily large pieces because although they may look comfortable, the last thing they’re going to provide when they’re squashed into a small room is comfort.

Look up when you’re down…sizing

If your room is horizontally challenged, the next best thing to concentrate on is the vertical possibilities it has to offer. By exaggerating the height of your room through long hanging curtains and high shelving, you will ultimately end up with more open space on the ground level. This is not to say that you should hang everything from the ceiling, but keeping clear as much floor space as possible will give your room a larger appearance.

Don’t be blind when it comes to choosing the right colour

As smaller areas are usually naturally quite dark, it’s important to choose a lighter colour scheme. Light colours and furnishings can make even the tightest of spaces look significantly larger as they will reflect off each other, and when combined with the correct use of lighting and accessories, such as mirrors, the element of space you are trying to create will be even more effective.

So when you’re next browsing through your favourite Manchester Furniture store or online, keep an eye out for light furnishings in innovative and modern designs that will transform your small space into our dream home.

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Memories are the colorful canvases that you carry with yourself always. Some memories are so beautiful, that they transport you into a beautiful paradise. There may also be some memories, that you would want to forget as soon as possible. Memories are however, inseparable from you, as they always remain in your hearts.

Keepsakes are a beautiful reminder of good times, that evoke the memories of a specific event, person or a time. One glance at these mementos revives the oldest memory in your heart. Parting with these treasured souvenirs may be very difficult, as they will remind you of some of the most beautiful times of your life. These tokens of your beautiful past must be preserved with a lot of care. Some of the given considerations can help you organize your keepsakes and store them carefully, without shelling extra money.

Preserve Memories, Not Clutter

Many people accumulate a number of superfluous items, such as old bills, papers and other unwanted stuff at their homes over a period of time. Most of the unnecessary stuff is usually stored along with some of your mementos. These expendable items are not keepsakes or memories in anyway, but just unnecessary clutter. It is imperative for you to differentiate between clutter and memories. You could get rid of the extra items, and make more space for your valuable keepsakes. You must make sure you separate out these souvenirs and store them at an appropriate place.

Memory Boxes

Creating a memory box for storing your keepsakes is an innovative way for preserving them. You could buy a small box, or even use an old shoe box as a memory/keepsake box. This box can contain all your photographs and even the small gifts that are very special for you. You could be at your creative best and decorate your box, so that it looks attractive and pretty. A well-decorated memory box could help you conjure up all the beautiful memories of yesteryear. This box is the least expensive and most creative technique for preserving some special memories. It would be a delight to see the contents of your ‘Memory Box’ over the years.

Storing Photographs Online

Photographs are the most beautiful and vivid mementos and keepsakes of old memories. Storing these photographs can become very difficult as there may be plenty of them. It is best to store these pictures online. Now a days there are many online photo-storing options available. These options can help you create online photo albums and even share them with your family and friends. Storing photographs online, is an Eco-friendly technique for saving paper, that would help you save the costs of getting your photographs developed.

Attics And Storage Units

Storing your precious keepsakes in attics, or storage units is a great idea. It is a good way to keep your memories organized and preserved forever. These alternatives will solve the storage problems at your place, and help you retain your mementos and keep them fresh in your memories. You could consider storing your keepsakes at Cheap Self Storage in London. Another advantage of storing your keepsakes in attics and storage units is that you can retrieve these keepsakes at your own will.

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Whether you’re considering an electronic home security system or not, it’s important to evaluate your home’s overall security. There are many things you can do to enhance protections that cost much less than an alarm system but do just as much good.

Regard The Possibility Of A Break-In

Males are normally known to be intruders rather than women.

Thieves are believed to intrude a home more likely through the summer months, the amount of break ins in fact declines every single month. Many intrusions are believed to happen during the night-time, but many will happen in the daytime. Intruders usually don’t have to force open doors or break windows; most burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows, or with the unauthorized use of a key. And not all thieves are strangers-ex-spouses, relatives, and acquaintances commit a significant portion of break-ins.

The usual access point for any criminal is most commonly ground level windows or perhaps the back doors of the home. Burglars most commonly enter by opening unlocked doors or windows, lifting sliding glass doors off their tracks, and prying open locked doors and windows. Few intruders break windows to enter homes if they can’t get in through unlocked doors or other methods.

Purchase Insurance Coverage

Regardless of all the precautions you take your home may still be at risk of being broken into. Insurance coverage is applicable for any losses, which may be caused due to a burglary. The insurance limit for your belongings is commonly up to 75% of the amount of cash you paid for your house, small limits are often covered such as computers and cash.

If you haven’t got a cost provision set in place then insurance will only really cover the amount the house is worth on the market. The market value relies mainly on the replacement cost. Many insurance firms hold an option, which allows a 10% reduction of the typical plan. If burglars clean out your home, coverage for full replacement cost could save you thousands. There is a lot of insurance firms which will have an advantage of coverage on items which are covered under low limits.

Get Yourself A Security Audit

If you want to protect your home properly then you will need to obtain a security audit. Police firms can give you this help. Call your local police department and ask for the crime prevention or community services unit. Simply ask them to send out an officer to take a look at your home and assess which security measures you could use. You don’t need to worry about charges, as this service will be free of charge.

