Category: Home Improvement

Also called the building works stage, once you’re ready to build this is when either you go out to tender with your architect-led tenders where quotes are managed by your architect or; engage builders directly and seek your own contractors. You could go either way – it depends on your budget, timeline and how safe you feel with detailed management.

What is an architect-led tender?

This is the process where your architect assembles a comprehensive tender pack (drawings, specification and other key information), sends it to appropriate contractors, responds to queries and assists you in comparing like-for-like quotes. For a Monmouth Architect, visit www.hillsandcompany.co.uk

Pros

Accurate pricing – Builders are quoting from the same information.

Less surprises – A better spec means fewer omitted items, and vague allowances.

Comparing apples to apples – You can see what is included (and not), at a glance.

Time-saving: less chasing, fewer misunderstandings.

Cons

Professional costs: you pay the architect fees

Tendering can be time-consuming, it’s a process not one quick phone call

So what does this process of you getting quotes yourself look like?

You go to builders, show them what you have (sometimes just some plans), and get cost proposals.

Pros

Seems faster: you can jump into conversations right away.

Reduced initial cost: No tender management fees.

More direct face time: some clients like in-person negotiations.

Cons

Difficult to compare: the quotes could have different assumptions.

More admin: you will be putting in the hours replying to queries and running after drafts.

A practical middle ground

For the budget-conscious, we suggest going to your architect and asking for a light touch tender: this means an even tighter specification with only 3 suggestions of which builders it goes out to (instead you decide) not full management.

We are all trying to save on our energy bills, so identifying where and how heat is being lost in a home is useful. Here’s how you can spot heat loss in your home.

Insulation

If you have little to no insulation, it’s likely you’re losing a substantial amount of heat. A typical uninsulated home loses about 25% of heat through the roof and 33% through the floor.

Heat can also be lost through windows and doors, vents and chimneys and through gaps and cracks. If you do have insulation,

Visual check

To start, look around your home for any signs of heat loss, such as draughts near window and door edges and condensation on windows. Also check for any gaps under electrical outlets, pipes and doors. If you have spotlights in a room, these can let out heat from it into the cold space above, so you can install downlight covers to fill any gaps between the plasterboard and light fitting. These can be obtained from suppliers such as https://www.thermahooddirect.com.

DIY test

You don’t need fancy equipment to find heat loss. As well as feeling for cold spots and air from draughts, you can use a candle or an incense stick near doors and windows to see where the flame flickers to identify air leaks. If you want something more technical, some smartphones can download a thermal imaging app for detecting cold spots around windows and on walls.

For a more detailed evaluation, you can hire a professional to do an energy audit.

If you’re locked out of your house, or you need new locks, you need to trust the company getting you back inside. Sure, it’s weird to watch someone essentially legally break into your house for you, but the right locksmith Cheltenham has to offer will save you money and further stress. (more…)

As we as a society continue to place ever more emphasis on the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency – particularly in the world of construction – more attention is being turned towards the use of timber frames in construction. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using timber frames in buildings.

Energy Conservation

One of the main selling points of timber frame construction is the fact that timber frames can offer excellent thermal insulation. As a result, buildings with timber frame construction experience far less heat loss and reduced energy consumption. It also acclimatises well to various weathers according to International Timber.com.

Costs

As with most things, factoring in the cost is important. Timber frame constructions can be costly in some ways, largely because of the fact that thicker walls are required, or specialist insulation needs to be added.

Of course, it’s important to weigh this up against the fact that energy bills may well be less over the long term, thanks to timber’s ability to retain heat.

If you need specialist expertise with timber frame construction, you can search for specialist timber frame companies near me, such as merlintimberframe.co.uk/timber-frame-companies-near-me.

Sustainability

With far more focus on sustainable construction these days, it’s important to be aware that timber frame construction can often prove to be a much more sustainable option. Timber constructions have a low carbon footprint since they store more carbon than they require during processing and installation, making it a truly renewable material.

Wrought iron has been used in homes, gardens, and public spaces for generations because it’s tough, dependable, and surprisingly adaptable, and unlike lighter metals that bend or dent easily, wrought iron is designed to cope with everyday knocks and changing weather without giving up its shape. Here’s some more information so you can make the right choice. (more…)

Personal alarms can offer many benefits, from offering comfort to saving lives. They can facilitate independent living while offering loved ones and carers peace of mind. Here are just a few reasons why more people than ever are picking them out.