Ensure Your Items Have ID Put On Them

With an ID number every one of your belongings will be properly secure. The decal will deter some potential intruders because clearly marked items are harder to sell. Although only about 10% of burglarised homes recover any stolen items, positive identification improves your chances.

Put All Of Your Most Treasured Items In A Safe Area

A lot of people tend to allow any kind of stranger in their house, without really knowing any background information about them. This is why it is important to place your most treasured items out of view of any people, which may knock your front door. It is often very easy for people to be able to see the valuables that are in the home. Make sure you put your valuables in a place which strangers aren’t able to see in to. Tradespeople working in your home also represent some risk. You may not notice them trying to steal anything, but they could steal away a small piece of jewellery, which isn’t noticeable right away. Be sure to keep your small belongings safe by placing them in a hidden away area.

Organise Your Neighbours

One cost efficient and most effective ways to keep homes safe in your area is to group together all of your neighbours. You will find that there are plenty of tasks to do when you are positioned in a group for a crime prevention act.

Author Bio: Emily Davies loves to write and make Guest Posts on many different subjects; some of the latest work produced by Emily can be seen on the Direct Response Security blog.

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UK Home Improvement are looking for budding writers and DIY enthusiasts to join in writing on our blog.

 

We want tips, hints, ideas, trends, how tos and more – so long as it’s related to improving your home or garden!

 

To get in touch, send us an email to info@ukhomeimprovement.co.uk

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Everybody aims to feel safe and secure in their own home, but sometimes things can go just plain wrong! Whether it’s an accident waiting to happen or a disaster that has been “helped along” by an overzealous homeowner – sometimes things can get a little out of hand!

So what are the most common incidents that can cause a homeowner to get a little extra use out of their home insurance cover?

Below are the 5 most common disasters that are likely to occur in and around the house…

1)      Broken boiler blues – everyone has been there: groggily stepping into the shower first thing in the morning and turning the tap in anticipation of being greeted with a hot stream of water… only to get a rather rude awakening from a blast of freezing cold water! Misbehaving boilers are one of the most common complaints around the home – which is hardly surprising given the above scenario!

2)      Problem pipes – another plumbing related problem occupies the number two position on the list. Burst pipes are a particular nuisance during the colder months, when insignificant fault lines become major cracks with the expansion of freezing water!

3)      Worrying wiring – whether it’s flickering lights, sparking sockets or temperamental appliances, bad wiring can cause a host of domestic problems. For this particular point, it worth remembering that electricity can be extremely dangerous; make sure you don’t put yourself at risk when if you’re forced to deal with this issue!

4)      Pesky plastering – falling plaster is a common problem around the house. It’s worth remembering that this is an issue that can be pre-empted to some extent by spotting the warning signs. These usually come in the form of cracks in the wall that look a little bigger than they did the last time you checked…

5)     Sinking feeling – sometimes nature takes your life into its hands; this is especially the case with flood damage. Although damage caused by floods may be unavoidable, it is possible to prepare for it to an extent. It’s worth knowing whether you’re in a flood-risk area; if so, make sure that you install adequate flood defences!

Tags: home disasters, home insurance// Category Other // Add Comment »

Feng Shui is often stereotyped as a ‘buzz’ word for interior design. It may sound cool to embed it in a few sentences when discussing your latest home project to your friends, but if you follow the principles of Feng Shui correctly you can definitely increase the amount of positive energy flowing through your home. Whether it may be a small or large every change can count.

What is it?

Steeped in the rich history of Chinese culture, Feng Shui is a system of geomancy believed to use the laws of Heaven and Earth to improve life by receiving positive qi (translated as life and energy flow). It is used to avoid eliminate or deflect negative energy, therefore avoiding bad qi. It is the relationship between environment and human life.  Whilst it is neither a technique that should be treated lightly nor one that can be implemented quickly, Feng Shui principles are applied within interior design to create a positive and peaceful atmosphere.

How can I use it in my home?

Effective Feng Shui requires you to not only view each room as a separate entity but your whole home as a single entity. By all means focus on what rooms need the most attention 1^st but view it as part of a ‘bigger’ project to ensure a consistent flow of clean energy throughout your home. Leaving one room neglected disrupts this flow.

Implementing Feng Shui principles fully may need exterior as well as interior changes. For example, if your front door and back door are aligned, this is considered bad because all the positive energy entering your home will leave straight away without having the chance to circulate.

Not all changes require significant changes however & there are a number of tips in which you can apply in a relatively short amount of time. For example:

• The space surrounding your front door should be clear. Any clutter can disrupt the flow of positive energy.
• Limit the use of the colour red. Red signifies fire which indicates pressure and obstacles.
• There should be no beams or obstacles on the top of your bed. This results in the positive energy to be pressured, resulting in you experiencing pressures in your everyday life.

Feng Shui is by no means a simple practice to understand and execute. It requires an open mind and a significant time investment to learn.

Recommended books for further learning:

• Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui
• Western Guide to Feng Shui: Room by Room

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This post was written by CB Furnishings, a specialist in home, contemporary and designer furnishings.

Tags: feng shui, home improvements// Category Home Furnishings // Add Comment »