Summon help quickly

Personal alarms from specialist suppliers such as https://www.dinggly.com/us/ can help someone to call for help easily and quickly. There is no need to find a phone or dial. Many personal alarms offer a type of pager system that will raise the alarm automatically, in the case of a fall, for example.

They can be worn at all times, and some are even waterproof, so they can be kept on in the bath or shower. Fall alarms have sensors which automatically trigger if a person’s movements become unusual, offering security to them and their friends, family and carers.

Maintain independence

Personal alarms can be key to allowing people to keep their independence. They can prevent a move into a care home, the need for a live-in carer without having to compromise on safety, or elongated hospital stays. They can also be a very cost-effective option when compared to the cost of round-the-clock care or support.

Peace of mind

Personal alarms can offer peace of mind to everyone and allow other members of the household or family to enjoy their own lives fully without having to restrict activities in order to be around in the case of an emergency. Fall alarms can be linked to mobile phones, giving alerts if emergencies occur.

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With good planning and creative choices, you can give your space a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank.

Update Your Worktops in the Kitchen

Laminate and compact surfaces now mimic the look of marble or quartz beautifully but are more affordable. Swapping the worktops is one of the quickest ways to modernise a kitchen. You can make your house look like a home.

Upgrade the Lighting

Good lighting can make a small kitchen feel bright and inviting. Add LED strip lights under cabinets or replace old fittings with pendants for an instant uplift.

Shop Around for Appliances

Look for seasonal sales from reputable UK retailers. You can often find high-quality, energy-efficient appliances at reduced prices.

Refresh, Don’t Replace Cabinets

Instead of fitting brand-new units, repaint or reface your existing cabinets in the kitchen. A fresh coat of paint and new handles can completely transform the look for a fraction of the cost. Delightful replacement kitchen cabinet doors can be fitted by companies such as https://www.happy-doors.co.uk/.

Declutter and Accessorise

Sometimes less is more in the home. Removing unused gadgets and adding plants, lovely artwork or open shelving can make your kitchen feel refreshed and contemporary. The pot hanger trend hails to a bygone era, and it’s a feature that continues to look good in kitchens, both modern and traditional. It has returned in 2025 and saves space for you to cook and socialise.

Add a Splashback

A new splashback in tile, glass or peel-and-stick vinyl can bring colour and style without major expense. With careful planning and a focus on details, you can achieve a stylish kitchen renovation on a budget.

Repaint Your Walls and Ceilings

A fresh coat of paint instantly brightens and modernises your kitchen. Choose light tones to make small kitchens feel more spacious.

Decorate and Inject Your Personality into the Home

Affordable prints, a few plants or even a rug can give your kitchen warmth and character. These can all be done without a big spend.

A good tap makes everyday tasks, such as washing vegetables, filling pans, and cleaning dishes, easier. When choosing one, think about practicality first and style second to ensure your tap lasts and suits your space.

Match the tap to your sink

Start by looking at your sink layout. A single-bowl sink usually needs a simple mixer tap, while a double-bowl sink works better with a pull-out or swivel spout that can easily reach both sides. Make sure the spout is long enough to avoid splashing water outside the sink.

Consider the water pressure

Your home’s water system affects which tap will work best. Low-pressure systems need taps designed to perform efficiently at lower flow rates, while high-pressure systems can handle more powerful options. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation before you buy.

Check for useful features

Today’s taps can do more than just supply water; for example, pull-out spray heads, swivel spouts, and taps with built-in filters can make kitchen work easier. If you cook often, a pull-out or flexible tap might save time. Thinking about these small upgrades during a kitchen refurb can make your setup more efficient.

Think about style, finish, and material

Your tap should fit the overall look of your kitchen. Chrome and brushed steel are popular, while matte black gives a kitchen a more modern look. Brass is a good option, as it resists corrosion and keeps its shine.

When planning a kitchen refurb, matching your tap’s finish to your sink and hardware helps create a coordinated look.

Renovating a neglected old property is a project that many people consider taking on. There are lots of advantages to doing this, such as being able to create a home that you love, breathe new life into an old property and it is also something that can be a good investment. (more…)

When purchasing a property, it is easy to focus on the location and décor. One area that is often overlooked is the drainage system, but having a CCTV drain survey carried out before you buy can save you from problems and repairs later on. (more…)